Caboose Hobbies To Close September 25

It's official. Sadly, Duane Miller, the owner of Caboose Hobbies, is retiring. The unfortunate reality means that Caboose Hobbies will close, effective September 25, 2016.

The Denver Post published a thoughtful article with 11 photos about the impending closure, citing an aging hobby and the impact on retailers like "the world's largest model train store." There is a tendency for those in the hobby to resist investing in new skills and today's society in general seems to reward participation in sports and activities, which are not typically home-based, the typical location for a model layout. Then there is the limitation of the obvious problem with building model railroad layouts--that once it's complete, builders are forced to find new space or clear out entire sections to keep their interest focused. The idea, I thought, was to finish, but the joy seems to be in the journey.

On the other hand, the adaptation of model railroading to this lifestyle is the modular layout, where clubs like the Pikes Peak "N"gineers and the Colorado Rail Link construct table-top sections that fit together in a large room or exhibit hall, which are a significant draw for Train Shows.

The most important aspect of CH's demise was summed up very concisely by Tracy M. Cook in the article:

Building model trains is not as popular of a hobby as it once was. The 3D art form is time-consuming — and expensive — requiring a commitment on both fronts.

It seems that so very few of us have a balance of both commodities, time and money! Entire industries are born offering others more of one for a modest investment in the opposite (or more likely, a combination of both). We all have at least one of these. It's called a job. The sad part is that so many of us put off that layout because time, money or space just aren't the right amount. Tomorrow is never today, and we always think "sometime soon..." seldom realizing that we are really saying "No" or at least, "Not right now."

Whatever the excuse, time just ran out for the biggest retail modeler in the world, and all the money we have probably won't bring it back.⚒

Caboose Hobbies Future Clouded By Landlord Sale

8/21/16 Update: Caboose Hobbies will close, effective September 25, 2016.

---

The changes of the last decade in Denver have been significant, to say the least. Denver Union Station went from Amtrak mausoleum, to a gutted hulk, to a thriving hub of light rail and a direct connection with Denver International Airport. T-Rex completely overhauled Denver's old Valley Highway. FasTracks has nearly finished thrusting new arteries of light rail and commuter rail throughout the metroplex with revitalized neighborhoods growing and thriving again. Burnham closing and coal loads continuing to drop have shifted rail traffic and cost more than a few jobs. Looking back, it seems few things have remained unchanged.

Photo: Caboose Hobbies

Of those few things, Caboose Hobbies, Guinness-certified as the world's largest model train store, is certainly one of the most treasured by Colorado's railfan community. As a kid, I would beg to go down to Caboose Hobbies because I knew that I could find anything I wanted or needed for my layout. It was difficult to keep money in my hands if I was anywhere near 500 S. Broadway. It was just too easy to find something that I had to buy.

Caboose Hobbies has been in Denver since 1938 under the same family operation for 78 years. It gradually expanded to occupy several buildings joined together by common walls and ramps. The store has around 60 employees, some with enough experience in modeling to leave in awe all but the most seasoned model railroader. Caboose Hobbies is one of the few remaining bastions of the experienced salesperson, where expertise, knowledge and expansive selection all come together to become the model railroader's best friend.

Unfortunately, the future for the store is uncertain. Their current landlord is selling the building. While this may indeed mean that Caboose Hobbies is moving, it may not require their relocation. It probably all depends on the buyer.

So, got a friend with a few million to throw into Denver real estate?

Until more is known, Caboose Hobbies is selling a lot of their stock in an across the board sale because money is easier to carry and harder to damage. What's online is what's in the store, so if you want to make sure you get what you want, order now!



In 2015, YouTube reviewer jlwii2000 took an 11-minute stroll through the store (above). He doesn't rest his lens on anything for very long, which is why it is only 11 minutes. I couldn't get through the store in under 30 minutes unless my car was on fire in the parking lot.⚒

New Rio Grande Standard Gauge Steam Video From Greg Scholl

A new video of contemporary steam on the historic Rio Grande Railroad is not that hard to find any year, mostly because of the fine work by so many companies to document the daily operations of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge and the local preservation societies like the Durango Railroad Historical Society and their work with D&RGW 315.

In comparison, finding a standard gauge Rio Grande steam video is rare enough to pay attention to, even if big steam isn't always your thing. Only one standard gauge locomotive survived the scrapper's torch, and it's sitting in the museum in Golden. In other words, any big steam Rio Grande footage is vintage and something worth preserving.



While I have not yet previewed the actual video from Greg Scholl Video Productions, the trailer above looks promising! HT: DRGW.org's Green Light newsletter ⚒