Saturday, April 6, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
Facts about the model train hobby, as provided by Model Railroader magazine, the 62-year-old industry bible:
* GROWTH: The estimated number of people known to be involved in model railroading increased 20 percent from 1983 to 1993 -- from 226,000 to 271,000. During that same period, money spent by these hobbyists increased 69 percent -- from $133,118,520 to $224,659,000 per year.
* DEMOGRAPHICS: Based on responses to a Model Railroader survey, the average hobbyist earns $51,909 a year -- well above the national average of $35,166. 52 percent have college degrees. 10 percent are career professionals. 21 percent are retired.
* FAMILY: One third of the hobbyists share the interest with some member of their family: 47 percent with a child, 39 percent with a spouse.
* ERAS: Hobbyists can collect trains replicated from five eras, the most popular of which is 1934-60 with 48 percent. Other eras (and the percentage of collectors): 1961-80 (22 percent), 1981-present (19 percent), 1901-1933 (7 percent), pre-1900 (4 percent).
* COST: A starter set can cost as little as $50 for the smaller trains and $80 for the larger sizes. Some of the more expensive locomotive engines, however, can cost more than $1,500, and more elaborate, realistic-looking layouts can cost several thousand dollars.
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