Want to feel happier? Start building your own model railway world!
As every long-term model railway enthusiast knows, spending time with your hobby is not just about whiling away the hours. A new study commissioned by Hornby Hobbies and carried out by Disrupt Insight shows that there is more to the world of model collecting than meets the eye. And this addictive pastime is becoming even more popular than ever before.
Counting the benefits
We already know that building a model railway helps us to develop new skills while we escape the daily hassles of life, but our report, which surveyed 2000 UK adults, highlighted a few more benefits, some of which might surprise you:
· 50% of respondents said their hobby gave them a positive outlook on life
· 48% used it to keep their mind active
· 48% used it for stress relief
· 26% said they enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment
· 21% used their hobby to reduce their screen time.
The power of hobbies
Over 90% of people in the UK have at least one active hobby, but most have five on average, showing just how important these pastimes are in making us well-rounded individuals. Creative activities like model kit building are enjoyed by 22% of people, but these figures have been boosted by the global pandemic, which gave people the time to discover new hobbies.
Since 2020, the hobby industry has grown by 2% and half of hobbyists are choosing more mindful activities, while 49% are open to trying new hobbies. Over 60% of survey respondents use their hobbies to boost their mental health and 43% believe their hobbies have become more socially acceptable.
What’s most interesting, is that model-making hobbyists no longer fit a traditional profile. Almost half of enthusiasts are now under 35 years old and 28% are female, proving that scale modelling really is for everyone.
And it looks like modelling could be good for your marriage too, as those who hobby with their partner and more likely to feel satisfaction in their lives. Couples who model together, stay together!
The future of building model railways
What this all means, is that the future looks bright for the model railway industry. Scale modelling, in all its glorious forms, is now as popular as activities like yoga, racquet sports and dancing, with 30% of UK residents looking to join the hobby in the next year.
Our research shows what our CEO, Olly Raeburn, already knew: "The benefits of having a hobby cannot be overstated. Our research underscores how hobbies contribute to mental wellbeing, happiness and social connectivity. At Hornby Hobbies, we are dedicated to supporting and growing the hobbyist community, as we believe that hobbies are a fundamental part of a balanced and fulfilling life. The incredible participation rate in the UK shows just how popular and vital hobbies are in today’s society."
Feeling inspired? Start or continue your model-making journey now!
And you can read the full white paper report here.
