Still popular in UK. There was a recent TV series called "THE GREAT MODEL RAILWAY CHALLENGE" on Channel 5. Delayed series this year due to the obvious.
Then there was the awful vandalism of many thousands of pounds but priceless in effort and dedication of a society's clubroom, resulting in the yobbos' parents facing £30k compensation.
Rod Stewart, an enthusiast himself contributed some £10k to the devastated members.
Both these events , plus James May's programme about Hornby have revitalised the hobby I believe.

My silk screen printer I employed in my Visual Marketing company used to print livery onto rolling stock model components. The customer was a most exasperating and demanding perfectionist I ever had to deal with in all my years of business! But he paid well and on time.