Will the Polar Express inspire new model railroaders?

[Anonymous]

With the new Tom Hanks movie The Polar Express coming to theathers soon, do you think it will inspire younger model railroads? It really will show them the more magical side of trains. Take your kids too see it![;)] Maybe for Christmas, buy them a model train representing the Polar Express![:D] Do you feel the same way?

Anyone buying any train sets for your kids Christmas by the way?

[CNJ831]

I would rather doubt that it will have anywhere near the influence of say the repeating appearance of the Hogwart's Express in the Harry Potter series. Likewise, the Polar Express cartoon appears aimed at a much younger audience than the Potter films. This would make me expect it to be less likely to lead viewers into an interest in model railroading in later years, unless the movie turns out to be a big hit and spins off a lot of model railroad merchandise (train sets).

CNJ831

[Anonymous]

I think the movie has the potential to spawn a new breed of model railroaders that focus on modeling cartoon characters and the places that they live (eg. the simpsons).

Benjamin R

[Anonymous]

I doubt it. Knowing my kids, unless they make it a video game, it will be forgotten about by most before the Rose Bowl parade is over.

[Anonymous]

In Grand Rapids Mi, YES!
The movie opens Nov 5 here and the Pere Marquette 1225 as part of an advertising blitz was scheduled to arrive here on Nov 3 from it's home in Owosso, 90 miles away but CSX derailed
it's visit.

[Anonymous]

I suppose anything can't hurt, but I think the future is up to us and introducing our kids to it as they grow up. My kids are very young (6 &4) but can't wait for me to start my layout. You should see there excitement when we go to the train shows., with there stepstools in tow.
I introduced them to it kind of slow and hopefully they will enjoy the hobby as they grow older.
One morning I woke up and my oldest had gotten all my freight cars out and made a yard on our dining room table. The first day was kind of funny but the next day was a little much [:)] !!! For the most part they are pretty good.

[Anonymous]

I sure hope so. I wouldn't mind having a Polar Express trainset or a video game to go along.

I fisrt saw the trailer for it on the internet and I was impressed with it.

[easyaces]

Lets hope so!

[ben10ben]

For those of you asking for a Polar Express trainset, your wish has already been granted. Lionel is now delivering their Polar express set. It has received high praise on the leading O gauge forum in the last month.

[ben10ben]

duplicate...sorry

[railman]

It certainly can't hurt, can it?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by locomotive3

In Grand Rapids Mi, YES!
The movie opens Nov 5 here and the Pere Marquette 1225 as part of an advertising blitz was scheduled to arrive here on Nov 3 from it's home in Owosso, 90 miles away but CSX derailed
it's visit.

I agree! I live in Chuck's area and I was sure bummed when I heard 1225 wouldn't be able to make it to the premier. You see the author of the book, Chris VanAlsburg, is from Grand Rapids, MI, so that's why the premier is here.

[railman]

C'mon CSX! PUBLICITY! What will change how people think of modern railroads? Run classic steam that everyone loves once in a while. You can fit in the freight alongside the once in a while steam.

[n2mopac]

Whether it does or not, if the film does any justice to the children't book it is a must-see for small children. Take them. The possible modeling influence will be an added bonus.

Ron

[simon1966]

Does anyone know anyone that moved into more serious modeling after getting a Harry Potter train set? Perhaps it is too soon to know. Probably in about 35 years time there will be a whole bunch of 40 somethings that first got the bug with this movie!

[Anonymous]

I doubt it very much. Now I am older than alot of you but it seems that the younger people today don't have much interest in hardly anything. When I was a youngster I couldn't wait to joint the fire dept. Now kids will not even look at giving it a chance. Thats just an example. I have to wonder. So many nice things in life are fading away because nobody wants to keep them going. I hope model railroading isn't next.

[Anonymous]

Back in the 50's, every kid knew they wanted to be an engineer. Today, go ask a kid (or some adults for that matter) who drives a train and they have no clue.[V]

[n2mopac]

Well, Brio must think that it will. Have you seen their new wooden Polar Express set? It was in Walthers' monthly sale catalog this month (I got mine a few days ago). I bet they sell a few of those this holiday season.

Ron