Promoting our hobby to the young

[Rene Schweitzer]

Gary,

Yes, GR has a presence at many of the large-scale oriented shows in the US. Kalmbach in general also works with Greenberg Shows and GATS by providing signage, booklets to pass out, door prizes, etc.

Years ago, GR had a "just for kids" section in the magazine, but it didn't survive. Marc is very interested in kids' involvement in the hobby. We've run articles on teens' railways and Marc makes it a point to run letters we receive from young 'uns in the magazine.

From what I've seen at shows I've worked, kids continue to be fascinated by trains. Unfortunately, they just aren't exposed to them. Thomas is a great thing and so are movies like the upcoming Polar Express, but we all need to do our part to spread the word. For instance, my five-year-old cousin (and godchild) has a birthday, so I mailed him a three pack DVD of Thomas. My nephew, who will turn four next month, is getting a new addition to his GeoTrax train.

Some of the folks here already have great ideas to promote trains to kids, like Brian and his Father's Day layout, Ondrek's train night for the kids, and Richard's library trip. These are wonderful ways to excite kids (of all ages!) about trains. Let's here more ideas!

Rene (sorry so long)

[Anonymous]

Hi Gary,
All for promoting the hobby to young uns, haven't got any myself and whilst all the neighbourhood knows I run trains none of the kids have asked for a look. A local club, the G Whizzers I think, have a very large layout just for kids that they take round shows and it's the kids who drive the trains, 5 minutes each(ish). I think that here in the UK the 'OO' guage is king for kids because of its afforability and they can get it just about everywhere. I like the idea of a kids bit in the mag but how many of us know kids who garden railroad? Worth exploring methinks.
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

[Gary Crawley]

We all have been having a bit of fun on the "Spark it up" controversery Forum but I would like to get some ideas for promoting our hobby.
From comments from other Forums it appears that the number of patrons at shows, conventions etc have been falling.
We have all had a bit of fun with Thomas but lets face it Kids love him.
Rene, living in Australia I don't know if "Garden Railways" has a stand at these shows but if it does it would be a great forum to promote our hobby.
Maybe a small G railway of Thomas that the children can operate, sight and sound.
Also a junior section in the Magazine that would feature their railway.
A competition for the kids etc
Regards
Gary