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I don't think people are kept from this hobby. I feel trains are like musical tastes: either you like Jazz (or whatever style you like) or you don't. I think it is biological, certain people are drawn to trains. There is no easy explanation, no theorem, no magic words that will turn people into train fans. I think that those who love trains are always going to love trains, and that those who don't will always be scratching their heads. All the budding train fan needs is a little exposure from people who are not too over the top about the hobby. NMRA studies show that kids who like trains, are into trains until they get into their mid teens and cars, girls, jobs, kids etc. take attention elsewhere. When these people get a little older, buy a house , make some cash (they are going to need it), they come back to the hobby. Hence the large number of older modelers. As to the geek factor: It is there. It is a perception by people who are not around many modelers. It is also perpetuated by many of the stereotypes mentioned by other posts. I always tread lightly when discussing the hobby with people who are not modelers. It is easy to get carried away.... My two cents, Guy
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