What Really Keeps People From This Hobby?

[twhite]

whoops, hit the wrong button and I was just getting started. Obviously, computers are still not my forte. At any rate, despite those two aforementioned strikes, there's hardly a day goes by that when my garage door (the ubiquitous California Basement) is open and I'm out there working on the model railroad, that I don't get one or two kids wandering in going WOW! I think what would help most is for those of us with layouts is to let people SEE them while we're working on them. Mine's always open when I'm out there, now I've got family, friends, and professional associates dropping by to see the progress. I've even got an operatic Tenor that I accompany thinking about starting one, and believe me, nobody can talk an operatic Tenor into ANYTHING! As to the prices, well, I've been in this hobby a good many years, and the chunk the hobby has taken out of my paycheck has remained pretty concistent along with inflation, raises, etc. And remember, folks, you don't have to replace or upgrade a locomotive every few years like a computer or a DVD or CD player, right? I do not think that model railroading is going to die out, as long as we remember to be enthuiastic about it. Which means, let people SEE what we're doing, don't keep it a big secret (Uncle Elmer says he's got some trains in the attic, but he never lets me see them). A smile and an explanation about what you're doing and trying to accomplish will get you one Hell of a lot further than a bark and a slap (physical or emotional) slap on the wrist.

[MACKINACMAC]

I'm not sure that the general public sees us as immature. I'm sure some do, but not generally although they all kid us! I think this feeling comes more from within than I see expressd from anyone. I see more Aww or envy in peoples eyes when I invite them over to see my layout. Most people at one time or another had a toy train and are aware that the hobby exists. When they see a completed layout I always hear stories of "when I was Kid, My Dad , neighbor, Uncle, had a cool layout ..... ". And all train enthusiats come out of the wood work when a layout is displayed. Everyone has to stop to check out a display no matter how big or small and will always walk away with a smile. I agree that not only do we need to get out there and show our layouts, but also operate them and have clinics to show that although many skills are need to complete a layout, it actually is pretty simple.

[twhite]

Right on, Brakie:
the immaturity perception by some people to we that indulge ourselves in the hobby is often fascinating. Now, try this on for size--I'm a Classical Musician by profession (pianist and vocal accompanist) and my hobby is Model Railroading. Two Strikes! First of all, musicians are largely considered to be just wierd, especially Classical, and a guy my age shoudn't be playing with trains. Okay--

[Anonymous]

People generally seem to have a vague notion of what model railroading is all about. The modular set-ups I have seen at the mall will indeed attract attention as a curiosity and prompt passers-by to host their children on their shoulders to see the "toy trains". But this kind of spectator curiosity is of the sort one finds in a glass-blowing exhibition. There is seldom a thought of obtaining a deeper understanding than what is 'spectator-obvious' and the crowd quickly moves on in search of the next interesting thing that might serve the need for instant gratiffication. Certainly, exposure is one key element, but a lasting and growing interest requires passion. To spend time, money and energy on something involves passion. (Think about how some people feel about deer hunting or golf.)
I have personally come to the opinion that some people are more genetically endowed with creative tendencies than others. And strong creative tendencies in some people engenders creative passion. There is pure joy in satisfying a creative bent that involves creating something with your own hands. I , myself, have experienced this many times in woodwork and from my dabbling in art.
Where does creative passion come from? I don't know. But I do know that some people don't seem to have any. We are a spectator society ( probably related to the obesity problem).
So it seems to me that the key is provide positive, constructive exposure to those who seem to harbor innate creative tendencies. This may sound elitist, but the reality is that the hobby is not for everyone.
Bryant

[randybc2003]

[#ditto][#ditto][#ditto][#ditto]

[dano99a]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BRAKIE

I fully agree with all that has been said..I will add this..The general public sees us as adults playing with toy trains and therefore in their eyes we must be very immature.Now some of these people may walk into a hobby shop and see a toy locomotive for $139.95 that really makes them think that not are we only immature but not exactly glue together right as well because in their eyes its a toy..
What can WE do to help these people see our love and fascination for model trains? Absolutely nothing as their minds are already made up..Now,I have more modeling friends then none modeling friends..I prefer to be with like minded people and not the non-modelers. Birds of a feather does flock together far better then a mixed flock...
What I find most interesting with these folks they will spend hours on end in front of a TV as matured adults..And they call us immature?? Who's fooling here? Guys,if being immature means I enjoy the hobby and mature means watching hours of TV then by golly I guess I will stay immature.[:D]

AMEN,

I couldn't have said it better...

[BRAKIE]

I fully agree with all that has been said..I will add this..The general public sees us as adults playing with toy trains and therefore in their eyes we must be very immature.Now some of these people may walk into a hobby shop and see a toy locomotive for $139.95 that really makes them think that not are we only immature but not exactly glue together right as well because in their eyes its a toy..
What can WE do to help these people see our love and fascination for model trains? Absolutely nothing as their minds are already made up..Now,I have more modeling friends then none modeling friends..I prefer to be with like minded people and not the non-modelers. Birds of a feather does flock together far better then a mixed flock...
What I find most interesting with these folks they will spend hours on end in front of a TV as matured adults..And they call us immature?? Who's fooling here? Guys,if being immature means I enjoy the hobby and mature means watching hours of TV then by golly I guess I will stay immature.[:D]

[simon1966]

I guess we are reaching the conclusion that "The World's Greatest Hobby" initiative is on the right track? The more that people have the opportunity to see and experience quality model railroading, the more likely the hobby is to thrive. There is nothing I like more than to have the nephew's and niece's over to run trains. They all love it, but as far as I know, none of them has been motivated to start in the hobby themselves. They are still young, so we shall see....

Great topic by the way.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bcammack

I think that we have propagated over the past forty years a lack of imagination in the new generations. How? Television, movies, and computers, mostly. Jim Murray touched on this in his closing paragraph above. We have spoonfed our population sights, sounds, and entertainment forms that obviate the necessity for a well-developed imagination.

I whole heartedly agree! We do not have cable or satellite TV in our household, just the DVD and VCR for occasional movies. Nor will we have video games and other brain-numbing Intendo/X-Box-esque garbage that stunts our children's creative play.

Unfortunately, there are two entire generations with blunted imaginations in the 30 and younger age group. However, it's not hopeless. Jim Fugate is right: people like trains and public displays will keep the hobby thriving.

[bcammack]

After further reflection on this subject, I feel that one thing that is purvasive amongst model railroaders is imagination To plan a layout and construct it takes not only some manual skills, it requires the capacity to imagine the final product.

It also takes imagination to operate a model layout, does it not? Whether you are an "operator" or a "runner", are you manipulating a complex electromechanical mechanism? Or are you operating your own railroad and trains in an imaginary space-time of your choosing? Be honest now! [:)]

I think that we have propagated over the past forty years a lack of imagination in the new generations. How? Television, movies, and computers, mostly. Jim Murray touched on this in his closing paragraph above. We have spoonfed our population sights, sounds, and entertainment forms that obviate the necessity for a well-developed imagination.

I cannot necessarily make value judgements regarding this trend, but I do feel that imagination is a hallmark trait of human conciousness and to have it become less prevalent in society would be most unfortunate.

[slotracer]

I didn't read every reply yet, so I may have duplicated some

1. Space, folks more and more have homes with no basements of suffcient spare space

2. Moving....I gave the hobby up after having to tear down too many half done layouts due to moving. Modulars only slightly eased the workload and provided a layout I was not satisfied with anyway. People don't stay in one home for long spells like they used too.

3. Perception.....adults are not viewed in an overly positive like by thier peers in hobbies looked upon as playing with toys. Over on the Scale Auto board there is a thread on immaturity for liking plastic. Seems it is OK for joe blow car buff to buy expensive die casts but if he builds kits he is some form of child that refused to grow up.....

4. The instant gratification comments are right on. Few people have the desire to hone skills and complete a project, they want it now. Model railroading "ain't" that way, even with RTR it takes time, planning and effort, most folks won't give the required time and learning curve these days.

5. Cost.....I know we can compare todays and yesterdas dollars, quality etc, but the bottom line model RR is not a cheap hobby.

6. I agree with the public perception/interaction with railroads as a primary non-motivator for new folks to get into the hobby. Many towns don't even have trains running through them. Gone are the days of local smaller class ones that town's and regions idendified with. Many small towns, the depot was almost the center of town life, few ever even ride trains any more. Locomotive engineers were respected almoste revered people in our society 50 years ago, now they are not even noticed amongst working careers in our society. Railroads today are just one more industry in our world these days, definitely not something special we had direct ties to like we did long ago.

[jfugate]

Still with all that's been said here, you always get people three and four layers deep at the malls to watch a modular group's layout.

Even though full size trains don't occupy our lives as much as they used to, frequent public presentations by modular groups can do a lot to help the hobby.

On the flip side, Microsoft has killed their upgrade of the Train Simulator. Not enough interest. Something like the train simulator puts the hobby onto the computer, which is where most youngsters go to get their entertainment these days.

I know from running train simulator myself, running a prototype route is miles and miles of the same stuff over and over, with moments of excitement. If a movie moved at that pace, you'd have an exciting opener, and hour and a half of sitting around on screen, and then some closing excitement. Boooring!

The prototype's almost too real, complete with on-the-job boordem.

I come back to my original point. The public loves model trains ... get out and display running model trains, and more will join our ranks!

[MAbruce]

Wow, I am very pleased to see all these intelligent replies. There has been some fantastic input. Thanks all! It’s good to see that this issue is important to many.

To Jetrock: You are 100% correct that this hobby (and many others I suppose) has never really been cheap “Poor Man’s” hobby. My point is that if this hobby wants to foster significant growth and attract new modelers, cost is one of those things that needs to be addressed. It’s funny to see so much production going overseas in order to take advantage of cheaper labor and yet I have not seen any significant impact on the prices overall. Loco’s coming from China still cost the same as those that have been coming from Japan (at least in N-scale).

I’m also glad to hear that you have noted a different experience with children at train shows. This is something I really want to be proven wrong on because I’ve seen so many kids at our local shows get watched with a suspicious eye rather than with a welcoming demeanor.

And of course the point about trains not occupying a central role in the US as they once did was an excellent observation.

Keep you thoughts coming because I’m sure that these kinds of topics are closely watched by the MRR industry.

[jwmurrayjr]

I think that most of the points made so far are valid, but I think the bottom line answer to the question "What Really Keeps People From This Hobby?" is simply lack of interest.

Most folks are just not interested enough in trains and modeling to pursue model railroading. I know a doctor that loves rail-fanning and has spent many years following and photographing trains. But he has no interest in model trains. Now that he's retired (more or less) he just has more time for rail-fanning.

If video games and MP3 players had been available 50 years ago, kids (and their parents) would have put those items at the top of their "wish list" just as they do today.

The Star Trek fan magazine has a higher circulation than Model Railroader. That probably indicates that we MRR folks are geekier (A more unique group) than the "Trekies".

My neighbor is a "type-A" marathon runner and both of his kids are very good athletes. He brought his son over to see my layout as a "great example of a long-term project that requires vision, planning and a long-term commitment to detail and excellence." (and I've got a very modest layout.) Well, my neighbor knows that "long-term projects that require vision, planning and a long-term commitment to detail and excellence." are not the stuff that mass-entertainment is made of, and he felt that his kids had very little opportunity to observe such an oddity.

So now with generations of Americans that haven't read any classic literature or history and spend most of their time watching TV or sports or listening to popular music instead of discussing life with their parents and peers (Even Tom and Huck had "philosophical debates".) we needn't be surprised that our young folks and their young parents prefer "passive" entertainment to hobbies that require an investment of time and patience.

[tatans]

Re: MAbruce: Probably the very best letter written to this forum I have read, All points are pertinent and well expressed. The above replies are to be commended for intelligent responses also. This hobby is probably keeping me sane in retirement, but I promised myself I would not let it bankrupt me( which would not be hard to do) So I buy old used beaters and fix or convert. I splurged on a 2-8-4 berk that someone must have used for a hammer and am 90% completed, I tried to get windows, but not available, so get some brass and file out windows--2days later-perfect brass windows! never worked with brass before. All points in forum apply to the hobby, but I would think money would be the biggest factor "don't got no money- - -don't got no trains. It seems the only people that think money is no object are the same people who think 150 brass engines are not excessive. Again congratulations on an exceptional subject.

[Anonymous]

The #1 reason I waited so long was that every Model RRer I met was a geek. It just took me a while to come to terms with my inner geekiness (and to get married to an understanding wife and have 3 great kids that I can use to justify my motivation.)

Face it gentlemen, teenage boys that spend more time with trains than pursuing women are wierd. 20 somethings that focus on modeling over career and marrage are doomed to a very limited life (a.k.a. loser). My guess is that many of them will end up creeping out newbies at the LHS.

This is a hobbie for young kids and older, established men (I'm 37.) I hate to say it, but the hobbie will likely almost completely disappear after my generation. Kids just don't get train sets under the Christmas tree any more.

Its a great way to spend time with our kids and grandkids. Lets enjoy it while its around and for what it is.

[MACKINACMAC]

I agree with all the above. There's not one factor that can be nailed as to the cause of our hobby not gaining much in popularity, it's a combination of these factors and much more. One thing I've noticed with about our hobby is that by today's standards ,it's slow moving & dull in terms of excitement compared to the smash mouth in your face activities today. I'm not saying I think it's slow or dull, in fact I think it's relaxing compared to the high fast pace of today's society, and a nice change. Even the TV reality shows with their high speed and dangerous stunts, or Xgames with death defying acrobats don't compare to a slow moving peddler freight. (Give me the later). And how do you compare to building hundreds if not thousands of trees to skateboarding, biking, skating over every obstacle on the earth. People today just want pure adrenaline pumping excitement. I'm only in my Forties, and my peers are always racing here or there looking for the next thrill (and maybe never finding it). But we have, I think, an uphill struggle with all there is to do today. People have less and less time, money, opportunity, skills, patients, etc and it' only going to get worse.

There are society pressures that take away from all hobbies as well. I can remember as a child you would come home and have time to play, do homework. Then after supper you'd play usually not with your parents who were then free to persue their hobbies alone or with the family. But now a days, Schools expect parents to help children with their homework everynite, coupled with all the activities involved( sports, dance, scouts) and because of increased negative factors parents must participate with their kids in everything all this adds up to an over worked overstresed society that when you get a minute to relax you only get a minute. Lately Ive averaged spending about one hour a month working on my railroad. I rarely watch TV in fact I love watching sports and I did not see one football game or Hockey all last season. There is just no way to schedule in anything more But thats life now adays. I'm actually considering getting rid of cable & selling the TV.

[simon1966]

Unless kids have a modelling relative, the chances of them getting exposure to the hobby are very slim. When I was a kid in the UK, decent quality Hornby trains were for sale in all the toys shops. These models were on display and very tempting for a young boy. Take a look in the toy sections of Walmart or even Toys R us and there are no trains of quality. The chances of a kid being attracted to model trains in the course of a regular week are slim to non-exisitent.

So many of us seem to be adults returning to the hobby after many years away. I think cost may drive some away, but in reality this is far less costly than most adult hobbies and activities. I spend much less on this than friends do on golf!

[Anonymous]

[#ditto] I do agree with what has been said on this topic, yet I feel that with alot of model train manufactures making ready-to-run products,alot of people that like to build them, are turning away from the hobby. I am included in this brackett.Granted at only 33, I still have many years of enjoyment and life,and I do understand that there are people with poor eyesight and coordination,and they need to get into a bigger scale,and then there are those that dont have ,or want to take the time, or dont want to fuss with a kit or build a layout. Other problems are lack of a hobby shop in the area, or none at all,which makes going to one a big hassle ,going to a larger city 50 or so miles away,just to see a hobby shop. Other problems are certian freight cars, and locomotives that the consumer wants,are not available.Most times even the decals to make the car or locomotive is not made.One more factor is the internet,and purchasing the products on-line and having them shipped to your home. This can be a convenience to some,but its the hobbyshop that losses out. We as modelers are suppose to support the hobby and the store,yet alot go out of business due to the problems stated above. A personal note is I used to spend $1000.00 every few months on products that I wanted,now I dont even spend that much anymore. A few dollars just to get a couple of model railroad magazines now a days. If only the manufacturers would listen to what we as the modelers want,maybe there would be more of us in it. I personally would like to see the manufacturers not only make the ready -to-run models,but kits as well for us that like to make them, as it give us the satisfaction of knowing that "I made it myself the way that I want it to be." Trying to find freight car kits is a very difficult task,and the new products that I see coming out.....forget it. There either too big or out of scale for what I have running on my layout. With new locomotives that have alot of details and such,this is what I'm talking about also. These manufacturers are taking the fun out of us putting on the details where we want them put,and it takes a toll on the other companies that make the detial parts.The last thing is the price of the product. At a starting price of $100.00 for a locomotive[:O] I'll stick with what I've got,since I am no longer into model railroading as I would like to be,though reading books about the railroads,well...... I find this more interesting at the moment,maybe sometime I'll get back full -throttle into the hobby.......hopefully if the manufacturers will listen to what we REALLY want,not as to what they think will sell.

[rexhea]

I believe that both MAbruce and Jetrock are accurate on many points.

On a personal note: After I retired, I tried to think of a good hobby to get into and one that I would't suffer "burn-out" after a short period of time. I finally remembered the HO layout I had in the late 60's. Then time and space was a problem so I got out of it after only two years.

I started to do a little research on the Net, visited home layout web sites, and got excited about the prospects of this versatile hobby and decided to get started. The first let down was when I went to the LHC's and they had very little stock, information, or concern with model railroading. They were focused on RC, their bread and butter. Finally, one shop would order for me and match the Internet prices.

Next let down was waiting for a week or two for delivery, backorders for months, and extended and extended and extended release dates for that good looking loco you want. I am not an Economics Major, but I have never understood why a company that sells its own manufactured product, that sells out every few months -- will not manufacture more and keep a larger inventory.

Another thing is information. When I tell people what my hobby is they think it's great and are very interested. Most say they haven't thought about model trains in years and now thought they were little more than a Christmas gizmo that breaks in a few weeks.

I cannot blame someone that is new to the hobby getting frustrated and changing to RC. I am in it for the long haul, but I have fond memories of riding steam pulled passenger trains as a boy. Watching coal hauls in Kentucky pulled by an IC steamer and actually hopping on the cars and riding them to the pits. Engineers with L&N letting us ride in the cab and brakemen in the caboose. The Industry and Modelers really need to come out and have more public exposure. Tell the people about the incredible advances that have been made such as DCC and sound.

REX

[n2mopac]

I think Jetrock make an excellent and important point. To children and non-enthusiasts, trains don't hold the fascination they once did. Why? Well, in part because they aren't as central to life as they once were. Think of all of the branch lines that are now abandoned, all of the small towns once fed by rail that have no rail services any longer. Second, There is less variety of locomotives than there once was. I know for enthusiasts there are GP's and SD's and AC units, but the the untrained eye they look very much alike. There isn't the difference that there once was between an F7 and a GP9, an RS3 and a PA1, etc.

That said, I don't think our hobby suffers as much as we hear that it does from those who profit from it. Compared to similar hobbies like RC airplanes, slotted racing, etc., I think we have a pretty good showing. None of these hobbies are so widespread as to encompase a major portion of the population, and never will.

Other factors that contribute to drawing people away: kids learn less craftsmanship and skill than in the past, cost, availability (in many areas model trains are just hard to find).
Ron

[stokesda]

As a newcomer, I'd have to say the two things that kept me out for so long are:

* Space - I haven't lived anywhere that I've had space to do it yet. Also, being in the Navy, I have to move every couple of years, which was a big mental hurdle to overcome. When I realized I could build a smaller portable layout, then that opened the door for me. I think that when most people think of a model train layout, they envision these huge basement empires and think "There's no way I can find space for this kind of thing," so they shy away.

* Cost - as with most hobbies, the initial cost is high. However, with trains, you really can spend as little or as much as you like. Granted, a $50 pre-packaged RTR set is not what everyone envisions when they think "model RR," but it would get a lot of people's foot in the door.

Other factors already mentioned that I'd like to echo:

* Trains used to be part of the American culture, but with the decline in reliance on rail and the advent of other more "trendy" symbols of Americana, they just don't hold that mystique with the public anymore.

* Model RR-ing doesn't jive with our instant gratification society. People don't want to invest a lot of time or energy in doing something when they can get their thrills cheaper and quicker by other means. I think in general nowadays, people just don't get much satisfaction simply by building something with their own two hands.

* There is a lot of competition these days from a bigger diversity of activities (TV, surfing the net, video games, going to the mall, etc, etc, etc). They all have lower initial costs and promise more immediate gratification than model RR.

* I have had some bad run-ins with experienced modelers and snooty LHS-types. Some people do take it too seriously and look down their noses at newcomers. They treat it like an exclusive club and you have to prove yourself worthy to join. I haven't experienced this much with RR so far, as I'm just getting started, but I have noticed it in the R/C airplane arena. I know these are the few rotten apples, but they do turn off potential newcomers.

* As much as I hate to say it, I think there is a certain stereotype associated with model RR-ing. Maybe if the general public knew the diversity of people involved with the hobby and the multitude of aspects to it (carpentry, modeling, electrical, etc.), they would realize that it's not such a "geeky" hobby after all [:)].

Well, that's a book for now. Time to get off the stump.

Cheers,

[willy6]

I think the two major factors are "time" and "skill level". The people that have come to my house and saw my layout always seem to have the same questions, how did you build that and how long did it take? And the same comments "well, i just don't have the time and patince to do that" they say.Think about the skills involved to build a decent layout,carpenter,electrician,painter,watchmaker,all around handyman. Alot of people do not have various skills like that and don't want to make an effort to learn.
Also as far as cost goes I think the hobby stores scare them off. Just walk in to the LHS and whats the first thing you see?.....a glass display case with locomotives in it and price tags starting at $125.00, that be enough to scare me out of the hobby.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dougal

If I left the hobby tomorrow (which won't happen) the main reason would be cost, I'm sure most non-modelrailroaders think we're nuts for paying 100+ for a piece of plastic.

Ditto to that Mark. All my friends think I'm crazy.[:D][;)][:p][:)]

[Jetrock]

The biggest barrier, in my mind, is the fact that trains do not occupy the central role in American life that they once did. Sure, lots of freight is carried on trains, but people generally don't see it or interact with it. Trains aren't the fastest way to get around, and while there are commuter lines, they aren't the way most of us travel around our city or our country. Trains don't delve into the unknown regions, nor do they represent the most advanced technologies of our socety. Planes, cars, spacecraft and computers have taken over those roles--and our society's attentions. Unless railroads somehow become the predominant mode of personal transport, the forefront of technology, and/or the primary medium of human exploration, they won't retake the role they played in the American mindset in the last century. Nothing we can do as model railroaders can change that.

The fact that trains still strike a resonant tone with so many is a tribute to the profound effect that they have had on the American psyche, but they couldn't expect to keep up forever.

Instant gratification is a significant issue--which is why RTR equipment is getting more common, even though it is much more expensive than kits. RTR is the solution, perhaps, but it makes other things worse, such as cost

As to cost--model railroading has *NEVER* been a cheap, poor-man's hobby. Sure, many years ago you could get a brass locomotive for $40, but only when $40 represented a week's wages for the average working stiff. The only time when model railroading was cheap was when guys who couldn't afford the fancy Lionel standard-gauge sets built tiny HO rolling stock out of old cigar boxes, tin cans and cardboard. (It's STILL cheap--if you build everything out of old cigar boxes, tin cans and cardboard.) And anyone willing to do a little scrounging and work can still get by pretty cheap--as it has always been. Profit margins for model railroad stuff is *not* large--and think of all the forms of recreation out there, compared to which $100 is chickenfeed. $100 is two admissions to an amusement park, a fraction of a car stereo, half a dozen CD's or dinner and drinks for two. And how many engines does one person need?

I have to say I disagree with your assessment of train-folks' reactions to kids and neophytes--I generally find folks at model railroad shows to be very accommodating of them, their questions, and their responses to the trains, as long as the child doesn't try to break anything. And if a child reached up onto my layout and tried to grab, say, a $500 brass locomotive, they should count themselves lucky if all I said was "be careful there--please don't touch"!!

[mondotrains]

Hello Folks,
I agree with most of the reasons given already regarding what prevents people from getting into this hobby. I have one more thought to add.

A few years ago, a local hobby shop was offering "clinics" on Saturdays, so that guys new to the hobby could learn various skills. One day, they had a guy come to the shop to show people how to build the benchwork for a 4 by 8' layout. The guy demonstrated using a radial arm saw to cut and piece together the benchwork using techniques necessary for high end furniture making. As for lumber, he insisted that one must use ash rather than simple pine boards. Heck, I already had my benchwork completed and he "scared" me. I looked at some of the new guys watching this demonstration and I could tell that they were going to go home and try some other hobby.

I guess what I'm saying is that we need to make the hobby look simpler, not more difficult than it is. For new folks in the hobby, looking to build a simple 4 by 8' layout, I would have shown them how to build 2 simple L-girders and then how to mount the legs to them and the joists on top. Finally, I would have mounted a sheet of plywood on top. That's it. The simpler the better.

Happy railroading.
Mondo

[bcammack]

There are more interests competing for the hobbyist/consumer dollar/attention than ever before. Railroading isn't as prevalent and compelling to the average bloke as it was forty or fifty years ago.

[Anonymous]

Excellent post.
From my personal experiences, I see other people that find my hobby fascinating but as exotic as entomology. I try and explain to them that it is a never ending, animated hobby that can be enjoyed year round. The ones that are truly interested SWEAR they will have their own layout.......one day. I sense a little embarassment at the thought of "playing with trains" but my enthusiasm and passion for the hobby helps to dispell that .
I don't think cost is as big an issue. Sure, it can be a formidable part of the hobby but it is in line with the cost of other "play things". Getting started today is just as easy as it was 25 years ago when I first started. As a matter of fact I'd say it's less expensive to get STARTED today than it was years ago. There's a lot of good, basic equipment out there that is inexpensive and readily available.With the advent of ebay and the rapid obsolesence of products these days, a person can find some pretty good deals.

[Anonymous]

If I left the hobby tomorrow (which won't happen) the main reason would be cost, I'm sure most non-modelrailroaders think we're nuts for paying 100+ for a piece of plastic.

[Anonymous]

I agree with all you say. Being new to the hobby after years of thinking about it, the only other thing I would add is lack of space. That deterred me for a number of years. I also would reemphasize your thoughts on instant gratification. My grandson is the reason I finally got started. He is 8 and loves trains. He has wanted to build a diorama for years because of our visits to the Texas Military Museum and his fascination with the battle dioramas at the museum. We are having a great time, but I have to be careful not to BORE him. He can't believe it is going to take us more than a year to complete our 4x8. I keep him involved, work with him for short periods of time, and then we operate for awhile. He is the engineer and I am the brakeman. After he goes to bed (he and his mother live with us) or when he is off with video games or outside playing with friends, I do the more tedious stuff. Bottom line, we are having a great time and I hope he stays with it.

My other hobby is RC airplane building and flying. The problem there is departure of the youngters when they discover cars and the opposite sex (usually that means girls, as most (but not all) of our youngters are boys. They seem to come back in their late 20's after being gone for about ten years.