zugmann ATLANTIC CENTRAL I'm in this hobby because I like to sit quitely and build models, not becuase I like large crouds of people - young or old. Oh, I forgot, this hobby is no longer about building models - we just buy them RTR and drop them on KATO track. Sheldon If I had to build models, I wouldn't be in this hobby. A major factor that brought me back is all the cool, RTR, highly detailed, sound-equipped locos and cars that I don't have to build myself. I just don't have the time or attention span to complete what I want. And if I can have models of stuff that I handle in real life - so much the better. Am I a true modeler? Who knows, and who cares.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL I'm in this hobby because I like to sit quitely and build models, not becuase I like large crouds of people - young or old. Oh, I forgot, this hobby is no longer about building models - we just buy them RTR and drop them on KATO track. Sheldon
I'm in this hobby because I like to sit quitely and build models, not becuase I like large crouds of people - young or old. Oh, I forgot, this hobby is no longer about building models - we just buy them RTR and drop them on KATO track.
Sheldon
If I had to build models, I wouldn't be in this hobby. A major factor that brought me back is all the cool, RTR, highly detailed, sound-equipped locos and cars that I don't have to build myself. I just don't have the time or attention span to complete what I want. And if I can have models of stuff that I handle in real life - so much the better.
Am I a true modeler? Who knows, and who cares.
I'm not going to debate the "label" of "model Railroader" or "collector" or whatever, that has been done plenty in the past to no good end.
But I will say respectfully you are not really in the same hobby as me if you have no interest or ability in building models.
This gets back to this simple idea that we all enjoy the hobby as we see fit, with whatever products suit our needs and budget that are offered by the various manufacturers - it also speaks directly of "recruiting" new people - what "aspect" or "version" of the hobby do we recruit them into?
I vote for simply letting them find and chose for themselves as opposed to campaigns to "recruit" them.
zugmann Then there's the Big Bang Theory, which oddly enough has a main character named Sheldon that is into model trains. Hmmm.
Then there's the Big Bang Theory, which oddly enough has a main character named Sheldon that is into model trains.
Hmmm.
That show is funny - those characters make fun of themselves, they don't belittle others different from them, and they don't glorify bad behavior - but I don't watch that on a regular basis either - that would detract from model building time.
The amount of responsibility I feel about attempting to make sure the hobby continues beyond my lifetime, is somewhat irrelevant However, I suggest you two look no further than yourselves, when speaking of pontification on this subject.
My grandson showed some interest; so, I purchased a train set for him. That is the extent of my involvement in attempting to promote the hobby to the youth and future. However, I will tip my hat to those who do more to promote it, by supporting and developing youth programs! That seems like a far better and friendlier point of view than not caring about the hobbies future such as you two seem to be promoting!
If you truly feel the way you espouse, I really think that is a very sad position to take!
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
ATLANTIC CENTRAL NP2626Sheldon, There you go, playing the morality card! Your saying your so much more moral than we are, because some of us view these shows as nothing more than attempts at entertainment. You don't like them, fine! However, I don't, nor does anyone else, need you to tell us what to watch on TV! Leave your judgemental garbage for your neighbors, this is America and we watch what we want! I really don't care what other people watch, but you (or the poster I quoted) cannot complain about how shows like that portray model railroaders (or any of the groups belittled on those shows) without considering the "moral" aspect of it. ... Sheldon
NP2626Sheldon, There you go, playing the morality card! Your saying your so much more moral than we are, because some of us view these shows as nothing more than attempts at entertainment. You don't like them, fine! However, I don't, nor does anyone else, need you to tell us what to watch on TV! Leave your judgemental garbage for your neighbors, this is America and we watch what we want!
There you go, playing the morality card! Your saying your so much more moral than we are, because some of us view these shows as nothing more than attempts at entertainment. You don't like them, fine! However, I don't, nor does anyone else, need you to tell us what to watch on TV! Leave your judgemental garbage for your neighbors, this is America and we watch what we want!
I really don't care what other people watch, but you (or the poster I quoted) cannot complain about how shows like that portray model railroaders (or any of the groups belittled on those shows) without considering the "moral" aspect of it.
...
There's one thing we can say, Sheldon - he's a lot more thin-skinned than you! Maybe it comes from all the pressure of having such a heavy "responsibility to the hobby"?
DON'T TAKE OFFENSE, ANYONE! I'M JUST POKING A LITTLE FUN HERE!
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
NP2626 ATLANTIC CENTRAL Schuylkill and Susquehanna The Reading Society of Model Engineers has had some success with the Explorer Post that they support. I think that the problem is that so few kids are exposed to model trains. In addition, the environment at schools discourages playing with "toy" trains, and I've even heard of instances of bullying because a kid was into model railroading. Model Railroading is constantly viewed as an old man's hobby, and kids who are into trains as a teenager are viewed like there is something wrong with them. Case in point. Two TV programs recently (NUMBERS and 2 1/2 Men) had model railroaders and railfans as characters on the show. In NUMBERS, the attitude towards the railfan was along the lines of "don't you have something better to do with your time than watch trains", and the model railroader at the railroad museum was 25-ish an protrayed as odd and possibly a little creepy. In 2 1/2 men, the model railroader was a friend of the kid's father and was a total nut case - but with a very nice layout. Is it any wonder that not many teenagers aren't into model railroading? Anyway, "Keep your stick on the ice." Ever try modeling in Duct Tape? I know I'm going to get in trouble here, but shows like 2-1/2 Men are the worst kind of trash on television. They portray the good people as nerds and losers while those of low moral character are glorified as winners. Real life is generally the reverse. If you are letting or encouraging your child to watch that, you have bigger problems than getting them interested in model trains. Sheldon Sheldon, There you go, playing the morality card! Your saying your so much more moral than we are, because some of us view these shows as nothing more than attempts at entertainment. You don't like them, fine! However, I don't, nor does anyone else, need you to tell us what to watch on TV! Leave your judgemental garbage for your neighbors, this is America and we watch what we want!
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Schuylkill and Susquehanna The Reading Society of Model Engineers has had some success with the Explorer Post that they support. I think that the problem is that so few kids are exposed to model trains. In addition, the environment at schools discourages playing with "toy" trains, and I've even heard of instances of bullying because a kid was into model railroading. Model Railroading is constantly viewed as an old man's hobby, and kids who are into trains as a teenager are viewed like there is something wrong with them. Case in point. Two TV programs recently (NUMBERS and 2 1/2 Men) had model railroaders and railfans as characters on the show. In NUMBERS, the attitude towards the railfan was along the lines of "don't you have something better to do with your time than watch trains", and the model railroader at the railroad museum was 25-ish an protrayed as odd and possibly a little creepy. In 2 1/2 men, the model railroader was a friend of the kid's father and was a total nut case - but with a very nice layout. Is it any wonder that not many teenagers aren't into model railroading? Anyway, "Keep your stick on the ice." Ever try modeling in Duct Tape? I know I'm going to get in trouble here, but shows like 2-1/2 Men are the worst kind of trash on television. They portray the good people as nerds and losers while those of low moral character are glorified as winners. Real life is generally the reverse. If you are letting or encouraging your child to watch that, you have bigger problems than getting them interested in model trains. Sheldon
Schuylkill and Susquehanna The Reading Society of Model Engineers has had some success with the Explorer Post that they support. I think that the problem is that so few kids are exposed to model trains. In addition, the environment at schools discourages playing with "toy" trains, and I've even heard of instances of bullying because a kid was into model railroading. Model Railroading is constantly viewed as an old man's hobby, and kids who are into trains as a teenager are viewed like there is something wrong with them. Case in point. Two TV programs recently (NUMBERS and 2 1/2 Men) had model railroaders and railfans as characters on the show. In NUMBERS, the attitude towards the railfan was along the lines of "don't you have something better to do with your time than watch trains", and the model railroader at the railroad museum was 25-ish an protrayed as odd and possibly a little creepy. In 2 1/2 men, the model railroader was a friend of the kid's father and was a total nut case - but with a very nice layout. Is it any wonder that not many teenagers aren't into model railroading? Anyway, "Keep your stick on the ice." Ever try modeling in Duct Tape?
The Reading Society of Model Engineers has had some success with the Explorer Post that they support.
I think that the problem is that so few kids are exposed to model trains. In addition, the environment at schools discourages playing with "toy" trains, and I've even heard of instances of bullying because a kid was into model railroading. Model Railroading is constantly viewed as an old man's hobby, and kids who are into trains as a teenager are viewed like there is something wrong with them.
Case in point. Two TV programs recently (NUMBERS and 2 1/2 Men) had model railroaders and railfans as characters on the show. In NUMBERS, the attitude towards the railfan was along the lines of "don't you have something better to do with your time than watch trains", and the model railroader at the railroad museum was 25-ish an protrayed as odd and possibly a little creepy. In 2 1/2 men, the model railroader was a friend of the kid's father and was a total nut case - but with a very nice layout.
Is it any wonder that not many teenagers aren't into model railroading?
Anyway, "Keep your stick on the ice."
Ever try modeling in Duct Tape?
I know I'm going to get in trouble here, but shows like 2-1/2 Men are the worst kind of trash on television. They portray the good people as nerds and losers while those of low moral character are glorified as winners.
Real life is generally the reverse. If you are letting or encouraging your child to watch that, you have bigger problems than getting them interested in model trains.
Sheldon,
If you find that kind of stuff entertaining, good for you - I don't watch much TV - I don't assume to be more "more moral" than you - I don't know you - I just know why I don't watch stuff like that.
Of course as stated earlier, I don't feel any great need to recruit America's youth into Model Railroading either.
I simply find all this pontificating over it amussing.
NP2626 HAROLDA, I could not agree more! Don't get me started on how stupidly this country has been pushing SPORTS to children, to the detriment of education, which should be the focus of our schools and not sports!
HAROLDA, I could not agree more! Don't get me started on how stupidly this country has been pushing SPORTS to children, to the detriment of education, which should be the focus of our schools and not sports!
Given the skyrocketing childhood obesity rates, getting them running around outside is probably a pretty good idea.
Train Modeler The OP was asking about youth. IMHO, hopefully that's what we're posting about vs a general thread on why you're in or out of the hobby or what you do or don't like. Richard
The OP was asking about youth. IMHO, hopefully that's what we're posting about vs a general thread on why you're in or out of the hobby or what you do or don't like.
Richard
I was youth at one time. Had interest, but never the money. Just had to wait a few years.... I suspect many of us had similar pasts.
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
There is a specific thread category on the trains website.
http://cs.trains.com/trc/f/218.aspx
I've not seen anyone mention or suggest helping out with the local Youth In Model Railroading Division (as I do) nor starting a division in an area where one does not exist, or any youth oriented club. A few years ago my club actually put together a "family membership" option along these lines of thought.
http://www.ymr-online.org/
I actually think there are many fewer divisions than there were 10 years go. At that time Walthers almost became a corporate sponsor but they decided to go a different route. Youth organizations have many different problems than a normal MR club, especially when it comes to long time membership and shows. Children can't just take off on Friday to get the displays set up, and really can't just take off a couple days in order to get to/from the show in the next town on time.
whoa hold up there are different opinions on how this hobby went, Space is a big factor we all know this and if someone wants to set up the unitrack, eztrack, whatever and run trains it's still model railroading. everybodies entitled to their opinions but remember to what's said there will be a risk of backlash. to each their own.
SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide
Gary DuPrey
N scale model railroader
zugmann If I had to build models, I wouldn't be in this hobby. A major factor that brought me back is all the cool, RTR, highly detailed, sound-equipped locos and cars that I don't have to build myself. I just don't have the time or attention span to complete what I want. And if I can have models of stuff that I handle in real life - so much the better. Am I a true modeler? Who knows, and who cares.
+1
As I have said before, I am grateful that the folks I talked to at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum were excited to get me introduced to this hobby. They took time to answer my questions, including recommending that I start with Kato RTR engines and track. They took me "behind the glass" of the exhibits, showed me their collections and patiently answered my questions. Right behind them has been this community and my local MRR store. Thank goodness there are ambassadors for the hobby or I would still have a bunch of money still sitting in my pocket.
Not trying to offend any particular person here...
Every time someone gets a wild hare and starts talking, either directly or through innuendo, about "responsibility to the hobby," I do one of two things: Laugh at their presumptuousness or walk away without listening at all.
Model Railroad back in the 1980s or 1990s was pretty full of that crap, and I nearly dropped them for good before they dropped that mantra.
This is my hobby. I have no responsbility to it at all. I do it because I enjoy it - period. When I no longer enjoy it (if ever) I'll abandon it without looking back once. Meanwhile, go stuff your calamitous paranoia about whatever aspect of the hobby you think is in crises somewhere else, OK?
Chris,
We have had great luck with younger modelers. A few things:
1. Boys in particular learn by touching/moving--let them do so with models that aren't fragile.
2. Having some kids talk/demonstrate to new kids helps a lot. So, we have a core of kids that we help them reach out to other kids. Like arranging birthday parties.
3. Sound is very helpful to gain interest.
4. They will get bored with just running trains(just like us). So, have some activities for them to do, like assembling a kit or painting, etc.
5. As the kids get older they will be able to understand the concepts of operations and so this will help them maintain interest in running trains. Give them a switch list and have them work as teams--they really like it.
this is the thing I am young I am 23 the thing is i had a Model railway when i was 10 built for me by my Grandfather but we moved into a house that was to small for it now i have always been fascinated by trains both real and model but as grew up i got interested in other things like tabletop wargames it was only when my then Girlfriend now Wife to be was looking through my stack of PS2 games and found a Game Called A-train 6 by Artdink after a few hours of that the next weekend we were down at the local model shop looking at trains
Apologies in advance for any use of UK RailRoad Terms
"there is the wrong way the Right way and then there is Great western railway Way"
ATLANTIC CENTRAL crisco1 I would like to know any successes your train group has made in getting youth active in railroading. I don't see alot of youth at train shows anymore. I believe the hobby is losing out to RC planes, RC cars, X-Box, and WI. We need to do something about this. WHY?
crisco1 I would like to know any successes your train group has made in getting youth active in railroading. I don't see alot of youth at train shows anymore. I believe the hobby is losing out to RC planes, RC cars, X-Box, and WI. We need to do something about this.
I would like to know any successes your train group has made in getting youth active in
railroading. I don't see alot of youth at train shows anymore. I believe the hobby is losing out
to RC planes, RC cars, X-Box, and WI. We need to do something about this.
WHY?
LOL
Doggone it, Sheldon, you took the word right out of my mouth.
As I read the initial post, I thought the same thing. Why?
What do I care?
Why should I care?
To me, it is similar to one younger person saying to another that we have to get older guys involved in RC planes, RC cars, X-Box, and WI. Why?
Rich
Alton Junction
A couple of observations about this topic...
First, when the NMRA convention was in Grand Rapids last summer I went one day and was plesantly surprised to see the number of young families, grandparents with kids, youth and other 'younger people' in attendance during that day. I came away pleasantly surprised.
However, the fact remains that kids today are being pulled in so many different directions. I worked with junior/senior high youth for over 20 years and I saw for myself how this is true. It's not only the gadgets, it's the schools and parents. I personally know that in my area, if a kid is involved in a major sport, it is almost all consuming. In my area, the parents have allowed the schools to totally take over and make it almost impossilble for, what we used to call, family time. Then you have parents who insist that their kids be involved in soccer, dance lessons, music - and the kid is exhausted. I saw this so many times and, in some instances, we need to let kids be kids and not live vicariously though them. That said, it does affect people entering any hobby because there isn't time or energy.
Now a word about cost - we have talked about this many times. If anyone out there is a golfer - and I do play - have you priced the latest driver, shirt, bag, set of irons, lessons, not to mention green fees? In northern Michigan, depending on the time of year and course, these fees can be well over $125. If you want the latest and greatest, it is a very expensive sport and when you live in Michigan, the season lasts for about 7 months. So, I know we get concerned about cost, so look at some other activities and we are not alone.
Please don't think I am ranting, but we need to understand that the world has changed - it's not late father's time anymore.
The OP said - 'we need to do something about this.' My question is, what are we doing as individuals to promote interest in the hobby in younger people? I think we all have a responsibility to do just that. When is the last time anyone of us invited some 'younger people' from the neighborhood over to see and help run the trains? When was the last time one of us talked to a group including a 'show and tell?' When was the last time MR ran a feature article about a young person's layout? When was the last time a LHS hobby shop had a kids day?
I go back to my golfing example - younger people that play golf were encouraged to play - most of the time by family members or friends. They were given clubs at an early age and if they broke something, no big deal. It was fixed and everyone moved on. I think we need to take a lesson, look at what we are doing and understand that we bear part of the responsibility for promoting the hobby and developing interests in other people.
There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.....
I have bought a loop of Atlas Tru-Track from ModelTrainstuff, an Athearn Blue Box GP40-2 off Ebay and several freight cars and a Bachmann DC Power Pack at a Train Show. All told I spent about $125.00 on the above and gave this to my 9 year old Grandson who has shown some interest in Model railroading. Next time I see him, I will build an Athearn Blue Box Kit with him, hoping to inspire interest in building models in him.
Beyond doing the above, I don't know what more we as Model Railroaders can do!
I can assure you that R/C Airplanes is suffering through the same situation as Model Railroading and interest in that hobby is also dwindling.
My opinion is that Modeling in general is struggling and I think all the RTR stuff isn't helping! For me, the fact that so many of you are willing to cough-up $30.00 for a RTR Freight car, $60.00 for RTR passenger cars and hundreds on RTR locomotives is part and parcel to the current situation! By not having an interest in building these things, you have gutted the hobby of more than 50% of the enjoyment!
You can disagree with my opinion, and so, what else is new? However, I'd request that instead of your espousing your disagreement with me, over my opinions, come up with your own independent opinions on how to create renewed interest in the modeling hobbies!
I agree with many of the other posters, many of the younger gen's have other interests concurrently. They'll get back to MR-ing eventually. I am 25 and still model off and on. I don't have a layout, but I go to a show or two every year, and still build structures and freight cars (yes I actually build them, not RTR), all while working full time, and still enjoying other things like traveling and weightlifting. MR-ing is just one piece of a larger puzzle.
Modeling whatever I can make out of that stash of kits that takes up half my apartment's spare bedroom.
cmulligan01 One thing I've noticed both attending shows and being in a train club (before moving and poor health prevented me from joining another one) is how unfriendly and unapproachable many modelers seem. I can't count the number of times I've seen somebody interested at a show ask a question and get frowned out. When a kid asks a man old enough to be his grandfather something and gets a frown and the body language of "you're bothering me" that doesn't help anybody.
One thing I've noticed both attending shows and being in a train club (before moving and poor health prevented me from joining another one) is how unfriendly and unapproachable many modelers seem. I can't count the number of times I've seen somebody interested at a show ask a question and get frowned out. When a kid asks a man old enough to be his grandfather something and gets a frown and the body language of "you're bothering me" that doesn't help anybody.
While I get your point, it is beyond unrealistic to expect every vender at a train show, or every random modeler at a club or open house to be the "Scout leader, grandfather, mentor" of today's youth.
Not everybody "loves" children general, or wishes to interact on that level with them.
I love my grandchildren, but to be honest, after raising three kids and three step kids, I'm pretty full up on the kid thing. I'm not the school teacher type, or the Scout leader type - like the elder Dr. Jones said in the movie - "you left just when you started to be interesting".
Now if a 15 year old wants to sit next to me and learn how to build a Silver Streak wood kit, I might be up for that. I was rather experianced at them by that age.
eagle1030 The railroads have all but dropped from the public eye, and therefore fewer youths care to learn about them.
Actually, I wouldn't say that "railroads have all but dropped from the public eye." In fact, there are more of them today that there were 25 years ago. Yes many freight railroads have merged or been absorbed over the last quarter century,but trains as a whole are running more often than they used to.
The biggest change are commuter rail operations - nearly every large metropolitan area has a commuter rail system or is planning one. Commuter rail systems are the new passenger roads. Thousands of people ride them every day to and from work. They are VERY visible in the public eye.
In many corridors, Amtrak has seen a rise in ridership, particularly in the east and west coasts.
In other corridors, high speed rail is a current topic. Also, many cities boast light rail, heavy rail and/or streetcar operations, and more are being built. Not too many of them were around 25 years ago.
And though there are only four major railroads in the US, international trade has brought on an increase of freight traffic, especially intermodal traffic.
Time, money, or space. Seems like we always have to pick 2.
I'm just getting back into the hobby after a long absence (but I did buy a PS3 and other toys in that time). It does help to have the extra disposable income to immediately plunk down serious change for something you really want. Still no space for a real layout yet, but currently building up the fleet.
eagle1030 . . .As a youth. . .I lack what the majority of model railroaders have - disposable time and a disposable income. . .
. . .As a youth. . .I lack what the majority of model railroaders have - disposable time and a disposable income. . .
I, too, can't wait until I am old enough to have both. (I turn 53 on Tuesday.)