Any young (30 somethings) Model railroaders ??

[Anonymous]

Alot of the postings I read are from older gentlemen. I was wondering if anybody out there is in their 30's?? I am 32, with 3 kids, I don't run into many modelers my age, and I was hopping to know what this age group is in to. I model Great Northern/Canadian National at about the tranisition era( I favor steam)HO, DCC. The funny thing is I have never really seen that many Prototype Trains. I have always modeled..cars,milatary,RC. But my Fathers love of trains got me into the hobby!! and now my older Brother has gotten the bug!!!

PJS from N.J.[:D][:p]

[MAbruce]

I’m in my thirties too.

I started in N-scale as a kid, which is something that amazed my parents. They initially thought it was too small a scale for me to start with, but I took to it with no problems. I guess the model railroading gene came from my grandfather, and skipped a generation to me. He was a rather serious O scale modeler.

I modeled as I could until I was around 20, and then everything went into limbo for about 15 years. I started back into the hobby three years ago when my oldest son found my MRR boxes and it rekindled my interest. I’ve since managed to build medium sized layout, but it has been a slow process. Most of my old stuff was junk, and needed to be replaced or upgraded. While there have been many incredible advances in quality and selection since my early modeling years, the cost (in my opinion) has unfortunately advanced well beyond what it should have. This has been the main factor (besides time) that has hindered my participation in this hobby.

The main road I model is N&W in the 60’s, but as my layout is a fictitious area in the east, several different roads come through. I’m not picky, and am just having fun while developing and honing my modeling skills. Its all to prepare myself to build that mega layout sometime in the future! [:D]

[MAbruce]

I’m in my thirties too.

I started in N-scale as a kid, which is something that amazed my parents. They initially thought it was too small a scale for me to start with, but I took to it with no problems. I guess the model railroading gene came from my grandfather, and skipped a generation to me. He was a rather serious O scale modeler.

I modeled as I could until I was around 20, and then everything went into limbo for about 15 years. I started back into the hobby three years ago when my oldest son found my MRR boxes and it rekindled my interest. I’ve since managed to build medium sized layout, but it has been a slow process. Most of my old stuff was junk, and needed to be replaced or upgraded. While there have been many incredible advances in quality and selection since my early modeling years, the cost (in my opinion) has unfortunately advanced well beyond what it should have. This has been the main factor (besides time) that has hindered my participation in this hobby.

The main road I model is N&W in the 60’s, but as my layout is a fictitious area in the east, several different roads come through. I’m not picky, and am just having fun while developing and honing my modeling skills. Its all to prepare myself to build that mega layout sometime in the future! [:D]

[Anonymous]

You would be suprised by the HUGE age spead in this hobbie! Im 25 and felt the exact same way. I dont know of any friends (my age) that are active in the hobbie. Not that they all had no intrest in trains, just not enough to get into the hobbie. A few of them helped me build a table and go to the shows & stores to pickup new toys but they where not buying anything for them selfs. After going to a few shows and a few hobbie shops, I started to relise that there realy is no "age specific" guidelines. The scarry thing I keep finding is that some of these 50+ yr olds are more a "Big kid" then I am! [:p]

I seen and talk to many people in ALL age groups.......Its the kids I worry about. I see them at the shows and the hobbie shops, but it seems that there is less of an appeal to a big noisy machine compared to Playstation 2. tv, & computers (How ironic). Dont get me wrong, there is ALOT of kids that have an intrest to trains. If the parents will take that extra time to see & encourage them, then the the future looks good for this hobbie. I dont want to be the last of a dying breed when I turn 60! YOUR NOT ALONE![^]

[Anonymous]

You would be suprised by the HUGE age spead in this hobbie! Im 25 and felt the exact same way. I dont know of any friends (my age) that are active in the hobbie. Not that they all had no intrest in trains, just not enough to get into the hobbie. A few of them helped me build a table and go to the shows & stores to pickup new toys but they where not buying anything for them selfs. After going to a few shows and a few hobbie shops, I started to relise that there realy is no "age specific" guidelines. The scarry thing I keep finding is that some of these 50+ yr olds are more a "Big kid" then I am! [:p]

I seen and talk to many people in ALL age groups.......Its the kids I worry about. I see them at the shows and the hobbie shops, but it seems that there is less of an appeal to a big noisy machine compared to Playstation 2. tv, & computers (How ironic). Dont get me wrong, there is ALOT of kids that have an intrest to trains. If the parents will take that extra time to see & encourage them, then the the future looks good for this hobbie. I dont want to be the last of a dying breed when I turn 60! YOUR NOT ALONE![^]

[Anonymous]

Well I'm only 21. I suppose that makes me the baby of this thread.

[Anonymous]

Well I'm only 21. I suppose that makes me the baby of this thread.

[BentnoseWillie]

See my profile - age 32. Picture of my kid there too!

I've been modelling since I was 6 years old, and got more serious about it after around age 13. I've had trains all that time, and started approaching railway models as seriously as my other modelling around 1990.

[BentnoseWillie]

See my profile - age 32. Picture of my kid there too!

I've been modelling since I was 6 years old, and got more serious about it after around age 13. I've had trains all that time, and started approaching railway models as seriously as my other modelling around 1990.

[GerFust]

I'm 37, have been in the hobby since middle school. I have yet to create a running layout that actually worked, though. At some point I'm going to have to stop designing them and build one. To keep engaged until I have a big block of time to do benchwork I'm going to start creating the buildings for the layout and getting the rolling stock ready.

[GerFust]

I'm 37, have been in the hobby since middle school. I have yet to create a running layout that actually worked, though. At some point I'm going to have to stop designing them and build one. To keep engaged until I have a big block of time to do benchwork I'm going to start creating the buildings for the layout and getting the rolling stock ready.

[Anonymous]

"How Old Are You?" was a recent thread in the Atlas HO forum. I was actually surprised at how young the responded were as I equate HO as the "old farts" scale. By the way, I'm 55 but in N scale. N scaler's tend to be a younger crowd on "average."

I equated the youth in the HO forum to computer use and the internet which skews responses to younger people (who feel more comfortable with a computer and the internet).

There were a number in the HO forum in their 30's.

To get a feel for the "youth" statistic, if you look at the number of posts in the HO and N scale forums at Atlas, usually there are more N scale posts than HO. When you consider that N scalers are any where from 15 to 20% of HO modellers, that's a lot more activity out of N scaler's than HO. Why? Well, I think it is because N scalers on younger on average and thus use the computer more.

[Anonymous]

"How Old Are You?" was a recent thread in the Atlas HO forum. I was actually surprised at how young the responded were as I equate HO as the "old farts" scale. By the way, I'm 55 but in N scale. N scaler's tend to be a younger crowd on "average."

I equated the youth in the HO forum to computer use and the internet which skews responses to younger people (who feel more comfortable with a computer and the internet).

There were a number in the HO forum in their 30's.

To get a feel for the "youth" statistic, if you look at the number of posts in the HO and N scale forums at Atlas, usually there are more N scale posts than HO. When you consider that N scalers are any where from 15 to 20% of HO modellers, that's a lot more activity out of N scaler's than HO. Why? Well, I think it is because N scalers on younger on average and thus use the computer more.

[Anonymous]

Well, I'm in my late 30s and I have been waiting to build a dream layout for about fifteen years. It has taken me that long since college to get a home with enough space to consider a layout large enough to support the operations I want to do. Now I am in the serious planning stage and expect to "break ground" in six months or so. Up till now, I have been reading everything about layout construction and track planning I can find and building cars and structures. Soon it will be time to get down to serious business. - Ed

[Anonymous]

Well, I'm in my late 30s and I have been waiting to build a dream layout for about fifteen years. It has taken me that long since college to get a home with enough space to consider a layout large enough to support the operations I want to do. Now I am in the serious planning stage and expect to "break ground" in six months or so. Up till now, I have been reading everything about layout construction and track planning I can find and building cars and structures. Soon it will be time to get down to serious business. - Ed

[RicHamilton]

I was in it when I was a kid. My father built a 4x8 without scenery which I really enjoyed. I then lost interest around the age of twelve and sold or gave away everything. When I was grocery shopping at the age of 29, I happened to see a set about 6 years ago. My wife bought it for me for Christmas and I have been hooked again evere since. Just with two small kids, money is a little tight to buy extravagant items but I make do. Some modules for a local club, nice locos and rolling stock, just no layout.

Ric
Berwick, NS

[RicHamilton]

I was in it when I was a kid. My father built a 4x8 without scenery which I really enjoyed. I then lost interest around the age of twelve and sold or gave away everything. When I was grocery shopping at the age of 29, I happened to see a set about 6 years ago. My wife bought it for me for Christmas and I have been hooked again evere since. Just with two small kids, money is a little tight to buy extravagant items but I make do. Some modules for a local club, nice locos and rolling stock, just no layout.

Ric
Berwick, NS

[Kent]

36, got back in to trains last year, March 2003. Used to be HO when I was a kid, but now N scale and DCC.
And since I have no social life I spend too much time in the forus. I'm getting more depressed...

[Kent]

36, got back in to trains last year, March 2003. Used to be HO when I was a kid, but now N scale and DCC.
And since I have no social life I spend too much time in the forus. I'm getting more depressed...

[Anonymous]

I turned 37 last week--nice to know that I'm considered young somewhere.

Similar story--had HO trains when I was around 12-13, lost interest, got back into the hobby a couple of years ago. I thought I could use my old HO stuff, so I stuck with HO rather than switch to N, but it turned out to be junk and I had to buy all new stuff.

Gary

[Anonymous]

I turned 37 last week--nice to know that I'm considered young somewhere.

Similar story--had HO trains when I was around 12-13, lost interest, got back into the hobby a couple of years ago. I thought I could use my old HO stuff, so I stuck with HO rather than switch to N, but it turned out to be junk and I had to buy all new stuff.

Gary

[GDRMCo]

I'm 11

[GDRMCo]

I'm 11

[wp8thsub]

I'm 34, currently modeling pre-merger (about 1978-1982) Western Pacific. I try to encourage participation by younger modelers in my operating sessions, and have a regular operator who is 25 and another who's 11. The remaining crew members are scattered throughout the age range from my age up to around 60.

If my crew is any indication, experience and competence at modeling don't correlate with age. One guy of around 57 is just getting into building his first layout, while I've been at it since age 6 (28 years). The rest of the operators likewise vary widely. Hosting op sessions is like having an informal club where a cross section of modelers find common ground in having a good time running trains. It's a great way to help young or armchair modelers maintain interest since they can come over and operate once a month even if thay aren't actively modeling at home due to time or financial constraints.

[wp8thsub]

I'm 34, currently modeling pre-merger (about 1978-1982) Western Pacific. I try to encourage participation by younger modelers in my operating sessions, and have a regular operator who is 25 and another who's 11. The remaining crew members are scattered throughout the age range from my age up to around 60.

If my crew is any indication, experience and competence at modeling don't correlate with age. One guy of around 57 is just getting into building his first layout, while I've been at it since age 6 (28 years). The rest of the operators likewise vary widely. Hosting op sessions is like having an informal club where a cross section of modelers find common ground in having a good time running trains. It's a great way to help young or armchair modelers maintain interest since they can come over and operate once a month even if thay aren't actively modeling at home due to time or financial constraints.

[Anonymous]

I'm 38 and I model in the railroads that served Kansas City Union Station from '68-'70 in HO scale. My good friend is 36 and Models Amtrak in the late '80's to early '90's. Have been modeling since Junior high and seriously since my mid 20's. I have currently left the local modular club and am trying to establish a new modular club using Fre-mo standards. Any body living in NE Kansas, NW Missori interested?[:D]

[Anonymous]

I'm 38 and I model in the railroads that served Kansas City Union Station from '68-'70 in HO scale. My good friend is 36 and Models Amtrak in the late '80's to early '90's. Have been modeling since Junior high and seriously since my mid 20's. I have currently left the local modular club and am trying to establish a new modular club using Fre-mo standards. Any body living in NE Kansas, NW Missori interested?[:D]

[Anonymous]

I'm only 17, and I'd like to have an opportunity to model, but there isn't enough time for me to do what I want to do (in regards to modeling).

[Anonymous]

I'm only 17, and I'd like to have an opportunity to model, but there isn't enough time for me to do what I want to do (in regards to modeling).

[Anonymous]

Well i'm 57 and i can tell you from experiance, that your not kid until you turn 50. LONG LIVE 50+ YEAR OLD KIDS, YAAAAAA[:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:D]

[Anonymous]

Well i'm 57 and i can tell you from experiance, that your not kid until you turn 50. LONG LIVE 50+ YEAR OLD KIDS, YAAAAAA[:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:p][:D]

[Anonymous]

I'm 36,nice to know I'm still young! [:)] My main focus
is L&N '75 to '82 with some Southern. Also model Nashville Chattanooga
& St. Louis and Tennessee Central . HO scale with DCC. Had a ten year
break . Modeling again, sure do enjoy all the smooth running engines and
other products.
Harry

[Anonymous]

I'm 36,nice to know I'm still young! [:)] My main focus
is L&N '75 to '82 with some Southern. Also model Nashville Chattanooga
& St. Louis and Tennessee Central . HO scale with DCC. Had a ten year
break . Modeling again, sure do enjoy all the smooth running engines and
other products.
Harry

[Anonymous]

Just think of the fun you're going to have when turn into a 50+ year old kid[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:)][:)][:)][:p][:p][:p][:p]

[Anonymous]

Just think of the fun you're going to have when turn into a 50+ year old kid[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:)][:)][:)][:p][:p][:p][:p]

[Anonymous]

37 next month, been really "into" model railroading since 1982, but have loved trains since I can remember. I agree that sometimes it feels as though there's hardly any of us "young" guys out there. I also have to say that, with few exceptions, the older generation has not done as much as they could to promote the hobby to us newer ones. At least that's been my experience. I've done N, HO, O (Lionel-type) scales. Favorite railroads are the New England ones, mostly diesel-era but I also enjoy reading about the transistion-era in books written by and for the baby-boomer generation.

[Anonymous]

37 next month, been really "into" model railroading since 1982, but have loved trains since I can remember. I agree that sometimes it feels as though there's hardly any of us "young" guys out there. I also have to say that, with few exceptions, the older generation has not done as much as they could to promote the hobby to us newer ones. At least that's been my experience. I've done N, HO, O (Lionel-type) scales. Favorite railroads are the New England ones, mostly diesel-era but I also enjoy reading about the transistion-era in books written by and for the baby-boomer generation.

[Anonymous]

im 17 and model southern pacific and any railroad accosiated with the SP and i live in australia so i only get to see pics of sp trains , i HATE austeralian trains and they go right by me backdoor step

[Anonymous]

im 17 and model southern pacific and any railroad accosiated with the SP and i live in australia so i only get to see pics of sp trains , i HATE austeralian trains and they go right by me backdoor step

[Anonymous]

I dont think age would decide scale. I would prefer O. I use HO. I have used N. I think scale is more about real world concerns like space and money.

[Anonymous]

I dont think age would decide scale. I would prefer O. I use HO. I have used N. I think scale is more about real world concerns like space and money.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MAbruce

I’m in my thirties too.

I started in N-scale as a kid, which is something that amazed my parents.

... *snip* ...

The main road I model is N&W in the 60’s, but as my layout is a fictitious area in the east, several different roads come through. I’m not picky, and am just having fun while developing and honing my modeling skills. Its all to prepare myself to build that mega layout sometime in the future! [:D]

I am 32 and I model the Norfolk & Western in 1971-72. Which means that you and I have very similar interests! Assuming, of course, you're still in N-scale (you did not specify). Got any second generation high-hoods you want to get rid of?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MAbruce

I’m in my thirties too.

I started in N-scale as a kid, which is something that amazed my parents.

... *snip* ...

The main road I model is N&W in the 60’s, but as my layout is a fictitious area in the east, several different roads come through. I’m not picky, and am just having fun while developing and honing my modeling skills. Its all to prepare myself to build that mega layout sometime in the future! [:D]

I am 32 and I model the Norfolk & Western in 1971-72. Which means that you and I have very similar interests! Assuming, of course, you're still in N-scale (you did not specify). Got any second generation high-hoods you want to get rid of?

[Anonymous]

26 and got back into the hobby 8 months ago after a 12 year hiatus.

[Anonymous]

26 and got back into the hobby 8 months ago after a 12 year hiatus.

[CP5415]

I'm 35. Started when I was 12. Left when I was 15, & returned at 29. Here to stay in HO
Scale.

[CP5415]

I'm 35. Started when I was 12. Left when I was 15, & returned at 29. Here to stay in HO
Scale.

[Anonymous]

I'm 32 I started modelrailroading when I was 6 and stayed with it until 22, then I switched to building Amour (1/35) then I decided that wasn't challenging enough and switched to building 1/25 cars. Now I'm just buying my own place and found a good sized room for the model railroad (it was in storage for all those years) so in the next couple months it's going to start all over again! Oh yeah I model Canadian National and Canadian Pacific in the mid 50's. And I'm in HO.

[Anonymous]

I'm 32 I started modelrailroading when I was 6 and stayed with it until 22, then I switched to building Amour (1/35) then I decided that wasn't challenging enough and switched to building 1/25 cars. Now I'm just buying my own place and found a good sized room for the model railroad (it was in storage for all those years) so in the next couple months it's going to start all over again! Oh yeah I model Canadian National and Canadian Pacific in the mid 50's. And I'm in HO.

[Anonymous]

Welcome back[:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

Welcome back[:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

Well, I'm only 16 (I'll be 17 on Aug. 26), so I guess I'm pretty young. It's nice to see that there are other people my age involved in the hobby. I have a very large HO layout (nothing good enough to get into MR, but it suits me) and collection. I also love prewar and postwar toy trains such as Lionel, etc. and have a big layout for them. I guess I have a foot in both worlds. I have no interest in N scale (too small), although I would like to have one of those neat coffee table layouts. I don't have any friends in the hobby that are my own age, they're all older. I think most people at school who know who I am (whether they would say anything or not) think I'm totaly insane (maybe they're right, but if loving model trains makes you crazy, I don't want sane). Hopefully more young people will get involved. I can rattle on for hours about trains, but I don't even know how to turn on a Playstation, let alone use one! I have more intelligent things to worry about (like the next train I'm going to buy).

[Anonymous]

Well, I'm only 16 (I'll be 17 on Aug. 26), so I guess I'm pretty young. It's nice to see that there are other people my age involved in the hobby. I have a very large HO layout (nothing good enough to get into MR, but it suits me) and collection. I also love prewar and postwar toy trains such as Lionel, etc. and have a big layout for them. I guess I have a foot in both worlds. I have no interest in N scale (too small), although I would like to have one of those neat coffee table layouts. I don't have any friends in the hobby that are my own age, they're all older. I think most people at school who know who I am (whether they would say anything or not) think I'm totaly insane (maybe they're right, but if loving model trains makes you crazy, I don't want sane). Hopefully more young people will get involved. I can rattle on for hours about trains, but I don't even know how to turn on a Playstation, let alone use one! I have more intelligent things to worry about (like the next train I'm going to buy).

[Anonymous]

This is my first post here!

I'm 33, and just getting back into model railroading after a long break. I've been spending time collecting Star Wars toys for years. I'm finally selling all the newer stuff (the old stuff has too many memories for me to part with it) in order to pay some bills, and begin on my new model railroad.

I have a full basement - and lots of stuff is gonna get thrown out. :) This will open up room for me build. I plan on doing a short line, freelanced, set in the 1920's (or so). I love the styles of that time period.

I hope to see you all around the forums here.

Rob

[Anonymous]

This is my first post here!

I'm 33, and just getting back into model railroading after a long break. I've been spending time collecting Star Wars toys for years. I'm finally selling all the newer stuff (the old stuff has too many memories for me to part with it) in order to pay some bills, and begin on my new model railroad.

I have a full basement - and lots of stuff is gonna get thrown out. :) This will open up room for me build. I plan on doing a short line, freelanced, set in the 1920's (or so). I love the styles of that time period.

I hope to see you all around the forums here.

Rob

[Paul3]

I'm 28, and I've been in model railroading since before I was born. [:)]

My father has been a model railroader since the 1950's, if not before, and I've just grown up with trains and model trains as far back as I can remember.

I "seriously" got into the hobby in 1990 at the age of 15. That's the year my father and I joined a local club (I as a junior member) with whom we are still with (South Shore Model Railway Club, Inc., of Hingham, MA. Est. 1938).

Said club has at least 6 members under 40 out of 55 members, but then we only have about 16 retirees. Most of our members are in the 40 to 60 year age range.

Paul A. Cutler III
*****************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
*****************

[Paul3]

I'm 28, and I've been in model railroading since before I was born. [:)]

My father has been a model railroader since the 1950's, if not before, and I've just grown up with trains and model trains as far back as I can remember.

I "seriously" got into the hobby in 1990 at the age of 15. That's the year my father and I joined a local club (I as a junior member) with whom we are still with (South Shore Model Railway Club, Inc., of Hingham, MA. Est. 1938).

Said club has at least 6 members under 40 out of 55 members, but then we only have about 16 retirees. Most of our members are in the 40 to 60 year age range.

Paul A. Cutler III
*****************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
*****************

[Anonymous]

Im 27 and have been a train enthusiast since I was 7. My neighbor had a train layout that I was able to run from time to time and have been a big modeler since then. Now I have a lot of Athearn HO scale trains that I plan on running in the next month or so. I have bought so many trains and building, but have never had any space to put up a layout. Im looking forward to it.

[Anonymous]

Im 27 and have been a train enthusiast since I was 7. My neighbor had a train layout that I was able to run from time to time and have been a big modeler since then. Now I have a lot of Athearn HO scale trains that I plan on running in the next month or so. I have bought so many trains and building, but have never had any space to put up a layout. Im looking forward to it.

[Anonymous]

Hello all,
I am 35 and been back in the hobby since 1998.I model modern CSX in "N".I also use DCC(great invention).
I to am glad to be considered young.
Happy modeling to all,
Jeff

[Anonymous]

Hello all,
I am 35 and been back in the hobby since 1998.I model modern CSX in "N".I also use DCC(great invention).
I to am glad to be considered young.
Happy modeling to all,
Jeff

[MAbruce]

QUOTE:

I am 32 and I model the Norfolk & Western in 1971-72. Which means that you and I have very similar interests! Assuming, of course, you're still in N-scale (you did not specify). Got any second generation high-hoods you want to get rid of?

Is there such a thing as having too many highhoods? [;)]

I actually only have one (LL SD7), and a low hood Geep (GP20). I hope to eventually acquire a couple of Atlas SD35's (gold lettered).

But there are more N&W locos on the way! Atlas will be releasing a N&W Trainmaster in November, and Lifelike has an Alco C424/425 on the way!

[MAbruce]

QUOTE:

I am 32 and I model the Norfolk & Western in 1971-72. Which means that you and I have very similar interests! Assuming, of course, you're still in N-scale (you did not specify). Got any second generation high-hoods you want to get rid of?

Is there such a thing as having too many highhoods? [;)]

I actually only have one (LL SD7), and a low hood Geep (GP20). I hope to eventually acquire a couple of Atlas SD35's (gold lettered).

But there are more N&W locos on the way! Atlas will be releasing a N&W Trainmaster in November, and Lifelike has an Alco C424/425 on the way!

[Hakuhatsu]

I'll be 30 in 2006 and have been a Model Railroader since I was 10 (train lover as long as I can remember). Just starting a new layout as we speak, HO scale, freelanced shortline. It's a modular layout, designed to go with me when I move out... two modules 2.5 x 6 foot each. Going to be the grand experiment before I start working on the next (hopefully more perminant) one.

Life Like is going to make a C-424/5? SWEEEEEEEEEEEEET! I am there! Now, if only they'd make an RS-27. My road's going to be a Midwest ALCo. bastion (maybe a few GE, EMD or Baldwin units too).

Can empathise with some of the other posts here. I was the only guy in my class (maybe school) who was hard-core into trains. There was one other guy who had a model railroad, but he was more into aviation by the time we were in high school. Oh well, to each their own

[Hakuhatsu]

I'll be 30 in 2006 and have been a Model Railroader since I was 10 (train lover as long as I can remember). Just starting a new layout as we speak, HO scale, freelanced shortline. It's a modular layout, designed to go with me when I move out... two modules 2.5 x 6 foot each. Going to be the grand experiment before I start working on the next (hopefully more perminant) one.

Life Like is going to make a C-424/5? SWEEEEEEEEEEEEET! I am there! Now, if only they'd make an RS-27. My road's going to be a Midwest ALCo. bastion (maybe a few GE, EMD or Baldwin units too).

Can empathise with some of the other posts here. I was the only guy in my class (maybe school) who was hard-core into trains. There was one other guy who had a model railroad, but he was more into aviation by the time we were in high school. Oh well, to each their own

[Bergie]

I'm 32 and have followed the same path as many others in this thread. I got into model railroading as a kid (probably 6 with an N scale Postage Stamp set). Got my first subscription to MR at age 8, and remained in the hobby and happy with Tyco trains until I was about 13 or 14. Looking back, it's a wonder that the severe lack of quality of my early HO scale ventures didn't drive me out of the hobby. Locomotives that went from zero to 100 miles per hour in the blink of an eye. Whoa! [:D]

Then it hit... girls, sports, girls, etc. Model railroading couldn't compete, especially since the only friend who had interest in it moved when I was 12. Lost interest until I got out of college and moved to Milwaukee (to remain close to my college sweetheart who was from the Milwaukee-area). In the following year, her father, my future father-in-law, showed me some of his old copies of MR. We started talking about the hobby and he reminded me that Kalmbach was located in the Milwaukee area. I applied and got my first job at Kalmbach in 1994. I got my first byline in MR in the March 1997 issue and have been involved in the hobby ever since.

The only thing that has taken me away from the hobby (besides the birth of my first child) is an occassional departure for my other hobby... woodworking.

It's funny - or maybe sad - model railroading and woodworking are very similar. You need to use a lot of the same skills to create something from next to nothing. However, if I have guests to my house and show them what I've built (cherry night stands, a wine cabinet that I made by "barrowing" the plan from a Restoration Hardware wine cabinet, etc.), they think it's amazing and they're very impressed that I can do that. That's not just the women, either. Men think the same thing, which is another rant for another time. (Why can't some people just put their mind to it and do something? Life is all about trial and error. Make a mistake and learn from it, don't sit on the sidelines and rot your ability!) ANYWAY, people are amazed that I can build beautiful furniture. But if I show them anything model railroading related, they're not nearly impressed. I think the hobby has a huge image problem that's tough to get over. Instead of being considered craftsman like a woodworker, we're considered overgrown kids.[:(!]

I also don't have any friends my age (outside of Kalmbach) that are model railroaders. I worry about some of my friends. I know they don't have any hobbies - beside golf or other sports maybe. I wonder just how much television they must watch. Yikes!

Oh well... keep your chin up you "early-aged" model railroaders. [8D] This is the greatest hobby under the sun and you're making a lot better use of your time than watching the latest reality TV show. [^]

[Bergie]

I'm 32 and have followed the same path as many others in this thread. I got into model railroading as a kid (probably 6 with an N scale Postage Stamp set). Got my first subscription to MR at age 8, and remained in the hobby and happy with Tyco trains until I was about 13 or 14. Looking back, it's a wonder that the severe lack of quality of my early HO scale ventures didn't drive me out of the hobby. Locomotives that went from zero to 100 miles per hour in the blink of an eye. Whoa! [:D]

Then it hit... girls, sports, girls, etc. Model railroading couldn't compete, especially since the only friend who had interest in it moved when I was 12. Lost interest until I got out of college and moved to Milwaukee (to remain close to my college sweetheart who was from the Milwaukee-area). In the following year, her father, my future father-in-law, showed me some of his old copies of MR. We started talking about the hobby and he reminded me that Kalmbach was located in the Milwaukee area. I applied and got my first job at Kalmbach in 1994. I got my first byline in MR in the March 1997 issue and have been involved in the hobby ever since.

The only thing that has taken me away from the hobby (besides the birth of my first child) is an occassional departure for my other hobby... woodworking.

It's funny - or maybe sad - model railroading and woodworking are very similar. You need to use a lot of the same skills to create something from next to nothing. However, if I have guests to my house and show them what I've built (cherry night stands, a wine cabinet that I made by "barrowing" the plan from a Restoration Hardware wine cabinet, etc.), they think it's amazing and they're very impressed that I can do that. That's not just the women, either. Men think the same thing, which is another rant for another time. (Why can't some people just put their mind to it and do something? Life is all about trial and error. Make a mistake and learn from it, don't sit on the sidelines and rot your ability!) ANYWAY, people are amazed that I can build beautiful furniture. But if I show them anything model railroading related, they're not nearly impressed. I think the hobby has a huge image problem that's tough to get over. Instead of being considered craftsman like a woodworker, we're considered overgrown kids.[:(!]

I also don't have any friends my age (outside of Kalmbach) that are model railroaders. I worry about some of my friends. I know they don't have any hobbies - beside golf or other sports maybe. I wonder just how much television they must watch. Yikes!

Oh well... keep your chin up you "early-aged" model railroaders. [8D] This is the greatest hobby under the sun and you're making a lot better use of your time than watching the latest reality TV show. [^]

[Anonymous]

I am 31 and got my HO first train when I was 5 or 6 for Christmas. I grew up watching the N&W run through Wallace VA. with my great-grand parents on their front porch when I was visiting. I got a little more into HO railroading through middle school. Interest came and went. During college, my interest in model railroading returned and has not let up. I model modern day Norfolk Southern, East Tennessee Railway, and some CSX. I also model my freelance Crystal Springs Logging Company. I have a deep interest in steam as well as logging railroads and any of NS's predecessor roads.

[Anonymous]

I am 31 and got my HO first train when I was 5 or 6 for Christmas. I grew up watching the N&W run through Wallace VA. with my great-grand parents on their front porch when I was visiting. I got a little more into HO railroading through middle school. Interest came and went. During college, my interest in model railroading returned and has not let up. I model modern day Norfolk Southern, East Tennessee Railway, and some CSX. I also model my freelance Crystal Springs Logging Company. I have a deep interest in steam as well as logging railroads and any of NS's predecessor roads.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by metromike

Well I'm only 21. I suppose that makes me the baby of this thread.

I'm 13 and I have modeled for 5 years but have only modeled my own for 2 months. That makes you a teenager.

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D] [:p][:p][:p][:p][:p] [;)][;)][;)][;)][;)] [8)][8)][8)][8)][8)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by metromike

Well I'm only 21. I suppose that makes me the baby of this thread.

I'm 13 and I have modeled for 5 years but have only modeled my own for 2 months. That makes you a teenager.

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D] [:p][:p][:p][:p][:p] [;)][;)][;)][;)][;)] [8)][8)][8)][8)][8)]

[Anonymous]

I'm 31 and have loved trains my entire life. I started collecting N scale equipment 2 years ago, and have accumulated about 120 locomotives for BNSF, ATSF, BN, and a couple UP and SP. Right now I am trying to figure out what to do for my first layout. I'm thinking about a switching layout to begin with, then plan ahead for the "dream layout" after I retire from the Navy in 7 years.
Also, the recent Penn Central debate on the Atlas N scale forum has me looking at PC stuff. Even though many despise PC, I like the look of grimy black engines. I've been thinking about modeling a mid-1970s timeframe, so PC might fit the bill. We'll see what happens!

[Anonymous]

I'm 31 and have loved trains my entire life. I started collecting N scale equipment 2 years ago, and have accumulated about 120 locomotives for BNSF, ATSF, BN, and a couple UP and SP. Right now I am trying to figure out what to do for my first layout. I'm thinking about a switching layout to begin with, then plan ahead for the "dream layout" after I retire from the Navy in 7 years.
Also, the recent Penn Central debate on the Atlas N scale forum has me looking at PC stuff. Even though many despise PC, I like the look of grimy black engines. I've been thinking about modeling a mid-1970s timeframe, so PC might fit the bill. We'll see what happens!

[BentnoseWillie]

Bergie - I get the same sort of response to my modelling projects. I found it helpful to show guests a project under construction before showing them the finished model, pointing out some of the finer fiddly bits.

[BentnoseWillie]

Bergie - I get the same sort of response to my modelling projects. I found it helpful to show guests a project under construction before showing them the finished model, pointing out some of the finer fiddly bits.

[emdgp92]

I'm 27, and have been into trains for many years.

[emdgp92]

I'm 27, and have been into trains for many years.

[Trainnut484]

I'm 32 and have been in the hobby since I was 8 when I received my first Bachmann HO set under the Christmas tree (I still have a few cars from that set). I truly feel that this is the best hobby when it comes to creativity and range. You can go from a simple 4 x 8 to a HUGE layout. Model the prototype or fictional (fantasy). Operate point to point or continous loop. Of course the various guages (O, G, HO, N, Z, narrow guages, etc). You can be a novice or master modeler. This is indeed the WORLD'S GREATEST HOBBY! [:D][:D][:D][:D][;)]

[Trainnut484]

I'm 32 and have been in the hobby since I was 8 when I received my first Bachmann HO set under the Christmas tree (I still have a few cars from that set). I truly feel that this is the best hobby when it comes to creativity and range. You can go from a simple 4 x 8 to a HUGE layout. Model the prototype or fictional (fantasy). Operate point to point or continous loop. Of course the various guages (O, G, HO, N, Z, narrow guages, etc). You can be a novice or master modeler. This is indeed the WORLD'S GREATEST HOBBY! [:D][:D][:D][:D][;)]

[Anonymous]

Hey well I am 22 and have just gotten back into it after an absence of 3 years or so. Good to be back

[Anonymous]

Hey well I am 22 and have just gotten back into it after an absence of 3 years or so. Good to be back

[jwixom]

i AM 35 and in nscale and modeling the Livonia Avon & lakeville RR. It in Lakeville,NY

[jwixom]

i AM 35 and in nscale and modeling the Livonia Avon & lakeville RR. It in Lakeville,NY

[Anonymous]

Great Day in the morning, is anyone on this here topic older than 37? I still say childhood starts at 50. All kidding aside, I think it's great that so many younger folks have found this hobby. I've been in it since 1953 and still think it's the greatest hobby in the world. So to those who are coming back after a long absence or those who are brand spanken new to it, I offer a hardy welcome back or welcome to, which ever applies to your individual case. Your about to embark on the greatest love affair of your life. Just remember MODEL RAILROADING is fun, and THAT is what it's all about. [:p][:p][:p][:p][:D][:D][:D][:D][:)][:)][:)][8D][8D][8D][8D][8D][8D][^][^][^]

[Anonymous]

Great Day in the morning, is anyone on this here topic older than 37? I still say childhood starts at 50. All kidding aside, I think it's great that so many younger folks have found this hobby. I've been in it since 1953 and still think it's the greatest hobby in the world. So to those who are coming back after a long absence or those who are brand spanken new to it, I offer a hardy welcome back or welcome to, which ever applies to your individual case. Your about to embark on the greatest love affair of your life. Just remember MODEL RAILROADING is fun, and THAT is what it's all about. [:p][:p][:p][:p][:D][:D][:D][:D][:)][:)][:)][8D][8D][8D][8D][8D][8D][^][^][^]

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm up here from Canada, and I'm 39. I've been casually collecting for years, and am now seriously planning a layout. My father had a simple layout on a 4 x8 and I guess that got my interest, but with my two young children's ( 5 and 3) natural interest in the big trains, it has renewed mine. I've been buying quite a bit of things lately with the layout construction approx. 2 years away, I have so many things to learn and do in the meantime. I constantly read Model Railroader and Craftsman magazine, as I find you can always learn and there are so many different ways to the end result!! Weathering and detailing the rolling stock and locomotives takes much of the time. I'm also working a bit on some buildings. The layout plan is for an area of about 25' x 8' so I have a good space to work in. Two years seams like a long way away, but I can see the amount of work ahead, just preparing for it.
Cheers all.
The hobby is alive and well.

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm up here from Canada, and I'm 39. I've been casually collecting for years, and am now seriously planning a layout. My father had a simple layout on a 4 x8 and I guess that got my interest, but with my two young children's ( 5 and 3) natural interest in the big trains, it has renewed mine. I've been buying quite a bit of things lately with the layout construction approx. 2 years away, I have so many things to learn and do in the meantime. I constantly read Model Railroader and Craftsman magazine, as I find you can always learn and there are so many different ways to the end result!! Weathering and detailing the rolling stock and locomotives takes much of the time. I'm also working a bit on some buildings. The layout plan is for an area of about 25' x 8' so I have a good space to work in. Two years seams like a long way away, but I can see the amount of work ahead, just preparing for it.
Cheers all.
The hobby is alive and well.

[Anonymous]

Heck i'm 12 and i'm into the hobbie full time.....

[Anonymous]

Heck i'm 12 and i'm into the hobbie full time.....

[dragenrider]

After reading all these posts, I don't feel so alone! I'm 35 and have been an HO scale modeler all my life. I grew up around the Missouri Pacific, so that's what I collect.

I've often wondered where this hobby will be in twenty years. I had feared for a while that we were about to see the decline of the hobby. However, new products keep coming, new authors keep popping up, and more "30 somethings" and younger keep adding their posts. I have renewed hope for the future of model railroading!

Happy Rails,
Randy
aka dragenrider

[dragenrider]

After reading all these posts, I don't feel so alone! I'm 35 and have been an HO scale modeler all my life. I grew up around the Missouri Pacific, so that's what I collect.

I've often wondered where this hobby will be in twenty years. I had feared for a while that we were about to see the decline of the hobby. However, new products keep coming, new authors keep popping up, and more "30 somethings" and younger keep adding their posts. I have renewed hope for the future of model railroading!

Happy Rails,
Randy
aka dragenrider

[jwar]

Hey.. Had troublel with my 50th birthday, so on that year I did 49 an degressen happly back to my youth. So now Im 39 again an sure doooo love this colum with us young-uns. Any how is not the age nor even the mileage, its what you enjoy and what one gets out of his life works.

[jwar]

Hey.. Had troublel with my 50th birthday, so on that year I did 49 an degressen happly back to my youth. So now Im 39 again an sure doooo love this colum with us young-uns. Any how is not the age nor even the mileage, its what you enjoy and what one gets out of his life works.

[dano99a]

This is good to know, around here I only know about 5 30-35 year old guys who model HO, the other 30+ folks are 50 and up. I'm 30 myself, I model in HO.

[dano99a]

This is good to know, around here I only know about 5 30-35 year old guys who model HO, the other 30+ folks are 50 and up. I'm 30 myself, I model in HO.

[Anonymous]

37 yo, working on my first big N scale layout. SP&S but I will allow SP, UP, GN, NP, and Milwaukie onto my tracks. I have noticed that there are others my age and younger, but I don't think we join the 'clubs' as much as the more senior members do and did.

[Anonymous]

37 yo, working on my first big N scale layout. SP&S but I will allow SP, UP, GN, NP, and Milwaukie onto my tracks. I have noticed that there are others my age and younger, but I don't think we join the 'clubs' as much as the more senior members do and did.

[vsmith]

39, for another month. In my heart of hearts, I still think I'm 18 (dont we all) Working in G gauge indoors (garage), takes up a lot of space for a but it has built in growth control, wont take over the living room like my friends N gauge layout did.

[vsmith]

39, for another month. In my heart of hearts, I still think I'm 18 (dont we all) Working in G gauge indoors (garage), takes up a lot of space for a but it has built in growth control, wont take over the living room like my friends N gauge layout did.

[Anonymous]

I'm 36 and glad to hear from some others. I know very few people close to my age that are truly active in the hobby. It concerns me a great deal....will this wonderful model railroad age we live in (with unprecedented products and innovations) dwindle steadily over the next 30 years due to shrinking numbers of participants? I sure hope not. I'm an ambassador for World's Greatest Hobby because I so believe in their approach, but I don't have a lot of venue opportunities. I have put together a couple of open houses to share what I'm doing, but I would welcome some more opportunities. By the way, I am in HO and have been building a layout for six years. It is circa 1985, freelanced and BN in the Dakotas moving grain from small town elevators. I love what I'm doing, but tight finances certainly keeps the progress very slow. That' all right though....I'm patient and it's all worth it in the end. It also allows our kids to learn about working hard and long to get to a desired point, and not having everything whenever you want it.

[Anonymous]

I'm 36 and glad to hear from some others. I know very few people close to my age that are truly active in the hobby. It concerns me a great deal....will this wonderful model railroad age we live in (with unprecedented products and innovations) dwindle steadily over the next 30 years due to shrinking numbers of participants? I sure hope not. I'm an ambassador for World's Greatest Hobby because I so believe in their approach, but I don't have a lot of venue opportunities. I have put together a couple of open houses to share what I'm doing, but I would welcome some more opportunities. By the way, I am in HO and have been building a layout for six years. It is circa 1985, freelanced and BN in the Dakotas moving grain from small town elevators. I love what I'm doing, but tight finances certainly keeps the progress very slow. That' all right though....I'm patient and it's all worth it in the end. It also allows our kids to learn about working hard and long to get to a desired point, and not having everything whenever you want it.

[Anonymous]

Well I'am 45 yrs. old got back into the hobby 12 yrs ago enjoyed ever since met some good people in the hobby once belong to a club to gain some knowledge of the hobby so when I build my layout will have the know -how .Wish I could have started earlier in my age but marriage & kids came now have grandkids so maybe I can get my grandson in the hobby once he gets older.

[Anonymous]

Well I'am 45 yrs. old got back into the hobby 12 yrs ago enjoyed ever since met some good people in the hobby once belong to a club to gain some knowledge of the hobby so when I build my layout will have the know -how .Wish I could have started earlier in my age but marriage & kids came now have grandkids so maybe I can get my grandson in the hobby once he gets older.

[JPowell]

32yrs old here. Married with 1 kid. Most of my money goes elsewhere than into my modeling, but then again, I am just starting out. My dad got me into this when I was about 13... at the time, he went out and got me a Brand new EL powered and dummy set... I'd like to say they were along the lines of SD-40's...could be wrong. All O scale as that's what he had left over from when he was a kid. Then about 7-8yrs ago, my mom had a garage sale and someone came looking for any train stuff she had. Well, she sent my brother into the basement to dig out all of that "old" O scale stuff, and sold it to the guy for $50.00. So, last Christmas, one of my uncle's got me a HO Bachmann starter set that I'm going to transform into my layout. Of course, I will be changing some of the equipment considering that I don't like the engine it came with.

[JPowell]

32yrs old here. Married with 1 kid. Most of my money goes elsewhere than into my modeling, but then again, I am just starting out. My dad got me into this when I was about 13... at the time, he went out and got me a Brand new EL powered and dummy set... I'd like to say they were along the lines of SD-40's...could be wrong. All O scale as that's what he had left over from when he was a kid. Then about 7-8yrs ago, my mom had a garage sale and someone came looking for any train stuff she had. Well, she sent my brother into the basement to dig out all of that "old" O scale stuff, and sold it to the guy for $50.00. So, last Christmas, one of my uncle's got me a HO Bachmann starter set that I'm going to transform into my layout. Of course, I will be changing some of the equipment considering that I don't like the engine it came with.

[eastcoast]

Yes. 31 in a few weeks. Married w/ kids. I model HO scale.
Been doing this for 18 years and love every day of it.

[eastcoast]

Yes. 31 in a few weeks. Married w/ kids. I model HO scale.
Been doing this for 18 years and love every day of it.

[ShaunCN]

I am 15 and model Cnadian National from the 1970s - present day period. Although I have only been modeling since January 2003, I have learned alot about trains and model railroading.
Keep those trains running!!!!!
ShaunCN

[ShaunCN]

I am 15 and model Cnadian National from the 1970s - present day period. Although I have only been modeling since January 2003, I have learned alot about trains and model railroading.
Keep those trains running!!!!!
ShaunCN

[cp1057]

I'm 39 and have been into HO for 9 years, not counting the train set stint as a kid. I model transition era for the variety and from my interest in rural Ontario history.

Cablebridge made an interesting point: I think many modelers don't get into the hobby until they have a home with a spare room or basement space to build a layout. However, Model Railroader has done a good job recently of promoting smaller, apartment size layouts. Had I seen those articles10-15 years ago, I may have been convinced back then.

Hey Emeraldisle: I hope I have your kind of spirit in my 50's!! Keep on chuggin!!

Charles
Hillsburgh Ontario

[cp1057]

I'm 39 and have been into HO for 9 years, not counting the train set stint as a kid. I model transition era for the variety and from my interest in rural Ontario history.

Cablebridge made an interesting point: I think many modelers don't get into the hobby until they have a home with a spare room or basement space to build a layout. However, Model Railroader has done a good job recently of promoting smaller, apartment size layouts. Had I seen those articles10-15 years ago, I may have been convinced back then.

Hey Emeraldisle: I hope I have your kind of spirit in my 50's!! Keep on chuggin!!

Charles
Hillsburgh Ontario

[swknox]

Hi everyone!!!

I'm only 22 and I have been hooked on model railroading since I was about 5 or 6. When you get that special train set for Christmas, thats something you won't forget. Mine was a Bachmann HO scale Santa Fe red and silver Warbonnet F7. That model doesn't compare to the great models of today but if I still had that model I would be using it somehow.

[swknox]

Hi everyone!!!

I'm only 22 and I have been hooked on model railroading since I was about 5 or 6. When you get that special train set for Christmas, thats something you won't forget. Mine was a Bachmann HO scale Santa Fe red and silver Warbonnet F7. That model doesn't compare to the great models of today but if I still had that model I would be using it somehow.

[CP5415]

Pushing 35 in 2 weeks. Been modeling seriously for 4 years now. Been in the hobby for 25 years.
I briefly modeled N but have stuck with HO.

Gordon

[CP5415]

Pushing 35 in 2 weeks. Been modeling seriously for 4 years now. Been in the hobby for 25 years.
I briefly modeled N but have stuck with HO.

Gordon

[Anonymous]

I'm 35. Married, 1 child. I have been in Model Railroading for 23 years. I have become rather serious of late with the conversion to Digitrax and the rebuilding of my locomotive fleet.

I am involved in other aspects of the hobby as well. I am the Archivist for the Missouri Pacific Historical Society. I also write modeling articles for the "Eagle" Magazine, that is published by the MoPac Historical Society. I have two other friends who are in their 30's and are avid Model Railroaders.

[Anonymous]

I'm 35. Married, 1 child. I have been in Model Railroading for 23 years. I have become rather serious of late with the conversion to Digitrax and the rebuilding of my locomotive fleet.

I am involved in other aspects of the hobby as well. I am the Archivist for the Missouri Pacific Historical Society. I also write modeling articles for the "Eagle" Magazine, that is published by the MoPac Historical Society. I have two other friends who are in their 30's and are avid Model Railroaders.

[krump]

QUOTE: Originally posted by metromike

Well I'm only 21. I suppose that makes me the baby of this thread.

but I see 34 as the number of posts by you[;)] - so i guess you're in.

I'm also in this group

[krump]

QUOTE: Originally posted by metromike

Well I'm only 21. I suppose that makes me the baby of this thread.

but I see 34 as the number of posts by you[;)] - so i guess you're in.

I'm also in this group

[scole100]

I am 37, I have been in the hobby since I was about 7. Always in HO. Like most people I took a break in my teens and twenties for cars/girls etc. I have been Back and involved for about the last dozen years. I am doing my best to get my kids interested, but it is a hard battle to get them away from the computer games. I tried railroad simulator, but that didn't work all that well either.

[scole100]

I am 37, I have been in the hobby since I was about 7. Always in HO. Like most people I took a break in my teens and twenties for cars/girls etc. I have been Back and involved for about the last dozen years. I am doing my best to get my kids interested, but it is a hard battle to get them away from the computer games. I tried railroad simulator, but that didn't work all that well either.

[Anonymous]

I'm 13, started at 12 and know a few people around thirty, but the funny thing is: I keep hearing about a model railroader there, a model railroader here, I can't find them. although I've found five, there are still more, don't be shy, if you see someone suspicious, (Someone with a railroad hat), ask 'em if they are a model railroader.

[Anonymous]

I'm 13, started at 12 and know a few people around thirty, but the funny thing is: I keep hearing about a model railroader there, a model railroader here, I can't find them. although I've found five, there are still more, don't be shy, if you see someone suspicious, (Someone with a railroad hat), ask 'em if they are a model railroader.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by loCAMotives

I'm 13, started at 12 and know a few people around thirty, but the funny thing is: I keep hearing about a model railroader there, a model railroader here, I can't find them. although I've found five, there are still more, don't be shy, if you see someone suspicious, (Someone with a railroad hat), ask 'em if they are a model railroader.

I'm 13, too. The problem with trying to model when I'm this young poses a problem for my wallet. I can't afford much. Hope to get my UP layout started soon.....[|)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by loCAMotives

I'm 13, started at 12 and know a few people around thirty, but the funny thing is: I keep hearing about a model railroader there, a model railroader here, I can't find them. although I've found five, there are still more, don't be shy, if you see someone suspicious, (Someone with a railroad hat), ask 'em if they are a model railroader.

I'm 13, too. The problem with trying to model when I'm this young poses a problem for my wallet. I can't afford much. Hope to get my UP layout started soon.....[|)]

[brothaslide]

I'm 38, been happily married for 13 years and have two wonderful daughters. I've modeled off and on since I was in grade school. I prefer Western Railroads such as SP, UP, SF (BNSF), & Rio Grande. I may be young but my knees are lower back don't feel so young.

[brothaslide]

I'm 38, been happily married for 13 years and have two wonderful daughters. I've modeled off and on since I was in grade school. I prefer Western Railroads such as SP, UP, SF (BNSF), & Rio Grande. I may be young but my knees are lower back don't feel so young.

[dave9999]

I'm 34, SOON to be 35 and got back in about two years ago after many years. Most of that time was
spent raising hell and partying. I've settle down now and spend alot of time working .I run my own
constuction business which keeps me busy. But I make time for my modeling. I'm working on my
second layout in two years. Gonna do it right this time. Hope to have major progress by the first
of the year. Dave

[dave9999]

I'm 34, SOON to be 35 and got back in about two years ago after many years. Most of that time was
spent raising hell and partying. I've settle down now and spend alot of time working .I run my own
constuction business which keeps me busy. But I make time for my modeling. I'm working on my
second layout in two years. Gonna do it right this time. Hope to have major progress by the first
of the year. Dave

[Anonymous]

I'm 26, soon to be 27, and have been actually modeling since I was 5. My dad modeled in HO scale already by the time I was born. He had a layout that was built in my room so it was just always there. He bought me my first engine when I was 5. It was an atlas GP38 in UP livery. I've modeled UP ever since. In fact, I still have that engine and it's in good working order.

He is big into Northern Pacific, SP&S, Great Northern, and Milwaukee Road. Basically, all the RRs he saw as a kid. He does the transition era from steam to diesel where I do mostly the modern ear, late 80's to early 90's. I like SD40-2s and GE dash 8s where he is more into F units and Northerns.

The layout I built with him while I was still at home was 16ft by 8ft and was a lot of fun. I left that behind with him of course when I went to college. I have only recently started building my own layout as I had 8 yrs of college to finish first.

I've been lucky enough to have girlfriends that have always been supportive of my hobbies as well, so that has never been an issue. I hope to have a family in the coming years and fully plan on sharing my hobby with the next generation. :)

Warren

[Anonymous]

I'm 26, soon to be 27, and have been actually modeling since I was 5. My dad modeled in HO scale already by the time I was born. He had a layout that was built in my room so it was just always there. He bought me my first engine when I was 5. It was an atlas GP38 in UP livery. I've modeled UP ever since. In fact, I still have that engine and it's in good working order.

He is big into Northern Pacific, SP&S, Great Northern, and Milwaukee Road. Basically, all the RRs he saw as a kid. He does the transition era from steam to diesel where I do mostly the modern ear, late 80's to early 90's. I like SD40-2s and GE dash 8s where he is more into F units and Northerns.

The layout I built with him while I was still at home was 16ft by 8ft and was a lot of fun. I left that behind with him of course when I went to college. I have only recently started building my own layout as I had 8 yrs of college to finish first.

I've been lucky enough to have girlfriends that have always been supportive of my hobbies as well, so that has never been an issue. I hope to have a family in the coming years and fully plan on sharing my hobby with the next generation. :)

Warren

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I'm 22.... still in the baby group.... I live on the old continent.... and i model both european and US trains in N scale....

I got the virus of railroad modeling from my dad.... but doing train since one or two years.... Before I used to build remote controlled boats and cars.

Bourkinafasso

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I'm 22.... still in the baby group.... I live on the old continent.... and i model both european and US trains in N scale....

I got the virus of railroad modeling from my dad.... but doing train since one or two years.... Before I used to build remote controlled boats and cars.

Bourkinafasso

[n2mopac]

This is great to hear. I am 35. I have been interested in trains from my earliest memories, having grown up near MoPac's Sedalia sub in west-central Missouri. I never had opportunity to get into modeling, however, until I was in my mid 20's. I have been modeling RR'ing for 10 years now. I dabbled in HO at frist because--well doesn't everyong--then found N scale. I was attracted to it at first because I could build it portable (I moved a lot at that point) and because I could do so much in a smaller space. My first small layout was a freelanced central Missouri town featuring MoPac in its UP merger era (1983-84, when I was in high school). This was familiar and fun. I am now constructing (benchword stage) my second layout, a 16'x17' layout of BNSF's Wichita Fall sub in north Texas (where I lived for 6 years in my 20's and 30's) set in Summer 2000. I love N scale now and would never go any other route. Well, that is me as a modeler in a nutshell.
Ron

[n2mopac]

This is great to hear. I am 35. I have been interested in trains from my earliest memories, having grown up near MoPac's Sedalia sub in west-central Missouri. I never had opportunity to get into modeling, however, until I was in my mid 20's. I have been modeling RR'ing for 10 years now. I dabbled in HO at frist because--well doesn't everyong--then found N scale. I was attracted to it at first because I could build it portable (I moved a lot at that point) and because I could do so much in a smaller space. My first small layout was a freelanced central Missouri town featuring MoPac in its UP merger era (1983-84, when I was in high school). This was familiar and fun. I am now constructing (benchword stage) my second layout, a 16'x17' layout of BNSF's Wichita Fall sub in north Texas (where I lived for 6 years in my 20's and 30's) set in Summer 2000. I love N scale now and would never go any other route. Well, that is me as a modeler in a nutshell.
Ron

[Anonymous]

I am 33 and model a HO freelanded, and yet unnamed, midwest class I mainline. My era is the early 1940's which poses quite a challenge since I was never alive for any of it.

I had been out of the hobby since I was in high school, and then college and small apartment, along with no money forced me to be an armchair modeler. I now have a job, a house with a basement, a wonderful and supporting wife and a two year old son. My boy absolutely loves to stand up on a chair and "watch daddy's trains".

We are planning a move to a bigger basement (with a house over it) in the next year so I have modeled a 2' x 11' modular switching layout that will become part of my bigger layout in the future...once I get the basement finished, that is.

It is good to hear there are all generation enjoying the hobby. I recently went to the Great American Train Show in St. Paul, MN and was surprised to see a lot of "30-somethings" shopping and just enjoying the trains.

[Anonymous]

I am 33 and model a HO freelanded, and yet unnamed, midwest class I mainline. My era is the early 1940's which poses quite a challenge since I was never alive for any of it.

I had been out of the hobby since I was in high school, and then college and small apartment, along with no money forced me to be an armchair modeler. I now have a job, a house with a basement, a wonderful and supporting wife and a two year old son. My boy absolutely loves to stand up on a chair and "watch daddy's trains".

We are planning a move to a bigger basement (with a house over it) in the next year so I have modeled a 2' x 11' modular switching layout that will become part of my bigger layout in the future...once I get the basement finished, that is.

It is good to hear there are all generation enjoying the hobby. I recently went to the Great American Train Show in St. Paul, MN and was surprised to see a lot of "30-somethings" shopping and just enjoying the trains.

[Anonymous]

I'm 38 with three small sons. I'm getting started again after a long layoff. This weekend I'll be praticing by getting my old 4'x8' layout going again.

I hope to begin the transition from Thomas the Tank engine and with my oldest son it's started. He's pointing all the railroad tracks to me between my house and Grandpa's

DT

[Anonymous]

I'm 38 with three small sons. I'm getting started again after a long layoff. This weekend I'll be praticing by getting my old 4'x8' layout going again.

I hope to begin the transition from Thomas the Tank engine and with my oldest son it's started. He's pointing all the railroad tracks to me between my house and Grandpa's

DT

[Anonymous]

I'm 38 and married with no children. I model passenger trains of the railroads that served KCMO Union Station during '68-'70. There are a few modelers in eastern/south central KS that I know whom are in late 20s to 30's
Ch

[Anonymous]

I'm 38 and married with no children. I model passenger trains of the railroads that served KCMO Union Station during '68-'70. There are a few modelers in eastern/south central KS that I know whom are in late 20s to 30's
Ch

[TRENT B]

I'm 33 and I'm modeling so you are NOT alone!
Trent

[TRENT B]

I'm 33 and I'm modeling so you are NOT alone!
Trent

[Big_Boy_4005]

I'm 42, and have been seriously into model railroading for over 30 years. Over 25 years in the NMRA, and over 20 in the TCA (Train Collectors Assn.). Its not the 30 somethings that most interest me in this poll. Its the teens and 20 somethings that make me happy. For many years it seemed I was the youngest one in the model railroading crowd. This hobby needs fresh blood.

[Big_Boy_4005]

I'm 42, and have been seriously into model railroading for over 30 years. Over 25 years in the NMRA, and over 20 in the TCA (Train Collectors Assn.). Its not the 30 somethings that most interest me in this poll. Its the teens and 20 somethings that make me happy. For many years it seemed I was the youngest one in the model railroading crowd. This hobby needs fresh blood.

[Anonymous]

I am 26 and it is extremely difficult to find anyone my age that is into trains period, in my area. Most of the people my age around here go to bars to pass the time.

[Anonymous]

I am 26 and it is extremely difficult to find anyone my age that is into trains period, in my area. Most of the people my age around here go to bars to pass the time.

[Anonymous]

I'm 34 and have been interested in trains for as long as I can remember. I collect N scale trains. Had a small layout built in the previous house I lived in. Cork roadbed and track on plywood. Never got around to any scenery, just liked to watch the trains go around. I model mainly Chessie Systems transition into CSX. The Chessie color scheme, to me, is one of the best ever. I also buy pretty much whatever suits my fancy at the time. Which has gotten expensive at times. I have 2 small children, a boy and a girl. Both like to watch daddy run the trains. My son shows interest from time to time. He seems to think that he has outgrown his wooden Thomas trains, yet they see light of day from time to time on the living room floor. Maybe an HO train in the future for him.[^]

[Anonymous]

I'm 34 and have been interested in trains for as long as I can remember. I collect N scale trains. Had a small layout built in the previous house I lived in. Cork roadbed and track on plywood. Never got around to any scenery, just liked to watch the trains go around. I model mainly Chessie Systems transition into CSX. The Chessie color scheme, to me, is one of the best ever. I also buy pretty much whatever suits my fancy at the time. Which has gotten expensive at times. I have 2 small children, a boy and a girl. Both like to watch daddy run the trains. My son shows interest from time to time. He seems to think that he has outgrown his wooden Thomas trains, yet they see light of day from time to time on the living room floor. Maybe an HO train in the future for him.[^]

[Anonymous]

well I am 22 and I got into when I was in high school

[Anonymous]

well I am 22 and I got into when I was in high school

[Anonymous]

38. had a HO AMTRAK 4x8 at around 8 to 12. got the bug again from an internet search one day as i uncovered what seemed like some pretty neat stuff for little $. about 2k later i am the proud papa of 150 feet of double main line on a 40 foot wall that traverses back and forth gaining over 2 feet, 2% grade. not much railroad action, completely devoid of scenery, but i like to see the trains go! all my stock is the cheap stuff, real cheap. i bought freight cars from IHC for 99 cents a peice about a year ago. gee, with a new wheelset and coupler, that brings em in at 12 bucks!! oh, plus about 2 hours labor on each one. oh well, i tell myself that comparable stuff sells for 20 or 30 bucks. ha!

[Anonymous]

38. had a HO AMTRAK 4x8 at around 8 to 12. got the bug again from an internet search one day as i uncovered what seemed like some pretty neat stuff for little $. about 2k later i am the proud papa of 150 feet of double main line on a 40 foot wall that traverses back and forth gaining over 2 feet, 2% grade. not much railroad action, completely devoid of scenery, but i like to see the trains go! all my stock is the cheap stuff, real cheap. i bought freight cars from IHC for 99 cents a peice about a year ago. gee, with a new wheelset and coupler, that brings em in at 12 bucks!! oh, plus about 2 hours labor on each one. oh well, i tell myself that comparable stuff sells for 20 or 30 bucks. ha!