Any young (30 somethings) Model railroaders ??

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.....

[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]

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][^][^][^]

[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]

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

[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][;)]

[emdgp92]

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

[emdgp92]

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

[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.

[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!

[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 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.

[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. [^]

[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