Is {The worlds greatest hobby} campaign really working?

[bwftex]

The only place I've seen the Worlds Greatest Hobby was an information booth at a train show. That’s good because new folks could pick up some basic information to take home. But what got the new people to come to the train show. I would think that's where some focus should be directed if it already has not been. How about one of those WGH information booths set up in a shopping mall? How about ads in publications that may not have anything to do with trains? Why don't the modular guys see if they can set up small layouts in Hooters or something and have the girls demonstrate the trains? It works for the Hot Rod and Motorcycle guys. Good-looking women work for most everything and only offend PC oriented people. What about car shows, gun shows or even antique shows? Target kids? Why? They don’t have any money and they don’t own houses to build layouts in. Get their fathers and grandfathers and let them get the kids involved. I’ve never been much of a booster for anything but now I’m promoting the hobby by accident. I built a portable HO Timesaver and my wife wants to take it to the church game night. She asked some of the folks who attend regularly if they thought they might like us to bring it and the response was very enthusiastic. Two guys even called me to ask more about it and model railroading. Both were interested in model trains but really didn't know anyone who knew much about it. I bought two copies of MR to take to them on game night. Of course they may just be conspiring to get me too show up at church even if it’s just a social event. We have more strangers than friends so if we need more friends we may have to find some strangers. Bruce

[Anonymous]

It is easier to get started in model railroading and not expensive if you go step by step and use the resources out there to start simply and build it up. You can have a start with less than a hundred bucks. And do it yourself modeling. This method never changes.

The big buck people want everyone to drop a bundle and buy stuff and the potential modeler is scared off. Get back to baisics and use the K.I.S.S. principle.

Takes alot of hours and anyone thinking it is work needs to go fishin'.

But with the cost of gas there is alot of ptential money that won't be used for traveling - just a thought.

[tsgtbob]

I have seen 1 WGH presentation, and that was to the local model RR club!
It seems to me, the only place I see any mention of WGH is on Tracks Ahead on PBS, and in the magazines, (which is preaching to the choir).
Now, on other hobbies, OLN runs Inside R/C which covers cars, planes, and boats, as well as several "gearhead" programs such as Fourwheeler TV. IMO, these are far more effective to garner new recruits than a speaker who extolls Kato, Atlas, and badmouths the larger scales, including O scale. (true story, the presenter who visited our club made the comment "well, Lionel is about to go out of business, and no one is buying 3 rail trains because of that, O scale is dead." After the presentation, I took this gentleman back to the club room and showed him my 2 rail O scale layout, complete with "new" Atlas SD35s he was un-apologetic about his comment. "Who cares?" was his position)
Personally, I feel that, like several posters have noted, good, vibrant, and more importantly OPEN clubs.

[ModelTrainman]

bump

[ModelTrainman]

I hope so....but it isn't here!

[Anonymous]

I've been thinking of starting a club where I live to stir up some interest in the hobby. I could also use the companionship. If any of you are lone modelers, you know what I mean.

As far as the WGH campaign goes, I don't know if it is working or not. As far as scaring people off with DCC sound, etc. - On the contrary, I think DCC may be the hobbies' biggest hope for survival in the future. People spend a ridiculous amount of money on Ipods, PDAs, etc. I 'm not sure a $150 sound engine is gong to scare them off. Rather, it is the novelty of the technology in DCC that will arouse youthful interest. It's working with my kids.

Do your part and spread the word and the hobby will be fine. There's just something about trains. Happy hobbying!

[BRAKIE]

Guys,Locally we have never seen a WGH poster in the LHS,Train Show or even heard of a WGH promotional clinic/show...If we do have a WGH spokesperson he/she is the strong silent type.
One can not judge hobby growth by Train Shows because that's still largely a gathering of the faithful as is forums.
Who can help promote the hobby? Simply put model railroad clubs are still a strong promoter of the hobby but,all to sadly most clubs are like secrete societies and only cater to the all known faithful.[8][B)][V] WE are also a promoter of the hobby..But,WE must be careful and not scare off potential hobbyist with high dollar models with DCC/Sound..Get them hook first on the basics then they can move on to bigger and better things. Don't laugh this method works well.Ask any R/C or slot car racing group.[:D] I also got my brother-in-law hook this way..[:D]
How about donating a MR subscription to the local library? I did this twice,once in memory of my Dad and again in the memory of my wife.[:D]

I don't see the hobby dying any time soon but,the threat is there in the coming years.

[Eriediamond]

FundyNorthern brought an interesting reply to the table among others here. This prompts a second reply from me and I wi***o say now that I mean no disrespect to anyone here. This reply is not to flame or down grade anyone- just an observence and an opinion. I belong to a club which has a medium size layout with expansion planned for the future done in HO scale. We have seperate tracks or parts of the layout done so both DCC and DC can be operated here and encourage visitors to bring their trains and run them on our layout. That one question about costs seems to arise more than anything so we are careful to give an honest and correct answer that even though we do have a large amount of dollars invested here, that money comes from donations, grants and club dues. We are quick to point out though, that a nice small home layout will not costs near what we have spent and that one can spend as much as one wants on this hobby. We also have a 4X8 layout operational to emonstrate this and we let the kids run it. Once the adults see it and see how much fun the kids have, and see how little the dollar investment is, it's pretty much a winner for promoting the hobby as far as I"m concerned. Now comes the ticklish part of my comment, I mean no offense here and my intention is not to hurt anyones feelings. This is after all, a forum for us all and we all have opinions. How many times has someone wanting to get started in this hobby and come on this forum for help and been told they need the high dollar stuff to get started. That a train set with a loop of track well soon get boring and that DCC is the way to go. I do agree with all that only because I'm already in this hobby, but for some just starting and not sure of themself, is this the correct way? As far as building from scratch and kit bashing like we did back years ago, it may suck for some, but then some get real pleasure from doing that. I don't think modelrailroading is going to ever die out. This hobby is modelrailroading, but so many different talents go into building a layout it can set your mind spinng at times. I'm at aw when I see the talent show in the scenery of some layouts and have to admire those with the electrical talents that can wire and understand those DCC systems and build circuits for operating signals and such. After all is said and done, I would bet that a simple loop of track around a youngster's Xmas tree would do just as much for this hobby as all the most realistic scale layouts would do. Thanks for your patience here, Ken

[reklein]

Have you guys seen the mob of kids surrounding the LEGO layouts at the train shows? Specially the one that allow the kids to build their own cars and engines. There was a 12 year old at the Lynden WA show last year that had about an 8X12 LEGO layout that was packed with buildings and trains. There was also a 30 something that had an 8X24 layout with nothing but playskool trains and building sets,and a crowd of kids around it. My neices and nephews aged 3 to 15 play together for hours with their BRIO sets which in a family of 5 kids can amount to quite a layout. To me there's where the worlds greatest Hobby starts.

[Adelie]

I'm not convinced WGH is effective at luring new people, either. Maybe they are doing more that I am not seeing, but my exposure to most of the campaign is in publications for people already in the hobby to one degree or another, or those already headed that way. That is sort of like a talk radio mouth saying he's converting people to his thinking, but his only listeners are people that already agree with everything he says. As for train shows, they existed before WGH and will most like exist afterwards, too. I've seen only one carrying the WHG name.

People talk about potential newcomers being wowwed by something they see at a show or a display. That's all well ang good, but the goal is not to wow them, but to get them to join our ranks. If they leave raving "that was great" and never again participate in any way, that is not a victory.

All of that said, the industry may still be in balance. It is possible that just as much money is changing hands under the name of model railroading as ever did. But it may be that fewer people are acquiring more expensive items, rather than due to larger numbers of people. So the industry can survive in the short to medium term even as the hobby's participation is flat or sliding, provided those who remain keep churning out enough dollars. That may not be glamorous or the answer that anyone wants to hear, but may be the current economic reality.

[MisterBeasley]

The hobby is certainly changing, but I don't agree with the doom-and-gloom crowd. If you take a look at the economics, there are a lot of individuals and companies making a living in this hobby. Not only your LHS, but also the manufacturers and distributers, including the large on-line market. The number of new offerings every year is pretty good, so a lot of people must be buying these things. Think of it, we've got 5 very active gauges in the US, plus a couple of niche markets here, in Europe and probably elsewhere.

Here in New England, we've had about the same number of shows from year to year, and they always seem very well attended. I do think that the show vendors have been undercut a lot by Internet sales, so there may not be as many and the deals don't seem as good, but I always find a few things, and the layouts alone are well worth the price of admission.

[CNJ831]

Well, as far as Kalmbach is concerned it's certainly proven a failure. When the program was initiated Kalmbach's goal was to gain something like 7,000 new readers over the life of the program. So far, they've lost about 12,000 readers, which doesn't suggest that the program has been all that effective to me. Likewise, regarding the "booming" train shows, save for just a couple of the really big ones, there are dramatically less and less of them every year if you just bother to consult the show listings. But with regard to the growth (or otherwise) of the hobby, the dreamers dream on.

CNJ831

[Anonymous]

If the model railroad hobby is dyin' word sure hasn't gotten to my neck of the woods yet. Don't believe me head over to the model railroad show at Monroeville Expo-Mart in July. Every time I go to one it's always asses and elbows all over the place. It always draws a huge crowd. So enough with all the Chicken Littles crying "the sky is falling".

[davekelly]

Greatest doesn't necessariily mean biggest in terms of participants.

[Anonymous]

If you get to see the WGH promotional video, it's obvious who they are aiming at to become model railroaders. They show three layouts - a very large HO scale one, a large Lionel setup operated by a dentist and his dentist son, and ambitious large scale outdoor layout with large trestles, working waterfall, etc. All layout owners are middle aged, nothing geared towards younger people.

Anyone seeing this video will assume you need a large basment to have an HO layout, you need to be a professional to afford a Lionel setup, and you need a professionally landscaped large yard to participate in G scale.

My limited experience is that Thomas the Tank Engine does more to promote model trains to the littler ones. Their eyes light up when they see an operating Thomas engine or setup, follow it around, ask questions, etc. Thess are the future model railroaders. But they don't have the money like those targeted in the video.

Bob Boudreau

[tatans]

Is not WGH stamp collecting ? ? I believe it is so far ahead of any other hobby nothing else even counts. Also, for example, say a yearly train show is in a city of 2 million people, would anyone that was the slightest bit interested in model trains attend??? of course they would, so, if 3500 people attended( as opposed to the 75,000 expected) and some of these people would come from around the area also, this surely would indicate a small percentage of people associated with the hobby, out here in small town Canada I may know of maybe 5 people and no hobby shops in a 200 mile radius. This would indicate the worlds greatest hobby must be packed into one city in the U.S. And... the "world" in WGH may just be referring to the U.S.A., how many MR's are in Peru ? ? or Guam ? ? any way "greatest" or not, it may be WBH = B=best.

[3railguy]

I think it's working. I followed the cue on bring a train to work displaying an N scale train on roadbed track that runs the length of my cubical ledge. it's powered by a cheapy set pack so I can run it back and fourth. People often stop for a demonstration. They are impressed by how easy it is to get into model railroading.

[Nataraj]

I know its working. I sometimes invite people to see my trains, you should see the look in their eyes seeing a HO lionel challenger chugging down the tracks..

Hooked.

[jamnest]

I agree that word of mouth is the best way to advertise the hobby. I lived in an apartment for a long time and would go to the hobby shop and drool on the trains. I made a comment to the clerk that I wish I had room to model but lived in an apartment. He invited me to join a local modular club. I found out later that the owner of the shop did not like MR clubs and would fire any of his employees for making any referals to local clubs. I personally know a lot of guys who have purchased lots of trains from this local hobby shop because they had encouragement from a fellow MR that they met at a club, including myself. To this date the owner hates MR clubs and will have nothing to do with them. I found out recently that this problem is the result of one person purchasing a train set from the shop to start a layout. This person asked for some constructive assistance from a local club. The person was evidently offended by the comments and took the train set back to the hobby shop and demanded their money back. The owner of the shop sees no value in local MR clubs. I am a good customer and have purchased a "ton" of suppiles from this shop, mostly as the result of my relationship with other MRs. The owner has lots of expensive stuff sitting around that he will never sell, because he does not pay attention to what his customers model.

[bill e]

Hi Everybody

I don't know how well the campaign is working; but, the world's greatest hobby is definitely working for me. I've just finished the basic scenery on my first layout, a 4x8 n scale double loop with some sidings. 'Been working like crazy the past few weekends on it so that I could finally unmask and clean the track because I really missed being able to run the trains.

I've still got a long way to go on the learning curve. But i'm really grateful for this forum and everybody who contributes their knowledge, opinions and experience. Right now I'm just experiencing some true euphoria from seeing the little project start to come together. When I can I want to share some photos. But I have a lot to learn in that area too.

Basically I just wanted to sort of introduce myself and thank everyone for being here on this forum. Lately I've been unable to contain the joy I've received from the hobby. Everyone I come in contact with gets an earfull about the latest accomplishment or future plan for the layout. So I suppose that is some kind of campaigning. I hope the fun of this hobby never wears off.

thanks again
bill e

[Anonymous]

Hey the shows are crowded the one I went to was jammed so much you couldnt move!

[Eriediamond]

Worlds greatest hobby? Campaign? Hmmm! let's see now. WGH depends on your point of view here. First what is a hobby? It's some thing you indulge in outside of your everyday routine or job to relax and grab a few moments of happiness and get away from lifes troubles. Now, all this depends on your interests which depends on what your exposed to from your first moments on this earth. Some of us older geezers and not so old geezers were exposed to trains early in our youth, both real and the ever popular electric trains back in the 40's. This probabley perked our interest more than anything for this hobby. For us that grew up in that time period, trains and airplanes were at the top of our priorities and the steam locos could be felt along with being heard. Also trains were the chief mode of long distance travel back then for both frieght and passengers and planes of course were seen flying low and in formation because of the war, which caught our attention. We played with our trains during the winter months and our planes during the summer. Now days our youth has other things to keep occupied with which we didn't have back then. As far as campaigning will work, a few may gain interest in the hobby, but if one is not interested in trains, they are not going to pursue it. So, after all is said and done, one's interests determines what the worlds greatest hobby is. I have several hobbies, model railroading, flying and model airplanes. To me, they are all three the greatest. Ken PS This is just my opinion of course.

[CSXFan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dragonriversteel
I'd like to do my part, to insure this hobby doesn't fade away. I really don't think it will, but the numbers show otherwise. There was something I read ,not to long ago about the number of model railroaders left. It lead me to think even more....gezzz. If these numbers drop even more we'll have to scratch built freight cars, structures and locomotives just like the guys in the 40's and 50's and the few that still do today. Man that sucks..........

What are "the numbers"? I thought the hobby was growing but I guess not.

[RedGrey62]

I used to own a store and had advertisements in several different places. I would ask the customers how they heard of us, and that's how I got feedback on what was working and what wasn't.

WGH is really advertising for model railroading. Unless we can ask, there is no real way of knowing how effective it is.

Back to my retail business, we found that word of mouth is still the greatest form of advertisement. By each of us sharing our hobby with others, we are in effect being the spokespersons for the WGH.

To share another thought.... When I was younger, I would not nescessarily proclaim model railroading as my hobby, just wasn't cool even though Ienjoyed it for many years. I am much different now, I really don't care what people think, it is what I enjoy and I am happy to share it with as many others that wi***o participate. I really think that is what makes WGH work.

Rick

[dragonriversteel]

Hello all,

Can we say that this campaign is working ? I sure hope it brings new members to enjoy are hobby, because it truely is the best hobby in the world.Where else can you learn so much about a hobby ? Model airplanes, R/C cars,War models Ect. These all have their perks....but none of them has as much as model railroading.

I've thought about many ways to promote model railroading and have done so,just to try to get folks to some sort of hobby. Were I live theres quite a bit of retired folks ,Sun City Hilton Head comes to mind. Retirement homes, my sons middle school these are all places to bring in are great hobby. The only problem is...."you can lead a horse to water ,but you can't make it drink", so be it.Theres aways some that take the hook.

I'd like to do my part, to insure this hobby doesn't fade away. I really don't think it will, but the numbers show otherwise. There was something I read ,not to long ago about the number of model railroaders left. It lead me to think even more....gezzz. If these numbers drop even more we'll have to scratch built freight cars, structures and locomotives just like the guys in the 40's and 50's and the few that still do today. Man that sucks..........

Whats your thoughts on this subject ? Do you think its working ?

Patrick
Beaufort,SC
Dragon River Steel Corp {DRSC}