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[Anonymous]

We've had this topic before when we first launched trains.com and had a small discussion going, but now with a few added columns since that time, we're bringing it back. Let us and others know your tips.

[Anonymous]

So often a conversation had something about the youngster going down to the station to what the trains. Those days are gone. Young kids today aren't able to go where they want when they want at those young ages, and then there aren't stations to go to.
Today, we adults, need to make the time to show the young child what there is out in the world that the child can learn that there's something to become interested. Otherwise' it's only what someone else let's them see on the TV programs they what.
What can we do:
It's finding the way to get a layout into a Mall for whatever time the Mall allows.
It's taking the child to the Club show. It takes effort to find the announcement in the papers or on-line.
It's sharing your own interest in trains. Take them to the "Big City" to see the passenger station and its train.
It's Taking the cild On A Train Ride, make it an event!
It's sharing the interest in model railroading by by showing and teaching and not saying "No, don't touch that!"
This is my contribution to the start of the conversation...
...let's hear from you too.

[Anonymous]

Walter your right
Iam new to the site my name is rob iam from Sydney (aussie)Being part of the interest is the enjoyment good on ya !!!

[Anonymous]

Good to hear from you Rob!

I am suprised that by today there aren't any more fans replying with their thoughts on this topic. Getting the youngsters involved is what will keep our hobby healthy.

I'm certainly eager to hear a new idea to try.

[Anonymous]

Have you had a chance to read Lee Weldon's story about the B&O Railroad Museum's efforts to attract kids to railroading? They're making a good effort. The story is on our home page today and is entitled "Introducing kids to railroading at the B&O Railroad Museum."

Jim Schulz, Trains.com associate editor

[Anonymous]

I have a 6 year old son that is very much into trains. As a matter of fact he got me into trains! Since we both love the hobby, we plan activties around the hobby. We go to shows, museums any where there is trains. We even stop to railfan when we can. Maybe it is easier here in PA. We have a number of train happings. One thing to really keep kids interest is not to exclude them. I have certain locos and cars that are just for the kids. If they get broke, so what. Get them into helping build your layout. My son helps with trees, where we put things and what freight cars I will build. It works out great. Part of the fun is the time spent together, that is what is truely important.

[conford]

Given the demographics of the model railroad hobby (we're all about 50, guys), I think we have to start helping kids and families find out what a great hobby model railroading is. Thomas has opened the door to a great deal of interest, so I hope that we as hobbyists can build on that interest.
One thing I have done is to build a portable demo layout. Present effort is a simple 4x8 double track oval. My operational objective is to let kids see and run the trains. Thus it is about 32 inches off the floor, the controls are easy to use (I have disabled the direction switch) and there is no speed limit. It is a popular display at train shows, although I stay home a lot know with two little kids in the family.
You have to have the right attitude to do this. It helps to be patient, to be willing to explain things, to be willing to tell kids that their turn is over, and not to worry about little accidents. (Good construction and equipment prevent almost all derailments.)
Then while you and the parents are watching the kids run trains, you can answer parental questions about the hobby. It's fun to be an expert. Bring along some flyers from your favorite hobby shops so the parents can follow through on the idea of getting the kids into trains.
Some of us were born loving trains, and to help others share that is one of life's great joys.

[Anonymous]

Peter, you have a great thing going there. What a wonderful way to get the kids interested. Most definitely patience is the key here. You can't stress out over things being broken -- kids are just having a good time. That's what it's all about. Another thing all modelers are competing with in getting their kids interested in the hobby, are video games, cable TV, video movies to toss into the VCR/DVD, and the computer. Things that weren't around when, people in their 40s+ were kids. If there wasn't anything on one of the 3 or 4 stations we got on TV, then it was time to either go outside and play or mess around with our toys/hobby. Also, most families don't live that close to each other anymore, wherein it makes it harder for "grandpa" to get his grandkids interested in railroading, if that is his passion. It's just time to take the video game controller out of the hands of kids and replace it with a model train controller!

[Anonymous]

HI ALL:ONE THING THAT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION,WAS THAT ALL VIDEO OF "I LOVE TOY TRAINS" HAVE SOME TYPE OF CRASH IN THEM,AND I KNOW LOTS OF KIDS WATCH THEM,WHERE I RUN MY LIONEL TRAINS,THERE IS ALSO THOMAS LAYOUTS ( 3) FOR THE KIDS,AND ONE CHILD WAS PULLING THE WOODEN TRACK FROM MIDDLE OF BRIDGE & HIS MOTHER SAID THAT WAS BECAUSE HE SAW THIS DONE ON A VIDO FROM "I LOVE TOY TRAINS",I DO NOTICE THAT WHEN I BLOW THE HORN ON MY ENGINE'S,THAT GETS THE CHILD ATTENTION,BUT THEN WITH-IN A MIN.,THEY ARE BACK PLAYING WITH THE THOMAS LAYOUT,ITS KINDA FUN TO WATCH,WHAT AND HOW THEY GO ABOUT THE WOODEN LAYOUT,AND HOW MUCH THEY KNOW WHO THEY ARE PLAYING WITH==== ALL HAVE FUN WITH TRAINS HUB.

[Anonymous]

HI ALL:,WE ARE TALKING OVER,ABOUT PUTTING ONE OF OUR REMOTE CONTROLS,IN A CHILDS HAND AND LET HIM RUN THE ENGINE,"BUT HAVE A ADULT,STAND CLOSE BY WITH ANOTHER REMOTE AND SAME ENGINE NUMBER,JUST INCASE, ILET THEM BLOW THE HORNS AND RING THE BELLS NOW WHILE I HOLD MY REMOTE,AS SOON AS THE KIDS GET TO OLD TO PLAY WITH THOMAS,THEY GO TO SOCCER, I SAY KEEP COST DOWN ON STARTER SET,"COME-ON LIONEL?????======== HUB

[Anonymous]

I think perhaps you should take your kid to the hobby shop and let them pick out a loco or car. Then they have a train of their own. Also, let them operate your layout.

[Anonymous]

Exactly! The kids should get the control once in awhile! I'm just 15, but I like model railoading. Perhaps if the child gets his or her own train to run on the layout, they will get hooked on model railroading. The Thomas the Tank Engine set by Hornby is a good start.

[Anonymous]

Greetings,

I have a son who is three years old right now. I have been cultivating his intrest in trains since he was 1 yr to 18 mos. We use several tools to help including Thomas videos, Thomas wooden track, electric trains, visits to the hobby store, visits to shows in our area, visits to a rail yard near my church, other videos and bedtime stories about trains. We have other videos, other stories and so on so he isn't exposed to ONLY trains. The number one piece of advice I have is to say that you must do these activities with the child if you want them to embrace trains as an activity (they don't understand 'hobby' at his age).

I bought him a 2-6-0 in HO scale for his first birthday. It sits on the top of the bookcase in his room. Occasionally we get it down and name the parts of the engine. Then he will ask to see my diesel engines to name the parts. We have given him freight cars for a reward for 'growing up'. He now has a box car, a tank car, a flat car and a caboose.

I received a Bachman train set for Christmas from my father. This set had the track with plastic roadbed attached so it was possible to set it up on the floor. I got his engine and cars down and we set it up on the track. I gave wim a wooden train whistle and whenever he blew the whistle I would stop the train in front of him. Then when he blew the whistle again, I would start the train again.

He is calling me now so I am going to go. I'll add more later.

Good Luck - Ed

[Anonymous]

Hello again,

I have also started building a layout for my (three year old) son. I designed it so that it could be used by both of us at the same time. I imagine that in the early days, he will want to 'highball' on the main line. I designed the (H O scale) layout on a 4 x 8 with an oval so he could do that. My secret here is to wire a resistor in series with his power pack which will restrict his top speed.

Along one edge, there is a yard of three tracks, with the switching lead wrapping around one side. I will be able to switch cars in the yard while he is running on the main. On the side opposite the yard I have a passing track which will serve as an interchange track later. With this design, we will be able to play together. Later he will be able to learn about switching in His yard. When I have more resources, I will be able to build my layout and connect to his. This will permit him to interchange cars with a larger system, much like the prototype.

Also, because the layout is his, and self contained, he will be able to play with his friends when daddy is not home.

Good Luck. - Ed

[Anonymous]

Ed, being a race car fan, as well as a train buff, why not, instead of a resistor, bank the turns so that the trains can run at their true top speed? I think that's much more fun.