We're in trouble - - Need HELP ! ! ! !

[Anonymous]

Phil [:)]

I don't think there is that much of a lack of kids or teens being interested in trains. There may be a lack of store like Toys R Us carrying trains but the speciality stores do (the mom and pop types I mean).

We have a GREAT bunch of teens here in the forums. I won't name them because I would overlook one and I wouldn't want to hurt any of their feelings. Some are really e-bay warriors too. I know one who makes alot of commando raids and bring home the booty (cabooses, engines, track, you name it) He is very wise in his collecting and advises people in the forum about what they have and how much it is worth. Others are very good at photography. Some are experts on Alcos and many just enjoy railfanning period.

After reading this post some of them might introduce themselves to you. They might also let you know where they get their trains, etc. So don't be too downhearted, the teens are here and there are more of them than you think. They might just surprise you with their knowlege and skill.

So cheer up, things are not as bad as they seem. [:)]

[Modelcar]

.....That is sad. Remember many years ago as a youngster there was nothing more important than the new Lionel or American Flyer, etc....Christmas catalogs...!! All kinds of electric trains with all kinds of accessories and related items. Pages and pages of the stuff....and in color too for the most part. What has happened to the demand. Is it changing that much...From full catalogs to none of the above items in any catalog anymore....Guess so.

[Anonymous]

[:(] Yersterday in my Sunday paper came an advertising segment . It was from a large children's toy retailer -" Toy's - R - Us" . I don't know if all you are familiar with them ? Around the Chicagoland area & towards the East coast , they're pretty big . Well , as I thumbed through this ad booklet it HIT me - "NO TRAINS " . . . . . . . for kids ! The only thing in the entire catalog was one set of " Thomas the Tank Engine " . If we can't get the youth of America involved with our hobby , we are going to be in BIG TROUBLE ! As time progresses with fewer & fewer participants- we all age , there will be less available for the rest . It will become un-profitable for individuals / companies to expend the necessary monies to move this hobby forward . I'm not a rocket scientist ( just a civil engineer ) , so I need some help . I know about the "WORLD'S GREATEST HOBBY " campaign , but its visability , at least in my area , has not been significant . We have to get out & beat the drums ! " LET'S GO "-- . . . . . .. Please Advise , - Phil [8D] [8D]