I am inquiring and trying to find out some information on the popularity of model train clubs in schools, more specifically a middle school. I am wondering how popular they are or if they are done at all?? I would appreciate some information if anyone has any.
An interesting question. They existed when I was in school, but that was long ago. Now? I am curious!
I don't know why you ask us. There is obviously nothing wrong with your wanting to do this. Go to the principal's office and tell him or her your idea. The school likely has a basement. If not, I can't think of where a school would have the room. Maybe a corner of the cafeteria or auditorium..But you also have to think of safety of the layout and or the rolling stock and locos.. Will you leave them (yours, his, hers, theirs) on the layout or have to take all of it home every session (ugh) ? Some colleges/universities have train clubs.. Check out Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). They have (or had/not sure if still happening) a very realistic HO club layout. Anyway, I won't hurt to ask.. Just be sure you explain it correctly as they (non-MRRers) usually don't comprehend the scope of what this entails. Mention that your club will collect nominal dues to pay the electric bill increase..Finally, how would club meet during school hours ? If at night or on weekends will you have access to the building.
I am a high-schooler, and while my school does not have a club, I am in a Boy Scout one. Most Boy Scout troops are a bit like the Norman Rockwell paintings. Some, called Venture Troops (or crews), specialize in one thing. Mine is a train club. See if there is something like that around if your school plan doesn't work out.
Sorry to bother you with my post/question. I already have the wheels in motion to do this but like some of the stuff you mentioned in your reply is what I am looking for, things to consider and think about but I guess this was the wrong place to ask.
This is a perfect place to ask questions such as this. The quoted post does not speak for TrainBoard.
Yes, thanks. i didnt appreciate the first part of that earlier reply of why I would be asking us?? Thankss
Coach; when I was in junior high school, ( I guess some call if 'middle school' ) we met in the basement of a church. It was the same basement where our scout troop met. If your school cannot provide space and/or security for a club layout, maybe a church, or even a YMCA could!?. Good for you to take on such a project!
Lack of space can be overcome by small modules. Set them up on folding cafeteria tables. Also, the small module concept makes for great individual projects, at school or at home.
Well the idea of a vision we have is to bring Industrial Tech and Eduacational Tech together in one area so I will have some room and then I thought maybe some kids would enjoy having like a "club" to work on, and expand the train. that and the fact I have just been offered a N scale layout for free
When I was in both junior and senior high school, they had a class period set aside weekly for such activities. Do they still have such a concept? If so, this makes it a bit easier to get started. Back when, it was usually a Thursday or Friday, right after lunch or last of the day. 45 or 55 minutes. Chess club, language clubs, etc.
Great question. Never had a model railroad club in my schools, but plenty of other informal craft-related after school clubs (e.g. pottery, stained glass). If just starting a new club, I recommend one of the modular table-top formats such as T-Trak. Everyone can get a fairly standardized module to work on, and they can be combined in a variety of ways quite easily. Quick to set up, quick to take down, easy to store. For more information or assistance, check out the Youth in Model Railroading group. You can invite many guest teachers to help with building skills - arts teachers, history, science, computer science, etc. YMR often exhibits at the Greenberg Trainshows: Good luck!
Hmmmm ... I wonder if any of the local lumber/hardware stores would be generous enough to donate materials for the kids to get started!
***Off topic*** This got me to thinking of when I was in Jr High in the late 60's, we had a Rod and Gun Club. I was a member. My how times have changed. The grand prize for the fund raiser that year was a commerative rifle. Dang those were good days! Thanks for a nice trip down memory lane! ***Back on topic*** I think what your are trying to do is a good thing on many levels, I wish you the best of luck! Dale
Great Idea!! How many kids would be interested?. I know my 17 year old son,, all he cares about is the next big thing in video games,," hey XYZ is coming out,, can we get it?". Am I any different when I " have to have" the next freight car release that fits my era..LOL. Anyways, Maybe print some flyers,, put them out. Meet after school..might even get some teachers involved to. While reading the thread,, before I saw the reply about t-trak,, I was thinking " t-trak" would be great for this,, small,portable, easy. There is even a company that makes kits for the sections. I think they are laser cut out of 6mm plywood. http://www.masterpiecemodules.com/T-trak_N_Scale.php The basic 13"x12" section is 15$ Would be really cool to see what the young minds come up with. Laters, Wyatt
I actually put together a club when I was in high school a couple of years ago. It was just a small group of us (three to be exact) that wanted to get together and cobble together a layout of sorts. We used the modular principle for the sake of ease and storage. Now we never finished more than four corners (A circle is better than nothing!), but it was a worthwhile experience. Now, I dunno how it works where you're at, but there weren't set times or periods that clubs got together, so we met whenever we could (also why we never got further than a circle). Also, we had to actually have a teacher to act as a "head" of sorts in order to be an "official" club. Thankfully we all knew one that was into trains as much as we were. I would also talk with school officials to let them know of your intentions and see if any space can be made available. We didn't, which cause a little bit of strife so I highly recommend doing that. As for getting materials and stuff, I'd talk with a local hobby shop to see if they'd be willing to supply scenery materials, track or that kind of stuff. (We managed to get support from the local giant in the form of rolling stock(!)) Gauging interest is probably going to be the most difficult part, as it wasn't easy finding people who enjoy model railroading (particularly at that age). But it still is certainly worth a try!
