Try going to an SP convention and being the youngest by 40 years lol Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
One that has people of the same age group. More to do with dcc and updated technology. Alot of it also has to do with the affordability. Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
A new organization that would have attract me would have to have a strong interest in bringing in the younger crowd. I was modeling railroads at age 15 but didn't come back until I was almost 50. There is a lot of new tech that appeals to younger modelers and can be applied creatively to model railroading. Any new organization that plans to survive will have to work that angle. It also has to find a way to appeal to the older modeler and that will be the hard part. I try hard not to get set in my ways, and keep an open mind to new stuff. I call myself old school and much of my railroading reflects that, DC power, 25+ year old equipment, but I love seeing what other people are up to with all of the new stuff. A new organization has to find a way to bring those together. With some modelers I know I'm not sure that's possible. Rick H.
Thanks for your comments Rick. The young folks are the hobby's future there can be no doubt about that. We must encourage them to get involved and give them reason to stay active.
One problem with involving youth is how to keep get them in and keep up interests, knowing the hurdles they'll be encountering. There's the boys and girls thing, cars, gaming, school and of course many other sad peer pressures. Then comes getting married and having a family, a job yet still having a budget, space to build it plus time to pursue the hobby. This is why there is not as much youth or as many young adults involved, and it cannot be overcome. We read it all the time here. The comments sent by those joining us. They've finished rearing the family and now have some time and free space. So they are either trying this hobby for a first time, or re-entering it. I really doubt there is as much actual disinterest as some try to proclaim. There is interest, but life is simply in the way.
I really think there should be a push for it to be once again a father and son hobby. Maybe run commercials I know Bachmann did for a while. Its sparks interest in a young kid to say hey dad lets build that. Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
Lionel did a very good job in this regard. Catalogs and other paper. Radio, TV and print media ads. Layouts for dealers. To me, Atlas would be the natural choice for a company which could pull it off again.
Definitely! I remember a model railroad show on TV the guy would visit lay outs, take a simple starter set and show how to do just about everything and what you needed. It just one day disappeared off the airways. Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
Better still there is the internetz, gaming trailers on youtube, and commercials on games themselves.... Where plenty of kids spend their time...
To some extent yes. Support for all scales, being a consistent resource, encourage youth, embrace technology. Those are all good themes.
Good points on the lifes obstacles of the younger gens, Box... the only idea I have pertaining to a challenging budget... is based on the participiation of either existing clubs, or drumming up interest in starting new ones where they don't exist in anytown U.S.A. that would help limit their budget to dues, their time, and if they wished, locos and rolling stock of their own to run on the club layouts. But that, inofitself... well... you know the answer to that...
Michael- Will you and others now be looking at this concept and serious considering? Discussing it further? Or?
Yes Ken I (we) will. As you know, until recently I was PNR president representing WA OR ID MT AK BC AB & SK. On the local level I was 4th division PNR assistant superintendent. I have resigned both positions and will let my nmra membership expire come December. I am strongly considering a new entity, hence why I am asking for the input of other modelers.
I had pieced together the circumstances. Seeing how you simply enjoy the hobby, how you interact with those of your crew, chat with folks here, I see the type of person who is rock solid good for this hobby. I know such an endeavor would be a big load to carry, and only hope it could never harm your enthusiasm in general.
The divide between nmrahq and it's membership is shocking. Less than 10% of eligible members just voted in the national election, yet that message of apathy does not register among the elected officers. It's very sad.
The apathy outside of the membership is worse. Do a quick pole and see how many people don't even care to fill out the mailing list, let alone pay for membership.
