My grandsons {9 & 4} are big rail fans. There is nothing in the way of a magazine for these new rail fans. If a magazine like Trains or Model Railroader would have a section for young and new rail fans it would go a long way to building the hobby. What do you think.
I think simple projects for kids and how to's are really important. I was lucky enough to grow up with Model Railroader but some of the stuff was way over my head when I was a kid. I think my kids would be real happy if there was a section just for them (it would also boost sales, I think...I would even subscribe again!!) John
Model Railroader used to have a section for youths. Haven't paid attention for a long time. That must be long gone? Boxcab E50
When I has younger I used some magazines aided at kids that were simple "How To" that I used to build my first small layout in the parents basement. It was not monthly but it was a good place to get information aimed at my skill level and understanding. It was later that I got into the monthly rags. Mainly because it was to much and $$$ for me at the young age to make worth while since no one else in the family cared about the hobby.
When I was young, there were two books, along with youthful imagination, which helped my efforts. One was "The Boy's Book Of Model Railroading." This was the other: Boxcab E50
MR's section was called Student Fare, and those articles helped me along in my youth. They have been gone for quite some time. NMRA has a teen chapter or something, they might have a publication? Brad
TAMR is not part of the NMRA, never has been. It still exists. I am currently a member, but membership levels have dropped over the last 10 years due to other clubs accepting young members. But I still see a need for TAMR, it's a wonderful organization! Boxcab, your comment makes it obvious TAMR needs to put its name out there more often.
The fact of the matter is that the younger generation is more in touch with computers and would be the least likely to read a magazine. That is why Model Railroader moved the Student Fare section to their web site years ago. It seems to me that most of what's in Model Railroader these days is geared towards the beginner and therefore is already aimed at youths.
