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Post by atsfan on Feb 11, 2016 13:53:41 GMT -8
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Post by valenciajim on Feb 25, 2016 9:29:30 GMT -8
I see there were a couple of letters to the editor today in response to the article.
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Post by atsfan on Feb 25, 2016 10:54:07 GMT -8
When I first saw this it was not behind a pay wall but now it is.
I don't see the letters to the editor maybe there is a link?
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Post by valenciajim on Feb 25, 2016 23:56:33 GMT -8
I saw it in the paper edition of the WSJ. The LTEs on-line are behind the pay wall. There was a 17 year old kid who lamented the cost of a $30 box car and a $200 locomotive. The other letter was from a company in Wisconsin-not sure if he was a retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer or importer. He stated that the hobby's best days are ahead of us due to technology. He stated that we should not be concerned that teenagers are not interested because the average hobbyist gets interested in his or her 30's. I am not sure that I agree with his observations, but that is essentially what he said.
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Post by riogrande on Feb 26, 2016 5:30:19 GMT -8
Jim, I don't think it's a matter of average hobbyist getting interested in his 30's, so I agree with you partially. It's more a matter of reaching an age where you have the ability to really pursue the hobby in terms of time, money etc. Probably some kids get interested in trains, but at younger ages, the conditions aren't "right" for most young folks to really pursue the hobby in earnest ($$) due to factors like earning enough disposable income, being stable and having a layout space because of lifes factors like need to pursue education/college/career, girls, marriage, family etc., and moving around a lot during those years etc. I would guess most guys aren't in a position to "go for it" until in their 30's and really 40's and above. This is IMO a major factor in what age range can spend time and money.
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Post by atsfan on Feb 26, 2016 5:46:10 GMT -8
I saw it in the paper edition of the WSJ. The LTEs on-line are behind the pay wall. There was a 17 year old kid who lamented the cost of a $30 box car and a $200 locomotive. The other letter was from a company in Wisconsin-not sure if he was a retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer or importer. He stated that the hobby's best days are ahead of us due to technology. He stated that we should not be concerned that teenagers are not interested because the average hobbyist gets interested in his or her 30's. I am not sure that I agree with his observations, but that is essentially what he said. there are far less expensive boxcars and engines available for people on a budget. that always seems to get missed. |
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Post by Gary P on Feb 26, 2016 7:47:59 GMT -8
I saw it in the paper edition of the WSJ. The LTEs on-line are behind the pay wall. There was a 17 year old kid who lamented the cost of a $30 box car and a $200 locomotive. The other letter was from a company in Wisconsin-not sure if he was a retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer or importer. He stated that the hobby's best days are ahead of us due to technology. He stated that we should not be concerned that teenagers are not interested because the average hobbyist gets interested in his or her 30's. I am not sure that I agree with his observations, but that is essentially what he said.
that always seems to get missed.Absolutely! While I can appreciate the frustration of the 17 yr old in the article, there are ways to enjoy our hobby with a smaller expenditure. Sure, we can spend lots on the latest and greatest, we don't have to. Fun with trains can be had for those on a budget too. |
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Post by canrailfan on Feb 26, 2016 12:24:19 GMT -8
While it may be true that it's difficult for someone to start their own model railroad until they establish themselves and have some disposable income, doesn't this make it even more important that clubs and large private home layouts open their doors to youth (pre-teens and teenagers)? Help them learn model railroading skills, along with responsibility and respect. They will then be more likely to pick up model railroading as their hobby when they do get established.
I started out helping to build a neighbour's basement-filling layout when I was a teenager. Some of what I built is still on that layout today and I'm still a dedicated model railroader.
There is a future for model trains, especially if today's modellers cultivate the next generation.
David
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Post by riogrande on Feb 26, 2016 19:22:11 GMT -8
David. By all means. If you are in a position to do so. Those who can.
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