How can we help promote model railroading?

I agree to an extent, but a lot of people on this site talk about this demographic as though it can save railroading (I've seen it mentioned constantly in my short stay), but it's a lost demographic, no matter what you do.

The hobby has always been for kids, with a select group of adults that like it as well. People here seem to think getting people to like it in their 20s is the key, but, from my personal example, getting kids into it when young, letting them go away for a while, then resparking the interest when time and money are available is how to grow the hobby. Using connections to family and holidays is the other part of it. I wouldn't be building a layout and on this site had it not been for fond Christmas train memories- had I been exposed in July, I probably wouldn't have cared.

HO is pretty popular here (with N scale gaining a lot of traction) in the Pacific NW when you're at a hobby shop, but 3-rail is VERY well represented (scale O, hardly at all, though) at hobby shops and almost completely dominates model train shows in the Tacoma area, anyway. You can actually go down aisles at big model train shows and see nothing but 3-rail stuff from end to end.

I'm probably going to the big show at Monroe tomorrow, at the base of Stevens Pass (never been to this show before as the drive all the way up there through Seattle is a bear) and I'm expecting to see a lot of 3-rail stuff. But as I'm not into 3-rail, it's of no use to me.

And yes, I've seen the sneers that 3-rail types give when they find you're into pretty much any other scale or gauge. I've gotten downright holstile reactions when I tell them I'm into O scale narrow gauge. It's like it offends the 3-rail types around here for some reason. Sad to know it's going on elsehwere, too...

 Yeah, same here and I'm 45!

I was told by the fellas manning the TCA table at Trainstock that the show part of the TCA National Convention will be held at the Garden State Convention Center which is in Somerset, NJ. This center is right next door to the hotel for the convention. Greenberg does hold a train show at the Garden State CS each January. This is not the same venue. Both the Greenberg show this weekend and the WGH show are held at the NJ Expo Center which is located at Raritan Center in Edison, NJ. Two different buildings in two different towns. Since Greenberg holds train shows at both locations I can understand the confusion.

Interesting module idea from forum member Captaincog and his group, with easily portable Fastrack units. 

See link: www.allaboardfastrackers.com

This past year I gave a used but like new NYC freight set from the late 90's to BACA for there christmas party for there children as they had one child that was like 9 I also had a Kyle Busch train set still new in plastic decided I didn't want and tried to sell on the bay and when It wouldn't sell for like $150 I just gave it to the marines toys for tots hoping to get some child going into trains what happens when I give is out of my hands but its a hope

Let me tell a story of 2 boys who both received trains at similar ages.

The first boy grew up in the 70s in Brooklyn, NY. His parents had absolutely no interest in trains. He never saw a single prototype train up to the age of 14 except the subway. Then he moved to what was at that point in time rural NJ and finally saw some freight trains. As a child he was given three hand-me-down Lionel postwar sets, some track which included 2 switches, and one or two accessories. He never got anything else added to his collection by his parents or relatives but he had loads of fun playing with the trains he had. That boy always longed to see real trains and is an avid train nut today. He is in his late 40s.

The second boy grew up in the '90s in NJ. If he were stuck at a grade crossing he could see freight trains pass by. None of his parents, grandparents or relatives had an interest in trains but he really loved trains almost to the point of being fanatical about them and he was really into Thomas. So his loving but IMHO uninformed (they are all really nice people) parents, grandparents, and relatives bought the wooden trains (Thomas/Brio) and of course there is nothing wrong with that but then they started buying him starter sets. They bought starter set after starter set. He wound up with about 8 or 9 starter sets in 3 different gauges/scales which were HO, O and G. So when I went over to visit he had all these loops of track running about half of these sets. IMHO, it would have been better if they would have gotten together and picked one gauge instead of getting more and more starter sets. Then they could have added locomotives, switches and accessories all to make the trains more fun and more interesting. Unfortunately, soon after all this the video games came along and all they did was buy him that stuff. Trains went out the window. Fast forward to today he has told me he has a very mild interest in trains but that is to be expected from someone in their early 20s. I guess there is still a chance he may turn out to be a model railroader but I would say more likely against than for.

The first boy in the story is me if you haven't guessed it and the 2nd boy is my cousin's son.

So I am living proof that one does not have to actually witness prototype trains in action to become a fan of them. I love steam and steam was retired 6 to 7 years before I was born. However, I did see Lionel steam on regular basis at Christmas time while growing up.

This has been a very interesting thread. I think the answer for the original question is D) ALL of the ABOVE.

I think to promote the hobby you must attack it from all fronts. ALL of the suggestions above are good ones except IMHO the one where Lionel and MTH pay for commercials. I don't think that will work. Instead I think Lionel and MTH would be much better off sponsoring ANY type of TV show where a train/locomotive or trains are the stars. I think "The Dukes of Hazzard" and other movies featuring cool cars from muscle car era did wonders for the muscle car hobby. Likewise I think the Thomas show has done a lot for our hobby and especially for tourist rail lines that feature Thomas.

And as for the muscle car hobby going away, yeah I guess anything is possible. I agree that todays generation for the most part doesn't want to fix or tinker with anything. I could see some deflating of prices but I can't see the cars becoming worthless. After all aren't collectible cars from earlier eras like the 20s through the 50s still worth money.

If I were young owning an automotive repair shop might be a real good income when this generation grows up!

 Without offending anyone, where does-this almost incessant need to promote the hobby come from?  I am afraid I do not understand it.  Maybe someone can spell it out to me?

Fred

why can not people be happy with what it is?

This forum is a fantastic promotion of model railroading, so promote model railroading by spreading the address of the OGR Forum.

The Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) is spending money to air a 30 second commercial on I Love a Toy Trains.  This is just one example of what the LCCA is doing to promote the club and the hobby with the general public.To view other LCCA commercials and exclusive video productions, please visit the video gallery section on our website www.lionelcollectors.org

The Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) is posting another new 30 second commercial on the "I Love Toy Trains" program (A Tom Mc Comas Production) on RFD Cable TV.  Click on the link below to view this commercial promoting The Lionel Collectors Club of America's 45^th Annual Convention to be held in Danvers MA July 20-25, 2015.  

http://youtu.be/d6tEsMm_huY

The Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) is hosting our 45^th Annual Convention at the Double Tree Hotel in Danvers MA July 20-25, 2015. If you like Lionel Trains, Special Deals on new LCCA commemorative products, real trains, American history or free seminars and clinics, this is a convention worth attending.  This convention is limited to LCCA members and their families only.  So, register for this great summer event on the convention tab of our website www.lionelcollectors.org  We have great tours scheduled throughout the entire week for the whole family to enjoy!

Spaces are limited, so do not procrastinate and miss out on the tours you desire.

Lionel President Howard Hitchcock and his team from Lionel will be hosting a Lionel Seminar on Friday afternoon, July 24. Come and meet with Lionel representatives and learn more about Lionel’s products and activities. Lionel will have their new product on display and have their hands-on interactive operating layouts featuring their new LionChief remote controlled products.    This is a golden opportunity to meet with Lionel and have fun with Lionel Trains!    

If you like Lionel trains, you will not want to miss out on this spectacular event. Don't delay, register now and reserve your spot today.

We hope to see you in Danvers MA this July!

Best regards,

Al Kolis

President Elect & Special Events Manager

Lionel Collectors Club of America

248 709-4137

agkolis@comcast.net

Im on the wall here..

Cool! But the exposure is mostly to train fans, ...so kinda maintenance.

But..think about running it in a rail-fan tv show.

 It would have a chance to catch blossoming rail-fans early on, and maybe get a few more "modelers" out of the more established foamers and weenies.

 A PE rerun, Chuggington, or Thomas slot could bring younger, but similar results?

It is nice if you have that Chanel on your tv to watch the show.

 Lionel Needs too do national tv commercials on prime time tv.

  That's what helped make them what thy were back in the day.

   I do rember the Lionel  commercials as a kid on the Saturday morning cartoon.

  The commercials went to less then none.

  just look how Metell toys pounds out the commercials and has keeps the kids 

  Interested in Hotwheels and Barbbie.

quote:

It is nice if you have that Chanel on your tv to watch the show.

Unfortunately, our cable system does not carry it.

I've been to RFD TV web site, I didn't see any programming available online.

Bob,

   IMO what Rich Melvin does right here every day with his OGR forum is one of the biggest promotions of our Hobby that is possible.  Giving people a place to interface about our hobby and spread the word expands our hobby every day.  The more young people using this OGR forum, the faster the hobby will grow and stay alive.  One of the things all us OGR members can do is spread the word, about the OGR forum and suggest to the younger generations, that they join us here.

PCRR/Dave

Verizon has it here if you get there up graded channels.

  Not worth the exter $50.00 bucks.

Andrew B.

I think that someone needs to tighten up with less attitude and more respect. Alan is 100% correct. All one has to do is read and follow written instructions. The pages of OGR Magazine does have smaller layouts from time to time. The reason the numbers suffer fallout goes back to the beginning. The person(s) submitting the photographs must read and follow written instructions. Contact Alan and he will tell you about the wonderful photos with little to no written material to support anything. Or how about wonderfully written articles with photos that look like they were taken with cell phone cameras.

Pardon me! I'll go back to my corner and dream about my layouts that were part of my documented history.

This topic comes up every few weeks on this forum. I often say to myself, why are some people so consumed with this incessant desire to promote The hobby? 

I really don't get it. I wish someone could tell me why I should care about this.

I participate in this hobby because I think it's a lot of fun on many levels. Proselytizing is not in my nature.

I know some people are going to like this post, oh well.

Fred

People are always promoting their interests because it validates their opinions.  Promoting the hobby, which you enjoy, is basically the same as recommending a restaurant where you had a good meal to your friends.  

Another reason for promoting the hobby is altruistic.  Train shows, stuff being made, the OGR Forum, etc. all continue when there are participants.  If others don't join in the activity then it will slowly die out.  Therefore people try to get others interested in the hobby so that they can continue to enjoy it.

Another reason for promoting the hobby and possibly the best one is that the hobby generally make most people, both inside it and outside of it, happy.  Just look at the smiles on kids and adults faces when they watch trains running at any show.  They are smiling even if they have nothing to do with the hobby.  Promoting happiness is a good thing.  

Joe

I read these threads about the death of model railroading or the demise of O gauge and all the hand wringing about how can we save this hobby.

I don't know.  What would happen if model railroading in general or O gauge trains in particular did fade away? Don't mean to be a party pooper, but sometimes I think I get too wrapped up in my own little O gauge world and let the real world slip by in a hand basket. Famine, disease, terrorism, war, unemployment, the economy....

Oh wait,escaping the problems of the real world is one of the things I like about O gauge trains! Maybe if the world keeps getting worse more folks will turn to model railroading to create their own little perfect worlds! 

Been in the hobby long? This is one leg of the hobby that will cease to function unless it is shared. The folks in O-Gauge realize this fact especially the seniors. In my younger, much younger days there were no publications like OGR, CTT or many the young folks take for granted these days. I remember before there was TCA. When it started the trains they were interested in preserving were Tinplate Trains. This hobby is not for the selfish. This is why everyone on the forum is willing to share their knowledge.

Invite friends to The Louisiana Chapter of TCA Train show at the 1st Baptist Church GYM at 325 Pine St. from 9am to 4pm Saturday 3-7-2015  Cost $5.

The train show is part of The Ponchatoula Trade Days and Crafts Fair about 1 block away.  Ponchatoula is near Hammond, LA 30 miles east of Baton Rouge via I-12.

The more the merrier, and great for kids.

Charlie

I HAVE to sneak this in here. But, I have a first grandchild on the way and the train will not be a pink GG-1-!!

Hi

I have two boys. The oldest is my step son and he is only interested when the set is around the Christmas tree. But here has an interest in electronics and I show him what I have built via the information via this forum.  The youngest is hooked and he is three years old. I take to him to the show with me and purchase HO trains that he run around his small permanent layout.

I don't know, You seem to preach a little apathy well enough.

But, OK I'll try to understand too

 You're interest is "train fun"! And you participate outside of your home!  

Did you ever have something withheld by your parents so you would actually appreciate having it?

 I have an urge to tell you to box the trains up, and go to your room...forever.

Don't make me list my mailing address like I'm one of your parents

No...That's good, but not convincing enough for a swing in your position..Right?

NO TRAIN FOR YOU!

No...I don't want to be the "train Nazi" either

Why not show support?

 I should stop here

 No... no, I cant... no waiting for answers.

Darned those incessant, proselytization desires"

You actually can participate in the hobby, only because its available....

  I could stop here too.

...no, no, still cant

 Boy I hope you're getting this...

I'll "K.I.S.S." it again....

If its unavailable the fun stops.

You like fun! Remember?

Try not to forget that.

If your feeling is something like "I got mine, what do I care?"

 Well...."you've got yours", I guess I'm happy for you. Why not fully stand behind the thought, and go enjoy it alone. Don't participate, buy, or repair, just run the bearings out of what you own now. What? What's wrong. Broken "fun" need supporting?

Yep, most will tolerate, but resent it, if you reap the benefits of those that made your fun possible. Without some support in return, is it really surprising?

  If its just saying thanks, or telling a story, or showing your "i-whatever" train photos to cheer up a pouty kid with a Thomas shirt(remember that story anyone?)  Whatever support you can show in passing. Why not?  

 You have joined OGRF, so you do support us some, like it, know it, admit it, or not. Thanks

Not being afraid to mention that you like trains is next

MONDAYs LUNCH:

"Do anything this weekend?"

"Nah, just ran my trains"

The reply, is going to likely be the last on the subject....

"My Dad/uncle/grandpa/neighbor/friend had one", "Wow/Cool", "Really?"[good way], Really? [bad way], or "Oh" [good, bad, indifference, or a dropped sandwich].

See? "Our work is done". No preaching! Just open exposure of your fun with trains,

so others might be inspired to have fun too! Shutting a light off takes more effort.

Except if you might be easily embarrassed, or offended by some responses, its easy.

 Ok, they might actually ask questions too...just point them here and go to the crapper if its "too much" 

 Hey, maybe it'll only inspire 1 person to break out old RC planes, because the shop they got it at once had trains too. Although its not train inspiration, those grins would still be enough for me. Grins are fun You like fun! Remember...

You there grinning again yet?

We support the hobby, so it stays a hobby.

Without our "support", it isn't a hobby, its hobby history.

I.E., No support, and the fun might be done!

That's bad!

You don't want the fun to be done do you

 You like fun! Remember?

Many in the hobby know this is needed from experience.

Good companies have died off in waves since the 40s-50s

Customer levels raising, dropping.

The more organized support has helped.

It gave us a better voice to tell Mfgs what we want.

That keeps them from guessing as much, and the hobby is more stable than since I was a young boy in the 60s. 

Whether you've figured out why yet, or not, we did. Support helps.

Apathy=a deathblow. Support=life....

 "On board" yet? 

Life..

Support....

life support

Yeah I thought about the "station" availability too, but as far as I know its a "standard" channel there.

  RFDs "package" here, would near triple my bill, and move me to a carrier I like less. So basically, "its not available here either".

I winged it dad, what is CAD design? Sometime a time out and simple solution works best. KB JR with his carpet layout, start out slow and see if they like it first. 

LCCA on TV in Buffalo NY

On Sunday March 22, Lionel  Collectors Club of America's (LCCA) Al Kolis was a featured guest speaker for two live broadcasts during the  53rd Annual Variety Kids Telethon on ABC's Channel 7 in Buffalo NY.  The LCCA was promoting the club, Lionel and the hobby while seeking donations for this Telethon.  A Lionel Thomas the Tank train starter set donated by the LCCA was one of the stars of this event.  Throughout the 12 Hour live broadcast with over 1 Million TV viewers, The Thomas set along with one of LCCA's  Switching a Tracks Traveling Boxcar was clearly visible in the background.  Whether static or in full operation, Lionel's Thomas the train was featured throughout the day and  a huge hit!  It was another Great Day for the LCCA!


Al Kolis  

How can we help promote model railroading?

Have a You Tube Channel and promote the hobby with your layout or a clubs layout.  You will reach viewers world wide, and people of all ages.  They do ask questions and send private messages. 

LCCA New Junior Member on TV in Buffalo NY

During this March 22 Variety TV Telethon event in Buffalo NY, I had the privilege and honor to meet with the Telethon’s Celebrity Child Gregory Q. from Youngstown NY.  Gregory is considered to be a miracle child.  He survived at birth due in large part to the support received from the Variety organization’s fundraising activities.  Gregory loves Lionel Trains.   During the on-air portion of the TV Telethon, the LCCA gave Gregory a complimentary Junior Membership into the LCCA and a free Lionel Scout LionChief starter train set.   This is Gregory’s first Lionel train set.   He just loves it!   Stay tuned to future articles written by Gregory in upcoming issues of the LCCA Junior Member publication, The Lion Cub.  Thank you Gregory for your inspiration and love of Lionel trains.  Here are some photos of Gregory and his family during this TV telethon.  

For more information about the LCCA’s Junior Membership program and benefits, please visit the Junior Membership tab on our website www.lionelcollectors.org  I invite each and every one of you to sponsor a child and give them a one year gift membership into the LCCA.   Please help spread the magic of Lionel trains, the fun of the LCCA and the joy of our hobby to others.   

If you have any questions about the LCCA, please contact me. 

Sincerely,

Al Kolis

President Elect & Special Events Manager

Lionel Collectors Club of America

248 709-4137

agkolis@comcast.net