My take on it is our own fears that the hobby will die off after we are gone. But i think we are just in a "down' cycle and the hobby will grow again as the next round of modelers retire and become more active. In today's society, there is precious little time to attend train shows or frequent the remaining hobby shops. So many of the younger modelers are "hidden" from the older generation. The younger ones do not need or have time for the socializing part that many of us are used to doing, be it at shows, the hobby shop or local club. Modern technology has enabled them to model behind the scenes so to speak. Pretty much anything one might need is available from ones own smartphone. One can order and pay for it while on break at work, or while laying in bed after putting the kids down for the night. One day these "hidden" younger modelers will slowly come out of the woodwork as they retire and become more socialy active in the hobby. Atleast that is my take on it from taking to others and setting up a layout at shows. I see many younger folk having an interest in the hobby, is it as many as it was 10 or 15 years ago, no, but still an interest.
We as an active hobbiest need to promote the hobby in the best possible light and not bemoan the state of anything while among the general public at shows, shops ect. We as an active hobbiest need to promote there is a path into the hobby for EVERY income level, in every scale from Z to G. G and O being the best for children with S and smaller for teens and adults do to fragility. If you own a hobby shop, stocking sets such as the Harry Potter and Polar Express are very important. This includes the "add ons" Both of those series are still very popular with kids and adults alike. I see way to much negativity at shows, from dealers and hobbiests. If you want to moan and groan, do it away from the public eye. Nobody wants to join a hobby that breeds negativity and grumpy old men. For dealers that carry lots of used HO. Make up a few decent sets, a decent locomotive, a few cars, small oval of track and power pack. Put it in a "pop can" flat and price it fairly. Many parents have no clue what it takes to make a good complete set. This will save time and increase sales. Just my thoughts. Mike
