We often see topic threads depicting the demise of the hobby and that young people aren't interested in model railroading or classic toy trains. It is my hunch that there is a healthy wave of 'Young Guns' on the way. There are many reasons that people become more involved in the hobby as they advance in life, but it doesn't mean that younger people aren't interested.
I've seen a number of posts around here by people in their late teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s with very impressive set ups. I am arbitrarily setting a soft cutoff of the 'Young Guns' at 50 years old. My reasoning is that in this age bracket, you were born outside the golden era of postwar trains, you likely had many other toys to enjoy as a child, you likely are not retired, likely have a busy family life, likely a busy career/schooling, and many other circumstances that make hobby time hard to come by.
If you are under 50 and in the hobby, please share photos of your layout and/or collection. Whether it is seasonal or permanent, finished or unfinished, ceiling, carpet or proper bench work, let's see what the Young Guns are doing.
Experienced members (over 50) don't feel left out, please drop in to encourage the young guys. A strong community of hobbyist is good for us all. It means greater collaboration among us, more new items from train manufacturers, and a strong secondary market. Each generation stands on the shoulders of the prior generation.
***
At 32, I have been back in the hobby for 6 years and built a small 8 x 5.5 layout table with my kids. All are grade school age or younger and really enjoy getting their hands on the trains. Time for working and playing with the layout are hard to come by and prioritization of funds to the layout are very minimal. It's not ever going to make it into a magazine, but it's a fun little pike. We also put an oval under the Christmas tree each year which gets a lot of play time during the Christmas season. I've shared these photos before, but these are the best shots of the overall layout.
