Went to Gratham show yesterday sat 3 sept lots of good layouts BUT no youg folks showing layout's .So how do we get them in to the hobby? some young folks looking round with mum or dad but we need the new blood or our hbby will die,may be we need some sort of game for the playstation ( other games machines out there)generation to help them to take a intrest in the hobby,or can we show it helps to build up skills e.g. wood work wireing and lots more :Class31: :Class37: :Carriage: :Carriage:
kevin141 :NGaugersRule:
Interesting Debate, It's always gonna be hard to prise young folk away from playstations and x-box, but the ball is firmly in our court. Many shows I have been to cater only for grown ups. The hobby could take a leaf from the manufacturers book. Im pleased to see companies like hornby and bachmann producing thomas, underground eddie and harry potter train sets, we as a hobby could help promote this to a younger audiance by displaying these themes at shows.
Also parents with an interest in trains and models can do their part by encouraging model railways to kids by buying them train sets at christmas along side x-box games. This gives the kids another interest away from video games and would hopefully foster an interest in model railways for the future.
The press and popular media could help as well by not branding anyone with a slight interest in trains as an anorak spotter, as of course this sends out a message to youngsters as uncool and therefore sad and boring. A good example of this is Roy Cropper's character in British soap Coronation Street, who is portrayed as a dull and a boring chap, who loves trains. kids see this character and associate his interest to being rubbish and joke worthy.
We should look at famous cool modellers like Rod Stewart, who has a massive passion for the hobby and owns a large United states themed HO layout to promote model railways as something to be proud of.
Some of you may know wiggy25 (traction ) from other forums this type of layout he created for the young at shows is more of what is needed to encourage the young into the hobby, as i remember Ian asked for ideas to add to his layout & acted upon suggestions ot add more for the young to see & do making it truly interactive.
http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4956&hl=
http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5518
Hail Wiggy!
Great idea - I know when I visited the Stafford MRS a couple of years running there was a small Thomas layout for the kids that was always popular.
IMHO the manufacturers should be doing more as it is mainly in their interest to do so, although I can't imagine they will advertise on the scale that Hornby/Triang used to.
In fact, they seem to do the opposite and push the fact that their models are not toys and so are unsuitable for youngsters. There just seems to be no medium for trying to get the message over about the fun and learning that can come from our hobby. Probably these days kids come to the hobby via their dads in the main.
This is the sort of thing that would get youngsters interested. I played with it at the Hartlepool exhibition and I loved it. :thumbsup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWHkEmOVukk
A lot of youngsters like the contemporary liveries I have on my stand, so having something they can relate to is good. A layout needs to have lots going on - trains moving, intresting scenery, to really engage the young.
Whilst the more seasoned modeller might love to watch an superbly modelled finescale shunting plank, it may not hold much interest for the younger potential modeller.
Recent developments like DCC sound, digital control from a PC and working lights alh help. The big manufacturers need to look at more appealing starter sets. Hornby have a good range of "sexy" prototypes in 4mm, such as the Javelin, Eurostar and Pendolino, as well as favourites like Mallard and Scotsman. Farish's starter sets with a green 25 or BR V2 seem a little dowdy by comparison.
I think we've also become a victim of our own making. For years now the modelling fraternity have been shouting for more detail/authenticity etc and this, along with DCC and sound developments has pushed the prices up to probably beyond the average 'toy' cost. I know there is always E Bay for attempting to source cheap 'starter' material but even using that medium can be expensive due to the silly money being asked for/paid.
It'll be interesting to see what lurks at TINGS to entice the youngsters.
It would be good if Bachmann could develop some of the old Farish stuff into a version of Hornby's Railroad range.
Quote from: newportnobby on September 04, 2011, 05:50:47 PM
I think we've also become a victim of our own making. For years now the modelling fraternity have been shouting for more detail/authenticity etc and this, along with DCC and sound developments has pushed the prices up to probably beyond the average 'toy' cost. I know there is always E Bay for attempting to source cheap 'starter' material but even using that medium can be expensive due to the silly money being asked for/paid.
It'll be interesting to see what lurks at TINGS to entice the youngsters.
It seems to me that a lot of kids these days demand instant entertainment.They don't seem to want or be able to engage their brains in a little imagination of their own.Wheather it is through 3D movies or Video games a whole virtual world is created for them.
When i was growing up..(70s) it was Lego, Meccano,Airfix kits....and a little imagination......
As for the cost of the hobby.....for the price of a Playstation or Xbox console and a few video games,the beginings of a fairly decent layout could be made.
I think it all comes down to peer pressure these days.......video games-cool...trains....????.
Most youngsters who are interested in model railways,i would say a very high proportion of them are so because "Dad" is into it..........
Quote from: kevin141 on September 04, 2011, 01:57:15 PM
may be we need some sort of game for the playstation ( other games machines out there)generation to help them to take a intrest in the hobby
kevin141 :NGaugersRule:
anybody ever used this?
http://www.railsimulator.com/
Quote from: captainelectra on September 04, 2011, 05:41:35 PM
Recent developments like DCC sound, digital control from a PC and working lights alh help. The big manufacturers need to look at more appealing starter sets.
Absolutely agree. It's in their interest to ensure there's another generation of modellers (a.k.a. customers).
Quote from: newportnobby on September 04, 2011, 05:50:47 PM
I think we've also become a victim of our own making.
I think that it's important that we ensure that the hobby is always accessible to everyone - of all ages, incomes, interests and abilities. I have had an experience at one club (no names, no packdrill - but one which put me off clubs forever) where those at the "higher" end of the hobby were dismissive and intolerant to those of us on limited budgets and with limited skills. This forum is a refreshing change.
Quote from: Dock Shunter on September 04, 2011, 06:27:22 PM
It seems to me that a lot of kids these days demand instant entertainment.They don't seem to want or be able to engage their brains in a little imagination of their own.
You may be right, but I remember that James May show where he introduced the Xbox generation to Airfix kits. At first, it was depressing because, as you've said, the children didn't appear to want to invest any effort into the process. But, with some encouragement, some of them (not all admittedly) got something out of the exercise.
Quote from Gooders.
"I think that it's important that we ensure that the hobby is always accessible to everyone - of all ages, incomes, interests and abilities. I have had an experience at one club (no names, no packdrill - but one which put me off clubs forever) where those at the "higher" end of the hobby were dismissive and intolerant to those of us on limited budgets and with limited skills. This forum is a refreshing change."
I agree Gooders. I left a local modelling club because the resident rivet counter slagged everyones model off but his own. I've been on a number of forums as well and this is the best of the bunch.
I tried to get my 11 year old nephew involved but all he wanted to see was crashes.
Although it may be hard to encourage youngsters it seems that the, dare I say it, middle aged person wants to play trains. That's how I came into the hobby. I now have the time and some spare cash handy. It was also a way to interact with my Autistic son, although he likes crashes as well. Watching too much Thomas I think. :)
Tried to use the quote option but didn't seem to get it right.
Alex
hi all
today i attended the blackburn show, and guess which was the only layout you couldn't get near??
yep the thomas the tank layout
the other layouts that had larger crowds were the layouts with lots of lights & other effects ::)
i know that when my grandson comes to visit it's always the new lights that he notices first, not the new £?? loco ???
just a little bit of observation from the two aquatics clubs that i'm in
we have under 10's then except for 1 member (18) the next youngest members are in their 30's
goes to show the youth of today are not "into" joining clubs whatever they involve, maybe if we changed the name from "club" to "gang" they would then be interested
just my view on things
dave :thumbsup:
I encourage one of my little Grandsons to play trains, he has a massive Thomas collection but when it comes to involving young kids into model railways I think we are pushing you know what up hill.
In this age of iPads and such I can see model railways going the way of simulation, quite a few are interested in what "Trainz" has to offer and they have access to their Faceache and Tw*tter accounts right in front of them.
I believe our hobby will survive but diminish in popularity as time goes on, at the moment there are many retired people like myself looking for something to keep our mind occupied, what of the future when all of us oldies have gone to the big train set in the sky???.
This dad doesn't seem to be having problems getting his youngsters interested in trains.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we_QUaJXRX0
Quote from: poliss on September 04, 2011, 10:03:07 PM
This dad doesn't seem to be having problems getting his youngsters interested in trains.
That's Mike Fifers layout which is a little bit more than an oval of track on the kitchen table..
How many three and four year olds have access to a layout like that..?
Getting kids interested and keeping that interest long enough to develop a trainset into a layout is the key.
My girls are interested in trains - oldest is 5, youngest 8 months (although in her case it may be too early to tell!). Certainly the middle pair (aged 4 and 2) are both keen. They are all looking forward to December when we are moving to a shed (well a house but it has a 7.5m x 6m train shed in the back yard!) so they can set their train set up permenantly - plans include a hill (for the tunnel) a farm, a church, a village and a bridge apparently. Somehow I have to fit it all on a 4x8 board (cause that is all they are getting space wise - I have to fit mine in too!) but I am thinking keen outguns prototype at this age so I am planning on looking the other way!
i agree as a lad of 15 i have no access to £100+ for descent loco but then even the 57xx i have seen for £75+ but farish could release older models ie 37 , 47, the gp tank and the 20
Quote from: mrjamestrain on September 06, 2011, 08:11:31 AM
i agree as a lad of 15 i have no access to £100+ for descent loco but then even the 57xx i have seen for £75+ but farish could release older models ie 37 , 47, the gp tank and the 20
Hi - I used to live near Stafford and regularly attended the Collectables/Railway swapmeets at the Showground. It's a great source for cheaper items and I would recommend it. If you don't take the Railway Modeller mag let me know and when I see one coming up I'll PM you.
:NGaugersRule:
Many young modellers I have been involved with have gone for Thomas or Hornby Railroad in OO gauge, when it comes to N Gauge in Australia the only cheap way into the hobby is to buy second hand or brand new Bachmann American Diesels which sell for less tham $40au or about 28 quid sterling.
There is the option of a mass breeding program from selected train loving adult specimens....
There however is one major drawback, the ratio of male to females subjects is significant and there is the lengthy lead time to consider....
Cloning vats on kamino anyone....
My own son (nearly 3) has only recently seen my layout re-erected after it was taken apart and put into storage before his birth and a house move. He got to like thomas the tank characters from someone taking the P*** and giving me a diecast james for my 40th, i think he was about 1 when he saw it in a cupboard where it had been put(chucked in disgust more like {i dont do mobile hot water heaters}) and then that was it he was hooked.
Like most little boys(?) he likes cars, truck, tanks etc, but he has good selection of the take a long thomas die casts (and makes me make more and more complicated layouts from the plastic track bits with every passing week).
I cant say either myself or his mother have encouraged him down this route he just likes them, is it genetic i wonder???? (i used to be a proper hammer and spanners engineer before being made redundant 20+ years ago and moving into computersand programming)
His 11 year old halfbrother couldnt give a monkies about trains, planes or cars unless they are in one of his computer games.
His dad did send him a model kit of a harrier for one birthday, his dad being in the RAF and thats what he was currently working on, i dutifully helped him put it together and then started to help him paint it, he lost interest when it took so long to do and probably would have just smashed it to bits eventualy if his mother hadn't put it back in the cupboard out of the way.
Engineering is in the blood here, my dad was a draftsman, his dad was a motor mechanic, and his dad was bicycle mechanic.
Never saw real steam, born in '68 so it was all gone by the time i could take notice. Probably why i only have one kettle a 9F just because its big and did once work through my area.
Modern kids dont get to see real trains doing real work that often now, so they are just not inspired they way we were??!!
Well thats my two pence worth, cheers
Andy.
yeah iv'e been to every one with my dad since i was 2 i love the county show
I'm fairly young (19) and i exhibit my layout. I've just always had an interest in the hobby and rarely go a day without some form of it. I know of a few even younger who are interested, like my neighbour (7) who i helped build a layout with.
I totally agree with what people are saying about a 'railroad' style range from Farish but what i think is really needed is Hornby to start N Gauge. They are the name most associated with model railways and with them having the rights to Thomas etc they could easily boost N Gauge to a wider audience.
Ollie
I think Hornby only have the rights for the OO gauge Thomas range. That's why you don't see the Bachmann OO Thomas range in the UK, but you do see Bachmann's large scale Thomas range on sale here.
I suspect Tomix have the licence for it in N scale.
I'm 25 and I've always loved modelling (of all kinds) and trains. My father was also very interested and we did a lot together. Going to exhibitions I sometimes find the significant age gap intimidating since I know relatively little at the moment. My layout isn't exhibition worthy yet but it's something I'd love to do in the future. It helps that I have a girldriend that is also interested. It is an expensive and time consuming hobby though but ultimately very rewarding.
"It is an expensive and time consuming hobby though but ultimately very rewarding."
Would that be trains or girls? ;D
My GF and I are young compared to most (22), and neither of us have parents etc involved in the hobby. We started as we wanted to do something together, and we are both interested in different parts of the hobby. I love the electrical and modelling side, and she just loves the trains (and collecting them!). It's something that is bringing us together, and it's good to have something that isn't virtual to do.
As for getting the young involved, it's going to be tough. The young has access to any amount of instant gratification, and modelling takes too much time for them. It's such a pity that the youth don't put in the time into anything any more. I can only think of showing the more modern aspects of the hobby, such as computer control etc.
Another idea is to get them to be interacting at model shows. At most show's i've been too, there has been very little to inspire people to get involved, as they don't do anything but watch. Anything from public running modules, to public building session. Anything to get people involved at show's would help alot more people get involved
Quote from: poliss on September 27, 2011, 11:39:18 PM
"It is an expensive and time consuming hobby though but ultimately very rewarding."
Would that be trains or girls? ;D
Most definitely both! :smiley-laughing:
Back in the 80's there were loads of youngsters involved, me included. ;D
Trouble now is that there's so much vying for their time and attention.
Add to that that fact that high street model railway shops are getting rarer by the day for various reasons.
Thats why computer games do so well. There's a computer game shop on practically every high street so of course they can just walk in.
No internet ordering and waiting, buy it, go home, play it. Simple. Remember when we all did that with trains? ;)
It's not the prices that are stopping them getting involved as computer games aren't cheap.
Then you've got exhibitions. Full of mainly 'old men' as they'd see it, who focus on everything being to scale and correct and not having fun.
Next time your at an exhibition, a local one not Warley or something, have a look around and look at the age ranges.
There'll be a lot who are 50 plus, a fair few who are 30 plus but not many under that.
Most kids you'll see are preschool age and lovers of Thomas the Tank Engine.
Mind you I still like him! :smiley-laughing:
Then there's the image problem in the press.
Non-railway modelling press still seems to label us all as 'trainspotters', a view unchanged since about 1952.
About time they grew up...
The modelling press don't help the matter by concentrating on steam.
Now I know some mags are better than others at including more modern stuff but some are still stuck in a timewarp.
So if a 'cool' image was presented by the mainstream press and the model press had a more varied, less rose tinted view we might get more youngsters modelling as the here and now is what they see, are familiar with and would probably model.
Any one who is reading this who's under 30, welcome to the greatest hobby on the planet!
Just my view of things now that I'm an old git! :smiley-laughing:
Just read this thread, and putting my farthing's worth in.
I must be one of the lucky ones then, My grandaughter (13) is pressurising me to get her N base board made.
She has asked me to lay the track and do any wiring, but insists on choosing the rolling stock.
She has got the Peco Set-track starter kit and so far 4 Peco Wagon Kits, Kestrel buildings(she does not think the detail on card ones is good enough(something about texture). For motive power she has an old Trix 0-6-0 steamer think continental prototype.
Every thing she has paid for out of her pocket money and I think very unusual given the age!
Lionel brought out a train in 1957 that they thought would attract girls to the hobby. It wasn't a sucess. ;D
http://www.ibuyoldtrains.com/Lionel%201587s%20Pink%20Girls%20Train.htm
maybe the 'yoof' of today that like trains prefer rail sim games to models? you still collect all the trains and routes, but drive them as well.... it's just more hi tec and more 'normal' because it's a computer game and not a hobby mostly attracting older men???
anyway...
i guess now the hobby is primarily for adults, those who have the money, time, enjoy collecting etc etc...
tim
From looking at Hornby's results I'd say most 'train sets' are still given to youngsters for Xmas presents.
I think you should point your grand daughter here http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=2688.0 and get her to invest her pocket money wisely ;)
I think its down to the parents, my little girls loves getting out with her daddy to see thomas the tank at didcot.
she also loves to get mummy to come out on the odd train spot through newbury.
Getting the young involved would be easy if there were more cost effective sets and if the yoof of today did not see it as a geek hobbie unlike football and computer games.
i have always liked trains and how the work but never had anywhere to let this out hence i gave up and got the latest vid game.
i think clubs should have an all adult night and a childrens night where the more basic models are left for the children to play with or do a bring your own loco and help build basic layout once the learn the basics and see how fun and "normal" it can be, then we have them hooked.
just my thoughts on the subject.
Quote from: captainelectra on September 04, 2011, 05:41:35 PM
A lot of youngsters like the contemporary liveries I have on my stand, so having something they can relate to is good. A layout needs to have lots going on - trains moving, intresting scenery, to really engage the young.
Whilst the more seasoned modeller might love to watch an superbly modelled finescale shunting plank, it may not hold much interest for the younger potential modeller.
Recent developments like DCC sound, digital control from a PC and working lights alh help. The big manufacturers need to look at more appealing starter sets. Hornby have a good range of "sexy" prototypes in 4mm, such as the Javelin, Eurostar and Pendolino, as well as favourites like Mallard and Scotsman. Farish's starter sets with a green 25 or BR V2 seem a little dowdy by comparison.
Just found this topic. Captain Electra - I agree with everything you are saying! I got into OO originally rather than N because of Pendolino and Javelin on the horizon. IMHO, if Kato or Tomix were to put together a starter set with one of the iconic trains listed above and elevated sections and sell it on QVC or Ideal World it would make a mint - and not just with kids either. Bachmann have advertised their starter sets on their site but the Voyager set is only available in OO.
I don't think there is any need to worry about kids getting involved in the model railway hobby, personally I think it just takes some involvement with a train to get them thinking, like a seed from a tree that can lie dormant for years and suddenly start sprouting a shoot.
It doesn't have to be an electric train to get kids started, it can be as simple as a push along Thomas or maybe a few Thomas DVDs but the seed is planted that might get people started in the hobby years later.
We tend to think its railway enthusiasts that visit Preserved Railways but nothing could be further from the truth, I can only speak for Australia but there are loads of kids that ride steam trains with their parents and usually where you find a steam train you find a model that catches kids eyes.
Here in Brisbane we have "The Workshops Rail Museum", it covers the history of everything from steam to diesel and also has a massive model railway, kids have a playground where they can ride push along trains and there are plenty of steam train rides on restored Queensland Railways steamers, they have special weekends for Thomas, Bob the Builder and a dozen other things and these weekends can be very busy, there is something going on all the time, from this I feel sure budding model railway modellers will develop.
Here is a link to this great Museum.
http://www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au/
Dapol will soon have the potential to do a Flying Scotsman or Mallard train set with a few Gresleys in tow. Just add some Kato or Tomix track and they could be onto a winner!
I agree with Mr Bug. Kids need a spark of interest, but in terms of longer term interest and attracting modellers it is people in 20s-60s who have the money.
Models, particularly so for N, have always been relatively expensive - as a teenager I could never afford any of the models I wanted, so I relied on Mr Claus and his elves for new locos/stock.
Quote from: captainelectra on November 22, 2011, 08:44:25 PM
Dapol will soon have the potential to do a Flying Scotsman or Mallard train set with a few Gresleys in tow. Just add some Kato or Tomix track and they could be onto a winner!
Having never had a Dapol loco, I don't know what the couplings are like. I do know that the Farish Voyager and Kato Eurostar couplings are extremely fiddly and could be a source of problems for kids impatient to get their train running. I have a second hand Kato Nozomi 500 and the couplings are brilliant and would be suitable for kids.
Really I think the answer is to decide that it's morally reprehensible, causes violence in kids and should be condemned by a bunch of overpaid nuts in Westminster
Works for computer games...
http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-12/2427
WOW
I really started something here lots of good ideas ,lets pass the word at shows e.t.c.and pass on ideas on to manufacturer,s so of what has been said is east enough to do.My bit to the cause will be to run my layout at a show using my laptop coumpter i know it is already done by some but we can show we are up with some of young .Any thought about using one of the games counsels for railway control over two the group
kevin141
Quote from: Pendy on November 23, 2011, 07:01:44 AM
Quote from: captainelectra on November 22, 2011, 08:44:25 PM
Dapol will soon have the potential to do a Flying Scotsman or Mallard train set with a few Gresleys in tow. Just add some Kato or Tomix track and they could be onto a winner!
Having never had a Dapol loco, I don't know what the couplings are like. I do know that the Farish Voyager and Kato Eurostar couplings are extremely fiddly and could be a source of problems for kids impatient to get their train running. I have a second hand Kato Nozomi 500 and the couplings are brilliant and would be suitable for kids.
It's a good job I don't like Shinkansens or we may need a jealous smilie ;)
As for getting the kids involved, there is no perfect solution I'm afraid all anyone can do is expose them to the world of model railways at an early enough age where they can appreciate the investment that has gone into the layout they are about to maul, but still find sufficient enjoyment in participating in playing trains.
Whilst I am not a fan of clubs they could, once or twice a year, have a "juniors" evening where the so called grown ups take a back seat and are there only in an advisory capacity and to ensure safety. Also many schools have open evenings why not get the local club to take a layout along or get themselves a mention in the school newsletter.
Having attended a couple of clubs briefly to see if I fancied joining, I don't the kids are the issue, it is the adults! either those running the clubs or getting parents off their bahookies to take the kids along in the first place
I think the amount of time you need for this hobby is a deterrent to today's youths taking it up seriously!
Quote from: malfoy on December 09, 2011, 10:28:31 AM
I think the amount of time you need for this hobby is a deterrent to today's youths taking it up seriously!
Time? how many of these youths hanging around on street corners doing nothing they have plenty of time, its the lack of brain cells and a poor child hood with no encouragement for imagination.
reading that back i sound pretty angry! im not ;D well not at you and your comment anyway :thumbsup:
I don't think it is a problem... If you read forums a lot you will see a lot of people come to the hobby in their middle age... Its not as if the crusty old-timers :smiley-laughing: are going to pop their clogs and there will be no-one left modelling!
I came to the hobby in my mid-30s. When I was a kid I had a train set, but could never afford anything, didn't have the patience nor the skill and ultimately I discovered girls and drink were more fun! :o
So in getting young people involved, I don't think it is that important.
Is it such a problem that the hobby is practiced by middle aged to crusty old-timers?! :smiley-laughing: :wave:
Quote from: Flakmunky on December 14, 2011, 09:33:38 AM
Is it such a problem that the hobby is practiced by middle aged to crusty old-timers?! :smiley-laughing: :wave:
Not at all - as long as Dapol and Farish don't make the assumption that 'middle aged to crusty old-timers' are only interested in the steam era or the pre-privatisation eras. Some of us want the 'new fangled multi coloured worms' (as someone from another post described them)
lol... I do admire the new fangled multi colour worms! I see plenty modern image layouts at shows...
I'm starting to encourage my son at an early age (much to SWMBO's dismay) playing with one of his 3rd birthday presents with his grandad, i dont think i'll let him near Milton yard for now but i'm considering buying him a wooden train table for his 4th birthday
(http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/5655/img0892q.jpg)
Cute! My little boy is just getting into Thomas the Tank Engine, but he hasn't worked out that the trains are supposed to be on the track, and not held in the air like a plane!!!! :D
Rhys is the same,,, flying trains that crash into the ground alot,,,,
We all started some where so if flying trains is the way to get the young involved then so be it :smiley-laughing:on a more important note enjoy while at that age they soon get bigger ,like the idea of the wooden train table you could try a bit of remote control all the best
Kevin
I remember when I was much younger and my older brother got a train set, my favourite pastime was to shoot it with my toy gun... :-[
That's a bit scary. My younger brother is called Paul (although not Paul B) and he used to do similar things to my old OO set. You're not a million miles away either but last time I heard from him he was living over the border in Wales.
What I did notice down at Wigan and also at Perth was the number of younger folks, early to mid twenties, at both shows, and young couples too, not just the stereotypical "spotter" or train geek
But I will bang the same old drum again here, if you are at a show with a layout, run some ruddy trains on it, one can only stand and admire scenery for so long ::) and kids aint interested in flock
Quote from: Lawrence on June 28, 2012, 12:28:48 PM
What I did notice down at Wigan and also at Perth was the number of younger folks, early to mid twenties, at both shows, and young couples too, not just the stereotypical "spotter" or train geek
But I will bang the same old drum again here, if you are at a show with a layout, run some ruddy trains on it, one can only stand and admire scenery for so long ::) and kids aint interested in flock
i agree with that
kevin
Quote from: Trainfish on June 28, 2012, 03:06:33 AM
That's a bit scary. My younger brother is called Paul (although not Paul B) and he used to do similar things to my old OO set. You're not a million miles away either but last time I heard from him he was living over the border in Wales.
My elder brother is called Howard, and I'm afraid he lives nowhere near Wales - he is in Essex, and hasn't touched a train set since getting rid of his first OO set (he is in to plane spotting now - went to Majorca for a few days with a friend and they never left the airport... ??? )
my grand daughters love my layout....
they rush upstairs to see the latest developements!
and they notice them!
the rules are that all figures are fixed!!!
but they can move any vehicles!!!
you would be amazed where the Ford Cortina gets to!!!
Quote from: Paul B on June 28, 2012, 07:18:59 PM
My elder brother is called Howard, and I'm afraid he lives nowhere near Wales - he is in Essex, and hasn't touched a train set since getting rid of his first OO set (he is in to plane spotting now - went to Majorca for a few days with a friend and they never left the airport... ??? )
I am neither called Howard nor live near Wales but I think we have now worked out that you're not my brother. I really don't understand spending a holiday in a foreign airport but then neither do I understand someone standing at the end of a platform all day. Each to their own though. You should warn your brother though, he'd get arrested for that in some countries. Think Greece a few years ago..............
Being a crusty old git I was interested in the various comments. As many kids play
involves millenium falcons, playstations, flashing lights , monsters and robots
it may be difficult to get them interested in the finer points of gwr livery or
blood and custard rakes.Perhaps go back to the planet x missile launching
train set with exploding circus wagon, ps to giraffe,watch the loading gauge!
My little one likes trains and I started to make a small layout for him with him helping.. As usual I got carried away with the 'right' look etc but all he wanted was to run a train round a loop!
So thats what he has and he loves it!
I think the details comes later when we have more spare time and more cash in the pocket.
Even in my 20's, although I had some stock, the money went on beer and the fairer sex not points and locos...
I only know of one lad at my eldest's school who admits to having a model railway..can't see that changing really. Proper modelling is a bloke thing.
Cudders
Quote from: cudders on June 29, 2012, 03:50:45 PM
Proper modelling is a bloke thing.
Cudders
INCOMING!!! Take cover in the nearest slit trench :o
Good grief cudders, are you trying to get us all shot with that last statement and for the benefit of our lady members
I DON'T AGREE WITH CUDDERS
;D ;D
Quote from: cudders on June 29, 2012, 03:50:45 PM
Proper modelling is a bloke thing.
Cudders
So we might see you on Page 3 of the Sun then!
Thought about this a lot lately, I think kids are in a better position to get into model railways than we were when I was a kid, my reasons are but they pretty much depend on the child's parents.
1/ we never had Thomas The Tank staring at us when we went into toy shops, I would say most boys and some girls have at some time in their early lives had something to do with Thomas.
2/ Thomas the Tank DVDs and TV shows, I know all my kids sat my grandkids in front of the telly to watch Thomas while they did some housework.
3/ Preserved railways, whenever I have been to a preserved railway there is always loads of kids and most parents enjoy a day out on the train with the family, the only trains I saw as a kid was when I withstood the freezing cold with notebook and pencil in hand while train spotting.
4/ Model Railway Exhibitions, all of the model railway exhibitions I go to always have plenty of kids looking on and its not always boys, I have enjoyed listening to girls getting excited over model trains and telling their Mum and Dad what they think.
5/ The only thing stopping kids from getting involved with model railways is modern technology but who knows having the above things introduced to children when they are young may introduce them into the hobby when they are older, I can remember when I married my first wife back in the 1960s, she thought I had lost my marbles when I built a Triang layout on a 6x4 sheet of plywood, I believe that when trains have been introduced to a child it never leaves them, the proof is in the pudding as most of us old buggers on this forum played with trains when we were kids.
Everning all,
Is less than a day old to young do you think? Hopefully he will follow after me in the hobby dept
Andrew Edwin Little Born 06/07/2012 :)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UpGj3G3W5m4/T_iseCaScII/AAAAAAAAAKs/44UKVNq7QA8/s800/IMAG0083.jpg)
Neil
Congratulations Neil he sure is a bonny boy, this must be some kind of record for starting little ones off with trains, well done :thumbsup:
Congratulations, we had a girl five weeks ago, your peace and quiet will now disappear for 18 years :) I say this having been up since five and just fed the night stalker who seems to think Half ten is wake up time :) wouldn't swap it for the world though :)
I've managed an hour here and there on my layout since she was born, but that changing now I've moved it out of the garage into the spare room!
Well done to mum and you, I am sure he will be a credit to both of you :thumbsup:
cheers John.
Quote from: swisstony on July 07, 2012, 11:19:15 PM
Congratulations, we had a girl five weeks ago, your peace and quiet will now disappear for 18 years :) I say this having been up since five and just fed the night stalker who seems to think Half ten is wake up time :) wouldn't swap it for the world though :)
I've managed an hour here and there on my layout since she was born, but that changing now I've moved it out of the garage into the spare room!
Hi Tony I hate to burst your bubble there but you can forget 18 years ;D the older kids get the bigger the problems become and the noise gets louder, all our kids are aged between 38 and 49 and they are more trouble than enough, I should have got a vasectomy when I was 10 years old ;D
Geez, what hope do I hold? I don't have any kids yet!!
Quote from: oldrailbug on July 08, 2012, 12:58:25 AM
Quote from: swisstony on July 07, 2012, 11:19:15 PM
Congratulations, we had a girl five weeks ago, your peace and quiet will now disappear for 18 years :) I say this having been up since five and just fed the night stalker who seems to think Half ten is wake up time :) wouldn't swap it for the world though :)
I've managed an hour here and there on my layout since she was born, but that changing now I've moved it out of the garage into the spare room!
Hi Tony I hate to burst your bubble there but you can forget 18 years ;D the older kids get the bigger the problems become and the noise gets louder, all our kids are aged between 38 and 49 and they are more trouble than enough, I should have got a vasectomy when I was 10 years old ;D
Huge congratulations, Neil :beers:
Hope Mum & son are both doing well :thumbsup:
Quote from: kaiwhara on July 08, 2012, 02:31:47 AM
Geez, what hope do I hold? I don't have any kids yet!!
Do yourself a favour . . . keep it that way ;)
Both myself and Mrs Sprintex have no thoughts or plans to have kids, in fact the very thought horrifies us both! Too much responsibility, too expensive, too restrictive, too noisy, and what a god-awful world to have to subject them to ::)
Get a cat instead ;D
Paul
Congrats Neil and Swisstony :thumbsup: , too be honest having children makes life worth living, there are lots of things you enjoy in life, but, you never get as much joy as you do than watching your children growing up, all I can say is roll on the grandkids.
Paul
Yes, congrats to all new mums and dads on here.
Kids aren't for everyone of course.
I'm single and have none, but if I met someone who wanted some I'd expose them to trains from an early age.
Hopefully they'd like them and whilst they might stray away in the teenage years, hope they'd like them for life!
Quote from: Neonoodle on July 07, 2012, 10:40:14 PM
Everning all,
Is less than a day old to young do you think? Hopefully he will follow after me in the hobby dept
Andrew Edwin Little Born 06/07/2012 :)
Neil
Congratulations Neil! :beers:
Congrats man :beers:
Oh those sleepless nights to come! :thumbsup:
:thumbsup: congratulations on the little nipper.
When ever I do work on my layout my neises always seem interested and with my two nephews growing up hopefully theyll take an interest in them too, plus by than Ill have trains running properlly haha.
Plus to be honest Im quite young, only early 20's :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
i am the vice chairman of the Crawley model railway society ,in the last two years we have gained four young members to the club .to keep them interested in the hobby we have had to come up with a plan to keep them interested. get them building small wagon kits doing small wiring projects etc etc .but the main area that is hard is for the membership to talk to them some of the older members seem to find this very hard at times.we do expect them to leave and go off to find girlfriends and work at a later stage but if we plant the seed they do come back to the club at some point (I know it works i did the same).
it is hard to get young blood into the hobby parents do have a big part to play in helping young kids by building a train set or building models ,but what i fear is that because our lives are now to busy to spend time with our children that the xbox, wee and playstation have taken there place
daz
Quote from: darren.c on July 11, 2012, 08:13:36 AM
i am the vice chairman of the Crawley model railway society ,in the last two years we have gained four young members to the club .to keep them interested in the hobby we have had to come up with a plan to keep them interested. get them building small wagon kits doing small wiring projects etc etc .but the main area that is hard is for the membership to talk to them some of the older members seem to find this very hard at times.we do expect them to leave and go off to find girlfriends and work at a later stage but if we plant the seed they do come back to the club at some point (I know it works i did the same).
it is hard to get young blood into the hobby parents do have a big part to play in helping young kids by building a train set or building models ,but what i fear is that because our lives are now to busy to spend time with our children that the xbox, wee and playstation have taken there place
daz
Well put over and raised a point or two that i had not considered in the original post this to me seems a very good way of getting young blood involved so to all lets keep plugging away to keep our hobby going on
Kevin