Where We Goin'? - Part II

As an editor faced with the honor of having to write an editorial each and every issue (with the exception of a few since the inception of MRN), I often look back on past editorials for both inspiration, as well as to avoid repeating myself unnecessarily. Three years ago, I wrote an editorial regarding the best way to safeguard the future of model railroading. In that editorial, I pointed out that the majority of people in the Unites States do not consider model railroading a hobby worthy of being involved in — it just isn’t Cool.

There are a few points in that editorial that I feel, having entered into the twenty-first century, warrant repeating. Today’s youth (model railroading’s future), is accustomed to shout-it-out-loud, in-your-face advertising of everything from video games to soft drinks. That’s something you just don’t see when someone advertises a new boxcar! Sure, the advertisements are out there, even in MRN, but these are targeted at a well established market — or as the saying goes, “preaching to the choir.” I still do not see any attempt to reach the non-hobby market with even the smallest of messages.

With the turn of the century, more than a few of us have realized that the vast majority of those involved in our hobby are approaching, or already have reached their “Golden Years.” Serious attention must be paid to exposing our young people to the art, the history, and the joy that can be experienced with model railroading. Efforts must be made to reach outside the box, to bring attention to our hobby in ways that have perhaps never been thought of yet.

Advertising costs money. Advertising also must provide a certain amount of return for the money spent. Model Railroad News provides three free trial issues for any person interested in seeing what we are about. Although free to any non-subscriber sending in a request, these issues cost money both to print and mail. Our methods of reaching new people is also limited. We can’t walk down the street and hand a copy to everyone we meet — it’s just not practical, either from a economical or a logistical stand point.

It’s now put up or shut up time! How do we reach new, younger people and interest them in our hobby? On a recent career day visit to my son’s sixth grade class, I found a possible answer. Along with explaining what is required to edit a national publication, I also found a golden opportunity to introduce the hobby of model railroading to close to twenty children. I was amazed at how many questions were asked, not about my job, but about model railroading! Before my visit was over, the kids were talking about putting up a train layout in the class room!

A Proposal

Before I make my suggestion, let me preface it with a question. What would the investment of a few hundred dollars really cost the model railroading product manufacturers in this country if they could gain a whole new generation of potential customers. For the price of setting up a small layout in a classroom or school, we could see a potential return of thousands of dollars if only a handful of kids get interested in the hobby (or even one if he or she devotes the same amount of money into the hobby as some of us have). Even the small investment of a train set could light the spark for a wide eyed child. This of course would need to be followed by some hands-on guidance by an individual, or better yet, model train club members. Being involve with youth can also rekindle the spark in some of us as well.

So how about it. Give it some thought. I know I have a few train sets sitting around that could use a new home.

If you know of any companies, organizations, clubs, or individuals that are reaching out to our youth in an attempt to promote model railroading, let us hear about it. The actions of others may help provide ideas and motivation for others. Even the smallest efforts can reap huge rewards.

—Michael J. Pratt Michael J. Pratt Managing Editor