I think Andy is 100% on, in his description of what's going on, with
today's kids.
For Christmas, this past year, I gave my grandkids an American Models
diesel, about 10 cars, enough track to make a fairly good size
circle, and a power supply. The set still sits in it's original box,
unopened. When we visit the grand kids, it is impossible to get them
away from video games, TV, and other electronic devices.
Part of the problem getting youngsters, or for that matter, young
adults, interested in model railroading, is that they have no idea,
or conception, of how important, and dynamic, the railroads were, in
making the industrial revolution possible. WE all know that without
the railroads, the world wouldn't be where it is today. But lots of
folks can't make that connection. In my humble opinion, they don't
know what they are missing.
As for model airplanes, they are doing quite well. There is a big
difference in today's model airplane hobby, compared to fifteen years
ago. A very large percentage of the RC airplanes are ARFs, or all
most ready to fly models. Similar to the situation we have with
locomotives, which we don't have the pleasure of building, any more.
The kit builders have really taken a hit, as builders of airplanes
are in the minority now. As for the small stick and tissue models,
many of us built and flew as kids, they are doing well, but mostly as
building projects, for people who like to build things from wood, for
display. Not many of these models are ever flown.
It sure doesn't look like things will change much. Maybe what the
industry needs to do, is get the schools to emphasize what a great
thing the railroads were, and are today. There sure are plenty of
books out there.
One man's opinion.
All take care,
John Bell
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