Attracting Young People to Model Railroading

Editor’s Note: Peter Marriott of Marriott Rail Projects in England is a noted author, consultant, instructor and freelance journalist specializing in model railroading. An avid modeler himself, he keeps one hand on the throttle and the other on the pulse of the model railroad industry. The following is an edited version of an article he recently wrote for Model Rail, a United Kingdom publication. We hope you find it as interesting as we did! (We’ve left in the UK spellings and colloquialisms.)

 

My father personally introduced me to railway modelling at an early age. It provided an interesting source of conversation between us for 50 years. My mother tells me that she thinks I did not get in trouble as often as I could have as a young person because of railway modelling. There must be some value in the hobby then!

For Birmingham’s Warley NEC 2006 show, the largest model railroad show in the UK, I was asked to make a layout using Atlas and Woodland Scenics components during the weekend event. I was really disappointed with the end result, because I was hoping to have been able to make a fully detailed layout by the end of the show. The reasons for my lack of progress on the layout have stuck in my mind. Basically it was because boys and girls in the 8 - 14 age group kept dragging Mom and Dad back to see my progress! Consequently, I spent more time talking than modelling. The children wanted to know “how was this and that done?” Its worth mentioning that there were no trains running on the layout but the kids were really interested to know how hills were built, how grass was planted and how the trees fixed to the layout. Surely this all bodes well for the hobby.

Whilst experience brings superb modelling skills and enthusiasm for the hobby, the age of most practicing modellers is perceived to be high. At some shows I attend, however, the number of children is encouraging. Manufacturers are understandably keen to draw younger folk to the hobby and in the last few years we have seen the arrival of new products to attract children into the world of railway modelling.

At model railway exhibitions, children are increasingly being encouraged to be “hands on”. At one UK show I attended, tables were provided for kids to build kits. At the Swiss Toy show in Bern, low level basic train sets and ovals of track on the floor gave children the chance to play with digital control. There really is nothing better than for kids than to be able to control trains themselves and make something that they can take home from a show. They feel that they’ve had a good day out and hopefully want to continue the hobby at home.

Companies worldwide are actively trying new and varied ways of attracting and keeping children in model railroading, including:

  • Trains based on a popular English television series aimed at youngsters three to eight years of age. The program’s story lines ensure that the trains are involved in numerous adventures and provides lessons in the benefits of public transportation.
  • A three-part layout baseboard made by a German company, intended to introduce children to railway modelling. The plastic baseboards clip together and feature a bridge, a tunnel and a central flat area that can be used for “playing” with animals, cars etc. Chalk is supplied so users can draw roads etc. on the baseboard that can be wiped off.
  • A “junior” website aimed aimed at increasing awareness of model railways and their play potential. The website provides the opportunity to win prizes and design your own train livery.
    Most of these products are designed for smaller hands, so on the rolling stock for children there are no window openings in which little fingers could be caught. Basic locomotives do not feature small parts that can be broken or injested. Some companies are working with schools and youth groups to promote the many educational and fun aspects of model railroading.

At the 2008 Nuremberg Toy Fair manufacturers introduced train sets with circus components to appeal to animal loving children, and building kits specifically designed for youngsters to assemble.

Atlas

The Atlas HO Trainman Train Sets were a new venture for this US firm, introduced in mid-2007. Their intention is to retail complete starter sets including track, controller, locomotive and wagons as a way of encouraging more participants into the hobby. The sets sell at less than the sum total of the component parts. The track supplied makes an oval 4' x 3'. The supplied transformer and controller need a UK adapter. The locomotive and four wagons come in three different liveries. The set comes complete with instructions, an HO & N catalogue on CD and a Blueprints for Ten True-Track Layouts layout book.

The locomotive in the set is a GP38-2 featuring the same drive mechanism found in their Master Series locomotives with a five-pole skewed armature motor with dual flywheels, separately applied hand rails and end railings and die-cast underframes. The wagons in the set have weighted, detailed underframes, AccuMate® knuckle couplings and metal wheels.

The True-Track supplied is Code 83 with built-in ballast that can be removed as desired. The Figure 8 Add-On Track Pack comprises of two 9" straights, six 18" radius curves, four 6" straights, one 90° crossing to combine with the track provided in the set to form a figure of 8.

Specific ways to encourage children to become active railway modellers:

  • Take children to model railway shows, often enough to maintain their enthusiasm, but not too often so that they tire of the hobby.
  • Buy them a Start Set and help them (just enough!) to set it up and get some trains running. Buy a few accessories to increase the play value.
  • Buy add-on pieces at subsequent present days to show them how the hobby is progressive and fun.
  • Show them railway modelling magazines on a regular basis to whet their appetite for the hobby.
  • Encourage them to operate your model railway. Give them designated locomotives to use if you are a little apprehensive that they will cause any damage to your prized locomotives.
  • Build them a model railway of their own. This can be compact and flat without scenery. But at all costs incorporate a track to run trains even if it is just a circle.
  • Work with them to make buildings, scenery, to lay track etc. You’ll soon find out where their preference and expertise lies.
  • Show children that railway modelling is a more constructive hobby than playing computer games.
  • If the children do move on in the hobby, don’t neglect their original models. Locomotives can be detailed and repainted. This could be a joint project to introduce the teenager to various skills, e.g. painting.
  • In this world of electronic gadgets introduce them to DCC when they are ready. They will see that this can be just as interesting as the latest Play Station game!
  • Use real trains on holidays and day trips rather than the family car. Not only is this the greener option but also it will convey the real life element of railways to the children.
  • Join a model railway club where young people are encouraged to play an active role.
  • View your hobby as a family affair. It might be a good way to stop the family fragmenting in later life.
  • Keep an eye out for manufacturer’s new products. There is no doubt that they will be trying everything they can to draw more enthusiasts into the hobby!