I was privileged to be with the Independent Midwest Hi-railer group on Sat and Sunday in Schaumberg, Ill at the World's Greatest Hobby Show.
Besides the comaraderie and fun of running ultra-long trains in a realistic setting, was the fun of talking with so many people interested in 3-rail trains.
A few shered nostalgic memories of family trains run in endless circles on plywood, only to be shared with other family members and then lost to history. But many others were provoked by the layout to ask great questions about the state of our hobby. The questions ran the gamut of where can you buy trains, to where can I get my trains fixed, to how much are my old trains worth, to how can I build a layout like this or build a building like that.
Thankfully, we were able to direct them to OGR Forum. After all, the forum is singular spot for all things O Scale. I think I personally handed out more than 20 notes with the website to people interested in specifics about the hobby.
More importantly, it was gratifying to see so many wide-eyed children captured by the excitement of electric trains. At least for a few moments there was more to their universe than Sponge Bob Squarepants and video games.
Shows like these are an imporant way to pass on the knowledge, tools, fun and fellowship of model railroading to others.
One person said he was amazed at the show and said this right now must be the "golden age of model railroading". I hope he's wrong and that the hobby has its best days still ahead.
Again, much thanks to OGR Forum, its hosts, moderators and contributors.
ROB M
Madison, WI
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