Young Guys!!!

68 going on 69.

71

Dave

I'm an old guy but I'm only interested in prototypical models, structures, scenery, et-cetera.

MELGAR

I'm 20 and got interested in scale models probably about 7 years ago. Honestly couldn't tell you what got me going in that direction, but the stuff Atlas makes sealed the deal. Sometimes I miss not knowing any better on the scale/ prototypical or not because I just bought whatever looked like fun, but I also enjoy the challenge of scale modeling.

I'm 55 and prefer classic/traditional Lionel stuff, especially dealer display layout themed designs with all the fun accessories

I actually used to do much more scale modeling until I was about 40, when I get back into O Gauge

I think another reason I do scale stuff is because I model present day, most modern models are scale. 

65 going on 10. I love both the toy trains side and the scale side that is why I run both and on the new layout currently close to starting construction I will have both scale and toy/plastic vile and posdiblely my postwar accessories. Just need to figure out how to separate them without it being to obvious. 

I'm 32. Do I count as young?! Love this hobby. Even my 8 month old can watch trains go around the layout for an hour at a time. Only got into it a little over a year ago, although I grew up playing with my dad's Postwar Lionel.

-Matt

I am 28 and used the 4x8 layout that was postwar and my fathers after rediscovering it with him at my grandmother's. We did nothing new to the layout except for the work needed after 30+ years of neglect. However, that introduction and time with my dad, plus building model rockets and cars with him, always had me wanting to do a layout of my own. Finally with the rediscovery of the k-line set I received from him one christmas and setting it up under my and (now) wife's tree, then the purchase of our house 2 years ago, I was able to begin my own modest, yet complete layout. I am most likely doing a mix of scale/non-scale and quality to start out with (being only 28 sometimes has it's disadvantages and money is one of them). I do believe though, it will be the perfect winter time hobby, something to share when my father comes to visit, and will let me recreate some of those memories I had with my dad. 

63

21. The most important thing is if the seasoned Model train enthusiast guide the youth to carry on this hobby. 

Mike W,

   I don't know there are still a lot of us old Tin Plate guys around!  However we like DCS & Legacy also.

PCRR/Dave

29, So not too young anymore! My grandpa got me started when I was 4, I still have that loco on a shelf in my office. Now I'm working towards more scale models and detailed scenery. 

I am 46 going 12. I like the classic toy style layouts.

32 myself. Been in and out (high school, college, graduate school) of the hobby for about 24 years now.

I mostly have/am interested in equipment from the mid to late 90's, when I was a kid.

35, been into trains since I could talk. I started seriously collecting at 18. I'm very happy to see ppl my age and younger getting in this hobby! I think model trains is going to continue to go strong and be around for many more years. 

19. Own a whole bunch of trains  

28

67

43

Seventy, but I think I'm forty at times.  Then late at night my body reminds me that I was born in 1948 not 1978.....LOL  I have loved trains all of my life.  Real ones, toy trains, train art and architecture, etc.  I don't take any of it too seriously.  I'm just in it to have fun and keep my mind busy.  

Dan Padova,

I am right there with ya buddy, and after working outside in the snow for 3/4 of the day, my 70 year old body is reminding my mind of it's age right now.  I did get to run my Trains this evening after dinner also.

PCRR/Dave

Tin Plate Trains the real little boys toys!

Thanks guys! This doesn't make me feel very well! LOL At 53 my body hurts daily, hurts when I get up, when I sleep, I have come to think this is the new norm!

74 but feel like I'm only 73.  Hard to believe I've only been on this forum for 14 years.

Mike G,

   When you get your new Train room up and running, concentrate on acquiring and running Tin Plate Trains, especially the Pre-War stuff.  Anything that old makes a man feel young and healthy, just watching it run!

PCRR/Dave 

Stuff like this old AF Rolling stock I just picked up.

I’ll be 69 this year. Got started in Ogauge mid eighties from HO. Only bought standard O which led into scale size 3 rail. Never did traditional.

46 as of twelve days ago.  I recently discovered tinplate (waaaayy late to that party).  I'll be building my first O layout this summer.  

37

I feel young most days. Except when my 23 year old coworker calls me old.

Plan on operating model trains until the day I die.

Oh, no!  Not another how old are you poll.

Check out the  Feb - Mar 2018 control system poll that would not die instead of looking at forum member pics or asking again.   

Or check out the official OGR survey results that lagged in participation. 

Then change the topic title to Old Guys!!!

What, me worry?

Model railroading is expensive and time consuming.  It's a hobby dominated by retirement age guys.  That can be sustainable, right?  I'm 46 and just getting into it.  I have two buddies in their 30's who are O-gaugers (and I'm about to hook my brother).  So hopefully we're the next crop of new-old guys.

66, with some new replacement parts......

Badge109 posted:

I'm 32. Do I count as young?! Love this hobby. Even my 8 month old can watch trains go around the layout for an hour at a time. Only got into it a little over a year ago, although I grew up playing with my dad's Postwar Lionel.

-Matt

I gave both sets of grandchildren (and families) Lionel LionChief sets for Christmas over the last two years.  They are ALL (including the 18-month old) delighted.  The youngest one- 18 months/ boy-  can run the train, blow the horn and start the crew talk.  He does run it pretty fast- but the thing never derails, and he laughs hysterically as the train goes chuffing around, with the horn blowing almost constantly.  

I give each grandchild a Christmas car each year, with the date and "From Grandpa" written in silver Sharpie on the bottom of the car.  These cars (and the train sets) will probably be with them for the rest of their life.

Giving kids the gift of a hobby, no matter how involved they get with it, is something that is an important part of being a parent/ grandparent.  

37, been in and out of trains since age 3. My 57 year old dad got me into them and he is still heavily involved in O gauge. Both of my kids (ages 4 & 2) love the layout. My son will spend hours watching them without a blink and I trust he will carry the torch into the future.

30, always like trains never really had the space to do a layout. I am slowly working on building a layout, but it has been 3 years in the making and I don't even have any scenery down.

https://youtu.be/xebEj0rV6m0

29 and my first love was real steam locomotives, so that is why I like realistic models and layouts. Since I did not grow up with steam, nor in a "non PC" and "It's a Liability" society, I truly like the authentic looking models and layouts, as it lets me get a feel for how amazing it must have been to experience such an era. 

31 - getting re-engaged into the hobby now that the missus and I purchased our first home :-) We're definitely leaning toward the hi-rail/scale side. We're about to embark on beginning scenery this weekend

I'm 87 but I feel like 8 when I am playing with trains.

33 here. I got back into the hobby Christmas 2016. Mostly Lionel scale legacy diesels with scale rolling stock.