I think that the answer would be yes in some form. If you go to
Not NG, A1 steam locomotive. you will see that with money you can do anything.
Now what about the next generation. We need to do something that will get them involed. In model railroading it appears that the europeans are doing a better job in get young people involed in the hobby. You look at photos of some of their shows and you see modules built by both young and old alike (though there are plenty of us old guys). It is my Opinion (mine only) that one thing is that unlike us in the america they don't have large areas at home for a layout, so they do modules and have shows. In England it is not unusual to have some show going on every weekend in driving distance from you. Again, it is my opinion it will be the module group is going to do more get the model railroading exposed to the younger generation than anything else (but we need to have more shows that are open to the public).
Something that may help get more young people interested in railroading, is the Computer train sims. If they want to using computers get them something that will show them what its like to run a train. Microsoft will have their new train sim 2 will be out in about tbe 2009 holiday season. So think about getting it or Trainz for someone you know that likes computers games and is young. By the way, there is allot available for narrow gauge stuff for MS train sim 1 and for trainz. I guess what I'm saying is use something they like (computers) to get the hook in and then get them to come out to one of the tourist lines or railroad museum to see the "real thing". After that maybe getting them to come to a work session and so on. The thing is to get a hook of some kind that they can relate to.
Phil
