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Post by Yellowstone Special on Sept 28, 2020 18:05:09 GMT
Interesting thread, graph, and responses. Yes, with only a relative few responses on this forum's thread, it's a fraction of what's really out there. I've read from several sources over the years that the majority of model railroaders in all scales probably don't belong to any forums. But I don't know how anyone would know that.
In this small sample, the fact the majority are over 50 could be an indication of the future of O scale though. I've had one local LHS owner tell me that the demand for O scale has fallen off so drastically over the past 5 years, he doesn't bother with it much anymore. Another one up in the city stated that he sells some Polar Express sets around the holidays, but O scale sales for the rest of the year are pretty flat, with HO selling the best, and N a close second, all year-round.
However, a thread like this one, as well as the representative graph for O scale by age groups, is thought-provoking. Makes one think and wonder. 🤔
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2020 19:31:39 GMT
47 votes out of 378 members!?! In a Municipal Election the ballot for Dog Catcher would see more action! Maybe 331 members couldn't care less about the question but it is a valid one. People always post about the health of the model train hobby in general and wonder what the future holds for it. The question posed by Charlie aka MICHRR714 may not seem like it is important but it is. When you look at the roll of Founding Members, those people are constantly sifting through member's posts as they provide key information as to what paths the OGF may take. Some examples of this are the Club Cars, continuing weekly threads, the new online OGF Magazine, organizing Forum events, etc. A huge amount of time and energy is spent on the internet and the telephone by the Founding Members. I know this because I was one. Now some other members have stepped up and are volunteering now. BRAVO! Every member's opinions and ideas count on this forum. They are all important. Sorry about the rant folks. This is just one of those niggling little things that concern me from time to time.
Regards,
Gary.
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Post by Country Joe on Sept 28, 2020 20:45:16 GMT
Gary, while it's true we have 378 members we only have about 50 active members. That seems to be the nature of train forums. A lot of people join and never post once. The 47 members who voted are probably all of our active members.
I have a number of O gauge friends from the Vero Beach Model Railroaders that I've told about the OGF but they aren't interested. I can't even get them to give it a try.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2020 21:11:46 GMT
Yeah, I know Joe. Lots of reasons for this. I was closing in on 3000 posts before I took my little ROCKET RIDE AROUND PLUTO!!! Still kicking my A$$ over that one!! However even a HAPPY BIRTHDAY or MERRY CHRISTMAS post doesn't seem like too much to hope for! Being stuck in THE GREAT WHITE NORTH I enjoy each and every post. Especially now. Funny thing though...I have a few good friends who didn't know a model train from a moose and they asked me to show them some and asked to take a look at OGF since both mean a lot to Cheryl and I. Three still look at the forum from time to time and one may take up the train hobby as he had a couple of sets as a kid and remembers how he enjoyed them. Interest can come from many different places.
Take Care,
Gary.
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Post by josef on Sept 28, 2020 21:14:49 GMT
My hope is those members that haven't posted yet, will do so soon. Always interested in what their take is on our scale or if of another scale modeled, let us hear from you. Things they have done on their layouts be they small or large, (personally, I enjoy the small layouts and seeing what they have done with them. Many are amazing works of art). So here's a shout out to our members that are hesitant to post, just drop in and say Hello, and what your interest are in model Railroading.
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Post by oldguy on Sept 28, 2020 23:54:57 GMT
70+
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Post by david1 on Sept 29, 2020 1:07:31 GMT
Although not many have took the challenge and have entered the poll but just look at it. If you combine the last two with the ages between 60 and 70+ it is about 60% and if I was starting a train company that would give me pause. You want a younger age group than the one I just mentioned.
Dave
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Post by Traindiesel! on Sept 29, 2020 2:17:14 GMT
It's only 50 or so people from this forum. There are lots of younger people in this hobby outside this forum. Just do searches on YouTube, lots of younger guys in the hobby.
What do you guys think is the age cut off between video games and model trains? I say 35.
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Post by nycgeorge on Sept 29, 2020 12:46:28 GMT
I just want to know how I got into that age bracket (60-69) so fast. Last time I looked I was 35 !!
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Post by anjdevil2 on Sept 29, 2020 16:52:42 GMT
Country Joe - next time in Vero, say hello to my cousin's wife at Vero Typewriter. It was started by my Uncle and Aunt (he's passed 10 years now and my Aunt lives nearby off of 60).
So if age is a number and a feeling, I'm guessing I'm 35, still playing with high horsepower MoPars, playing with trains and running into burning buildings.......
We don't get older, just have more money to spent on those things that make us happy and younger!!
BTW - I'm 65 --- just to clarify.....
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Post by keithl on Sept 29, 2020 20:02:54 GMT
65, officially a senior citizen and entitled to the discounts thereof. If only there were senior discounts on trains!
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Post by Sir James on Sept 30, 2020 13:33:07 GMT
There are a lot of people that read forums but never join. I'm a firm believer that inactive members should be removed from forums, they can always re-up if they decide to participate. Not just this one but any forum why carry the dead weight?
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Post by Adam on Sept 30, 2020 13:37:29 GMT
I have a slightly different view Sir James. Casual observers are still welcome and many learn from the active members. I started off this way and over time became more comfortable participating. Since they don't post and use up space, they don't cost much or anything to let them continue to be members. Over time, some of them will become active.
Now, if they don't login for a long time, then yes, remove them.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2020 13:56:22 GMT
I agree with Adam. people come visit here look around learn some stuff. See how friendly this forum is. Then just maybe they will join in and have a friendly conversation with somebody.
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Post by Sir James on Sept 30, 2020 14:18:15 GMT
Mayhaps I was misunderstood. Yes of course everyone is welcome to read or join. My post was about those that join but never participate.
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