" How many of you have observed a kid waving at a train today? Lately? "
My 2 year old son and I just the other night. HE waves and shouts as they go by. The N&S guys are always great and turn on the bell and blow the whistle for him. Later that night we watched Youtube Vids of the EBT while he was jumping up and down shouting “Blow the Whistle!”
I have to agree that Time and money get scarce in young adult hood. I took 5 years or so off form the hobby while in school But was back at it when I had a stable job and home. I’m really looking forward to getting the big layout started in the yard this year with my Little helper.
As for what the manufactures do, It does not matter to me much, as I’m likely going to scratch build 99% of my rolling stock and Locos. On the other side of the coin I think it’s extremely important that they will entice new members and keep the interest in the hobby for those who do not want to build everything from scratch. If that segment disappears so will the track and all the castings scratch builders use.
I’m not worried, just enjoying a great hobby and doing my best to pass it on to anyone interested.