I just sent this letter to the editor at the NY Times in response to their article, found at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/15/nyregion/15MODE.html?ex=1043654188&ei=1&en =663a6f117b92b97a In "Graying, and Playing With Trains" (January 15, New York Region), Terry Pristin paints a somber and rather sad picture of the state of model railroading as a hobby fallen from grace in a manner paralleling it's prototype, the American system of railroads. And in a bit of Manhattan parochialism, the author cites the genteel decay of two 45th. Street trainshops as a paradigm for the hobby. In fact, the shops in question were long ago abandoned by serious hobbyists because their offerings are overpriced and their service is non-existent. Employees are gruff and sometimes downright obnoxious. I have experienced this on several occasions and now no longer visit these stores. While Terry Pristin has done research into the demographics of the hobby, the author has missed the mission of the hobbiests. In chat rooms, mail lists and the dozens of publications we read, discussion about young people entering the hobby remains high. Yes, we are getting older, but we are also getting wiser. The torch we will pass to a new generation of train enthusiasts will be backed by more toy and model trains than were ever produced in the earlier golden age of toy trains. Lionel produces simple starter sets for kids and exotic computer controlled locomotives with sound systems, smoke generators and literally, all the bells and whistles, for those kids to grow into. Years ago, Lionel's competitor was American Flyer. Today it's MTH, K-Line, Williams, Weaver, Atlas 0, and more. I invite this author to accompany me on a pilgrimage to York, Pennsylvania this Spring, to join as many as 18,000 aficionados and manufacturers in the greatest bi-annual spectacle in model railroading, the Train Collector's Association Eastern Division Meet. The acres of trains being displayed and sold there might give the writer a different perspective on the health of the hobby than is reflected in the peeling paint of the 45th. Street shops. But then, so would a visit to any of the thriving stores in Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Nassau, Suffolk and much of New Jersey. In Nassau, two well stocked train stores not only do big business within two miles of each other, they both recently expanded their locations. In Mineola and adjacent New Hyde Park, four train stores share the market, and one just moved to larger quarters. In a time when we are promoting model railroading as the World's Greatest Hobby, it seems that this sad little article is a virtual slap in the face of our success so far. Chris Zizzo S-Trains list sponsor: http://www.americanflyertrains.com All the Flyer you desire...books and accessories too! To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list send a note to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
