All that's true but, Thousands of non railfans take their kids to see Thomas the Tank. The UK has some spectacular heritage operations. I personally like the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). The key is getting young people involved on a level that they can relate to.
Tonight I drove over the Bay Bridge on the new east span from San Francisco to Oakland. It is beautiful, a fine piece of work at night with the lighting of the cables and tower. I have a cool fast car and it was like landing an airplane on the east bay side. I saw the old Key System sheds that still remain on my right. Those buildings bring back memories of riding with my grandpa in his truck on the lower deck of the bridge and seeing the Key System cars wiz by. I loved it then, and the memories are still indelible.
Most of that is gone now, but we have steam punk, Harry Potter with some pretty cool train shots, and Thomas. We need to adapt to the times because “they are a changing” weather we like it or not….
Thank you for your thoughtful perspective.
Mr. Glass half full.