Totally agree with Dick Dorn. One reason I see for the seeming lack of interest among younger fans is the very attitude expressed by some in this thread. "It's dying" "The kids don't care" etc.

At the WP Museum, we have several great volunteers under 30, both men and women. Our assistant CMO wasn't even born when I started volunteering there 32 years ago and he is a fantastic diesel mechanic. We have engineers, restoration folks, our new treasurer, all under 30.

One thing I have seen in younger generations is a reaction against the virtual. They see value in real, tangible things. They look for different experiences and railfanning and rail history can certainly provide that.

Reach out the them. Don't get elists or ageist and turn them away. Even when I was a teen, many museums and model clubs wouldn't give me the time of day, which is why I ended up volunteering 250 miles away in Portola where they welcomed a young fan and put a throttle in his hand. Keep that tradition alive and you will find those who cherish it.