Of the 27 posters here, how many of us were introduced when we were wee ones.I'll raise my hand. I was three through 5-6 when I had the most rail experiences that cemented the bug in me. 'City' two day train ride, summers in Milton Jct., Wis., with Milwaukee Road and C&NW, nearly right across from Aunties front porch. The key was early introduction. My single Mother gave up her first kitchen counter of her own, to her young son and his Marx and Lionel over and under figure eight. I mean, who would do that now? O to Ho to N over 9 years, collecting UP, mid sixties, N, for 40 plus years for that someday, empire.
As one poster said, access is important. If the RR isn't close enough for a bike ride, books and magazines can keep one interested, but again, only if you have access to them. Other interests may take over...
I don't know what the outcome is going to be. Your interested or your not, which covers ALL interests.