I too an on the younger side of things and agree with much of the sentiment expressed in this post. However, as I get older (i am 5 years older than this poster) I find myself longing for steam operations more than diesel. There is definitely something special about seeing a steam locomotive pulling a drag of cars down the track, with its distinctive whistle and chuff of cylinders.

Much of the discussion recently had been about how to engage younger people in the hobby. I found both by my experience and the experience of my boys comes from doing this hobby with my father, who is a railroad professional. This is how to get the next generation invoked, take your sons with you. They will enjoy the trains, but most of all, they will enjoy the time with their fathers. Not only will it help the hobby, it will build better men.