Some has to do with computers, cell phone, etc. I think that people have changed to the point they will not sit on a rock for 4 hours waiting for the afternoon parade at Norden, or travel 13 hours to get a look at the Tex-Mex, etc.

The society in general has no patience to enjoy, the anticipation of anything that is not available in 2 minutes. We should count ourselves lucky, that we can still enjoy the thrill of planning and experiencing a trip to watch trains, the scenery and the pure energy and excitement of a 7000 ton drag climbing the grade with 7 or 8 SD-45s or a fast commuter blowing past the platform at 70 plus.

No I don't think the hobby has changed, however, its tools have changed and the business behind it has changed. No longer can we get a line up from a friendly agent, or set the lawn chair down track side for an afternoon at the loop due to business climate changes.

However the most telling are the railfans themselves. I believe they fall into 3 distinct categories:

1) Friendly, eager to share information and interact track side. The kind that will talk about trains, cameras, the railroad, etc. and enjoy the friendship to the railfan community.

2) Keep to them selves, not willing to share their experiences or even talk to folks. (might be caused by the third group. Only interested in themselves or their friends and not willing to interact with the community as a whole. (My wife says this is how the newer generation acts are work).

3) Mr. Know it all, who loves to spew information and cannot be criticized when they are wrong. This person also tends to belittle anyone who does not know more than themselves. Years ago, I met one of these folks on the Lake Shore when I was walking the consist at Grand Central and was surprised to see ex SP sleepers in the consist. The carman was helpful and game me some in-site as to those cars being assigned to the train vs ex NYC cars. Needless to say later that evening I was seated in the diner with Mr. Know it all and was lectured on the benefits of the ex NYC cars that should have never been removed from the consists. He would not listen to the carman's comments because the carman was making up stories as he only worked there and could not possible know. (Actually, the carman indicated that the ex NYC cars were being refurbed and converted to electrical operation and would return during the winter, the SP cars were the best steam heated cars available so were assigned to this train._

All in all most folks I meet are the #1 type, however, I can understand how the #2 or #3 types can and do dissuade folks from joining the hobby.

The hobby itself is still alive and well, only the participants are changing.