It's not doomed becuase "old farts" miss the glory days and many people are obsessed with that stupid, frontlit-only site. I can't tell you how many times I have been trackside and seen a father and son (occasionally a daughter) and the kid is just mezmorized. 10-20 years from now, that kid will look back on clean GEVOs the way I, as a 28 year old, look back at tunnel motors and some look back on F units, etc. It's just an evolving hobby, nothing more.

Also keep in mind that the award winning photo of the day/jerks with egos tend to just be the most vocal ones. That does not mean there aren't still tons of other types of fans out there. The Internet has given us tons of information about trains we could only dream of 15 years ago. But its come at the cost of ego maniacs. Just brush 'em off.

One valid point, and even I see it at a relatively young age, is the lack of friendliness out there. Sure, I still get an occasional wave. But just as often, I get a scowl or no reaction at all. THAT is the one area I miss from my childhood (nothing like being called up to look around the Truckee helpers with dad when you are 6 years old).