I cant find anyone my age that is as serious as i am in model railroading?? Everyone is way older. Im only 20
You are not alone in here - just visit the Teenage Model Railroader section of this forum and you will find quite a number of enthusiast in your age group.
Some are even younger, and what I have seen of their work, is just [tup].
Btw, a model railroader never ages!
Im only 22, so not technically way older. Ive only met one person my age into the hobby around here.
Don
Well Ryan,I’m 51.However,I’ve been a Railfan and Model Railroader-albeit until recently an Armchair One-all my life!!!
However,Model Railroaders never age,we either wind up in a Scrap Line;a Museum or a Tourist Line somewhere!!!
Well I’m 51. If you’re still in school, have you checked to see if there’s any model railroaders around?? I’m an alumni member of the Univ. of Minnesota Railroad Club, in fact the big annual “Gopher Rail” get together comes up Feb 27th. If there isn’t a club at your school…start one!!
Ha … why would teenagers want to hang with a creaky old relic of 20?
Dave Nelson
Not at all surprising, r.y.a.n. The average age of hobbyists these days in around 60, indicating a great scarcity of younger practitioners. The hobby’s make-up hasn’t been predominantly “young” since the early 1970’s, when the average age for a model railroader was reportedly 33. In even more stark contrast to today’s situation, back in 1950 MR mentions that only 5% of its readership is OVER 50 years of age!
CNJ831
Well, I’m 13, way younger than you. I can point you to several teens, but all are below 16 (I think). These days, its hard to find anyone between 17 and 25ish because of college. You’ve already been to the TMRR forum, but in a year, when you turn 21, well have to kick you out. 
I’m 48. I’m too young to model the steam era and too old to appreciate low nose diesels.
Ryan I’m 30 but I see what you are talking about. When I go to train shows, or sometimes the LHS I see older people. Nothing wrong with that at all. I’m guessing people 20 -30ish have other things to do. A point in my life (age 21-25) trains were the last thing on my mind. It was cars, dating, clubs etc… Now since I’m married, its back to trains.
What’s that old saw about “I may be getting older but I refuse to grow up!”?
Memory is always the second thing to go with age! . . . . . . . . . . what was the question again?
I personal think when it comes to Model Rail Roading age is not a issue as far as getting a long. At my LHS / Club layout K-10 Model Trains I see plenty of younger people (8 to 20 range) running there trains. Kind of blows when you see a 10 year old running a steam engine you want and cannot afford. [:-^]
I will be 54 Feb 24.
Cuda Ken
What difference does it make, really. I am 64, but find it hard to call myself a skilled modeler, as I’m just getting back to it after a loooooong layoff. I have learned a lot from folks younger than I am and I have helped those older than I. That is one of the nice things about this hobby you can start at any age. Many of us “older” folks would love to work with young folks (children, grandchildren,neighbors) to help get them started and also learn from them, since ideas from other sources can often be incorperated into the hobby. I understand your desire to find folks about your age and I hope that you can stay closer to the hobby than I was able to in my “middle” years.
Good luck,
RT, I agree with your credo. I have a similar one hanging above my computer-“Young at heart. Slightly older in other places”. I returned to MRR after a fifty year abscence and having a good time trying to catch up, tho it is too cold in the shed now to do anything. BTW, I’ll be 79 in about 7 weeks. Tempus fugit!!
Bill
I have to agree with cowman. I’m 70 but started way back in highschool with an informal model railroad club. My best friend was in the club then and we are still model railroad buddies today! In-between, I met some fine folks of every age, all who had something to offer - friendship, skills, a wide range of knowledge of the hobby and also specific areas of interest. It’s nice to pal around with someone you one age but don’t get hung up on it. Enjoy the hobby regardless of the age of the folks around you. And, there ar folks your age out there - just keep looking.
Have fun!
I’m 63 going on 13… Does that count? As the song says, Age is Only a Number! Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional… [:-^][;)]
73
Hi!
I’m 65 and have been playing with trains since the mid '50s.
“When I was your age”, trains were well in the background of my life. I had cars, school, full time job, and a steady girlfriend to deal with first. I suspect that’s still the case today for those in their 20s-30s. And, I also believe it may pick up when folks have kids of their own, and want to introduce them to something they enjoyed in their childhood.
Many (most?) of us “older folks” that are train nuts are often reliving our childhood facsination with trains - be it real or toy. And now we are at the age where we tend to have the time/money to really enjoy what we wanted when we were kids - or adults with higher priority responsibilities.
That fact that you are a “train nut” at 20 makes me glad. I’ve got 3 boys and 1 girl in their early '40s that never came close to getting serious about trains.
I wish you luck - and stay with the old guys, for they have lots of wisdom and enthusiasm to share!
Mobilman44
I’m also 20 and I have the problem here, no one in my age group that is into model railroading.
As Robby and IRVW said, most people my age are into cars, girls, clubs, and other things. College isn’t very friendly for free time either.
My question about your question - are you looking for help, or for companionship?
I started model railroading at the age of five - months! That was when I got my first Lionel tinplate train set, hook-and-loop couplers, lithographed tin cars and all. I learned to handle the throttle before I could walk.
Ever since then, I have been fascinated by anything that runs on rails - and for almost all of that time I have been a lone wolf. I never actively sought the approval of others, nor did I look to model railroading as a source of new acquaintances. Most of the people I dealt with throughout my working life never knew I was a modeler and railfan. Now that I’m old enough to supplement my military pension with Social Security I ‘socialize’ here, on the MR forums, and I have no idea how old most of the posters are.
Age is mostly a matter of chronology. As Lazarus Long put it, “This monkey intends to keep climbing, and keep looking around, as long as the tree holds out.”
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - from my own photos and notes)
I’m almost 20 (“almost” meaning 4 months. I’d better get started on my B-day list!!). My age and the lack of others my age who are interested have never stopped me![^] MRRing sort of ends up as my time alone, and time with friends is usually something like a church event or linking their X-BOXs to play Halo.