Generational Query

[ttrains]

Out of sheer curiosity, how many of us--in the Forum and the wider Society--have:

(1) Picked up railway enthusiasm post-1968; and/or

(2) Picked up railway enthusiasm much 'later', say, at the time of sectorisation?

Dislosure: in my case, it is (1) but before (2)--albeit in a non-UK context.

TTrains

[Train Spotter]

Hello ttrains. In answer to your question its (NO1) post 1968. Train Spotter

[pdeaves]

For me it's (1) because I wasn't born until after 1968!

If we take sectorisation as meaning mid-80s then I probably fall into (2) as well, though the roots were a little before when my Gran and Grandad bought me a train set when age 7-ish.

[ttrains]

Thank you for your replies thus far. Let's see if we can hear more.

It would be interesting to find out a bit more about the current demographics of the Society, as we frequently read about the need to increase membership, and to reach out to younger generations.

TTrains

[6-6-66]

Getting asked up into my local signal box, the 'help pull the levers' circa 1949 means I pre-date the 1968 point by a few years...

[jim.87002]

My interest started in the year England won the World cup.

[Andy Davies]

1977, when I went to college, was introduced to spotting by a school friend. Not long after that (1978?) I discovered the RO and West Midlands Branch depot visits; have been an RCTS menmber ever since!

[windsor_lad]

It started in 1962 and I joined the Ian Allan Locospotters Club in January 1963 - I recall receiving a circular plastic badge with a green logo.
For the Southern I think.

[14Bfellow]

Started spotting in 1953, joined RCTS 1976 hope to continue both until I peg out. At which time I expect there will still be class 20s on the main line even if I live to be 100!

14B fellow

[lackwitbumpkin]

My first ABC I bought was British Railways Locomotives Summer 1962 Western and Southern Regions at age 8 which started my interest although being near the Brighton Line I didn't see any steam locomotives apart from those working East Grinstead to Three Bridges. I didn't really know what the book was about and didn't have any friends who knew either. At age 10 I pulled the levers at Rowfant one summer afternoon as a friend knew the signalman. Other than that nothing really happened until some school friends and I went down to the Brighton line south of Three Bridges where we spent a whole afternoon watching trains. After that I was hooked.

Not having been bought up on a fully steam system I've always been a diesel and electric man, although I do like steam.