For the record ...

Thanks Joe

While I borrowed heavily from the MRH forum and magazine, this is a completely volunteer venture and 100% of the donations will go to support youth in the hobby and provide a way to support MRH and TMTV. This is a win-win for those of us who enjoy the hobby, the magazine, and the forum. 

Summary of the goals

gf.me/u/vtzvyn

This is the place to contribute toward promoting the hobby of model railroading in cooperation with Model Railroad Hobbyist (MRH) magazine, TrainMasters Television (TMTV), and affiliated programs such as “What’s Neat This Week” with Ken Patterson. Youth in the hobby (under 18 years of age) will be encouraged to write or email to be considered for paid subscriptions to MRH Running Extra, TMTV, or publications to better their interest and knowledge of the hobby.

Contributors will be listed or remain anonymous as requested and can sponsor individual youth based on criteria desired. For example, this may be for those interested in promoting a specific railroad or historical society. Ideas are welcome and will be respected.

This is a volunteer project and 100% of funds raised will used toward scholarships. Minimum suggested donation would be $20. Two party review of all scholarships will be used to limit favoritism and provide transparency of the campaign.

Thanks for considering supporting the budding model railroad hobbyist!

Neil Erickson

(Use of the MRH name, logo, and content is by permission.)

Thanks

Thanks Neil and everyone who donated! I can't wait to start learning.

Two thumbs up for you Neil.

That's for the great idea, and the will to manage it. You only get two thumbs because that is all I have.

How do I?

I don't have ANYTHING relating to this Hobby. How do I?

gacha,

Start by opening up a bit.  Where are you?  If you were in my area, I'd offer a visit to my basement, but since I have no idea where you are...  I'm assuming USA, but City, State might elicit suggestions from other residents of this list about things to do, things to visit, modelers who are supportive.  DO NOT ASSUME that everything of worth is available through the internet.  Only two of the dozen or so modelers in my area have any web savvy, or presence; I do not, either.  I know of complete clubs that will not bother with a web page, or public FB presence, though many have a private email or FB group.  

Blair

That post

probably should have been made over on gacha's ""Trouble Getting Started" blog post, though it's relevant here, too.

Blair

Great idea Neil!

I disagree Blair.  If this was put in the "Trouble Getting Started" post it would have been buried in that thread and disappeared in hours or less.  It deserves it's own thread with it's own title.

Great idea,

,while I don't fit the youth profile anymore I'm glad others will be able to benefit from this, users here helped me out a lot by themseleves and I'm excited to see what will happen when they organaize

Very cool idea

I'm in! 

Like many of us, I got bitten by the bug when I happened across a copy of Model Railroader in my school library back in the 60s. I subscribe to the digital archive and was able to go back and find that issue - it's fascinating to see the article on building a pond scene that I found completely captivating way back then. 

It's impossible to predict what aspects of the hobby might appeal to a young person today, but there is such a enormous variety of fascinating, fun and practical things to do and learn that there is truly something for everyone. The trick is exposure, and this helps!

Thanks Neil.

Jeff Allen

What next?

Keegan & Jeff:

There are still free subscriptions available! Please pass the word to those who express and interest to simply write me for more info.

While I started this as a way to support MRH, the idea could grow to support those entering the hobby with needed tools, books, or materials that would go toward their better understanding and growth in the hobby. Ideas are welcome!

Thanks again to all that are supporting this.