What dont you like about this hobby

[Sumpter250]

Lack of diversity among modelers. Face it, go to a train show and 90% of people there fit a certain age/sex/socioeconomic and sometimes political demographic. It happens with many hobbies, and I am not sure why that is. But, I think model railroading could use more input from women and the younger crowd, as well as from different cultures. New perspectives could keep things fresh and exciting.

I think, more accurately, that 90% of the modelers, fit the above statement, there is a large number of attendees (read viewers) who more accurately fit the "women------cultures" group. Yeah, I do a lot of train shows.

Provincialism. Modelers focus on local railroads, and their interests are determined heavily by what they've personally experienced in rather simple ways. I don't hold this against anyone individually. It's just disappointing that many smaller prototypes with interesting characteristics are rarely considered by modellers far from those places.

Those who model freelance, are more inclined to pick up on some of the " smaller prototypes with interesting characteristics" that give their roads a feeling of reality.

What is wrong with "nostalgia", or "historical interest in the past", if you prefer, and how is it a "statistical thing"? Think of it this way - if it weren't for the "nostalgia", there would be no history left anywhere.
"Provincialism" is an interesting concept, but the real question is why those who live in areas with interesting shortlines and ghost railroads don't model them instead of the big, modern layouts that everyone else seems to model? Lack of available equipment and rolling stock? Too much trouble to convert? Too much research? This issue, to me, is on a par with why Germans, Dutch, Australians and others want to model American railroads instead of their own history?

"Nostalgia": those who choose not to study history, are doomed to repeat it. Yet, nostalgia, can be seen in the prototype...... Railway/railroad museums. Then again, there is something fascinating about the complete workings of a steam locomotive. Lots of solid technology hidden, just out of sight. There aren't many in this hobby who know all the hidden details of steam or diesel construction, myself included, but I'm.......learning.
"Provincialism": I think the answer here, lies in "competition". An unstated challenge of "I can build UP better than you can". (by the way, Union Pacific, is my least favorite road. Nothing personal, just me). My 2-4-2 project is based on the Warrenton Railroad's little Baldwin. The Warrenton was an interesting "little" shortline.

The rest of it, though, seems to be true. Among American modellers, most are white, male and politically conservative. I often find this environment oppressive.

I think you will find that "American modelers" are far more diverse than they appear to be. That said, however, politically conservative, white males, can create an oppressive environment. The secret here, is, don't stay in that environment any longer than necessary, or, don't ask "what they think, ask, instead, how did you build "that"?, or how did you do that paint scheme? You might find it brings out the artist, rather than the political conservative. It is, after all, the hobby that should be prominent at train shows.