Certainly shows that the majority of train simmers, know nothing about railways. Apart from modern rubbish.
Well, then
teach them about the old railways! We'll all born very naked and very ignorant. As we live our lives, we only manage to become knowledgeable on the few subjects we're exposed to!
I'm old enough to remember seeing steam locomotives still in revenue service. But those younger than I never had that opportunity. If they're lucky, they might get some limited exposure to old trains via an occasional excursion train or by visiting a tourist railway still operating (some) steam locomotives.
It's up to old farts like myself to pass along the "old ways" to the youngsters, otherwise it'll be largely lost. But unless we present as something
fascinating it'll just be more of the boring stuff that is quickly forgotten. The good news is that old trains are very fascinating to most -- especially so to children and young adults. I've never seen a kid that wasn't in complete awe of a steam locomotive.
While excursion and tourist trains may be few, we can recreate and depict the golden age of railways thanks to simulation software such as a Trainz. But even the best Trainz model or route needs a compelling story to interest people in it. Thankfully, it is possible to present history in compelling ways -- and thanks to today's technology, it's now easier than ever before to do so.
I'm rather ignorant of non-American railways. Unfortunately, my Welsh ancestors weren't able to pass along the sum of their life-experiences via DNA. I certainly hold no ill will towards non-U.S. railways, but growing up in the U.S., I've have had no direct exposure to them and have been exposed to few educational opportunities regarding them. Tell me a compelling tale however, about these "foreign" lines, and I'll certainly sit and listen.
