Between '13-15 I participated in a few of the northeastern NEAD events in addition to the usual ones at the Museum and it was pretty much down to the efforts of one guy Bob. One was an outdoor fun-run that about 8 guys attended, another was an exhibition space at a model exhibition in New Jersey, and there was also a demo session at the now-disbanded New England military museum.

Running and hosting events, especially an interactive hobby such as this, can never solely be the effort of one or two individuals as it is very tiring and is never sustainable for long. One can only hope other guys step forward to help out, or take over the initiative at times. As other guys have said - life can get in the way: personal health, parents, kids going to college, etc.

While I know Bob personally, I cannot speak for his current situation and the stuff he's owed to people. I knew him as a standup guy who believed in doing the right thing. He was never great with the internet, didn't have Facebook and hated RCU's improved interfaces. Perhaps calling his cell or texting him may yield some headway?

I journeyed 3-4 times every year from New England to Danville because that's where the action is, and the committed people are, you lucky SOBs down at the Mid-Atlantic. Even then, the 3-4 resident clubs need to work to bring in the numbers, ACE, HEAT, and SEAD.

As a newcomer, or potential newcomer, ask not what the hobby can do for you, but you can do for the hobby. The veterans can help with advice and support, but when you're waiting around for someone else to host an event and getting disappointed and ultimately leaving because "this is a dying hobby". Do your own reaching out to draw in newcomers. We all have to be ambassadors to try to attract more people.

You could have dozens of tanks and no one to battle with - me, I'd rather have just one tank and 20 other guys to have a great weekend.