Setting up toy train

[Anonymous]

My 4 year old son received a Thomas Adventure set for his birthday and we would like to set it up so that he can have access to it whenever he wants and so the tracks, pieces, etc do not get misplaced like his last set. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to mount/set-up this set? I called a model train store and the person told me to just mount it on a piece of plywood. If possible we want to set it up off the floor. Any suggestions? Thanks. Justonian

[Algonquin]

Hi Justonian,

I assume this is the battery operated set with blue plastic track. Mounting to a piece of plywood is the best option if you want to permanently fix the track in place. I believe the only way to attach this type of track would be to glue it in place.

Most store displays permanently mount these kids trains on low tables about 20" off the floor. If you would like a much smoother surface than most grades of plywood you can mount "handypanel" (which is a 1/4" thick wood product available in many types of wood with a relatively smooth finish) on top of the plywood. This would make a nice surface to paint and attach structures to. Handypanel can be found at any lumber or home (Home Depot, Lowes, etc) store.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari

[Anonymous]

Hi Tim,
Thanks for the suggestion. We will go to home depot today to find what we need. About the low tables that toy stores use, can low tables be purchased for the purpose of mounting trains?
Justonian

[Algonquin]

I think you can buy ready made tables from Brio or Thomas's wooden railways.

Regards,

Tim