Tomorrow it Begins!

[PVT Kanaka]

Aloha! A quick update for those who responded to my posts in January (Going from Conceptualization to Planning -- What Else to Consider?). I took your advice on board, hashed it out with CINCHOUSE, weighed our options, and tomorrow we take the plunge and buy the 16x8x4 inch hollow tile to form the perimeter of a slightly raised bed. Overall, we have tried to strike a compromise between aesthetics, durability, and room to develop the hobby as we see fit. - The bed will be about 12" above ground level. This will isolate the trains a bit from yard traffic while allowing us to skirt local permit requirements. - We will address drainage by leaving some gaps in the first row of blocks and lining the bottom with rocks (My father-in-law is an avid gardener, and this worked for him.). - The shape is roughly a dogbone about 80 ft in perimeter. This will allow for two loops and some sidings. The exact plan will be determined later when we can lay out the track. - For now, structures have to be age appropriate to the kids. Most likely, I will simply leave open areas to allow Barbie houses, Lego buildings, and other things to come and go with the dreams that concocted them. - Likewise, scale plantings must take second seat to herbs that go into the stove. My brother decided to donate his half of our collection to the cause, which has really opened up possibilities. We look to break ground in late April, have the bed done and filled by May, then spend the summer experimenting with track configurations before laying the roadbed and starting any serious planting. Thanks again to all those who gave us food for thought! The family (and maybe even CINCHOUSE!) is pretty fired up about this!

[ttrigg]

Sounds like an awesome plan. "Barbie houses, Lego buildings" drawing the kids into the whole thing - a full family project.  Would love to photos when the Barbie & Lego structures in place.

[PRK]

I agree -- great plan to include what the kids think is important. I made that mistake years ago by not allowing my kids creativity to flow. Your kids will no doubt be more enthusiastic about the project, and more invested in it as time goes on. Good job!