I got a phone call from 5yo grandson about noon today. He asked if he could come over and run trains. Today was a balmy 52F [15degree above average] Kansas Winter day. A request like that is NOT to be turned down. Besides, it gave Papa a chance to try out the Heavyweight 3-axle truck modifications that I had gotten from Marty Cozad and George Schreyer.
As a result of the mods, the only car that had a derailment on either loop or through any of the three double crossovers was the FB unit.
Luke and Papa set up the FA/FBs [He didn't notice that UPs were pulling RGs].
Next the four modified Heavyweights [out of seven] were placed on the rails.
Papa teaches Luke how to use the transmitter.
Surprisingly, the heavyweights made it through all turns and switches without a single derail.
Luke closely followed the train watching for derailments.
Luke gets a closer look at Vinita Station.
Papa talks to Luke about operations. Luke stopped the train at the station with the coach and observation at the loading ramp for passengers to get off/on. We added some passengers to the Observation platform.
This was a wonderful day spent with a train-crazy grandson. Hopefully, many of you also are having these great days.
JimC.
Jim,
Great photos and a great little story. It must have been a wonderful day indeed.
I've got three grandsons, 6, 4 1/2, and 1 1/2.So far the only one that seems to have gotten the train gene is the youngest, we'll see.
Thanks for sharing.
Walt
What perfect pictures you have there, they show what this hobby is all about!
Ron
Rene Schweitzer
Classic Toy Trains/Garden Railways/Model Railroader
Looks like you had more fun than is authorized! The question is: "Who had more fun Luke or Papa?" I'm thinking Papa had the most fun. Can't wait till I get one, the wife keeps talking to our daughter, and all she says is "we're working on it."
Tom Trigg
I very much agree! It does become a chore though when the weather is not cooperating and the little guys still want to run trains! I've done it with temps in 20's F, in heavy rain, and in 30MPH wind! He still loves trains.
We dearly love our granddaughter, but like her grandma from N.Y. she only knows one speed - full ahead. Ever seen a F3 do a wheelie, not a pretty sight when it's your own. She now has her own G gauge railroad in Grandmas garden and we all have a great time running our trains.
Rob
Great pictures, Jim. GR should do a story about family involvement. Maybe you could kick it off for um. How bout it Rene?
Fortunately, I think, my 3yo grandson is a bigger train-nut than grampa. Whether it be the little garden loop in the yard or the 3rail stuff inside, trains are about his first request upon arrival. It is surprising how quickly they adapt to using the remote controls as well.
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
www.sd3r.org
Proud New Member Of The NRA
Doug, I think kids today are wired for electronics, we weren't!
Rene SGearDrivenSteam, I've forwarded this thread to the "powers" (aka, Marc).
Great. I think it would be a nice addition.
Great pictures of a fine looking railroad. So true that not many kids now a days or even adults have the train fever that many of us developed in our formative years. I try to give away that fever to the younger guys that work for me and it's not really working. All they want to do is text messaging.
RUDY JAGER, CEO OF THE LONE WOLF RAILROAD
TRUST ME--I USED TO WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT!
Awesome pictures! It's very cool that he called you to come over. He's showing interest!!
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