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Another Newbie
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Another Newbie in research mode here. I don't really have too many specific questions at the moment, but I'd like to point out a few things that I'm learning and hopefully gain some insight as to whether or not I'm on the right track (no pun intended). Maybe I can also help out other noobs in a similar situation, as they have no doubt helped me (through forum posts, etc.) in the past. <br /> <br />As others have stated here, I also have a 4 year old son who is a "Thomas the Train" junkie. I believe his addiction started when he was about 2 1/2, when someone played a Thomas video at his daycare. As they say in the drug world, the first taste is always free. Anyway, since then his whole world has revolved around trains. It's all he talks about. When he was 3 he told me that we needed to go to the "traction rod store" because his Thomas trains don't have traction rods! So, over the last 2 Birthdays and Christmas's, family and friends have helped create his little wooden empire. I built him a 3x4 train table for his room and they pretty much took care of the rest. That was lesson number one: Have a Thomas themed Birthday party and inform guests on proper gift selection etc. You can also make out pretty good by getting the Grandparents to compete over who can buy the most expensive accessory. Evil I know, but you wouldn't want to disappoint your only grandson would you? ;) <br /> <br />We got him his first electric train set this past May when we went to Disneyland. It's an HO model of the Disney train that consists of an EZ track oval, a steam engine, tender, and two passenger cars. The set cost about $80 and was intended as a transition for him. I knew before I bought it that he was too young for it, he was gonna break it, he needed to be supervised, etc., but I still let him pretty much learn the basic do's and don'ts on his own. First thing they try to do is pu***he trains like they do Thomas. Second thing they do is get frustrated and throw the engine across the room. Result being a severed headlight and a cracked smoke stack. That upset him. He doesn't throw his trains anymore. He's also learned about "horn hook" couplers. "Daaaaaad, they won't couple up. They won't couple up". <br /> <br />This has all lead to the next obvious transition. My son still enjoys his Thomas set. And he likes running carpet circles with what's left of his Disney set. Now I'm looking at the next few years. I'm looking to build a permanent layout in the garage as a project we can do together over time. I never had trains as a kid, so I'm really looking forward to it. <br /> <br />I've yet to buy anything but books. And what I've learned from them is that I may need to buy a few more books! There's so much information! <br /> <br />After considering several issues, I'm leaning towards a basic HO 4x8 layout. For me it's the best compromise between size and cost. One concern I have about it though is that it will be hard for my son to reach across the layout. And a narrow shelf layout may limit operation and make it boring for him. So, still thinking it through. <br /> <br />Benchwork is still an issue, but I'm thinking plywood base with a 2 inch layer of foam on top. This way I can carve into the foam but still have a sturdy base. <br /> <br />Track, I'm not sure yet. EZ track is tempting but I hate the way it looks. Flex track may be too difficult. I mean, I could probably do it, but the process just doesn't look like a lot of fun to me. And if it feels like a chore, I may lose interest myself. So, I may be leaning towards sectional track. I'm open to suggestions on roadbed, but all methods seem pretty straight forward. <br /> <br />Wiring is my biggest fear. I'm absolutely setting up for DCC. And I was relieved when I read about it for the first time. Prior to that, all I had read were older published, two train wiring articles that gave me nightmares for a couple of days. I think DCC is definitely the way to go, but I'll have to read a lot more on DCC, as well as basic wiring, before I get started. I just downloaded the DCC primer from Tony's trains so, that's a start. <br /> <br />Ok guys, I just realized how ridiculously long this post is. Sorry about that. Basically, I love researching new things and playing with my kids. So how can I miss with model trains ("gulp")? I'm open to suggestions on anything you guys may have to offer. A month ago I couldn't have told you the first thing about model railroads. Now I find myself thinking about whether or not to use manual turnouts so my son can still have some "hands on" operation like he's used to. Crazy. <br /> <br />Anyway guys. Sorry for the long post. I'm looking forward to future discussion, feedback, etc. <br /> <br />Later for now, <br />Jay
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