I am tired of watching them having their faces focused at a TV screen playing video games LOL. I purchased on Tuesday the Lionel "The Scout". Thought it would be good start for us to enjoy.
My grandfather got me started in layout building back in the 70's. He would take me to his friend's house, whom had a full basement empire, for inspiration. Then we would get started on our 4x8 (btw, this month's CTT has 4 nice track plans). As for getting them away from the tv, I've never met a kid that wouldn't jump at the chance to learn how to use tools.
I wish I would have had that happen to me. Its not so much the TV, its the video games. Always have their eyes glued to that screen. I told them the other day I got them a train set and they seemed very excited, I am going to let them have that one and I think this Grandpa is going to do do an HO scale for himself
I recently completed a coffee table sized layout, where I combined a loop of Realtrax on the base level, and added a Bachmann HO loop of track above. I jigsawed out a long viaduct using 3/4 inch plywood, and built the top level at 7 inches above. The HO train traverses the viaduct for the front 2/5 in dramatic fashion, as the O gauge loop runs under the span. From the little one's perspective, it looks pretty cool.
Do you have a pic of that?
I think my boy took some pics. Will see if we can upload them. Normally I take some bragin' shots, but I was busy trying to do several projects at once.
Turned out kinda cool.
That turned out really nice!!