Dave made several very good points. However, young model railroaders need to build experience to get to know what they want. While the Atlas track pack does indeed provide lots of track, that should prove a good thing as your son will have enough track to change things around as his ideas take shape and evolve.
Also note that the Atlas track packs are intended to be powered by Direct Current (DC) and will require several track blocks to be wired up in order to run multiple trains. All of this complicated wiring can be avoided by powering the layout with Digital Command Control (DCC) from the outset. Your son will have no problem figuring out DCC and these systems offer so much more operating realism that will help hook your son for life. Yes, the dive into DCC can be a little expensive, but when you compare it to the equipment needed for multiple train DC operation, it isn't all that much more. A full featured DCC system capable of running several trains can be found for as little as around $50 for a used Bachmann system to around $250 for a full featured starter set from others. You can also find used intermediate systems that modelers have replaced with newer systems with more bells and whistles.
For comparison, Direct Current (DC) operation requires a separate power pack for each train you want to run. DC operation also requires you to divide the layout into power blocks with toggle or rotary switches to connect track blocks to each power pack. By the time you purchase all of the required gear to run even three trains simultaneously, you are approaching the cost of entry level DCC systems. I suspect your son would quickly get bored with the toggle switch two-step anyway. DCC allows you to run the trains instead of the track and is a far more satisfying means of operation.
Good Luck!
Hornblower
Here are my thoughts. Yes a simple oval gets boring fast, but adding just a few sidings for industries, or a layout plan that features more running room and variety can re-ignite the interest with much less expenditure and complexity than this particular Atlas layout box. Plus the track is not as "pre-fab" that came with that initial train set so there will be a learning curve just learning how to lay this kind of track, and wire it up, so the trains really run smoothly. That takes practice and skill even for us veterans.
Frankly the track plan shown on the link is jam-packed with tracks in a way that looks exciting and impressive BUT it is going to call for way more wiring than most beginners feel comfortable with, and indeed the materials list shows that it is to be wired to run multiple trains in blocks. While that may sound wonderful that usually suggests something beyond what one person is going to do with the layout. And things like turntables, which this layout includes, can wait for future developments. This is a very early stage to have a turntable.
The thing about model train layouts is that the more you run them the more you learn about what you really want, and then you make those changes and improvements in steps. This particular Atas box cuts through all that and zooms forward awfully far. And the end result is not what the layout owner necessarily wants but what the Atlas company wants to sell.
Let me give one practical example. Few beginner layouts have much in the way of scenery (not just hills and streams, but roads and neighborhoods and structures along the tracks). But scenery is fun and makes the trains so much more realistic. It can be the next step after getting comfortable with laying track. But this track plan is so jammed with track (surprise surprise it is designed by the company that sells the track!) that there is really no space for meaningful scenery.
I do not mean to trash Atlas - they've made good and dependable train track for decades. But in my opinion this layout would be a mistake for someone in your son's shoes. There are so many things he could do to make his layout more interesting without jumping into the deep end of the pool so to speak. I'd investigate what the options are for more turnouts and variety of layout shape rather than a simple oval first. Kalmbach sells layout plan books, and so does Atlas for that matter. I'd think less in terms of one huge box and more in terms of what can be done now to re-ignite interest
Dave Nelson
Hello,
I am looking for input on Atlas layout packages. I have an 11 year old son that is wanting to build a track, with some help from mom and dad. We thought a layout package would be best. Here is a link to what he has picked out;https://shop.atlasrr.com/p-44223-ho-23-folded-dog-bone-with-branch.aspx
I am looking for the pro's and con's of ordering this set.
*My son has little interest in actually designing his own layout right now. He really want the fun of building and then running several trains, all day.
*We purchased a click together Walthers set a few months back and he quickly outgrew the basic oval and wants way more in a track then those can offer.
* If reccomending a different set/layout package, there are a few requierments he has. Shunting yard and a turn table. Eventually he wants to add a dumping station (think old tyco).
Thank you for any and all advice!