My dad dosen't think I can build a layout.

[Anonymous]

Hmm how to respond:
I have heard the same thing on numerous projects I undertook.
I think my fathers real exscuse was "he is sucking my money out of my pocket on wasted ventures" My father didnt finally be quiet until I built my own horse drawn funeral carriage yes it rolled and had the fifth wheel curtains the whole nine yards I was doing a hunted house at the time to make everyone comfortable. But if you have your mom's consent I think you have half a chance.
also I would suggest a 4 x 8 layout there are tons of very interesting layouts done for that size of plywood. One other question what is it that your father would rather you do playstation, now there is a cheap brain sucking non creative hobby and look how cheap it is NOT! ZMight as well support you in your creative endeavor there are so many facets to fill your time with instead of being outo n the streets doing drugs or what not. My grandpa was theone who fueled my interest in trains not my dad. I would say ocme up with a compromise
of sorts. The only reason I would guess the other layout hasnt been touched is that you can only watxch them go around and around so long. Remeber unless the next layout is creative with industires and sidings it will just be a bigger circle of track that will get boring again. N scale you can get a lot of track in a small space HO is ok if you do 1800's era those are small locos and cars.
I have already started my 2 year old on his way to a train loving way of life. We have done two railfan trips this year to see the challenger 3985 and he helps and watches me work on my newest layout I love spending time with him and I know he does too. Of course it is still up to your parents but I would be excited to hear my son wanting to do a layout instead of stupid shoot em up games with death and destruction.

[Anonymous]

Nicholas,
I have a dad who although does not really enjoy trains, he helps me with benchwork and wiring, so I do not know how it feels, however just keep going and hope for the best. I have major frustation because I have very little space and less money for a layout. I think you could do it but kids our age are not going to make an award winner on the first try ( I am 12 ) just keep that in mind. really, unless you want spectacular sencery ( I do not suggest that ) it should be no different than the 4x4, just bigger. hope you get it solved.

[brothaslide]

Dear Nicholas,

First of all, don't post your parents names here on the board - they didn't give you permission to do that - you need to respect their privacy.

Secondly, If you want to build a layout so bad, earn the money to buy the materials needed (mowing lawns, paper route, etc.). If you show good faith this way, your father might be more supportive and might even give you a few bucks to help.

Finally, cut your father some slack - he might have had a bad day or be going through a difficult time. As a father I know I'm not perfect, and yes, we fathers do make mistakes. And I have "barked" at my daughters on occasion when I'm feeling some stress. It doesn't make it right but it does happen some times.

Go talk to your dad about it. Don't try to work around him through your mother and relatives, this will just really get him upset and it is not treating him with the proper respect - It will help you to get over that "emotional scar".

Good luck. . .

[Anonymous]

Dear Trains.com Bretheren,


I have a small 4x4 table that I am already bored with. After seeing my engines being run on the Grand StrandModel Railroad Club's layout, I realized that my small onwe would not do. So I study the measurments of my room today and went into the kitchen. My mom has always liked trains and she suggested measuring the blue rug that we have on top of our white carpet.

So I did and came up with the measurment of 8"10x6"5. So I improvised to 9x6.
My mom thought It was great and decided that she would like to help build it.
When my dad walked in from outside, I tiold him what I wanted the table to be. His reaction was not what I expected.

Instead of supprting me and being a good father, he just raised his voice and said "THAT IS UGE, YOU CAN'T DO THAT. YOU DON'T KNOW HOW." Then my mom cut in and said "Dear it is just 9x6 feet, that would fit in our unused 10x10 geust room. I think its a great idea".
Then My dad said, HES JUST 13, HE CAN'T DO IT. ITS SOMETHING THAT CAN'T BE DONE THAT WILL ROT AWAY WHEN HE GETS BORED WITH IT LIKE HE DID WITH HIS SMALL ONE.[V][V][V][V]

Well I think he is wrong. That will leave an emotional scar behined with me for years. I don't think of my father liked I used to before that unnesscesary outburst. He just dosen't belive in me. He is not a train person and thinks that trains are dead boring and is trying his best to get me away from trains.[V][V][V][V]

I belive I can do it, so does the following people I asked. My mother, my grandmother, my aunt, my uncle, my sister, my great grandmother, my grandfather (Mom side) , my grandmother (Mom side), my aunt (Mom side), my uncle (Mom side), my grandfathers friend and my fellow train nut Mr, Richard and his wife, Mrs. Audrey. So lend your support, do you think I can do it.[V][V][V][V]


Signed,
Nicholas