A Brief, hopefully rapid diversion.

[jpec]

It is what it is...a layout for a 7 year old.  Looks great as it is, don't worry about finishing it to the Nth degree.  Let him get the itch and identify what he wants to upgrade as his interests grow. Just don't paint the water surface blue...unless it's a Hawaiian or Caribbean theme...

Jeff

[ScrewySqrl]

It is what it is...a layout for a 7 year old.  Looks great as it is, don't worry about finishing it to the Nth degree.  Let him get the itch and identify what he wants to upgrade as his interests grow. Just don't paint the water surface blue...unless it's a Hawaiian or Caribbean theme...

Jeff

what color do you recommend then?  I was planning some sort of blue shade and covering with clear gloss.   Perhaps that grey-green color would work? 

[jpec]

Look at the waterways where you are...I find a med-dark green/earth brown mix works well, leaning more toward the earth tone as you approach the banks. Grab a scrap piece of foam and have fun with it until you find a combination you like

Jeff

[M.C. Fujiwara]

Sorry: a bit late to the party.
Very glad you're working with kids and using model railroading as an opportunity to spend quality time together.
It's a fun way to build together, as well as learn/teach modeling techniques as well as history, electronics, soldering, patience, etc.



http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/mrh-2012-05-may/kids-and-model-rring

2'x4' is a nice size, but think twice before assuming that 7-year-olds are more interested in watching train run over & under than operations.
I've found that by 6 years old most kids tire of "roundy round" very quickly (unless they have dinosaurs to deliver), are very excited about placing certain cars in certain places (i.e. "ops").

So while the 2'x4' over & under can be a fun building experience, the fun ends soon after completion.
And seeing the entire trackage looks "Toy Train".
Having a scenic divider such as a backdrop:



Or scenic divider:



http://www.yardgoatlayoutdesign.com/21.html

or a physical feature like a mountain:



http://www.yardgoatlayoutdesign.com/26.html

Or both:



can "expand" both the layout and the youngster's mind.
(Don't underestimate the power of scenes that "disappear")

If you're going to be building this together with the youngster, I suggest you zero in on specific steps & tasks that you can do together, and prep them before so you can the time enjoying the shared experience.

And leave him with a layout that challenges his mind (for at least a few years to come, and/or fun with switchlists )

Food for thought.

[jpec]

Great concepts, MC...I was inspired by your switching layout to give the ZTrack controller a try. I use one now to run a T-Trak layout as well as a small layout I'm working on.

Jeff