Aly Foxx's N Scale Layout

[davefoxx]

While my HO scale layout is underway, my daughter keeps asking when we're going to start her N scale layout.  So, we better start planning!  I already built her a small 24" x 48" table that fits under my layout.  I plan to use 2" foam and cantilever the edges, so that I can expand the table to 30" x 54".  That size adjustment allows this:



My daughter and my wife like this plan.  Thoughts?

DFF

[Philip H]

Since you have approval of the Domestic COO, and Deputy Domestic COO, I'd say git 'er done!

[Dave V]

Good luck!  I hope she stays interested.  My boys grew out of trains...but Jacob's old layout was resurrected as the Colorado Midland, so all was not lost.

[davefoxx]

Good luck!  I hope she stays interested.  My boys grew out of trains...but Jacob's old layout was resurrected as the Colorado Midland, so all was not lost.

@Dave V,

I was thinking about you and Jacob when I started this thread.  Honestly, I don't expect her to stay interested in trains over the long-term, because I think at this point in her five-year-old mind, it's more about sharing an interest and spending time with Daddy.  I will take that time and cherish it while it lasts.  That said, she has repeatedly asked if she can help me build the layout.  I know she's been disappointed with the delay, as I have told her I have to get the HO layout far enough along, e.g., wiring (see below), before I can build her layout.

So, who knows?  Other than track, it won't cost me much, because I'm recycling some of the N scale trains that I didn't sell, and she already has the Kato North Pole Express that Santa gave her last Christmas.  Oh, and I intend to tap into the DCC system for the HO layout, so I won't even have to buy another DCC system.  If she decides to move on and loses interest, I won't have a lot tied up financially.  By the way, she still misses the Seaboard Central 2.0.

DFF

[Point353]

While my HO scale layout is underway, my daughter keeps asking when we're going to start her N scale layout.  So, we better start planning!  I already built her a small 24" x 48" table that fits under my layout.  I plan to use 2" foam and cantilever the edges, so that I can expand the table to 30" x 54".  That size adjustment allows this:



My daughter and my wife like this plan.  Thoughts?

DFF

Assuming that a train on the inner loop will usually run in a clockwise direction (unless you're modelling the CNW, or some other line with left-hand running), and given the lack of a runaround siding, my preference would be to arrange the turnouts for the two spur tracks as trailing point rather than facing point. Maybe consider building it as a mirror image.

[davefoxx]

@Point353,

That's a very good point and one that I missed.  Assuming that my daughter has an interest in running trains other than just roundy-round, trailing point turnouts will make the layout much easier to operate.

Thanks!
DFF

[nkalanaga]

Considering the number of sub-hobbies in "model railroading", she might stay interested in some aspects, even if the trains themselves don't keep her fascinated. 

[GaryHinshaw]

Nice to see this Dave.  In addition to flipping the plan (though I doubt a 5-year old will be too worried about right-hand running...) you might want to replace the double crossover with two single crossovers: a right-hand on top and a left-hand on bottom (or vice-versa) to allow for runarounds.

If she likes to make things, leave plenty of space for buildings and trees.

Enjoy!

[conrail98]

Looks like a good plan, Dave. I thought my daughter's interest would wane too as she got older after getting her a set when she was 4 but it hasn't. In fact, she keeps bugging me about my layout and finishing her's and she's 8 now,

Phil

[jpec]

Dave,

Even if she does drift away at some point, the time spent together is priceless...

Jeff

[seusscaboose]

@Point353,

That's a very good point and one that I missed.  Assuming that my daughter has an interest in running trains other than just roundy-round, trailing point turnouts will make the layout much easier to operate.

Thanks!
DFF

Uhhhhhh

She better learn Op's

We got an A&R interchange filling up over here!!!!

😀

[davefoxx]

I'll bring her to the next ops session! 

[davefoxx]

Aly's growing impatient with my snail's pace electrical wiring of the Seaboard Central 3.0, which her layout will tap into, i.e., both layouts will run off of the same DCC system.  So, this morning I cut up a scrap piece of 2" foam to expand the table that I built for her.  This piece just happens to be the underside of what was once Hamlet Yard on the expanded Seaboard Central 2.0.   But, unfortunately, I'm out of foam adhesive, so I can't glue it to the table.  D'oh!

But, to somewhat appease her, I set up the foam and a loop of Unitrack.  With some temporary hookup wires, we ran a new IM SD40-2, which, honestly, sounds as good as the sound on my HO locomotives!  The volume does need to be turned down, though.  I don't think that Aly's too much into sound; she asked me to turn it off.



DFF

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I really do love this.

[davefoxx]

I really do love this.

Thanks, Ed!  I just remembered that you were able to see Aly working the NCE throttle and her North Pole Express train when you stopped by a few months ago.  She's really good about keeping the speed under control.  If anything, I have to tell her that she can go faster. 

DFF