I see T-Trak modules being perfect for this purpose. They are rather inexpensive and each can be customized to a family member's liking. And the tracks required to build one is minimal. Maybe even a competition with a cheapie plastic trophy and bragging rights! Let each member chose their size, from singles to doubles, triples or even quads, depending on how "energetic" each family member feels about model railroading.
Well, um, you should have been here for the 'Mac & Cheese' competition. The judge was the grandson and somehow mommies dish won. ☻ Smart kid. Still, the prize might be a 'Box Car'.How much do those Atlas Trainman 40's cost? Or, wait, maybe a flat car carrying a golden statue? Almost time to go to work.
Welcome back. I like shinkansen also. my last purchase before we moved to a new house was a tomix EVa Type 500.
Sorta Thinking Out-loud Not much to show. I am on schedule for getting two 8' 'legs' of the layout framed, covered with foam and a temporary oval of track on each. One oval is single track and the other for my bullet trains is double track. This represents about 16' out of an eventual 40' and from 30" to 36" deep. Currently For now I'm gathering ideas and how to for various aspects of the future. I'm practicing designing and building paper buildings in preparation for card stock and other materials. I'm researching lighting, wiring, and scenery. I've bought a bunch of people and animals to help with 'scale' concepts. My biggest problem is I am running into my brain and vision in conflict. My brain wants to plan global but I only see about 4" to 12" across. Hope to post pics tonight.
Re-purposing Used K-Cup for Kato Double Track Support My wife and I each throw away 2 K-Cups per day. Yesterday I was hit by a train st..., er, 'brain storm'. This is just, 'proof of concept' for now. When I have enough cups I will explore using these on some of the layout along with arched viaducts and such. Cardboard from Boxes and Packaging Track support Structures Shaping of mountains and other scenery Oreo Cookie Packaging To the right you can see a blurry semi-clear Oreo packaging material. I intend to use that as a station in one form or another. Cans Buildings Possible track support There will be more but I'm not sure for what or how.
(temporary), Leaning / Learning Towers of Grandure Valley City These were Phase II of 'Sky Scraper Design and Construction'. Maybe from 8.5"x14" plain paper they are a good starting place for practical application of the concept. The next versions will likely be made from corrugated cardboard. With the assistance of my step-daughter I was able to assemble these buildings. She is only here for the week so I'll fix them on my own. Most likely I'll build a jig to hold them vertical and I will doctor the bridge for higher visibility. The biggest flaw is however, the size. They are each only about 30 scale feet square. So, overall disproportionate to the intent of an office building. Sheets Available. If anyone would like a copy of the 8.5"X14" sheet I will be happy to post it. Yes, there are flaws. But For a guy with my vision? they are magnificent.
Ewww, looks like clumps of snow on the sidewalk. Will shovel those. Additional changes will be 'tops' that will be cantalevered out about 1/2". Most likely round but If I could get a motor maybe round? Well, just a thought. I'll practice lighting and sound with these two.
