I have displayed my Calabash Terminal Rail Road, a 2' x 10' switching layout,
at a number of events over the last three years. Most of them have been non
model railroading community events. The layout is at table height, about 32"
and is easily viewed by small children. Since the layout is small and operates
with DCC, I am all around it while operating and it is easy to watch for
problems. The majority of children have been quite respectful of the trains,
with some gently touching things, mostly scenery and especially the water in
the harbor. The have only been two incidents where children have been
potentially destructive. In both cases parents have intercepted them.
I feel it is worth the risk to get children interested in model railroading.
It helps to engaged them in conversation and encourage questions. If a child
shows genuine interest,I will explain the remote to them a let them try
operating.
Our multi-scale club also has a typical Lionel layout where the trains run
around and around. I find it interesting how many children, even the very
young ones, after spending a few minutes. watching the Lionel trains come over
to my layout and watch realistic operations for an extended period. Many teens
recognize switching operations a a form of game and quickly fIgure out moves
four or five in advance.
Perhaps the way to get children interested is by introducing the to something
that will engage their minds, like operations.
Monte Heppe
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