Any advice as to where to look for advice regarding building a small 00-gauge layout for my grandson [9yrs old]. Do not wish to spend too much as he may well loose interest sometime in the future, he's very keen at present. Thanks
I`m pretty sure Peco put out some publications regarding how to start, plus they have a book of Track Plans from small to large. You certainly should be able to find a small scheme that would suit a young lad. A 6 x 4 board is a typical starting point. There is nearly always second hand track for sale on Ebay, plus analogue controllers and rolling stock. I`ll insert a simple track plan below which shows what can be done in the space. Gormo
Hornby track mats are a great way to get started. Have a look at this link https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_...057.m570.l1313&_nkw=hornby+track+mat&_sacat=0 Kim
I agree with gormo about buying second hand stuff, the reason I suggested a set is because when one of my sons looked keen years ago, I got a set and after the novelty had worn off, put the set back in its box and sold it, sorted.
This is the layout I built my son when he was 6, ten years ago now ! I first built him a time saver, but he wanted to run trains in circles on, so this was created. I can tell you now he operates layouts better than I do !! Track plan Goods yard end. Loco & coal merchants end. Locos and rolling stock. The layout is 80" x 80". The widest point where the curves are is approximately 34". Cheers, Gary.
I think it is great that your youngster is showing an interest in this technology age. I agree with earlier posts about using track mats and train sets as they are easy to extend. The one thing I would say is very important when building a layout for a child is make it reliable. There is nothing more off putting than a train stopping and having to be nudged to get it going again. So firstly I would recommend using electofrog points, a bit fiddlier but worth it in the long run. Next, don't rely on the track joiners for power, give each section of track its own dedicated supply, droppers on each section of rail and connect each one to the power supply. Another thing with children is they like to see how fast the trains can go. The track really needs to be laid as best you can, so the ends need to connect correctly for smooth running, if possible, and you have the space, is to have the turn into the bends a smooth transition i/e the 4th radius into a 2nd then first. You will need to experiment until you get a reliable run. The best track in my opinion is flexitrack as you can get the best radius, again a bit more fiddly but worth it, it also uses less joints. Hope this helps, Pete. Nearly forgot, medium radius points will help as some locos don't like small radius points.
Train set and a nice train-table of some sort is a great starting point. Take a look at Peco's set-track plan book. It will surely have a great project that will suit your requirements.
I have a 10 year old, and I semi regularly run a 3 track U drive at local markets, which is just a simple roundy layout. At about that age they are starting to move on from the basic run around in circles. I also have another exhibition layout, which is a "timesaver" basically a shunting puzzle. It is called Gundah Junction and I have a thread here on ithttps://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/gundah-junction.2517/. It was very popular with 8 years old and up. My son has also found an app on my phone with shunting puzzles. It is simply called Train Puzzle (Android) It has fairly basic top down graphics, but has a good speed and direction control for the loco and has a satisfying coupling and uncoupling system. The levels get progressively harder as you progress through the game. It is a great introduction to shunting puzzles. I would suggest making a layout with a loop and a shunting puzzle like an inglenook (3 track shunting puzzle, which in have also built) building a timesaver in a loop layout would be hard and big, an inglenook only requires 2 points and you can use the loop blocked off at the right spots for the other parts of the puzzle. The puzzle aspect keeps them engaged for a lot longer. Cheers Tony