Child's locomotive

k> I would like an opinion on an "o" gauge engine for my 2 year old. If it k> helps, here are some random thoughts: k> - Lionel would be preferred as my other stock is Lionel k> - It needs to be able to pull at least six to 10 post war cars. (~1950s) k> - A steamer type, with Smoke, whistle, and lights would be nice ** Is k> smoke dangerous for kids?

Maybe. It is smoke, basically 'scented' lamp oil.

k> - Something from the 50s would be great, but any post war to modern is k> fine k> - He would not run it alone. I would always be there, but kids are kids k> and they want to put cars on the track. k> - While it does not have to be child-proof, a drop for 10 inches should k> not make it trash. k> k> I am torn between an heirloom like piece (681) and something that he can k> have fun with. (Fun being more important by at least 2 or 3 times)

You might consider a wooden train set (eg BRIO). Generally non breakable and totally amenable to lightly supervised play on the living room rug. Your 2 year can be totally creative and create his own RR empire. He can crawl around pushing the loco, adding sounds on his own. Compatible with Duplo blocks, which are great for constructing track side structures and can also be used as cargo and/or passengers.

There is a whole collection of 'operating' accessories for BRIO-type wooden train, including lift bridges, rotary dump cars, container cars (including a working crane), and so on. Thomas the Tank engine and friends are also available as BRIO-type wooden trains.

k> k> Thanks --- k>

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=>You might consider a wooden train set (eg BRIO). Generally non =>breakable and totally amenable to lightly supervised play on the living =>room rug. Your 2 year can be totally creative and create his own RR =>empire. He can crawl around pushing the loco, adding sounds on his own. =>Compatible with Duplo blocks, which are great for constructing track =>side structures and can also be used as cargo and/or passengers.

Excellent suggestion. Last year we took our grandson, then age 3, to the Toronto Christmas Train Show. He admired the layouts, and enjoyed turning the speed control on Papa's Train, but spent most of his time on the Brio train table (about 4x6 with low edges) Three or four kids played on it simultaneously, happy as could be. He has lots of toys, but the ones he likes best are the ones with which he build something on which to run (push) wheeled objects.

Have fun!

Wolf Kirchmeir ................................. If you didn't want to go to Chicago, why did you get on this train? (Garrison Keillor)

kefaa wrote: I would like an opinion on an "o" gauge engine for my 2 year old. If it helps, here are some random thoughts:

- Lionel would be preferred as my other stock is Lionel

- It needs to be able to pull at least six to 10 post war cars. (~1950s)

- A steamer type, with Smoke, whistle, and lights would be nice ** Is smoke dangerous for kids?

- Something from the 50s would be great, but any post war to modern is fine

- He would not run it alone. I would always be there, but kids are kids and they want to put cars on the track.

- While it does not have to be child-proof, a drop for 10 inches should not make it trash. I am torn between an heirloom like piece (681) and something that he can have fun with. (Fun being more important by at least 2 or 3 times)

---------------------------------------------- I think a Lionel train would provide your two year old a lot of pleasure. You could get an inexpensive locomotive at a train show or e-Bay.

I don't know about the 10" drop though. You could always put a piece of carpet under the layout.

Bill Bill's Railroad Empire N Scale Model Railroad:

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Hi

A few others have suggested the Brio-type wooden train set...for a two year old they would be great. My four year old son has had a fairly large Thomas the Tank Engine set for two years, and he can spend hours re-enacting Thomas stories, or even making up his own. There are battery-powered locomotives with working headlights which can tow fairly long trains providing their are no grades.

These trains/track are durable and kid-safe. The Thomas stuff is guaranteed for life, which we've already appreciated when one of the battery powered locos developed a high-pitched squeal. PLUS, you can pack up a small collection of track and rolling stock and travel with it.

Bruce