Hi, all --
Last year around this time I posted a question regarding getting an N-Scale setup for my son, who was then 7 1/2. We were going with N-Scale because he shares a room with his twin sister, and an HO would have dominated both his available space AND hers. I was just rereading that thread looking for the name of an on-line store someone had recommended, and noticed that Peter W. had wondered about an update on January 9th. By then I was into the throes of my busiest time of year at work, and wasn't reading the newsgroup. So here's an update for the curious:
We eventually decided on a Bachmann Spectrum Steam set; my parents bought that for him, and I picked up some extra track and accessories, and a very inexpensive diesel engine he can play with when friends who aren't quite as careful are over to play. He LOVES it -- he has said on numerous occasions, completely out of the blue "THANK YOU for letting Grandma and Grandpa buy me a train set." The only casualty was when his sister decided to go play with it without asking him (a big no-no), and she dropped it the engine! We had to glue a coupler after that incident, and she was very humbled. He was a true gentleman about it.
Tumbles aside, we aren't big fans of the Rapido couplers, as someone here predicted, as they seem to disconnect sometimes. From what I've read, it sounds like you can replace the trucks with MT trucks, and we might go that route someday when I have time to research what's involved. Maybe for his birthday this summer. Hmmm....
He hasn't yet worked on a major layout, but he has bought a few Lifelike building kits and has assembled and painted them, and thoroughly enjoyed the project. He really enjoys switching the track around into different layouts.
He has stopped playing with his wooden Thomas set (why does that make me feel older?), though he occasionally hauls track out when a younger friend visits. But he seems quite wistful about Thomas, so I'm actually considering adding a Thomas to his collection when they become available. He had a Flying Scotsman on his Christmas list, and I'm guessing this is in part because it's part of the Thomas lore. He is also anxiously awaiting someone -- anyone! -- making an N-Scale Polar Express.
So all in all, a very successful gift, a very happy kid, and a grateful mom who gets the procrastinator of the year award. Thank you everyone!
Julie