| The question for many model train railroaders is: | | | | becomes a barrier in the event of accidents, Dad's or |
| Where do I put my train that is safe from the children? | | | | the kids'. |
| This question is discussed in several rail forums and | | | | Long term solutions came with the suggestion that the |
| some good ideas have come from hobbyists. For | | | | kids, as they grew older, become involved with |
| example, take the father who had to share his train | | | | Daddy's trains. Starting with their own model toy train |
| space with the children's play area. After much debate | | | | layout, they could play with their toy train while learning |
| on shelf layouts for model railroads, a shelf surrounding | | | | to respect Dad's trains. If you have raised, or are |
| the room was chosen. Instead of making the shelf | | | | raising kids now, you know a Plexiglas barrier is not an |
| height a common 25" high, Dad settled on 45" from the | | | | end in itself. I suspect you have stories of your kids |
| floor. He wouldn't have to bend over so much and the | | | | piling up objects they can use to CLIMB up to anything |
| 16" to 24" inches wide shelf left plenty of room for his | | | | they want, especially if there is a magical choo choo |
| HO model train. He used only shelf brackets instead of | | | | running around up high. Respecting Daddy's trains, then |
| legs for support eliminating the possibility of bumping | | | | becomes increasingly important. So, while you are |
| into legs. There were several warnings that that while | | | | setting up the kids' train at a lower level, you might |
| the height was good for working on the train the train | | | | want to keep an eye out as to how to connect them |
| was still exposed to the children's play. You can count | | | | in the future. By the way, here is a little P.S. suggestion. |
| on little ones to bump into table legs, throw things on to | | | | If you have your own room for your trains, that's great, |
| the tracks, fall on wires and investigate the layout with | | | | but why not cut the door in half (Dutch door) and leave |
| their little fingers. The best idea from forum hobbyists is | | | | the top open. That way you can watch the kids while |
| the suggestion that Dad use a Plexiglas panel 4' high | | | | you work/play and they can see how much |
| around the edge of the layout. The see through wall | | | | enjoyment you get out of your hobby. |