I started my 4 year old grandson, Balin, on the Polar Express.
Then, had him learn to put cars on the track.
Very proud of himself.
Then, got him started on the AirWire.
I told him that in order to change direction, he needed to slow the engine down to a stop, then change direction, and then return to speed. He did well for about ten minutes, then excitedly told me, “Grandpa, did you know that you don’t have to slow down to go the other way???” :lol: 
I think it’s great that you have someone to get down on the ground and put the cars on the track!
Now, you need to work on whistle and hand signals…and the RULES that you must stop before changing direction. 
Always good to see the young ones being tought the important things in life.
I hope that there will be as many model railroaders in whatever gauge coming down the track in later years. I’ve seen the interest decline way from what it was when I was a young lad. Too many other diversions nowadays for the young ones to keep the interest going. Probably has a lot to do with the price of some of the stuff we buy.
Steve Featherkile said:
I started my 4 year old grandson, Balin, on the Polar Express.(http://www.lscdata.com/users/stevef/_forumfiles/CopyIMG_0099.JPG)
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/stevef/_forumfiles/CopyIMG_0101.JPG)
Then, had him learn to put cars on the track.
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/stevef/_forumfiles/CopyIMG_0102.JPG)
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/stevef/_forumfiles/CopyIMG_0103.JPG)
Very proud of himself.
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/stevef/_forumfiles/CopyIMG_0104.JPG)
Then, got him started on the AirWire.
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/stevef/_forumfiles/CopyIMG_0106.JPG)
I told him that in order to change direction, he needed to slow the engine down to a stop, then change direction, and then return to speed. He did well for about ten minutes, then excitedly told me, “Grandpa, did you know that you don’t have to slow down to go the other way???” :lol:
My nephews and niece love to come up to run trains. Future garden railroaders, maybe, but the nephews will be cheap teenage labor at Uncle Brian’s Summer landscaping boot camp!
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/dads-day2008/trains5.jpg)
-Brian
Steve,
I’m green with envy.
No grandsons yet to enjoy the trains with.
But with 6 daughters, I’m sure it’s just a matter of time 
Ralph
Life is good!
Brian Donovan said:"Tis the age of equality, me old son. Press-gang the niece, too; she'll probably work harder.
My nephews and niece love to come up to run trains. Future garden railroaders, maybe, but the nephews will be cheap teenage labor at Uncle Brian's Summer landscaping boot camp! -Brian
(My younger daughter has been my work gang for years.)
The Grandson Luke also has The Polar Express and runs his train on Grandpa’s tracks. The young ones work great and enjoy the experience. “Go forward” and “make it go in reverse” didn’t work for them, but “change direction” is a word that communicates the requirements of what needs to happen. We have fun.
With no wife, I have no kids so I’m my own cheep labor. I do have two dogs that act as managers and make sure I do it all right.
Unfortunately, Balin has just moved to Naval Station Rota, Spain, with his mom and dad. He will be nearly 8 yo by the next time I see him, probably.
Do they have railroads in Spain?
My newest grandson is about 6 months old. It is time to get him started… :lol:
