and Tom Sawyered the rest, and 3) we did it together.
to the bathroom to “get ready” for some modeling.
As you’ve been able to figure out, the key to successful shared modeling time lies squarely with you, and how you are able to prepare the job so they have fun doing it. I want my kids to be excited about modeling, not standing around waiting for paint to dry, or, for me to use a soldering iron or other dangerous tools while they just sit there. So I prepare the project ahead of time, which usually only takes the time they take to run
The fun is in the doing (together!) Let’s look at some projects and see how you can prep, and what tasks the kids can do. For laying track: You can hold the track along the centerline (which you’ve already carefully laid out), or the kids can push the T-pins into the foam to secure the track, so the kids
can use a marker to trace the outlines of the ties. This does not have to be exact, as the outline serves as a guide for spreading the caulk later. Have the flextrack sections already cut to size and, if necessary, soldered together. You can even have the feeder wires soldered on, and the holes for the feeders pre-drilled, or you can do that later (after the kids have finished helping). Have the caulk in the gun primed and ready to go, with plenty of paper towels
around to cover other areas and to be readily at hand. Younger kids under age seven with smaller hands might have trouble squeezing the caulk gun, but they can hold it while you squeeze and then help guide the tip over the track centerline. At almost any age, kids can use a putty knife to spread a bead of caulk into a thin layer between the track outlines. Have a putty knife for each person so you’re working together instead of grabbing the child’s tool to “fix” his or her work.
Figure 2: Uki (age 9½) uses a Fast Tracks jig to hold the PC board ties and ME C55 rail alignment while she solders a turnout together and then tests it with some trucks. Older kids can do some advanced modeling when shown proper technique and safety practices, and they are very proud of the skills learned, the project built, and the quality time spent with Mom, Dad or Grandparents. Page 61 • May 2012 MRH
Kids and Model Railroading, page 4
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