My son is 12 and he’s autistic. With that said, he loves toys like trucks, cars, trains, etc. We have a Thomas Train set and he plays with it for hours. I’m thinking of getting him a model train. So here’s my questions:
1: Where’s a good place for beginners to get information like I’m asking?
2: What size would you suggest to start with?
3: Where can I get track patterns and plans that are above basic but elementary enough that I can handle the construction and Logan have fun with it?
4: Feel free to add any comments you feel are important!
you might want to go with O or G gauge (Lionel trains or LGB) …it is fairly expensive to do a model railroad in O gauge, but it is sturdy enough to take some abuse…I also have a cousin that is autistic and she can get rather rough on things when she’s in the mood to do so… you want something that can hold up relatively well and big enough to handle with ease…HO and N gauge have too many small parts that can break off and cause harm to an autistic person … you can build the layout on a sheet of plywood and a home made bench and add one or two track turnouts to make it interesting for him…Kalmbach publications has many books on layout design and you can easily choose a plan from one of these books to fit your needs…Chuck[:D]
I would suggest a hobby shop that carries a good supply of O guage trains. My next-door neighbor’s son is Autistic, and though he visits my HO scale garage layout frequently, he seemed more taken with the G-scale layout that I once had in my back yard. O or larger seems to attract him because of its size. Lionel and MTH have some good sets to start out with, and if he starts to get really serious, you can alway add the better items from both companies. You didn’t state your location or state, but check the Model Railroader index of hobby shops in your area. Chances are that at least one or two of them will carry at least some Lionel or MTH. I’ve found out that most hobby shops are very considerate of beginners (after all, they’re in business to sell trains). Best of wishes to you, I hope your son enjoys his hobby.
I believe the larger scales would be a benifit as they are easier to manipulate and handle but more importantly less tempermental and finicky. I have experience with NLD/PDD which is complicated with gross motor skill problems, which present problems when precision is involved. I have had experience with one or two autistic kids and I am amazed with their artistic abilities again I realize this does not apply to all affected children. But if your child is fortunate to have these abilities then you and your son will have a lot of fun with this.
1:Where’s a good place for beginners to get information like I’m asking?
You found a very good place right here…There are many excellent modelers on this and other forums that are more then willing to answer your questions.
2.What size would you suggest to start with?
Good question.The best solution would be to visit a FULLY STOCKED hobby shop and look over their offerings…I would suggest Lionel or G scale…
3.Where can I get track patterns and plans that are above basic but elementary enough that I can handle the construction and Logan have fun with it?
One of the great things about Lionel you can design your own layout to suit your taste and Logan can help…Now if you would rather go with a design layout then there are several Lionel layout books…If you chose Lionel.
First I model in HO and N scale so I have no real interest in Lionel but,still believe its good for young lads and lassies.[:D]
Now,the reason I highly suggest Lionel is because its easy to work with and durable.Also there are many animated accessories that I am sure your son would enjoy. .