Hey guys love reading the forums
My parents are reluctent to give me a 4 x 8 space for a train layout what should i do
Go 4’x6’ or start whining.
Tell them Model Railroading is better than drinking
Shoot `em.
Tell your parents that instead of trains you have decided to join a deth metal band and expirement with drugs and alcohol instead, let them choose!
bill
4x6 will fit nder a double bed, so if you can compact it down to that, then you may be able to negioate something with them. you could also try something in your room, that is where mine is.
You have to make a case for +/-'s.
Why is this a good thing
-You’re off the streets
-You’re not chasing the ladies
-You’re not hanging around the malls or with the, dare I say it, Pot Heads!
-You’re letting your creative self explore
-You’re learning about practical aplications for science and math. I took electrotech in
college 0ver 20 years ago and still using it, not for work but MR’ng
-You’re parents will know where you are!
Now the -'s
-You’ll need a space
-It will cost a bit of money but this means you’ll have to do chores around the house. Wait now, as a parent that’s a big+
See this is a no lose situation . Now go sell it!!!
Have Fun
Fergie
You could always start with a nice shelf based switching layout. Does not have to be big, especially if you go for a smaller scale. If you designed it right, you could plan for it to be integrated into a larger layout as space (parents) permit.
You could try a smaller layout,maybe even N scale, or you could just ask for a drum set!!
Guy
See if you can talk them into piece of plywood that will fit under your bed. That should be a 4x6 minimum, assure them that the layout will be under the bed whenever you’re not using it. That done, explain to Dad that you’re having trouble with some of the wiring, get him involved. I don’t know of a single Dad out there that won’t somehow get interested in at least SOME of the aspects of the hobby. Who knows? Next thing you’ll have Dad on your side, and that 4x6 might just end up replacing the car in the garage and the two of you will be on your way to an Empire. Usually when parents see how involved you get and how you’d rather spend time doing something constructive on the MR, they’ll be pretty happy that you chose the hobby you’ve got.
Oh, and PS: Tell them that you won’t work on the trains until your homework is done. That ALWAYS gets 'em!
Tom [:D]
I like that drum set idea. As a drummer… well, let’s say my parents aren’t quite sane anymore.
I’d think about going with a small shelf layout and maybe go with N scale. A lot can fit on a small shelf layout in N scale. I had a small N scale Christmas layout on top of my entertainment center. Plenty of room.
Kevin
Good luck in your quest for a railroad. I Have a 4x6 on the dinning room table in HO and have three roundie rounds on it, 15inch, 18 inch, and an 18 inch. I added a three inch to one 18 and six inch to the outer 18. By dropping the 15 inch you could make some cross overs or even some sidings. So the space could be enough. Phil
The Drum set Idea should work !!! If not tell them you want another computer upgrade that should just about do it.
ennout
Seriously, model railroading will teach you valuable skills. Most of my early knowledge of all things electrical came directly from working on my trains as a kid. I also learned the basics of structural engineering by building trestles that fell down and eventually embankments that didn’t. From model building, you learn, more than anything else, patience. Building a layout requires focus, and a long attention span, qualities that are lacking in many members of today’s Nintendo Generation. With DCC, we’ve introduced important computer concepts like addressing and bus structures to the hobby, too.
So, why should they give you space for a 4x8? Because it might just get you into a good college, that’s why. It sure worked for me.
Bruce Leslie
MIT
Class of 1969
Dye your hair jet black, peirce your lips and eye brows, paint your finger nails black, wear all black cloths listen to Goth rock and tell them IT’S ALL THEIR FAULT!!!
(They’ll come around)
You might also see if there’s a club in your area. Some new folks (of ALL ages) to hang out with (and introduce to your parents, hint, hint).
And at worst, if your parents STILL won’t let you build your own, you can at least help with somebody else’s for a while.
At least get workbench space and spray booth space and strive to become one heck of a prototype modeler. Then find a club to participate in so you can run all your “stuff”.[:)]
To what do they object? Trains in general? The idea of the layout?
Drums schmums get a set of BAGPIPES!!! Then learn “play that funky music white boy” Play 14 hours a day repeat 
Lovetrains…
The guys above have given a variety of answers but the question remains…
What is your situation? Do you live in a house, apartment, trailer? Do you live with one parent or both parents? Do you get an allowance? Are your parent(s) making an “O.K” income, or is it a bit of a struggle? Do you actually have the space for a 4x8 layout? Is it in your room or a spare bedroom? Perhaps is it that they might not have the tools or skill to build and wire a layout (no shame in that–we’re all green in something)
Not trying to get into your business but in many cases when kids want to get into a good hobby, the parents may have reasonable cause to say no at first.
So do your homework, find out specifically why the reluctance for a 4x8 layout and post back. Perhaps we can be a bit more helpful.
By the way, are they aware that you are a member of this forum and can receive loads of good info and tips?
Peace.