Crazy Eights (Layout #4)

This is the track I'm most proud of to date.  For a brief time, about 2 weeks, Mikael did't want any buildings.  He actually didn't want any tracks, because he didn't want to be restricted by them.  He did let me make this layout for him because I think part of him misses his simpler set and he wanted to see some familiar pieces, like the tri-branched switches.  This enabled me to do multiple figure eight layouts throughout the whole table.

This one works because there is no Tidmouth Sheds, turntable, Helicopter "tunnel" or Metro Station.  This also is one of the last layouts where I used the printed sides.  Following layouts I flip the table top and go to a solid green base.  

Layouts 5 & 6

This post is a bit disjointed.  It is also a test of the new iPhone which lets me take a video and upload it immediately to YouTube.

This is what I'm calling Track #5.  It is one that Mikael has let stand for almost a week!!!

And here is another one.  Hope you enjoy.  The nice feature on this one is the T-junction formed with all the switched pieces in one corner of the table that connects to Tidmouth's turntable.

The First Lay out

Here is one lay out. One thing lacking is the TRU station. Also, you'll notice a fairly constant piece the "blue bridge". It is from the Yukon set, was broken when we bought it. Mikael is fairly attached to it, so I glued the broken side together. This limits the orientation, but is fairly easy to work around.

More to come.

Welcome

So here is yet another off and on again venture.

Just a brief overview, I'm creating these layouts for my son who is two years old. I ask what he wants included, and make the connections for him. Our base sets are the Toys R Us (TRU) Imaginarium City Center set, Thomas the Tank's Tidmuth Sheds, and a 100 piece train set called Yukon Express. That's all. I'll add parts as we acquire them. The largest limits on the layouts at the moment are the surface area: when all buildings are used, there isn't a lot of space left over; elevated track pieces/raisers; male to male/female to female track pieces (currently 3 and 1 respectively) and how much interference I get from the dude while setting everything up.

We have or are going to sell the Engine Shed and wheel from the Imaniarium set, along with the four engines.

For trains the little guy has two Thomas the Tanks, 1 Diesel, 1 Mavis, and 1 Ben from the Thomas line. Wilson, Koko and Brewster from Chuggington, and the various cargo cars from the other lines for any of you wondering.

That said, most of these tracks only last a few hours. Some mere minutes. I'll try to capture as much as I can. Maybe some one can find some ideas in here.