Hello from Holly Springs, GA

[Aidan's Dad]

Hello, I'm Aidan's Dad, Scott. As with most on here, I had a small HO train set as a kid that was eventually boxed up as I found other interests. 3 decades later and I have my own kids; my son Aidan is autistic. The only reason I mention this is because of his love for trains and this being the only thing he has ever shown any interest in and has communicated to me about. I am grasping at anything to build a bond with him, definitly grabbing hold of this.

This started a few years ago and when I noticed he always paid attention to the train that runs through our small town, the GA Northeastern. He knows the schedule and we often go to the old station to watch it pass by. If we are out in the yard and he hears the horn he'll let everyone know the train is comming. Of course, there was the obsession with Thomas (thank gawd he outgrew that). We've been on the TN Valley RR and the Great Smokey Mtn RR, both of which he absolutely loves.

After countless hours spent on all the train forums, youtube and any other place I could find trains we (he) has decided that, without question, steam will be the power and mountains, tunnels and bridges will be the scene. We have the bench done and set up my old HO as well as what the G-parent gave him for his birthday. "Daddy, we need more room." My thought exactly but we have no more room. N Scale it is! while we plan on working in all the scenery, being perfectly prototypical isn't as important as long climbing/decending runs and all the other features... think HOexplorer's current layout (in theme, not expertise).

So, now you know a little about me and my motivation. I look forward to seeing ya'll in the N Scale forum. I have many questions that in seeking answers have only produced more questions!

This is what we are working with 5x10 on wheels. ~ Scott

 

[modeltrainguy]

EDIT: I have no idea where the thumbsdown came from, can the mods remove it?

Hello, I'm Aidan's Dad, Scott. As with most on here, I had a small HO train set as a kid that was eventually boxed up as I found other interests. 3 decades later and I have my own kids; my son Aidan is autistic. The only reason I mention this is because of his love for trains and this being the only thing he has ever shown any interest in and has communiated to me about. I am grasping at anything to build a bond with him, definitly grabbing hold of this.

This started a few years ago and when I noticed he always paid attention to the train that runs through our small town, the GA Northeastern. He knows the schedule and we often go to the old station to watch it pass by. If we are out in the yard and he hears the horn he'll let everyone know the train is comming. Of course, there was the obsession with Thomas (thank gawd he outgrew that). We've been on the TN Valley RR and the Great Smokey Mtn RR, both of which he absolutely loves.

After countless hours spent on all the train forums, youtube and any other place I could find trains we (he) has decided that, without question, steam will be the power and mountains, tunnels and bridges will be the scene. We have the bench done and set up my old HO as well as what the G-parent gave him for his birthday. "Daddy, we need more room." My thought exactly but we have no more room. N Scale it is! while we plan on working in all the scenery, being perfectly prototypical isn't as important as long climbing/decending runs and all the other features... think HOexplorer's current layout (in theme, not expertise).

So, now you know a little about me and my motivation. I look forward to seeing ya'll in the N Scale forum. I have many questions that in seeking answers have only produced more questions!

This is what we are working with 5x10 on wheels. ~ Scott

What n excellent story. I am so glad that model railroads could benefit Aidan's quality of life. I hope the two of you remain to bond over this new hobby, and look forward to hear about your new layouts, car builds, and scenery designs!

 

[Gary B]

Scott, Welcome to the forum. There's a lot of good people here to help you out (and we love pictures) Neil Young, the singer, has a autistic son that he shares a Lionel layout with. In fact he is part owner of the company and help develop different electronics to help his son enjoy it. I'm guessing you may be aware of that. Anyway, enjoy the hobby with your son, I did with the two of mine, now grown. They have moved out but always interested on what Dad is doing on the layou.

 

[Burlington Bob]

Welcome to the forums, Scott. It's great that you have found something that will bring you closer to your son. If you have any questions, this is a great place to ask them.