I mentioned yesterday that Anthony had received some train stuff for Christmas. From Santa, he received the Tomy PlayRail Twin Tower Train Station that he'd petitioned Santa for, and from Mommy and Daddy he received various sets of extra track, bridges, and the like. All this added to the little PlayRail Automatic Train Transfer Station that he picked out when he turned five in October.
He'd really been hoping for the twin-tower station, and when it came to opening the last present – the present from Santa – he saw what it was with the first tear of the wrapping. He immediately bolted up and moved away to start a celebration that would put a touchdown-scoring pro football player to shame....
Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 @ 20mm — 1/80 sec, f/2.8, ISO 640 — full exif
It's Just What I Wanted!
Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 @ 20mm — 1/60 sec, f/2.8, ISO 640 — full exif
Hang Time for Joy
( originally appearing at the end of my Christmas post )
After a while, the jumping ended and he moved back to finish actually unwrapping the thing.
Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 @ 28mm — 1/80 sec, f/2.8, ISO 640 — full exif
Admiration. Appreciation. Love.
Later, it was time to put it together, and build a track...
We've made more and more complex tracks since. The one on the living-room floor since yesterday has three levels, four tracks running through the “Twin Tower Station”, ramps, splits and joins, turn-arounds, and a lot of fun. I enjoy coming up with an interesting layout then watching him play with it.
Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 @ 26mm — 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 800 — full exif
Ramps, Curves, Splits, and Fun
Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 @ 28mm — 1/80 sec, f/2.8, ISO 800 — full exif
Busy Day at the Trainyards
Anthony told me that this crash happened by itself because one of the trains was faster than the other, causing a rear-end derailment just as they were about to enter the tunnel. The third train then rear-ended the first two, creating the pileup you see here. The gleam in his eye, though, makes me suspect something slightly more five-year-old-boy-ish is behind things.
Clearly, this disaster was the time to call out the cavalry, so his helicopter brought in a rescue man....
The “rescue man” looks to be related to the guy in the last photo on this “heavy industries” post.
1. You are having way too much fun with the trains and Anthony.
2. The Thomas the Tank Engine Train folks sell a track set that looks very similar but 1st generation. The bridge stuff is getting more sophisticated.
3. The main problem you will have is keeping the track sections together. It is maddening to use on a carpeted floor. Your hard floors will be easier.
4. You will eventually get tired of assembling this stuff. At least I as a Grandparent am wearing down.
I am glad to see the joy in Anthony. Not everyone expresses it. The trick is to keep it from being suppressed by the Adults. It is worth noting that he will be able to assemble the train track set after practice but he too will wear down. The real trick is to have a spare room where it can remain up all the time.
Have a Happy New Year.
Mel
That would be the paradise for my son, too.