@Mark Boyce: The boys are 17 and 13. They've got a passing interest, and are handy when I ask them to be, but it's definitely not a "passion" for them, as they will generally spend just enough time with it to make me and grandpa happy that they're participating (though they do it with a smile, which I appreciate). Dad made a big proclamation to everyone this weekend, made sure they were all there to hear it. It was something like "From the time I was nine years old and got my first Lionel train, I've always dreamed of a big layout with lots of trains running that could fill an entire room. I'm 73 now, and partly thanks to you boys, I finally get to see that dream happen!" It got a couple of smiles and hugs out of them (which doesn't happen often enough with teenagers).
I also have 2 younger girls, one in particular is really excited to help me out with my engines and rolling stock and has spent many hours with me cleaning, repairing and even decorating anything with wheels. I'm soaking it all up.
@Freight Train Jim: Yes, absolutely. I've looked at some of the offerings that forum sponsors have, and I've talked to dad about it. Not sure if we want to go with something custom that interests dad and me (maybe some kind of backdrop of Louisville, dad's home town) or amusement park / industry...Just not sure what to do or what fits in the budget. Track and switches are expensive...
