First off, I've been using 027 track with 027 curves for 32 plus years. There is a distinct advantage here for those who do not have space for large layouts, 027 tracks allows for layouts in small spaces. Saying to just ditch it is as useful as telling those who are having problems with Legacy or DCS to get rid of that and get some reliable postwar: It doesn't help anyone. By the way, if you can find it, MARX at one time made 027 curves in a 34 inch diameter, which is larger but would still allow building of a small layout, like on a hollow core door, should you ever do that for your grandsons.
But, since you are only doing floor layouts as you say, maybe you'd want to invest in just an oval of FasTrack, which has its' advantages for floor layouts.
Yes, the 1033 is a great transformer because of the dual voltage settings to the track. The B-U setting of 0-11 volts is great for even the basic K-Line starter set locos that would normally take off like jack rabbits. Using the 1033 with the B-U setting, they won't. I've had so-called experts claim I have to installed TMCC into my K-Line S-2's as there's no way they could run so slowly. Well, they are wrong.
BUT there's a way with your 1025 transformer. If you take a small board, mount the transformer to that, then you can rig up a "throttle limiter" using a block of wood on the right side of the transformer (same height) and then using a strip of wood or metal (with a series of a few holes drilled into it), you can screw in this strip to the larger RH block of wood, and thus create a physical limiter that will allow the throttle lever to only be turned up to a certain point. I know a couple guys who creatively did things like this and it worked great.
Bear in mind too, those smaller sorts of transformers came in a ton of train sets made over the years. Somehow, even with the drawbacks (especially noticed by adults), enough of us still managed to stay interested in trains into our adulthood. Those small transformers are also great for accessories, getting a customized voltage for the best operation.
The other thing too, for using the 1025, is to get a lighted caboose instead of the non-illuminated one, and maybe one of those die-cast postwar search light cars. The extra weight, and power draw, will help slow down the train.
But as also suggested above, the boys have to learn sometime. If they don't like the train flying off the curve, there's a way to prevent it: Keep the throttle turned down. AND with the layout on the floor, the likelihood of damage being done is far less than if the train was on a layout several feet above the floor.
