On January 3rd the neighbor's extended family came over to check out my Run Room. Grandpa, aunt, mom and dad, 2 nieces and 1 nephew (ages 6 to 10). As soon as power came on they all headed to the noise of the Roller Coaster and soon discovered all the activation switches for the operating accessories. I was too busy to even get a train running. One of the girls gravitated to crane operation.
When I heard a grinding noise toward the south end of the train room I found the fire truck in the MTH Fire House jammed under the door. Grandpa assisted removal by dragging it out from under the door. The fire truck is on the "bad order" table to remount the chrome rear hand rails that came off.
Today I discovered the cause of the jamb. When the button was pushed to start the action, the fire truck came out and stopped. "Someone" stuffed a loose pickup in the fire truck bay and pushed the start button. The fire truck backed into the pickup and jammed the works. I wish I had been a "fly on the wall" to see that. I'm sure they were expecting the pickup to come out just the way the fire truck did. Fortunately the only damage done was to the rear handrails which super glue will solve.
When kids of all ages are operating accessories they are quick to figure out what all the switches around the layout activate or ask what is supposed to happen. They're quick to move on the next one without turning anything off.
Tomorrow is re-staging day for the next guests. Happy sharing!!
