Hey Lee-
I've been reading the forum for years but rarely post. I have just been absorbing all of the information here in preparation for the layout that I hope to start soon. (As soon as my '69 Camaro project stops draining the wallet....) I do set up the carpet central every Christmas with my daughter, a Williams Girl's Train with a bunch of Realtrax, and a ZW. I have also been slowly accumulating a select few things for the future layout, not much yet, just a couple of things that stir up a little nostalga. But the last thing I would have ever considered is goofey Thomas Set.
My wife and daughters watch a friend's children once a week, a 2 year old boy who always comes with his Thomas book and DVD, and his 4 year old (autistic) sister. So last Christmas season, I bought a Thomas set, based on your glowing reviews of the set, thinking he would go nuts.
Well, he did, but what was really cool was her reaction; for the first time, I saw her do more than just pick up a toy and wave it around and set it back down. She actually built bridges and pushed the cars around and did all the other stuff you usually see kids do. Then she talked to me a little while sitting on my lap that night, for the first time, despite having spent countless evenings at our house.
After a while, she climbs off and goes to work on another bridge, her brother sound asleep. The Christmas tree is the only thing lighting the room, and I sit and watch in the recliner, chokin' em back.
Anyway, Thanks.
