Great start

I think he will do just fine. Please keep us posted. I'm in the process of choosing a leg design for next module. 

Here are the legs we will be using

Here is a link to the leg design for the modules we are going ot build.

CLICK HERE

His first project

On a recent trip to a hobby shop Lucas found a building he has been wanting for his town, the Walthers Doughnut Shop, so he purchased the building. We had some time to get the building started and I helped him use the airbrush to paint the structure with the colors he chose. He decided the exterior should be blue with an orange interior. With some interior details, lights, and the rest of the paint to finish up it will be a rally nice structure for his modules.

His next projects

We also did some paining on his next structure, which is the Walthers White Castle Restaurant. He wants to get the Doughnut shop finished first before we move on to this building, which I told him was a good way of doing things. He also received a house for his Birthday that he is going to place on his Farm, but that will be a later project also.

This is a great example of

This is a great example of doing things to build a layout when you don't have much personal time but want to spend it with your son.

Greg is a personal friend whom I came to know while working my last railroad job before retirement last year. In his current position, he travels a lot helping his company as a rules and safety officer along with aiding the start ups of new railroads as a professional locomotive engineer. We stay in touch and he keeps me up to date on his various "adventures" but even with his hectic schedule he manages to find quality, time to spend with his wife and children when home.

Greg, is an inspiration for us all and maybe now that the season is changing, some of us can push ourselves away from our lap tops and start building our own layouts no matter the size or scope?

Barry

I am noticing a trend

Greg,

Great project but I'm noticing a trend here: Donut shop, White Castle...  Is he having a growth spurt and craving food?

I've asked my oldest daughter of 12 what she wanted to do with her module and she wants to do our old house. I gave her instructions on how to start the design process but I have yet to see her do any research, yet she is on her phone and tablet all the time just clicks away to the questions she had... Maybe when I get my module finished will it inspire her to put some effort in hers....

Thanks Guys

Barry - - I appreciate your comments and I am humbled by them. I do what I can.

Yaron - - He is getting to that age that he will eat me out of house and home, for now he seems to just enjoy a snack here and there. I hope that by spending a little time when I can with him he takes up some kind of hobby in the future. It would be great if it was model railroading, but anything that engages his mind and hands is good with me.

@ Greg

That donut shop is going to need a couple of police cars.  Might make a nice gift to your son. 

Den

Progress

We have continued to work on the Donut shop model including adding interiors and figures. We are going to get this one wrapped up and move onto his next building.

Donut with Sprinkles

A few patrons for the shop. These were hand painted with my son doing the base and first coat then I doing the detail painting. (they are temporary bases)

Here is some of the interior detailing we have added, next will be to add some figures, and a few other assorted details.

Awesome. Now all you need is

Awesome. Now all you need is a drive thru coffee shop! 

Greg...

Please tell Lucas I think he is an excellent modeler ! The colors he chose for the Donut Shop are perfect...and the extra touch of the Sprinkles on the donut is over the top !!!!! Since he is only 8, I can only imagine what we can expect from him in the future. I am thrilled that you are encouraging him, and that he is taking an interest in model trains. Seems when I was 8, I was still slopping glue all over the place on model cars !

Michael

Thanks

Neil - -

I thing he is running out of room for food establishments on this set of modules, but that would be something to think about.

Michael--

Lucas has done a good job so far on this project, I am still doing the major cutting, assembly and detailed work, but under his close supervision. I figure it will be another year or so before he will be able to tackle a kit un assisted. We have been working in small 20 minute chunks, which usually ends up being either when we get to a point where there is nothing more we can do, e.g. the glue or paint has to dry or he starts to get bored.

You need to have Lucas add some police cars to the donut shop.

Introduce him to story.  It will add to the story of the donut shop.

Den

Flashing lights...

Perhaps a cop car with flashing lights.  "No emergency?  Yes there is; donut shop closes in 5 minutes"