The Hornby name has been synonymous with top quality model railway systems since 1920 when Frank Hornby introduced his first, clockwork train. This early model was powered with a clockwork, wind up motor. Hornby soon introduced an electric model that required a mains supply of 100 to 250 volts. Hornby subsequently developed a far safer system that used a potential of only 6 volts.

There are many, varied Hornby train sets, from beginner level through to enthusiast. Interacting with your children is enormously beneficial for them and a model train system can provide the basis for that interaction. It provides a basis for communication, cooperation and can be immensely educational. Its also a fantastic way for parents to engage and bond with their children.

Once built a model railway provides a fantastic stimulus for creative play. Children can use their imaginations to make up stories about the trains and people around the track. A few accessories like buildings and model people can really bring the railway system alive.

Play is well known to be essential in a childs development. Parents playing with their children is particularly beneficial. Playing with your children is one of the best ways to learn about them. You will find out what interests them, where they have particular skills and what concerns them. Encouraging your child to make up stories that involve their model railway system is a great way to stimulate their creativity. It’s also an excellent way to see how your child is developing.

I recall the fun I had building a model rail system with my father. He clearly enjoyed the process of setting up the track and getting the system working and his enthusiasm was infectious. He and I would make up elaborate stories involving the people around the track, the stations and the trains.

So if you are looking for a way to interact with your young children I suggest that you consider a little train set.

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Choose the right drawing materials too as this is very  important. Many craft materials can be improvised, think of decorated kitchen roll tubes and potatoes as stamps, but when drawing tools and paper are required, opt for a small selection of good quality age-appropriate products, rather than loads of inferior products. Always ensure that you check safety information and follow instructions. Young children should always be surpervised during ‘art time’ because many necessary materials – such as crayons – pose a choking hazard.

Surroundings: As with writing or working at a computer, good posture and a comfortable position are important for drawing. With young children, a child-size table and chair is actually preferable to an easel. If the chair is a little high, provide a phone book as a footrest. A coffee table and an inexpensive plastic chair work well. A small kitchen storage trolley is a perfect solution for containing supplies, or if space does not allow, a portable fishing tackle or tool box is a good option too. Messy toddlers may need a drop-cloth and supervision to avoid ink-stained walls, as even ‘washable’ pens often don’t deliver on that promise!

Art Materials: Avoid cheap markers, too-hard pencils and thin paints – these types of materials are discouraging to the child and therefore  a waste of money. Provide many sheets of blank paper to inspire their crativity and occasionally invest in a large canvas so that your child can paint something ‘grand’ and chances are you’ll want to hang it on your wall!Also provide coloring books or coloring pages – of which you’ll find plenty online. Granted – coloring pages are not so great for creativity, however they do provide children with the chance to practice their fine motor skills and sometimes it’s very relaxing and just what they need to simply color in without the ‘pressure’ of thinking about WHAT to draw. 

Little boys typically enjoy coloring pictures of cars and trucks while little girls usually enjoy coloring images of fairies and princesses  - at sites like Princess Coloring Pages  you’ll find the best princess coloring pictures

When it comes to drawing and coloring, at each age/stage of your child’s life provide….

Toddlers

• Child-safe markers and wipe-off boards
• Chalk boards and safe chalk
• Plain paper and coloring pages

Juniors

• Sketchbook
• Student colored pencils
• Washable Markers
• Oil pastels
• Plain paper and coloring pages

Middle School

• Sketchbook  or scrapbook
• Graphite Pencils
• Watercolor sketch paper
• Watercolor pencils
• Marker pens, marker paper
• Plain paper and coloring pages

High School

• Sketchbook  or scrapbook
• Quality drawing papers and boards
• Graphite Pencils
• Artists’ quality colored pencils
• Illustration markers, marker paper
• Pastel paper and hard pastels if liked
• Plain paper and canvases to work on

All ages

• Safe sharpeners, erasers, dusters, stencils and rulers
• A  folder for storing large pieces
• Storage boxes for smaller pieces
• Consider photographing or scanning pieces for a permanent record.

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