DONE! Another Christmas garden!

NOTE....THIS IS LAST YEAR'S NOT THE 2012 PRODUCT. THAT ONE IS BELOWER!

 

Last year's - final and prep:

Document the construction from start to finish (and beyond) with a good number of hi-res images and you might be able to make yourself $400 for Christmas shopping next year.  I'm always looking for nice holiday-theme layouts to feature in the Dec. issue of the magazine.

First off, What diameter curves do you have, I doubt all the curves from last year are going to fit on the front (inside edge) of this layout A or B. They should be fine on the back (outside) edge. If my eye is correct you have some tight curves as well so you can use those on the front (inside).

 

I like the opportunity on B for a small partial loop around a 2 or 3 foot tree there.

Something like the Tree in the Polar express movie. Just wrap out around the front then continue across the main area.

 

I'm thinking something like the outline of a backwards E for an outer loop. Santa's workshop at the far end, Tree in the middle, Town on the close end as your picture shows it. The drop section in the mid back can be a lake or such with a bridge or trestle across it.

Thanks for the input Russell. I run mostly O31, w/ some O54 on the wide spots. Switches (Realtrax in use for layout) are 31/42/72 - a variety. I have crossovers, never used them before. A few bridges to get in.

 

No tree, there are 2 in the main house, no need for one in the shop. I am curious as to what guys would have for track plans. I want the real estate for the goodies. Like last year and years before, I just start laying track with a thought as to where to put the operating items, town, roads etc.

 

I use a milk car, coal cars/loader, log cars/loader, cattle loader, along with numerous operating gatemen and crossing gates. Try to have a lot of eye catchers for the kids besides the working trains.

 

After I get off of (if I can get off of) this puter, I am going out to get the legs on then take the track out of the attic and start.  (Impress me that those computer programs that design track plans guys!)

 

Plans from others would be great, might even help me decide the board configuration.

 

Thanks again, Greg

This is what I thought I would end up with, and Russell and Rick commented. I made changes, final version is below.

Thanks to anyone who feels like getting involved. Take care, Greg

 

 

 

I like it just the way it is. Nice long runs and plenty of room for your village and scenery. The cross-overs and loops should provide plenty of variety and visual interest. Go for it!

Are you running conventional or DCS?  If you run conventional I would kinda keep it like last years layout.  And the reason is...you can run 2 trains at the same time.  I would change it up just a little but keep the double track concept with the city in the middle.

 

If you're running DCS then you can run 2 trains on the same track and your new plan is ok.

 

But, I still like the plan from last year better.  I prefer the dual main line better.  Maybe take that crossing track out of the center and make it a siding.  You could also split your platform in the middle in front and run a bridge across the gap.

 

Lets see more pics when you decide.  Rick

Thanks Bill & Rick, appreciated. A new day....maybe things will come together.

 

Running DCS, last year I could run 3 trains at same time..safely, meaning w/ switching but w/o crashes. Even then...........  (I could run 4 - BUT really hairy! Keep a finger on that little red button!!)

 

I hate to drop the O-72 cross over.....it gives me reversing loops on both ends and allows for a train to detour in the event they are opposing each other and could head end. I almost think it is necessary, but am willing to listen to opinions.

 

Last year it was a let down for it to be done Dec 25th. If it is done a week before Christmas, it seems to have more meaning to people and they have time to visit it. I would like to have this done in 7 to 8 days from now!!!

 

Wish me luck. Keep the input coming please. I know you can see things I overlook.

 

Greg

 

Rick, I decided I like the dual main line better also. Took some time to install the lift out section. Now need to plan track design. I need one more reversing loop someplace.  Thanks, Greg

 

 

I need that reversing loop someplace.

 

Here is what I finally came up with for track plan. Greg (It is just a switch and curve not shown on the bottom right corner of the pict.)

 

This is my layout with two main lines and reversing loops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I like the way you think there Mark, neat plan. Maybe I should have stayed with the L.

 

I guess I could have had something like yours if I could condense the plan, your appears to be 16 x 16 and I have about 10 X 20 to work with.

 

Do you find that you have enough room for buildings and accessories with that plan?

 

Here is what I wound up with for track, I will update after I get other stuff on the board. I have to take the track off now....to add the snow batting...then put it back. The DCS is wired and trains run fine on this: 

 

greg;

Looks like you doubled up on the reversing loop.

That circle in the bottom left will reverse either direction, with the result being the train moves inside to outside loop or outside to inside loop.

I like the track plan, looks interesting to run.

I noticed that after I set it up Russell, and thought "what a neat idea...even if I did not think of it." Just dumb luck.

 

In the event of two trains meeting, I can divert one onto the circle then let it exit in the same direction it was going...if I wanted to.

 

Perhaps by tomorrow I will have a more interesting picture to post.

 

Thanks for the reply. Greg

Lighting houses tonight. May get done yet, but a long way to go. Greg

 

Is this going to operate in some form year round or is it just for the holidays? Very well done, makes me wish I had made mine more operational. 

CNGW, looks good.  I'm glad you kept the ability to run trains on 2 tracks.  Can't wait to see the final pics.  I'm interested to see what your city looks like.

 

Only a couple thousand more posts till I make Engineer.  BTW, Norfolk Southern's hierarchy is Brakeman (which they really don't have anymore but once in awhile they do use an extra man), Conductor, Engineer.

 

Rick

I think it looks great as is....Greg

Well, still need to add the trains, but it is pretty much done. Wired, decorated and ready to run. Lotta work, looking forward to a lotta fun for a month, maybe two.

Thanks for everyone's encouragement. Will post more picts later, maybe on the Christmas Layout thread.

Greg

 

Absolutely incredible! How did you do ir so quckly?

Quickly?? Bill, I started on this about Dec 5th or 6th!

 

Last year, I started the week before Christmas and finished Christmas morning before the grandson got here. This year, I am two days ahead!!

 

Other than that traction tire problem I posted about on the 3 rail site.

 

Thanks for looking Bill, it makes it seem all the more worthwhile that it seems to have been done quickly. Merry Christmas to you. Greg

Greg, that's a nice Christmas layout. I like the access you provided, and you still have enough room for scenery and all. 

 

Thank you so much, I appreciate the compliment. I posted some other close-ups of some parts of the layout here, almost to the bottom of the page, if you would care to take a look. https://ogrforum.com/d...4471732393812/page/6

 

Thanks again, and for looking. Greg

Turned out great.

Christmas Gardens! - I love them.

We're in Maryland and visit multiple displays in the Baltimore/Washington Area this tim eof year.

We've been "planting" since 1998.

I like the idea of using the garage/workshop, but can't bring myself to putting the SS out in the weather.

My newest layout is almost double in size from previous. I like to run long trains and display my modest collection. Everything, as you know, has to be stowable, so modularity and ease of set up is very important. I use 3" C Clamps to attach legs to 2x3 frame under 4x8 7/16" OSB.

My layout is in the media room which required a heigth not to exceed for TV viewing and building over an 8 foot couch that I cannot move...

I've done layouts where I had to constantly watch as I ran my DCS on 2 engines. The risk became too great as we have visitors through out the season stop by. Two main loops with crossovers to permit "playing" is where I am currently settled.

I've attached pdfs of this years and already planning for next. I run a second level with a simple "dogbone" for my Christmas Trolley or Train in the Main room. And one more 4x7 with Rudolph and a North Pole train in another room. What can I say, the Mrs. is very understanding.

I like what you've been able to do and since we do it for the children, we're generating memories that will last a lifetime.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I'm fairly new here. Once you pack it away, what do you do for a layout the rest of the year?

It looks like this would provide enough interest for a permanent layout. Any thoughts on that? I just happen to expect to have 10x21 around a bedroom wall to work with in a couple of years.

Greg,

   Real nice layout this year, Merry Christmas and happy running!

PCRR/Dave

 

Dave, here is MD the weather is fairly decent....not too extreme. Basics like scenery, houses, track etc goes in attic. Engines live in the house (an electronics repairman who worked on a guitar amp I had once told me that "amps should live where people live" -- I apply the same logic to engines.) Cars go into drawers in the house. Some track lives w/ me.

 

I have a 7 hear old grandson who visits a few times a year. We used to put up rather extensive carpet layouts w/ DCS but he is moving to the dark side....video devices. This last year, we never put up anything and the trains sat all year.

 

I put this up for him and guests, it is a LOT of time and trouble. I am seriously considering not putting up one next year-or just doing an 8x12 if I do, and selling off much of the stuff when the economy gets better. I love trains and running them, but there are limits to everything.

 

So, that is what I do for "trains" the rest of the year. Like many others, there is still stuff in the attic (cars, older tube track and O22 switches) that did not get used this year. Sort of a waste when you think about it.

 

Hope this helps, thanks for asking. I appreciate the comments from the rest of you, helps make it worthwhile.

 

Greg

 

Even though I live in Phoenix, we visit friends in Indian Head often enough and at different times of the year to be familiar with the climate. As I build my layout, I'm also concerned about how much time I'll want to devote to the hobby. That's partly why my design favors running over switching. I'm not one to sit in the train room for hours letting some trains run on the mains while I tinker with a yard, etc. It's also another reason I'm starting out slow and decorating with my Bedford Falls collection of buildings.

Still, putting up that level of a layout for just a few weeks is a lot of work, not to mention expense, and I commend you for doing so. It looks there is enough there to keep me happy. At 13 & 16, my grandson's have been on the dark side of video games for a long time, so I know what you are going through. My 6-yr old granddaughter, while she likes to help with the trains, would just as soon make something in her Easy Bake oven and I don't foresee her being involved very much.

Dave,
I for one, have too many other hobbies to dedicate more time to trains other than the Holidays. Storing, inventorying maintaining, planning and building takes about 4 months in total. The wife gets to set up her village with the scenery and people. The other 8 months are spent with gardening, cruizing, camping and scenic railways. When I get to the retired state I believe a Garden Train will consume my time.
Storage - Oh yeah... Electronic, cars, and metal items indoors, only plastic in the garage, wood in the shed...