2018 Christmas layout 13x4

Congratulations Dr. Frankensteen!!  Yes, I started using the binder clips last year, and they work great when you aren't attaching the track to a tabletop of some kind!

It's a nice swooping run that gives the impression that there's more going on. it will really take on a personality when place the scenic items on the layout. Running the long Hershey train on the same track with this engine pulling a train will look really cool. A timing challenge.

Garrett76, Great Christmas layout design. I really like it a lot.

My daughter and I created our candy car consist.  Video:

Candy cars rolling stock:

That is one awesome candy train! You have collected a lot of very desirable cars, especially those LifeSaver cars. 

Gilly@N&W posted:

That is one awesome candy train! You have collected a lot of very desirable cars, especially those LifeSaver cars. 

Thanks.  There are just so many nice cars out there and not enough room to run them all.  I had the complete set of Lionel North Pole passenger cars with reindeer names for a few years and let them go because I wanted to give priority to the candy cars

placed some scenery elements

started placing Dept 56 Snow Village buildings

So...I decided to change the track plan.  I want more cars on the track which means two trains.  Here is my revised track plan:

So... I decided to change the layout.  I want more cars on rails so that means two trains.  Here is my revised track plan:

Tearing up the assembled track layout

I thought that a little wave along the main run would look pretty cool.  Here's a video of just the engine and tender

Here's a video of the full consist snaking through the front curves.  Pretty cool look.

Running nicely, Garrett!

Looks good, so far.  I'm looking forward to seeing your future progress.

I like the snake. I try to work one into any layout that I design where the idea will fit. I you keep this plan, do it with O60 next year. I try use O104 on scale layouts.

I call it "making the train dance".

Throw some 10" in the snake to gain a little more speed for the train. It will look more like a BOA than a garden snake.

Good fun! Keep it up!

experimenting with 2018 A and snake. Cut the snake in half.

Moonman posted:

I like the snake. I try to work one into any layout that I design where the idea will fit. I you keep this plan, do it with O60 next year. I try use O104 on scale layouts.

I call it "making the train dance".

Throw some 10" in the snake to gain a little more speed for the train. It will look more like a BOA than a garden snake.

Good fun! Keep it up!

 

Thanks.  Good tips!  I may have to replace some Fastrack pieces after discovering many broken connector tabs.  I had to break a few as well to compensate for tips lodged inside the rails

Got the inside track setup.  Had to replace the 5" straights with 4.5".  The end of the Berkshire cab swings out and needed a little more clearance

Added the Lionel North Pole Berkshire to the inner loop.  This is my favorite Christmas engine.  I like the visual appearance of the color scheme as well as the 2-8-4 wheel arrangement.   Also, the sounds are great for a conventional loco.  I like the 4 chuffs per cycle so much more than 2 chuffs.

added some additional rolling stock.  my husky stacks can run on the outside loop now that the bridge is on the inner loop.  I have one or two other husky stacks to add

here's a video of the inner loop consist running

and here's a sound check video of the conventional Berkshire.  Love the 4-chuffs/cycle and nice steam whistle sound.  Brake squeal, too

Garrett, Yes indeed, that Berk is a really nice locomotive.  Looks good and sounds good!  The candy cars are great for Christmas.

Dont underestimate the clearance between tracks.  I had dual tracks on my Ceiling Central RR.  For months I thought I had them spaced good then something would hit.  After several times of that over a couple years, I finally gave up and single tracked it this fall.  Of course my problem was increased with only 7” head clearance between tracks mounted on shelves right at the top of the doors and a low ceiling.  I couldn’t get a good view and it was hard to work on.

Leep up the good work 

Mark Boyce posted:

Garrett, Yes indeed, that Berk is a really nice locomotive.  Looks good and sounds good!  The candy cars are great for Christmas.

Dont underestimate the clearance between tracks.  I had dual tracks on my Ceiling Central RR.  For months I thought I had them spaced good then something would hit.  After several times of that over a couple years, I finally gave up and single tracked it this fall.  Of course my problem was increased with only 7” head clearance between tracks mounted on shelves right at the top of the doors and a low ceiling.  I couldn’t get a good view and it was hard to work on.

Leep up the good work 

Mark, thanks.  I did run into a clearance issue and did not have more 1-3/4 and 1-3/8 pieces on hand to better remedy the situation.  The change from 5.0 to 4.5 solved the immediate issue but I will have to pickup some smaller pieces next time I visit the LHS.  I also discovered that one of the 4.5 pieces caused a short circuit when I applied a binder clip on the underside of the piece.  It only caused problem on the right side, not the left.  I didn't have the desire to troubleshoot last night, so just removed the binder clip and everything works fine.  Every solution has a problem it seems.

Every solution has a problem it seems.

I agree!  That is the way it seems to go! 

I hope you supply Dramamine for the train crews!

palallin posted:

I hope you supply Dramamine for the train crews!

 

 

these trains are operated by special North Pole crews who are immune to motion sickness because of their strict dietary regimen: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup

Garrett,

LOL

Garrett,

on some track pieces the handle of the binder clip can touch hot and common. I added a piece of electrical tape to the offending area.

Just for fun, I worked-up a version of Garrett's design, adding some features that goes beyond his Christmas layout for a concept for a more permanent layout, adding reverse loops and cross-overs.   Outside diameter is O44 compound - should run most O42 equipment.  The inside route is O36 minimum.   With easements of O48 and O72.   The curving lower middle section is O72.  Turnouts are O60 and O48.  Add spurs where you like.  -Ken

Placed several Dept 56 Snow Village pieces.  Will add lighted trees next and get them all plugged in and lit up

added more cars...MORE...

here's a video of the inner loop consist running through the bridge

I wanted to give this car its own post since it's so cool.  It's an MTH M&M's two spline car set.  It comes in a huge box

It's rated for 031 curves, so my O36 outloop is easy to traverse

Most of the village houses are in place and lit.  I will add a few more pieces

Here' a work in progress video of both trains running

The candy man can!

looking great Garrett!

I am making some incremental progress despite some major distractions.  Placed a few more houses and scenery pieces.  One thing that I think can really make it pop is a lot of trees.  I would like to acquire many more, but even a few take the display to the next level