Area 51 crop circle ideas

@slc2053 posted:

Just got the new Area 51 train set. Anyone already build a layout? I was thinking of a crop circle, but didn't know what to make the crop out of. Also, will eventually pick up watch tower, and spaceship, but just working on the base of the layout. Also considering airplane hanger. Any ideas? Photos?

Got the set before Christmas and will probably do a small temp layout. I also acquired some extra green lighted track.

If you don't have one strongly suggest this from Menards.

I believe Scenic Express sells a ready-made crop circle - check their catalogue or on-line.

Here are some photos I've taken at Trainfest in Milwaukee (West Allis, WI) over the past 20 years, showing what some people have done in other scales. I have thrown in a couple photos of a model of the Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee, which is a cool place to visit, and has architecture which reminds me of three landed space vehicles. I don't have any identifying info as to whom is responsible for these fine vignettes, unfortunately.

Thanks, johnstrains. I did see this for sale in the train store, and I think I actually saw two different sizes of this scene, or they were similar scenes, but definitely two different sizes. Where did you get your extra lighted green track pieces? Those seem hard to find.

Richie C. I will definitely check out Scenic Express. Otherwise, I need to find something that looks similar. I am new to this stuff. I never know what to put down initially as a base, esp. for this track...as I want sort of a desert scene on one section...and farm scene (for spaceship lifting the cow/crop circle) on another area.

I have been setting up a Halloween layout in the garage for the past couple years.  I am hoping to expand with an Alien subtheme this year.  I would really like to get the glowing green track separately.  I am hoping to make my own flying saucer scene using a green lava lamp built into the display.

@slc2053 posted:

Thanks, johnstrains. I did see this for sale in the train store, and I think I actually saw two different sizes of this scene, or they were similar scenes, but definitely two different sizes. Where did you get your extra lighted green track pieces? Those seem hard to find.

Richie C. I will definitely check out Scenic Express. Otherwise, I need to find something that looks similar. I am new to this stuff. I never know what to put down initially as a base, esp. for this track...as I want sort of a desert scene on one section...and farm scene (for spaceship lifting the cow/crop circle) on another area.

If you're talking about an overall layout top, my preference is 3/4" - 1" solid foam sold at the big box stores in 4' X 8' sheets. Others like homasote.  In both instances we are generally talking about them being installed over a plywood base, although some people have used a 2" thick foam board as the entire layout base.

I like the foam because it can be painted with inexpensive latex paints in the colors of the locations (farmland, deserts, woodlands, etc.)  you want to model and different colored fine turfs (Woodland Scenics makes all kinds) can be sprinkled over it while the paint is still wet to further enhance the look of that location. In addition, it's easy to push things into the foam with a little glue and have them stick.   

@slc2053 posted:

Thanks, johnstrains. I did see this for sale in the train store, and I think I actually saw two different sizes of this scene, or they were similar scenes, but definitely two different sizes. Where did you get your extra lighted green track pieces? Those seem hard to find.

Richie C. I will definitely check out Scenic Express. Otherwise, I need to find something that looks similar. I am new to this stuff. I never know what to put down initially as a base, esp. for this track...as I want sort of a desert scene on one section...and farm scene (for spaceship lifting the cow/crop circle) on another area.

Yes, additional green lighted track is a rare bird. I found a seller who was doing Area 51 set break ups and asked him about track. He was willing to sell just the track so now I've got two complete sets of it. Keep your eye on Ebay as that's likely to be where any shows up.

Btw, one of the Lionel guys was just saying that they will consider expanding the lighted track into different curve sizes and even additional colors. But they need to hear it from us.

Thanks, all!!  I do not have the space at the moment to truly expand. However, no matter, I like the ability to be a bit mobile with any layout I create as I have a move to two in my future and I don't want to have to destroy what I build and if I need to turn a board sideways, well, I foresee a mess! LOL . Already rethinking where to put this and how to transport in the future...always want to do more than I should...but, I couldn't be more of a beginner than I am right now...as you can see from my photos! Also, have a smaller layout that we're working on, but, I'm pumped more about the Area 51 theme.

Same with me. I've got a permanent layout so my Area 51 is going to be small and something I can potentially move.

I posted these back in December. I had just opened the set and was running on carpet so I could shoot some videos.

@jhz563 posted:

I have been setting up a Halloween layout in the garage for the past couple years.  I am hoping to expand with an Alien subtheme this year.  I would really like to get the glowing green track separately.  I am hoping to make my own flying saucer scene using a green lava lamp built into the display.

I would love to see photos of your Halloween layout. Halloween is by far my most favorite "holiday". 

Cool pics, videos, and interesting ideas...how is the set running after about a year.  Have you found any cool additions to add to your set-up?  Thanks!

Here is my WAR of the WORLDS take with Fastrack.  Hope you like it.

@johnstrains posted:

Same with me. I've got a permanent layout so my Area 51 is going to be small and something I can potentially move.

I posted these back in December. I had just opened the set and was running on carpet so I could shoot some videos.

Any new developments with your set?  That set looks like something that a lot of visitors would really enjoy.  Thanks!

@Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611 posted:

Any new developments with your set?  That set looks like something that a lot of visitors would really enjoy.  Thanks!

Hi Dennis and thanks for asking.

I had the Area 51 Set set up for a good part of 2021 but at the moment it's actually stored away. I acquired some cool items to supplement the set including the Menards flying saucer display, and a few alien figures from the classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still" movie.  Lionel also added an Area 51 Elevated Oil Tank accessory which I have not purchased but will likely add in the future.

It's definitely a fun set, especially with the lighted green track. Hope to get it back up when I find some appropriate real estate.  

Scenic Express sells everything you need for fields/crops to make crop circles.  If I were going to do a crop circle, it might look like this:

Andy

Thanks, John!  That's some great additional information. Sounds like you added some entertaining pieces and add-ons to the original Lionel set.  That's my issue right now is deciding on a right of way.

Andy, your crop circle idea looks excellent.  Once you get it going, you'll have to add some trains and visitors...I'm sure, if you build it, they will come!

Here’s my little Area 51 layout. The hanger is by Plasticville, repainted. The Quonset hut is Lionel. I pieced together my own Area 51 set. Any questions, just ask away!

Here's my hallowen layout from 2021.  No crop circles - but maybe something I could incorporate.  Irisa couldn't wait to get started trick or treating

A few more detail shots: the Huey is a 1/48 scale Revell kit, the figures are Plasticville, MTH, and the aliens are HO figures with modeling putty bulbous heads. The UFO’s came from the Lionel Area 51 recovery set flatcar, which I embellished. The Jeep is Atlas, the rest are Menard’s. The tanker came from an Atlantis kit. The AEC engine and caboose are RMT. Have fun!

@Andy Hummell posted:

Scenic Express sells everything you need for fields/crops to make crop circles.  If I were going to do a crop circle, it might look like this:

Andy

At least you provided some good ideas for a crop circle  Getting some Scenic Express wheat field stuff, putting it in a corner of the layout, and doing your own design in it sounds fun.

Each plane is likely too large, but the vast array of aircraft apparently tested at Area 51 over the decades might make for some interesting ideas.  Perhaps a billboard for a Stealth Aircraft?