Well there is only six and ahalf weeks till Thanksgiving...or "The Big Show" You know, when we all put the tree up and the tracks down around the tree..So who else be side ole dougie here has been working on there Christmas layout?? I'll post my pictures tomorrow.
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I am getting ready for my club's Halloween show on October 25. I haven't given Christmas a thought. It is much to early for me.
I am starting to see Christmas items in all the stores. I think it is a shame that the Christmas season seems to start earlier every year.
NH Joe
Well me too. As a boy of the 50's and 60's you never seen any of it till after Thanksgiving. BUT..the layout I build every year and change every year takes me some weeks to build. So to that I have to start in mid Oct.
Hi Dougie,
Well, I couldn't believe it, but last year, the spouse said "we need a train around the tree". So, not hesitating, I found the conventional North Pole Central set. Our tree is on hardwood floor, so I grabbed some closed-cell foam floor underlayment (to abate the noise) and some white felt and made a rectangular area under the tree. It was around Dec. 12.
The layout fits, but the rectangular shape sticks out too far. So, I am currently working on shaping the underlayment and felt to the shape of the track. Then, I will use the 3M 77 spray adhesive to bond the two together. I just roll it up for storage. I am considering green. This is what I am working on this year.
The set is kind of retro. It has the mechanical "whooo-whooo" whistle in the tender, the elf chases the reindeer in the gondola and the boxcar play clips of Christmas songs. I was able to locate the freight add-on set NOS at a deal also. Not sure if I'll add a loop for Mr. & Mrs. Clause handcar. the searchlight car will be nice. Adding my own music player is another project that I may do before Christmas. The included music is a little cheesy.
I have been eyeing the new LionChief + engine, but it's roadname is the Polar Railroad, so I may leave the tree train old school.
I am also configuring run timer circuits for the museum layout. I may keep one for the Christmas train, but the grandkids like the handle running.
Layout track plan and production set photo attached.
Jake (SantaFe158) and I will be starting work on our Redford Theatre 2016/2017 display soon. We have plans to begin laying platforms this week or next.
Here is a video from last years display. There will soon be a Redford Layout 2017 thread as Jake usually maintains one through the holidays...
Mark,
That is the first I have seen a Big Boy on a Christmas layout! And why not? It looks mighty good!!
All,
I'll be jumping in on this topic a little later in the fall. My wife keeps buying buildings, and I keep telling her we don't have room for all the ones we have. 
I'm just glad she like to join in the fun!! 
Oh, I must add I bought a new in the wrapper Lionel Frosty the Snowman train at an exceptional deal. She likes it.
Mark Boyce posted:Mark,
That is the first I have seen a Big Boy on a Christmas layout! And why not? It looks mighty good!!
All,
I'll be jumping in on this topic a little later in the fall. My wife keeps buying buildings, and I keep telling her we don't have room for all the ones we have.
This layout is built with running big stuff in mind. It is aprox 8x20 and the running loops are O60 and O72. We have Legacy built in with 180w per large loop. We typically run smaller post war/MPC style stuff but run big toys when we are present to supervise the layout.
"Paging Walt Rapp, paging Walt Rapp....please come to the Christmas Layouts for 2016 thread immediately." 
-Greg
Well here is last years layout..I had both trains on the same level
, and a twice around the tree..That did not work well with anything but short cars..
Spectacular! And full of joy, Dougie. In fact, one could say it's fresh!
frankm
This is the 2016 Christmas layout..or the making of it. The left leg I have done a mountain..Mt.Crumpet..it will have "Who Ville" below it. The center will have the tree and a few house or alike.. I put two switches there so I can go around the tree or park another engine there. The right leg is the "North Pole" The legs I cut 2" foam board to raise them. The back turn is also raised 2".. I painted the foam tonight and just have to flock them as soon as I get it in. I do have one problem. On the top track. The power is just behind the Whoville mt. but when the engine get to the North pole loop it slows to half speed till it circles it. Then its back to speed.. I plugged the power pack into the bottom loop and,, no problem..MMmmm Guest I need more power on the top??? I'll post more pics as I work on it. I build it to compleation in the garage, houses wiring, all of it. Then I take it all apart piece by piece and bring it in on Thanksgiving Day... 
Moonman posted:
OK...I'll check it out tomorrow..
Mark Bee posted:Mark Boyce posted:Mark,
That is the first I have seen a Big Boy on a Christmas layout! And why not? It looks mighty good!!
All,
I'll be jumping in on this topic a little later in the fall. My wife keeps buying buildings, and I keep telling her we don't have room for all the ones we have.
This layout is built with running big stuff in mind. It is aprox 8x20 and the running loops are O60 and O72. We have Legacy built in with 180w per large loop. We typically run smaller post war/MPC style stuff but run big toys when we are present to supervise the layout.
Sounds like a great idea, when you have the room!! Thank you!!
Carving snow piles out of white Styrofoam has a static-y mess going around the garbage can lid
Have to get started on the 2016 version. Might be going with an L shape over and under around a 6x9 this year. The last two years did two loops on a 4x10. Picked up some new buildings along with a Dept. 56 Allied Model Trains shop. I will also be posting some pics as I get started with the benchwork. I have added some pics of the 2014 and 2015 versions.
Well got the "slow" track fixed..thanks Moonman.. I bent the center rail and fixed it. I did find that the "Plug'n Play trans that I used got really hot. So I'll be using one of my 80watt for the top line and my 180 Watt for the bottom. I use another 80W for just the accessory's that I route to a bus line. I pulled it all apart today so to get the garage back..ugh!! So I'll be carving and painting and flocking the foam pieces. I'll drag it all backout the week before Thanksgiving.. So there's the late new. Oh I did see that a picture of my Christmas layout from last year made the O-Gauge Form mag...for December
Doug, that is starting to look like a major set up. Cool stuff!
I broke out the track and puttered around some this weekend with a new design to add reversing loops to the 2015 layout -- many thanks to ACE for help with layout ideas in another thread. After verifying the layout would work, I started to cut out the larger supports. All put back away now as I think it is manageable to achieve over the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Two questions for folks:
1. With regard to the reversing loops, I was having some trouble getting the switches to operate automatically as the engine approached. Worked well sometimes and poorly others. Is this possibly due to feeding power from the transformer on both the upper and lower levels of the layout? I did this last year to help minimize dead spots in the track run as over the course of a few weeks kids (mine and visitors) inevitably shift things around somewhat.
2. I have some additional hard foam from electronics packaging that I will use to shape the terrain a little more. Any suggestions for a good way to cut that stuff? Probably relocating for work next summer so not looking to build more permanent use terrain pieces yet.
Are the transformers phased for operating together? (YouTube-phasing transformers / by Lionel... Easy)
Do the turnouts have dedicated voltage?
Cut it oversized with a hacksaw blade of knife, and scrape to shape with whatever. I use my fingers and nails on the final pass to smooth over stacked foam lines, or chip out select "snowballs". No straight edges" pass" when you look again later; patience, go slow.
Prospector posted:Doug, that is starting to look like a major set up. Cool stuff!
I broke out the track and puttered around some this weekend with a new design to add reversing loops to the 2015 layout -- many thanks to ACE for help with layout ideas in another thread. After verifying the layout would work, I started to cut out the larger supports. All put back away now as I think it is manageable to achieve over the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Two questions for folks:
1. With regard to the reversing loops, I was having some trouble getting the switches to operate automatically as the engine approached. Worked well sometimes and poorly others. Is this possibly due to feeding power from the transformer on both the upper and lower levels of the layout? I did this last year to help minimize dead spots in the track run as over the course of a few weeks kids (mine and visitors) inevitably shift things around somewhat.
I would suggest checking the pins on 5" and 10" straights or anywhere that the track felt like it went together too easily. I would also put 4 power feeds on that track plan. 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. https://www.lionelsupport.com/....cfm?documentID=6968
2. I have some additional hard foam from electronics packaging that I will use to shape the terrain a little more. Any suggestions for a good way to cut that stuff? Probably relocating for work next summer so not looking to build more permanent use terrain pieces yet.
It's too hard for a lot of knife cutting. So, attack it with some small saws and a rasp for shaping. Watch some YouTube videos. Search making foam landforms or shaping foam.
EDIT: I AM SORRY. I MISSED THE LAST PHOTO. DON'T USE A LIONCHIEF POWERPACK WITH A CW-80. THE LC IS DC POWER AND THE CW-80 IS AC. JUST MAKE DROPS FROM THE CW-80 OR CONNECT TO A TERMINAL STRIP AND MAKE FOUR DROPS.
Prospector posted:Doug, that is starting to look like a major set up. Cool stuff!
I broke out the track and puttered around some this weekend with a new design to add reversing loops to the 2015 layout -- many thanks to ACE for help with layout ideas in another thread. After verifying the layout would work, I started to cut out the larger supports. All put back away now as I think it is manageable to achieve over the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Two questions for folks:
1. With regard to the reversing loops, I was having some trouble getting the switches to operate automatically as the engine approached. Worked well sometimes and poorly others. Is this possibly due to feeding power from the transformer on both the upper and lower levels of the layout? I did this last year to help minimize dead spots in the track run as over the course of a few weeks kids (mine and visitors) inevitably shift things around somewhat.
2. I have some additional hard foam from electronics packaging that I will use to shape the terrain a little more. Any suggestions for a good way to cut that stuff? Probably relocating for work next summer so not looking to build more permanent use terrain pieces yet.
On the reversing loops...If you use manual switches you'll have no problems, as the train passes through the switch it will just flip them. Use the electric switches for sidings.
I use just the "Blue Foam Board" that you can buy at Lowes. My mountains are 2" foam board that is stacked. I glue them with liquid nail over night and with some weight on them. I carve mine with a dry wall blade and for the verticals I use my buck knife. You want them to look more "Cliff" like. I got a small rasp at Lowes and that I knock down the edges with. I paint mine with semi gloss white paint, then the vertical with browns and grays. Once its all done I use tree flocking to dust it all by wetting it first with a spray bottle then with a sive I dust it all from about 2 feet up off the mountain. That will give it a fresh snow look and once the flocking drys it never comes off. Just a thought....Doug
Prospector: order these terminals and use lamp cord, speaker wire or OGR paired wire in 18g from the store for the track feeds. Most of the tracks have connectors. Use a crimper for non-insulated wire or solder the ends on. Use the CW-80. Put the wall pack away. use needle nose pliers to get them on.
Moonman posted:Prospector: order these terminals and use lamp cord, speaker wire or OGR paired wire in 18g from the store for the track feeds. Most of the tracks have connectors. Use a crimper for non-insulated wire or solder the ends on. Use the CW-80. Put the wall pack away. use needle nose pliers to get them on.
Yes I have been useing heavy wire for the power, but I will order those female tips to solder them...I'm big on soldering.. I just thought it was funny as to how warm/hot that power point got.....Thanks
Dougie fresh posted:Moonman posted:Prospector: order these terminals and use lamp cord, speaker wire or OGR paired wire in 18g from the store for the track feeds. Most of the tracks have connectors. Use a crimper for non-insulated wire or solder the ends on. Use the CW-80. Put the wall pack away. use needle nose pliers to get them on.
Yes I have been useing heavy wire for the power, but I will order those female tips to solder them...I'm big on soldering.. I just thought it was funny as to how warm/hot that power point got.....Thanks
They are available for 14-16 which is what I use. I use the uninsulated because it's a tight fit on some of the locations. You also have to watch for the ground bar connecting the outside rails in some locations under the hot terminal. I put a piece of electrical tape if I use that area.
The heavier wire is better. Not sure why you would get warm terminals. Perhaps from the wall pack being connected. Just run AC.
Dougie fresh posted:Well got the "slow" track fixed..thanks Moonman.. I bent the center rail and fixed it. I did find that the "Plug'n Play trans that I used got really hot. So I'll be using one of my 80watt for the top line and my 180 Watt for the bottom. I use another 80W for just the accessory's that I route to a bus line. I pulled it all apart today so to get the garage back..ugh!! So I'll be carving and painting and flocking the foam pieces. I'll drag it all backout the week before Thanksgiving.. So there's the late new. Oh I did see that a picture of my Christmas layout from last year made the O-Gauge Form mag...for December
Congrats on the layout photo getting published. You do build a good looking layout. This recent issue?
The December/January issue..
Here is my 2013 layout. I did it on a 4x6..The 2014 I was able to add a 2foot dog leg and made a reverse loop...Thought some of the folks made use this idea if they have a smaller area..
Hey what is the right scale of cars/trucks for O gauge layouts. is it 43 or 48??
1:48,
1:43/1;45 are usually European O
A single weak connection under load can get hot. Even weak, a few connections can beef the amp capability even off a single wire stringing. The copper flows better than rail too. Pressure has a huge impact on connections being stronger. The more pressure, the more power can flow. The grip of a spade connection beats a loose wire wrap by far.
You can use the DC wart, with AC at the same time, but I don't know the ins and outs of that offhand. I know there are posts on it covered by GunRunnerJohn and others, but I had no reason to consider it deeply for myself. So like MM suggests, to stick with phasing AC units or do some more research.
Yeah I'll stick to the old school stuff..
I get how people feel about starting Christmas too early. I have tried to create my Christmas layout before and invariably end up waiting until the last minute and I have to settle for an oval or maybe at best a modified 2x around.
This year, I am going to give my best shot to building a modified "Polar Mountain & Warren" layout from the 12/2014 issue of CTT. Since it is going to require cutting lumber, I am starting now.
This is a modified 3x around layout. If anyone has built one of these or one like it, I welcome your input!
Dougie fresh posted:
Here is my 2013 layout. I did it on a 4x6..The 2014 I was able to add a 2foot dog leg and made a reverse loop...Thought some of the folks made use this idea if they have a smaller area..
Now THIS is the Christmas that I know and love! We need to keep it going and bring it back for the new generation!
Dougie fresh posted:Well there is only six and ahalf weeks till Thanksgiving...or "The Big Show" You know, when we all put the tree up and the tracks down around the tree..So who else be side ole dougie here has been working on there Christmas layout?? I'll post my pictures tomorrow.
Christmas layout in progress. Purchased 5x9 plywood and going for homocote tomorrow. 1 outer oval around the perimeter, one inner oval for passing side by side action and currently trying to plan a simple figure eight raised up in the middle. This part requires me to go to the store and by another train set! Not going to lie, this excites me. Not so much my wife.
She will love it when it is done, however. Snow and Christmas villages will be the theme. She loves Christmas hardcore so this should work well.
This is my 2016 Polar Express XMAS layout. Work in progress. Eventually a train decorated tree will sit in the middle. My supportive wife let me use the dinning room as a Holiday display area.
Beautiful job! Love the snowy scenery. Lucky man, my wife segregated me to the basement. That's okay, I store my wine down here anyway...
Jim McGehee posted:This is my 2016 Polar Express XMAS layout. Work in progress. Eventually a train decorated tree will sit in the middle. My supportive wife let me use the dinning room as a Holiday display area.
Great job and smart to get an early start so you are able to do everything you want to do long before December actually gets here so you can sit back and enjoy it. And I recognize that two-loops around the tree layout anywhere. I have used that two years in a row now with a simple oval on a level above it going around a mountain. That two loops around the tree allows for so much track on a very small area and no switches.
Just starting set-up today, but here are last year's:
The 4 by 6 in my bedroom.
The 7 by 15 in my living room.
Becky
towdog posted:Jim McGehee posted:This is my 2016 Polar Express XMAS layout. Work in progress. Eventually a train decorated tree will sit in the middle. My supportive wife let me use the dinning room as a Holiday display area.
Great job and smart to get an early start so you are able to do everything you want to do long before December actually gets here so you can sit back and enjoy it. And I recognize that two-loops around the tree layout anywhere. I have used that two years in a row now with a simple oval on a level above it going around a mountain. That two loops around the tree allows for so much track on a very small area and no switches.
That's a thrice around, Towdog.
Moonman posted:towdog posted:Jim McGehee posted:This is my 2016 Polar Express XMAS layout. Work in progress. Eventually a train decorated tree will sit in the middle. My supportive wife let me use the dinning room as a Holiday display area.
Great job and smart to get an early start so you are able to do everything you want to do long before December actually gets here so you can sit back and enjoy it. And I recognize that two-loops around the tree layout anywhere. I have used that two years in a row now with a simple oval on a level above it going around a mountain. That two loops around the tree allows for so much track on a very small area and no switches.
That's a thrice around, Towdog.
You are correct. My eye thought that the outer stretch was an independent loop. Hmm... I may have to try this this year. Thanks! That grade doesn't look too bad. Now off to find the track plan.
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