Each year for our town’s annual Holiday Trees Display, featuring 30+ trees each decorated by various businesses, I do a Christmas tree display featuring Lionel trains of course. It is typically the standard train layout under a tree. Each year it gets a little more involved than the year before. Last years setup was really cool. But this year, about a third of the way into it, I wished someone had talked me out of it. I decided I would tackle an idea I had always wanted to attempt. To have a train not only circle the tree but to climb it as well, and then come back down.
After much work with a pencil, paper and a calculator I finally came up with a design that I thought would work. Only problem is it would create a tree that is about 9’ in diameter and about 10’ high.
After much debate a trip to Lowe’s and returning with 9 sheets of plywood pretty much committed myself to the project.
The tree consists of 6 sheets of plywood cut and arranged to create the basic framework. This would hold the curved sections of wood that'll support the track.
The train starts its climb, at 1" per foot, with a lap of Lionel FasTrack 084" curve track followed by 072", 060", 048" then to 036" as it curves within itself to start its decent which contain all 036" at about 1" per 9.5". Around the top, at 7' above, is a single 031" circle for a trolley or something. As the track support pieces were cut out I made little shelves to hold various Depart 56 lighted buildings.
Once the track supports were down and the track work in position it was time for its first test run. I will be running a Polar Express train, of course. A little nerve wracking at first but a success, it worked great.
Naturally the whole thing got a coat of green paint.
Next I started adding the various fake tree branches from my Christmas tree. Unfortunately a tree this size takes a lot of tree branches so I borrowed a second tree from my brother. That gave me 125 branches to work with.
I made simple wood blocks from 2x2 to hold the branches.
Once that was done I pulled the branches and track off and was able to move it in three sections. That allowed us to move it through a 48" door opening at the location it is to be displayed.
The reassembly of the track and branches took some time. Hard to believe but could really use more tree branches.
We got all the building set up and lights plugged in. At this point much of the ornaments on. There are still a few things to finish up, more ornaments and lights, and hook up the top track, but overall it is looking good.
From paper to reality within a week, not bad. Some sleepless nights but it got finished. I will post some finished pictures shortly. Meanwhile, hope you enjoy my project.
A friend and fellow OGR forum member stopped over to take some pics & video of the tree while we were working on a few things. Ron did a great job and said he'd return to help put together a final version. Though this one is great. Thanks!!
True craftsmanship
! Outstanding!
