With people starting to plan for their Christmas Displays, I got to thinking maybe a thread featuring Polar Express Layouts from previous years might be a fun way to help inspire some creativity. I'm still working on our display and if things go well, will have it completed in a few weeks. Here are few that helped me in the planning stages for this years display...
From Rob Mueller 2009
From "Iamsuperethan" 2010
If you have any Polar Express Layouts whether created by you or you find inspiring or just enjoy please share.
That's great I never saw that one. I like how all the points on the compass around the Christmas tree point South and the huge overloaded sack in Santa's sliegh. The rest of layout is superb too.
I've always liked this one because he includes everything in there. The houses, the store, the moon, the climb up the mountain, the bridge to the north pole, and the north pole looks pretty great. I also like it because unlike many of the other more professional looking ones, I feel like this is one the average guy could put together too. So I like it because it's attainable. I just feel like he did a great job on the overall plan of the layout with getting the elevated North Pole in. It feels the most like the movie to me. My favorite part is probably the bridge and the North Pole buildings. Very simple, but they work and the lights really make them pop. He also got the mountain very right in terms of the right curves and grade because that train is really moving.
Some really great videos. I recognized the one built by TW Design - was featured in a TM video and the other magazine. The one with the little girl is really neat, she's got a great Dad!
I've always liked this one because he includes everything in there. The houses, the store, the moon, the climb up the mountain, the bridge to the north pole, and the north pole looks pretty great. I also like it because unlike many of the other more professional looking ones, I feel like this is one the average guy could put together too. So I like it because it's attainable. I just feel like he did a great job on the overall plan of the layout with getting the elevated North Pole in. It feels the most like the movie to me. My favorite part is probably the bridge and the North Pole buildings. Very simple, but they work and the lights really make them pop. He also got the mountain very right in terms of the right curves and grade because that train is really moving.
Towdog, I have to agree with you on this one. You saved me from looking for the bookmark. This has all of the major elements and was done in 2008, so I also give him credit for ingenuity. This one has been the major inspiration to many designs I have tried. Despite it's seeming simplicity, it's a lot of work represented that comes off really well.
They are all very good! Every builder is to be commended each gaining inspiration from the story and movie. Thank you everyone who has posted!!
I started watching for some inspiration for a Christmas layout my wife and I are going to build. It won't be very much this year, but maybe will grow in the future if there is interest.
I've always liked this one because he includes everything in there. The houses, the store, the moon, the climb up the mountain, the bridge to the north pole, and the north pole looks pretty great. I also like it because unlike many of the other more professional looking ones, I feel like this is one the average guy could put together too. So I like it because it's attainable. I just feel like he did a great job on the overall plan of the layout with getting the elevated North Pole in. It feels the most like the movie to me. My favorite part is probably the bridge and the North Pole buildings. Very simple, but they work and the lights really make them pop. He also got the mountain very right in terms of the right curves and grade because that train is really moving.
I agree it is one of the better ones including all the elements. It's a Polar Express layout only a rivit counter couldn't love (there's no red beard). Thanks Towdog
Here is the nighttime version of the video above. It's nice to see it in the light to enjoy the details but it really comes alive in the dark with that blue light.
Wow. So well done. I think one of the layout building companies did this one. The quality is that high.
That was only part 2 has pt1 an Pt3.
Tis one is funny
I don't know How I forgot about Trey W Pro. He's one of a dozen Tubers I actually subscribe to. That kid is pretty creative and definitely knows how a kid is supposed to have fun.
I've always liked this one because he includes everything in there. The houses, the store, the moon, the climb up the mountain, the bridge to the north pole, and the north pole looks pretty great. I also like it because unlike many of the other more professional looking ones, I feel like this is one the average guy could put together too. So I like it because it's attainable. I just feel like he did a great job on the overall plan of the layout with getting the elevated North Pole in. It feels the most like the movie to me. My favorite part is probably the bridge and the North Pole buildings. Very simple, but they work and the lights really make them pop. He also got the mountain very right in terms of the right curves and grade because that train is really moving.
The music playing in this video sounds just like the version of the Polar Express I played when I was in orchestra (minus the vocals).
The Polar Express set is one that I really like, but I keep putting off until "someday later". I've said before that as of right now I only have the baggage car, but maybe I should see that as incentive to pursue getting the set.
Wow. So well done. I think one of the layout building companies did this one. The quality is that high.
That was only part 2 has pt1 an Pt3.
Tis one is funny
I don't know How I forgot about Trey W Pro. He's one of a dozen Tubers I actually subscribe to. That kid is pretty creative and definitely knows how a kid is supposed to have fun.
I could not pass up on the Polar Express has a bad day, It just to bad some forum members take the Polar Express too seriously, after all its about a simpler time and children believing in Santa Clause. This is a good time of the year when all the Polar Express You Tube video's start really appearing. There are some that are really detailed and that is great. The most on the other hand are simple or not so complicated. Those are the best.
There are some neat videos in this thread. I'd love to one day set up a Polar express layout. While not a PE layout, here is a video of my Polar Express and Polar Railroad collection running on my carpet layout. The rock wall in the video was intended to be a test on how I would paint the mountain for a Polar layout. I just haven't gone forward with a Winter layout.
Originally Posted by Michigan & Ohio Valley Lines:
There are some neat videos in this thread. I'd love to one day set up a Polar express layout. While not a PE layout, here is a video of my Polar Express and Polar Railroad collection running on my carpet layout. The rock wall in the video was intended to be a test on how I would paint the mountain for a Polar layout. I just haven't gone forward with a Winter layout.
I have always enjoyed this video. It's fun seeing all of the modifications you made over the years all come together. You should really start a new thread about it so all the new forum members who aren't aware can really see what you did to these cars and learn how you did it.
I have also always liked the Polar Railroad GP7 and cars. And you sure don't see it out there. I wish I would've picked those up when they were released. I can't get enough of those colors.
Originally Posted by Michigan & Ohio Valley Lines:
There are some neat videos in this thread. I'd love to one day set up a Polar express layout. While not a PE layout, here is a video of my Polar Express and Polar Railroad collection running on my carpet layout. The rock wall in the video was intended to be a test on how I would paint the mountain for a Polar layout. I just haven't gone forward with a Winter layout.
Thanks for sharing Keith, your weathering of the Polar Express and the modifications to the Observation car are an excellent example of how to improve the set.
This is the Scale PE making the trip to the North Pole in my 2013 Christmas Layout.
Emile
Emile, the effort you put into your layout really pays off. We always invite our older neighbors who have mobility issues in to see our Christmas display. They enjoy watching it and have a hard time deciding when it's time to go. If we had a display as fine as yours I don't think they'd ever leave. In their minds they'd probably just crawl into the layout to live there for ever.
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
OGR Forum Supporting Membership
Help support this forum with an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. You will be able to watch the videos in the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO FORUM! A one-year OGR Forum Supporting Membership is only $12 per year, so sign up now!
OR
Access the ALL the OGR VIDEO FORUMS ANDover 300 back issues of OGR with a DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!
