Christmas Layouts for 2016

TOWDOG

Attached is the track design I used but modified a little for the XMAS Layout. It was original published in CLASSIC TOY TRAINS December 2006 and later showed up on P. 44 Dec 2014 issue, The original design is called "Three Times Around the Tree".

Now I know where the inspiration came from for this layout that forum member Santa FE VA acquired.

Here's is the SCARM file for FasTrack of the 3 times around tree variation.

Well Friday is flocking day...so I have posted my work with pictures..I tryed to get the before and after but I can only do so much with garage light and a Nikon..LOL..  If you open each picture I have explained what your looking at...

Doug,

For a complete rookie at this, could you be a bit more specific on this process?  The only part of this I kind of get is the glitter.  I am not sure if you're mixing the glitter with something else and how are you getting it to stick to the layout.  

The other questions about this I have are, how well does it hold up between seasons?  Do you typically touch it up each year or what?  My goal with a holiday display is something that I display for 8 weeks or so, put it away and than pull it out the next year without having to completely re-do it.

I've attached what I did last year.

Tony

Tony.. The flocking is the same stuff that is sprayed on trees.  Now with that said it is NOT..the canned suff at the store.  You have to order this. I go the best deal on EBay.  Used in a flocking gun for trees it is shot with a gun that mist water and the flocking at the same time.  The water is what makes it stick to anything.  So you get a spray bottle and fill it warm water.  Spray what ever you want to flock so its damp only.  Then shake the flocking over it. I used a big o shiffter from the dollar store.   I shake it at about a foot to a foot an a half over it so that it falls natural.  Then while wet I shake the glitter over it and then i very very mist it all once more.  This makes it all stick/ glue together.   I change my lay out every year but I have  foam pieces from 4 years ago that still look good and next to none of the flocking has come off.   IF, you store this in a hot place it can "yellow" over time.  All you do is mist water on it and reflock over the old.  Tony it look good..   Hope this helps if not ask away and I'll help you all I can.   Oh FYI...I flocked a artificial  4 years ago when I got into this, its the one on my layouts of past years...I flock it every year to touch it up.  It takes some work using a sifter to do a tree, but this year I scored a 1961 flocking gun on Ebay for $25.00    So I'll be shoot'n the tree this year...

Tony_V posted:

Doug,

For a complete rookie at this, could you be a bit more specific on this process?  The only part of this I kind of get is the glitter.  I am not sure if you're mixing the glitter with something else and how are you getting it to stick to the layout.  

The other questions about this I have are, how well does it hold up between seasons?  Do you typically touch it up each year or what?  My goal with a holiday display is something that I display for 8 weeks or so, put it away and than pull it out the next year without having to completely re-do it.

I've attached what I did last year.

Tony

Track power test sat!  Lots of work with the needle nose pliers today.  Time for snow, buildings, and trees. 

And final product. Pleased with how it turned out. Appreciate all the help with the layout design and troubleshooting the switches.  

It looks great!  Everyone will enjoy it!

Gandalf97 posted:

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!

Can you post details of what you came up with.  I just bought the parts for this display:

4' by 4' dual loop with crossover.
http://www.thortrains.net/yule/yuleo44a.html

Hope it turns out ok, next yearh I might try to convert it to the Polar Mountain & Warren if I can find the parts list and instructions.

Thank you!