2015 Christmas Layout Progress Report, the Final Stages for Completion-New Photo Added Apr. 29th

Well, If that room wasn't used much before, you'll sure use it now! Shaping into something great already in just 1 day of construction! Looks great!

Looks great so far

I was imagining, "I get to build what?"

(beats being in cold, unfinished houses too)

 

Looks like you may be having too much fun. Is this legal??

JohnJr

 Looks fantastic! Brian

 

Nick

That looks really nice Brian. I am looking forward to seeing more as the layout progresses.

Brian

Thanks for the update an photos,Looks like a classic in the making

Steve

I really like the oval layout.  Do you have a date in mind for completion?  This is shaping up to be something really special!

 

Rich

That was a big day, exciting!  

Bill:

 

Forgot to mention, no D56 lights as I really don't like them. However there will be a substantial number of lights. There will be 120 ft. of arched causeway with lights outlining the arches (similar to the PE movie). In two areas of the new layout, we are using Lionel die cast red street lights to light the Center of the North Pole and the large skating area. In the North Pole elf village, we are using MTH die cast street lights. There will be other special lighting effects as well.

 

I learned a long time ago that lights really make a layout, so watch for a lot of it on this one. 

Here we go!  Looking good.

 

Thanks for the update.

After two coats of flat white paint, Installing the track and roadbed was next. Photo below shows the newly installed track. As in our other layout, we are using Lionel tubular track.

 

Next step, wire the track and get the trains running.

 

 

What kind of road bed? Looks like you are making good progress, please keep the update pictures coming.

Just curious how many Dept. 56 buildings do you have? I only have 12 that I have on shelves that I use on my Christmas layouts. Love them.

You guys are amazing!

 

Peter

Congrats on this benchmark accomplishment!

Looking forward to your next update; possibly a train running?

Thanks for the photo.

I like that! 

Well Brian, it just keeps getting better.  You and Elizabeth are doing a great job!  Looking forward to your continuing progress.  Bob S.

Brian,

   Got to agree with Bob 100%, real nice looking layout so far!

PCRR/Daver

You guys are going to have one great Christmas showpiece.

Looking GD.

That is beautiful...should be a real eye catcher. 

I would have loved to use Johnson roadbed, but alas I could not find enough. So I went with Woodland Scenics. It has very good sound deadening qualities and looks pretty good.

 

Department 56 buildings, Christmas in the City on the primary layout, about 230. Dickens Village, about 100. And North Pole, about 60. Over the years I gave many away as I no longer had room for them. I kept what I really liked.

 

We will use the 60 North Pole buildings on the new Christmas layout as well as some custom structures.

Brian,

Beautiful.  Can't wait to see it populated for Christmas.  I'm envious of that terrific room you have.  Best of luck with your new layout.

Brian:  I am especially impressed that you have given away some of the buildings you no longer need.  I do the same with many of my life's possessions that I have moved on from. I like to see folks enjoy the things I have enjoyed.  Double pleasure for me.  Bob S.

This continues to look better by the day. Have you received an ETA from the boss on when he is coming for his first inspection. Mrs. C can be pretty picky so I have heard... heck she will probably be given a paintbrush too.

 

You are having a lot of fun!

Brian, that's going to be a beautiful Christmas layout.  I'm looking forward to seeing how you and Elizabeth construct the scenery!

 

Have fun!

It's really coming along.

This Christmas layout is gonna be great. Wow.

WOW Brian looking Great!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Alex

Superb work.  I am especially impressed by the obvious careful attention to the planning of your design and vision.  Then sequencing the work for efficient progress.  Looking forward to your photos.

That's gonna be great. And only 322 days to go...... Makes me want to get out the sledge and chain saw, cut my 4 x 8 up and then...............Hmmmmmmmmmm knock out two walls...........who needs a living room and dining room.............................. and I'm hoping I can jam 15 or 16 Dept 56 North Pole on mine........

Update, ran the trunk wire for the elevated track tonight and made the first connection. First train made it around, through at a crawl speed with a small post war transformer (I use it for accessories), but we have lift off.

wow that is looking nice there how old is your train set???

That's great news!

Hi Friends, This Room, Layout, Track Plan, is really Awesome and I will keep reading the updates. This is going to be a Fun To Watch Christmas Layout, so Merry Christmas, at Near Valentines Day.....Thanks for Posting the Beautiful Pictures. Happy Railroading.

I can't believe the amount of progress that you've made, in such a short time.  How many elves do you have, secretly working on your layout? 

 

Richie  

Now THAT's impressive! 

Brian, looks great, I like everything about your new layout.  The North Pole will never look the same..........just fantastic.

 

Steve, Lady and Tex

Slow down Brian. You and Elisabeth are going to run out of things to do while the snow is falling. But if that happens, I could use some help down here with my next display. Hurry Up!

Brian,

 

This already looks like it's going to be awesome. I'm enjoying the ride.