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

FM Former Member

Big day yesterday. Our carpenter arrived at 7:00 AM and did not stop until he finished, about 8:30 PM last evening. We were up at 5:30 AM snow blowing the driveway, decks and walk which this past week has been a steady diet.

 

I have posted a sequence of photos. The first is the room where our new Christmas layout is located. The second is a photo representing the planning stages where we traced the track and other elements onto rosin paper and spread it out on the floor where the benchwork is to go. The third photo is the start of benchwork construction and the last two, the finished benchwork.

 

Now we are ready to start the construction of the New Christmas Layout.

layout design 001

layout design 008

benchwork 002

benchwork 003

benchwork 004

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Bill WebbBill WebbOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Brian we are excited for you; what a fun project. Will you use North Pole Village or a mix? We planned to do N Pole last year but family stuff and a boat delivery didn't allow the 100+ hours it takes. Now, if it could stay up...

 

Do you use Dept 56 street lights, trees, accessories, etc, for lighting and action or something else?

 

We we look forward to following your progress.

RiverrailfanRiverrailfanOGR Forum Member
I would of liked to have seen the face on the carpenter.
 
"You want me to build what?"
 
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

"How did he make the curved end framing?"

 

He ripped strips of 1/2" plywood to 1/4" so that it was bendable and constructed the rounded frame. Pretty clever idea. This carpenter was a work horse and did a great job.

 

FM Former Member

Thanks for all of your responses. Let me try to answer the questions that have been asked.

 

The room we are using at one point was a craft room that has not been used very much for the past 4 years. It is a perfect place to construct a layout as it is not in the way of our everyday activities. So we have the option to leave it up. This layout will be in addition to our main train layout located in another structure. With all the snow we have received in the past week, it is not always practical to go to the main layout, so it will be a nice feature to be able to run some scale trains in the house with all of the curves being 0-72.

 

Now for the theme of the new layout. We have many D56 North Pole buildings and accessories that will be incorporated in the new layout. The layout will be a blend of  D56 products with some custom structures relative to the Polar Express story. We will take you on the PE journey starting at the mountain range and take you across the ice field, then pass the elves lodging and services, and finally the Lionel scale blue/maroon version train will arrive at the center of the North Pole. Lots of surprises planned in this area of the new layout.

 

You will notice in the benchwork photos an elevated platform the goes around the perimeter of the layout. We plan to run the 10th Anniversary Gold PE train on this track. We realize that most of our visitors tend to be non-train people, so having trains with continuous operation is a plus for us.

 

And Matt, what's next, PAINT, the first coat went on today. With all the snow we have had as of late and another foot tomorrow, the white paint we applied to the benchwork today is very applicable.

 

Lots to do. We will keep you updated with our progress.

T towdogOGR Forum Member

The ambition you both have astounds me.  You went from tearing down your old one to having the benchwork completed on the new one in the span of a month.  I would've still be stuck in planning stage and procrastinating on actually getting started.

 

You are motivation to us all to just get going with things and stop analyzing and thinking and planning.  Just do it so you can enjoy it.  You will have so much time now to really the create the layout of your dreams before Christmas.  No rushing needed here.  I cannot wait to see the progress throughout the year and the final result.

FM Former Member

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. 

FM Former Member

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.

 

 

track done 001

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FM Former Member

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.

Mark BoyceMark BoyceOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

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.

Brian and Elizabeth,

You certainly have done a fantastic job so far.  And to have the first train make a preliminary run is excellent!  I am really looking forward to following your progress.  It makes me wish I lived in Maine (Even with all the more snow you have than us) to be able to see it when it is done.    

FM Former Member

"Slow down Brian. You and Elisabeth are going to run out of things to do while the snow is falling."

 

This is exactly why we are doing this project now. We have had over 40" of new snow the past two weeks and another foot is expected to start on Sunday. Best time of year to get this done for us.

 

How many elves do you have, secretly working on your layout?

 

Thanks for the reminder Richard. I have to order 200 of them later today. The Center of the North Pole scene is planned to be really spectacular. My guess is there will be over 400 elves in the new Christmas layout.

Bob SeverinBob SeverinOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

 

 

How many elves do you have, secretly working on your layout?

 

Thanks for the reminder Richard. I have to order 200 of them later today. The Center of the North Pole scene is planned to be really spectacular. My guess is there will be over 400 elves in the new Christmas layout.

But, they're soooo smalllll.  

Charlie HowardCharlie HowardOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

"Slow down Brian. You and Elisabeth are going to run out of things to do while the snow is falling."

 

This is exactly why we are doing this project now. We have had over 40" of new snow the past two weeks and another foot is expected to start on Sunday. Best time of year to get this done for us.

 

How many elves do you have, secretly working on your layout?

 

Thanks for the reminder Richard. I have to order 200 of them later today. The Center of the North Pole scene is planned to be really spectacular. My guess is there will be over 400 elves in the new Christmas layout.

Brian, what elves will you be getting? Dept 56, or other? I've got most of the Dept 56 I have been able to find, but would like some more. Thanks in advance.

TexSpecialTexSpecialOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

"But, they're soooo smalllll."

 

Bob, wait to you see our elves.

 

Charlie, please e-mail me, it was a long process I had to go through first to find elves and then to allow a sale directly to me.

I hope there's a little Cody on the layout somewhere Brian. 

 

Steve, Lady and Tex

FM Former Member

"I really like the rounded ends,"

 

Mario, the rounded end serves a couple of purposes. In this area of the new layout, we are depicting a scene from the Polar Express movie where the grand Christmas tree is located and if you have seen the movie, the PE train leaves to bring the children home in a circle pattern. We think this area of the new layout will be nothing short of spectacular when we are done. The other reason, the rounded end really looks cool.

 

Thanks everyone for your comments.

A AdriaticOGR Forum Member

Rick, My guess is its three sheets from rolls with tape. I don't know if its sold in various at a big box hardware store or not. I used to get my wider rolls from various contractors supply stores, like a Sherwin Williams paint outlet, or my local woodworkers store. Stone masons had larger ones at the shops I think, like 8' - 12'ft wide rolls were in the monument shop (forklift needed, but sure they would've sold me some). 

RickM46RickM46OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
Originally Posted by Adriatic:

Rick, My guess is its three sheets from rolls with tape. I don't know if its sold in various at a big box hardware store or not. I used to get my wider rolls from various contractors supply stores, like a Sherwin Williams paint outlet, or my local woodworkers store. Stone masons had larger ones at the shops I think, like 8' - 12'ft wide rolls were in the monument shop (forklift needed, but sure they would've sold me some). 

Thanks for the info,

I am going to take a look at Sherwin Williams since one is close and then keep my eyes open when at a big box.

RickM46

And now it starts

FM Former Member

Rick, the rosin paper comes in rolls of 3 ft. wide. There is a lot of length to the roll, can't remember off hand what it is. I purchased mine at Home Depot. They all have it.

 

As far as roadbed is concerned, I purchased Woodland Scenics that also comes in a 24 ft. roll. Really reasonable and has excellent sound deadening qualities. The test train ran smooth and quiet.

 

Worked today on powering the other main line today. First the old transformer I was using for test purposes had the dial stick and then break. When I went to power the track, dead short. There is tomorrow and we will get it fixed.

RickM46RickM46OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

Rick, the rosin paper comes in rolls of 3 ft. wide. There is a lot of length to the roll, can't remember off hand what it is. I purchased mine at Home Depot. They all have it.

 

As far as roadbed is concerned, I purchased Woodland Scenics that also comes in a 24 ft. roll. Really reasonable and has excellent sound deadening qualities. The test train ran smooth and quiet.

 

Worked today on powering the other main line today. First the old transformer I was using for test purposes had the dial stick and then break. When I went to power the track, dead short. There is tomorrow and we will get it fixed.

Thanks for the info - really helps for my layout!!

RickM46

And now it starts.

RickM46RickM46OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

After spending most of the day debugging bad new track issues, we finally got the two versions of the Polar Express up and running. These two scale PE trains are going to make a great addition to the new Christmas layout.

 

 

wiring done 004

Great pictures of locos!

Do you have the Lionel model number of the engine pulling the PE passenger cars??

Thanks,

RickM46

Matthew B.Matthew B.OGR Forum Member

Great progress Brian. Sorry to hear about the continuity issues. Sit back and let em run while  you and Elizabeth enjoy your marvelous efforts so far. If you Run em hard and race them around now those scale locos will work out any imperfections that are likely to arise in the future pretty quickly and you can fix them before your future work makes it more difficult. I'll bet Elisabeth can run a circuit with the Gold PE faster than you can run the dog bone.

FM Former Member

"If you Run em hard and race them around now those scale locos will work out any imperfections that are likely to arise in the future pretty quickly and you can fix them before your future work makes it more difficult"

 

Matt,  you are 100% correct. I highly recommend that you test run engines over the track before you start any scenery details. I had to do some tweaking of the track to get it right by doing the test runs.

LW Lee WillisOGR Forum Member

In particular, I recommend doing this and using all the largest and longest you have.  

 


Seven years ago, at this stage, before I went to the scenery, I ran my JLC Big Boy and Allegheny, a DD35, and the MTH Coal Turbine - all big and potentially obstructive in their own ways, and the longest passenger car (21") I had, and an MTh Schnabel car.  I made sure I had at least 1/4" clearance around each.

 

About the mistakes I made (my learning experiences).  

  1. I had laid out and built my track with the Big Boy on the track and used for checking each new ten to fifteen foot section as I built it.  I would run it back and forth as I put down my track, etc.  I figured it would expose any problems before I finalized the track and it helped a lot.   But the fact that a big loco "passes" a section of track doesn't come close to meaning everything will run.  
  2. It turns out the Big Boy and locos like that (Allegheny, DD35) are often the most tolerant of problems with track being level and even.  The Lionel 0-4-0 Shifter is a good test of level track because it has a short wheelbase and thus it bobbles a lot as it passes over something uneven.  
  3. I paid a lot of attention to front end stick out on the outside of curves when I laid out my track, but not enough on the inside.  The biggest problem I had subsequently was on the inside of curves when I installed terrain, I had trees and some hillside cliffs that I built were too close for some 18" and all 21" cars to pass, not to mention the Schnabel car. 
  4. If you have two lines that run parallel to one another, check interference between them: a Big Boy on the inner track, and 21" passenger cars of a DD35 on the outer one, can meet if spacing is a bit tight.   This is a pain, because you have to test various trains on each track, etc., but its better to do it now than to discover later.
  5. Some locos demand such wide tunnel portals that they look unnatural.  I made mine removable.  When I want to run my Big Boy, Allegheny, etc, I have to remove two tunnel portals first.
S SerenskaOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Lee Willis:

In particular, I recommend doing this and using all the largest and longest you have.  

Lee:

 

That's a good list and I'd like to add a #6 and maybe a #7 that might not apply to everyone, but could help those who need it.

 

6.  If you plan to run any postwar Lionel cars with sliding pickup shoes, be sure to include one in any consist you are testing.  Look through your collection and find an operating car, or any car built in the 1940s, with a sliding shoe that hangs down the lowest.  Tug this car behind the larger/longer items that you're using to test for curve, portal, etc. clearance.  If there's an imperfection in any section of track (e.g., at a liftout or hinged duck-under section), the slider shoe will run right into it like nobody's business.

 

7. An optional #7 is to head up another consist with a steamer or electric with the flimsiest/floppiest pilot truck in your collection.  Run it at top speed and any rough section of track (e.g., a transition of a curve up a slight grade and into a turnout) will be sniffed out by a pilot that tends to bounce around regardless, even on the best laid track.  I have a Lionel 1060 steamer that I use precisely for this purpose.

 

HTH.

 

SJS

 

RickM46RickM46OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

After spending most of the day debugging bad new track issues, we finally got the two versions of the Polar Express up and running. These two scale PE trains are going to make a great addition to the new Christmas layout.

 

 

wiring done 004

Do you have the Lionel model number of the locomotive on the lower track that is pulling the PE passenger cars??  I am thinking it should be 6-??????

Thanks,

RickM46

Last edited by RickM46
FM Former Member

"Do you have the Lionel model number"

 

It is on the box out in the train room. But, it is the 1st scale Lionel Pere Marquette 1225 that was catalogued around 2009. I added the PE tender as soon as it was offered which is what it is now pulling. Lionel offered a newer version of this engine in their 2014 catalog which is the same as the Gold Edition running on the elevated track (though black).

RickM46RickM46OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Thanks a million!!

I am headed toward the Legacy version 6-11455 of the Pere Marquette of your steamer.  I want to create the PE as you have done including the tender.  The PE Tender would be icing on the cake. I found the Legacy model number for the PE tender - 6-11151.  Does it have any of the Tom Hanks crew talk on it as in the Polar Express Movie??

Thanks,

RickM46

Last edited by RickM46
FM Former Member

Towdog, there are elements of this project as we go forward that we will not post until we are finished. Good suggestion and we had already decided to go this direction. Gotta have some surprises.

 

Dennis, this is 100% a Chirstmas layout. The theme is a trip to the North Pole by way of the Polar Express. Our main layout has a winter theme included in it. We got an early start because that's what you do in Maine in winter with over 50" of snow on the ground.

FM Former Member

Big step forward today after more than a week working on Hugger Mountain. It is now ready for Elizabeth to work her magic with the painting. What a bear of a job. It is 24" wide and tapers back to the wall, 8 feet long, and goes up 4 feet above the layout. Much bigger job than I anticipated. We have to finish this project first before we can proceed with the rest of the layout's scenery.

 

Elizabeth had not been idle while I have been crafting the mountain. She has completed 56 elves on her way to over 200 for the center of the North Pole. Our ice field is ready to be installed next that should reflect the mountain very nicely that rises in the background.

 

Haven't  posted to this thread for awhile, so this is a good opportunity to let you all know we are working on it.

FM Former Member

"Oh Boy! 200 Elves! Can't wait to see that."

 

Actually, when you consider all of the Department 56 elves, there should be over 400 elves in the new Christmas layout.

 

We put a great deal of thought into the planning stages and have fine tuned them as the work has progressed. The basic plan and theme have not changed however.

 

Today, I hope to continue the work on the 160 ft. of curved arches that will line the elevated track on both sides. I have many of them done, but I have to do some customizing to accommodate the supports that hold the deck system up that are not all at the same distance, particularly around the curved end.

 

And with all of the snow we get to look at while we are working on the layout, it sure puts you on the mood to build a North Pole layout. 

Pine Creek RailroadPine Creek RailroadOGR Forum Member

Brian,

   You and Liz are on your way to having another great layout, you know how much I like Christmas layouts, even when we had the office/gameroom permanent train layout up, we had a Christmas layout in the formal living room.  Looks like you have put a lot of engineering thought into a complete Christmas room layout and she is shaping up real nicely.  I do wish you would consider a Tin Plate Christmas Train, it would be incredible

in your Christmas room with all the Elves!

Great job brother, always remember the Supreme Architect is watching, no doubt he approves 100%.

Would love to see some pictures of your complete Masonic Train running in the Christmas room some time.

PCRR/Dave

 

Our Christmas Box Car Train, this year.

DSCN1036

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K.C JonesK.C JonesOGR Forum Member
Your new layout is looking Great!!  
I can't think of a better way to combat cabin fever.!
With the weather you've been getting up in your neck of the woods- you can take your time....more snow is on its way!!!

.I think you found the key to fighting the Winter Blahs - knowing it's coming and strategizing in advance.

Thanks for posting.

K.C.
suzukovichsuzukovichOGR Forum Member

Brian

 

I have been following this great interest and yes I feel like a kid who is getting glimpses of his present but will not get it until the end of the year.. But that's ok, as this will be well worth the wait. I have a few question on wiring the buildings and street lights, but will send an email off line if its ok with you..

 

Doug

FM Former Member

Today we finally completed the work on Hugger Mountain. The gold Edition PE Berkshire was the first to make it through the finished tunnel. Santa dispatched his best engineering and construction elves to make this happen. Now with two different PE scale trains, Santa wanted a 2-track system to enter the North Pole. The elves did a magnificent job completing this work in record time.

 

Hope you enjoy the photo. 

 

 

gold edition & Hugger Mountain 001

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mike g.mike g.OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Brian and Elizabeth, I just got done reading your story here of your north pole and the great pictures you have been providing. I have to say you 2 have the in-site and Heart it takes to do such an wonderful job. Everyone here would be so proud to produce this for there own home, family and friends! Again GREAT JOB.

Mark BoyceMark BoyceOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Originally Posted by sawdust43:

Have you posted pictures of the elves or have I misses them..really would like to see them up close...thanks...Howard...

http://www.littleglitterhouses.com

Howard,

great web site.  I'll have to spend more time there.  Thanks!!

 

 

Brian,

Wow, Santa's engineer and construction elves really work fast and do a great job!!  I wonder if they use some of that magic elf dust?

FM Former Member

Hi Brian, you and Elizabeth are building an awesome layout!  The portals and mountain look like works or art.  All the best, Dave

 

PS -- While you are getting tons of snow,  our ski resorts here in Washington State have barely any snow and are mostly closed.  Its been 55 and sunny for the past week in Tacoma! 

FM Former Member

JL, we are used to lots of snow, so getting out for supplies is routine. But this year we could do with a lot less of this stuff.

 

Today was an assessment day, so we did not accomplish a great deal. Add to that snow removal when we got home, so we were fortunate that we accomplished anything on the layout. But Elizabeth wanted to build the forest in from of Hugger Mountain, so we accomplished that task and after dinner, the Caribou and reindeer also went into this area. Between the completion of Hugger Mountain and now the forest, Caribou and Reindeer, this part of the layout is really taking shape. Exciting to see.

J JohnJrOGR Forum Member

Hi Brian

very nice pic of your new mountain.

Two questions: I'm just about to start on my mountain, many different methods out there for constructing the superstructure. Would you care to share your method?

Second question has to do with your expertise with passenger trains. I've been looking for a good set of green Pullman cars with figures for my Santa Fe 3700 Class 4-8-2 Mountain to pull. I know Lionel and MTH have nothing in current inventory, any past offerings to look out for that you would suggest?

Looking forward to more pics!

Thanks

JohnJr

FM Former Member

John, I used 2" high density Styrofoam for the mountain. This was my first attempt at a mountain and we are both pleased at the result.

'For value, I would look for Lionel Heavyweight Santa Fe passenger cars that were done around 2004-2005 and again before 2010. They are not hard to d=find and came in  a4-pack, 2-pack, and Station Sounds diner.

Matthew B.Matthew B.OGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

Thanks Mario and Chris. When I get through with snow removal this morning, I will be working on the arched causeway system (160 ft.).

 

Ice Lake arrives tomorrow.

Keeping positive thoughts for two of our best inspirations. Take it easy and don't push it; with the snow removal or building the layout. I imagine this approaching temporary thaw may create more issues up your way.

FM Former Member

Finished the arched causeways today and getting ready to install them as soon as the lights arrive, hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday. Here is a photo of some of them drying after painting.

 

Also there is a photo of a special feature that will be revealed as we get further along.

 

 

causeway arches 002

causeway arches 003

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FM Former Member

"The compass is cool...if that is a stone tile"

 

Keith, you have a book that we have as well that has been a terrific guide to getting the details correct to correspond with the movie. In this case, I used a marble pattern self-adhesive tile for the area where the Center of the North Pole is located in the movie. It is very close to the surface they used for their images. The Nautical Compass plays an integral part of this scene and it really came out nice. More to follow as we progress.

SantaFeJimSantaFeJimOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

Ice Lake is now in place ready to lake beautiful reflections of the surrounding scenery. The elves are also quite happy about this as they have a beautiful smooth surface to skate upon. Click on photo to enlarge image.

 

 

ice lake 2 002

 

I am glad things are progressing so quickly, Christmas is only 10 months from today.

Sean's Train DepotSean's Train DepotOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

Ice Lake is now in place ready to lake beautiful reflections of the surrounding scenery. The elves are also quite happy about this as they have a beautiful smooth surface to skate upon. Click on photo to enlarge image.

 

 

ice lake 2 002

Wow that's really nice.  Is that a mirror you used for the lake?  Very creative.

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