This is an updated variation on my standard Christmas build. I've done this in O-27 and in MTH O-31. This year I'll be disassembling the MTH layout and rebuilding a little larger. It will be almost 6 feet by 5 feet. We got a taller / wider tree a couple of years ago and the wife asked for it to be a "little bit taller", so I put together a 2x4 base. That made it to large for the opening I had in the center of the legacy layout. Last year I just did a layout on the floor while considering options.
So time for a rebuild. I'm also going to make this in two halves for easier storage down the basement steps. More space also allows for a passing siding in the back. I like running two trains, but I always faced the "Gomez Adams two trains head-to-head" in switching one from the inside to the outside. Or, if I wanted it to run one train in the 3 times around mode I had to remove a train. So new opportunities all around. I also got some new LED lights for the buildings. In prior years they were the standard incandescent candle bulb that got hot. Plus to add some extra play for my boys who are all teenagers now, I got an MTH coal crane to lift M&M's into awaiting cars.
For the base I'm going to get some 1-inch 4x8 foam sheets and glue either a plywood or a masonite board on top. I like being able to screw down the track so this lasts over the years. The foam on the bottom is new as we have hardwood floors now and I want to provide both some sound deadening and scratch free surface on the floor. I've attached the SCARM for those who are interested.
Feel free to add your pictures of your 2020 Christmas layout here, I don't mind at all!
