so here we go.  My general plan is to double the left side from 4x4 to 4x8.  I staged the left side bracket, added some supports, built a second bracket, then placed it in position.

Sweet!  You're right on target.

Mike

added casters to all of the legs.  going to be very helpful when placing track pieces.  will be able to move the benchwork away from the walls so that I can access from all sides

got the benchwork frames all set up and placed the foam on top.  the painted foam is what I used last year.  the unpainted green is new for this year.  realized that I did not account for floor space for plants which need the sunlight from that left corner.  so, going to have to flip this track plan horizontally.  the add-on 4x4 surface will have to move to the right side of the layout.  glad I started way early.

You know....I've never thought of or seen an elevated dog bone used for a Christmas Tree Layout before.

Works great and keeps the trains off the floor.....yet you can still add presents to the base of the tree.

Many of us wind up moving a couch to make way for the tree....which one would do for a dog bone like you did last year.

Brilliant.  Thanks for sharing.

Keep documenting that Christmas layout build, Garrett. Might be a very good candidate for the Dec. (2022) issue of O Gauge Railroading magazine. Just get in touch with me if you might be interested. Our 2021 issue is already in production, but I really like to plan ahead when it comes to seasonal magazine features.

@Berkshire President posted:

You know....I've never thought of or seen an elevated dog bone used for a Christmas Tree Layout before.

Works great and keeps the trains off the floor.....yet you can still add presents to the base of the tree.

Many of us wind up moving a couch to make way for the tree....which would for a dog bone like you did last year.

Brilliant.  Thanks for sharing.

I went with the dogbone concept at first because I could start building it in Oct or Nov.  We would get a live Xmas tree after Thanksgiving. I made the section in front a head of time.  just slide into position after the tree was in place.  My first dogbone layout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUXa4qVFwEA

However, problem- our older dog would stumble through it like Godzilla through Tokyo.  We could come home and find derailed train cars and broken ceramic buildings, LOL.  after that I lifted everthing up.  my first elevated layout was 2014.  it was smaller than what I have now (different house), but it is still one of my favorites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk7_b_cglMo

@Allan Miller posted:

Keep documenting that Christmas layout build, Garrett. Might be a very good candidate for the Dec. (2022) issue of O Gauge Railroading magazine. Just get in touch with me if you might be interested. Our 2021 issue is already in production, but I really like to plan ahead when it comes to seasonal magazine features.

Thanks.  If you have any photography or documentation tips, please share.  Right now I am focused on making daily forward progress and sharing with the forum.

A Question for the O.P. your forum handle begs me to ask if you have a Garrett in your collection? If so what scale?

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

A Question for the O.P. your forum handle begs me to ask if you have a Garrett in your collection? If so what scale?

no, never heard of it until you mentioned it

Looks great, Garrett!!

I got everything flipped over to the right side and started placing the track pieces

I am impressed you are getting started so early ahead of the Christmas rush.  Nice work so far!

Garrett, You have a nice space for your Christmas layout.  I lost my previous space to my wife's quilting operation.  I'm all in favor of her doing it.  She retires tomorrow.  Yippee!  She needs to get her mind off nursing and work on her hobby more.

In addition, I finally notice the chipped off edges of the foam in the final photograph.  I think that is a nice touch.  I agree, get with Allan Miller on doing an article.

as a friend of mine said, it's time for my wife to get a she-shed !

I tried to sculpt the edges of the foam to make it look more like a snow bank.  once the garland is in place like the pictures at the top then it really takes on a custom look with the lights and shadows

@Garrett76 posted:

as a friend of mine said, it's time for my wife to get a she-shed !

I tried to sculpt the edges of the foam to make it look more like a snow bank.  once the garland is in place like the pictures at the top then it really takes on a custom look with the lights and shadows

I used a hot wire kit from Hot Wire Foam Factory.  Worked like a charm

@Garrett76 posted:

as a friend of mine said, it's time for my wife to get a she-shed !

I tried to sculpt the edges of the foam to make it look more like a snow bank.  once the garland is in place like the pictures at the top then it really takes on a custom look with the lights and shadows

Our township only allows one outbuilding, and we have a shed with mower, snow blower, etc.  The only answer is to move!

@Garrett76 posted:

Thanks.  If you have any photography or documentation tips, please share.  Right now I am focused on making daily forward progress and sharing with the forum.

I will send you a copy of our Author Guidelines and Photo Tips sheet. Just document the heck out of everything you do with hi-res photos and I will work with you to put an article together. If we come up with a decent presentation (I'm confident we will), you will receive $400 for the article when it is published.

@Garrett76 posted:

"Garrett, pass the ketchup"

"No problem dear, I'll send it down to your end railway express"

John

@Craftech posted:

 

"Garrett, pass the ketchup"

"No problem dear, I'll send it down to your end railway express"

speaking of which, eveyone on the forum has probably seen this video, but it's always a good time to watch it again:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t475_VGa7EE

So You Want a Model Railroad - Joe McDoakes - 1955

@Garrett76 posted:

speaking of which, eveyone on the forum has probably seen this video, but it's always a good time to watch it again:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t475_VGa7EE

So You Want a Model Railroad - Joe McDoakes - 1955

"We couldn't afford a maid anymore, but Joe took care of that"

I love it.  Thanks for the video link Garrett.

John

I picked up this graduated trestle set (MTH product, specific model for use with Lionel Fastrack) at the local train store (Just Trains in Delaware).  it was my first experience with inclines and elevation.  pretty neat product.  the fit around the track is pretty snug.  I got a few bent fingernails trying to slide the pieces down the 30" fastrack straights.  I wised up and started pushing with the end of a sharpie marker.  otherwise, it was easy to setup

Garrett, the trestle kit made a nice job of adding the grades you wanted.

My first thought- it's a long way from the track down to the tile floor.  and the potential impact damage would make me very unhappy.  I need to add some plexi barriers to the side of the benchwork

love this loco and tender.  beatiful craftsmanship

I did discover some problems with the inclined track setup:

1) the loco and tender are heavy and cause the curved track to bend toward the outside of the curves (O36 Fastrack).  I'm not comfortable with any flex and don't want any part of the loco or cars to derail and tumble onto the ceramic items that will be below

2) the MTH pillars seem fine to support the end of the track where they join between 10" straights and the O36 curves.  however, there are weak spots where I have small straight pieces (1-3/8, 1-3/4, 5).  at one spot on the left, the track flex causes a break in power.  in the video below, you will see the loco stop on its climb.  have to work on some fixes

3) I am uncomfortable with the height of the track next to the edge of the benchwork.  call it a fear of heights.  I will have to add some protective measures to prevent a major crash in case of a derailment

https://youtu.be/DQ4vxyPVDU4

Under track supports.  Lionel Trestles have them.  Found this which may be helpful.

youtube.com/watch?v=HznyFYqpkdA

I wasn't crazy about the extra wide opening in the center area.  The top pic is the setup I used last year.  I had an extra large Christmas tree and still thought the space was too open.  So, back to the drawing board and saw horses for a new piece.  The 2" insulation from Lowe's is plenty firm for tracks and village houses.  Also, it's easy to shape.

Garrett, the curved edge on the front looks great!

Well done!

Peter

for my next trick, I am going to use this toolkit to make foam disappear from the edges of the layout.  it's very easy to use and satsifactory results are quickly achieved

I worked on the corners first

now the new sections all have edges carved to look like snow banks

Looks great, Garrett!!

now begins the tedious job of painting the edges.  I get by with some help from a friend

still painting

let there be light!

MTH red arch bridge with LED lights

I decided to change the track plan.  I'm now going with a single track on the right and a single track on the left.  This is the right side setup.

Maiden run on the layout.  Everything went well on the first few laps.  No power connection problems

Looks great, Garrett!

This is a neat thread - and really nice work, Garrett. It is so rare to have so much natural light to work with. The foam cutting thing gives a neat effect. My only suggestion is to go back to a single operating loop but keep the over and under; having the train traverse the entire span will lend interest to viewers - making it appear more of a journey.

Great layout work and excellent taste in music!

@Paul Kallus posted:

This is a neat thread - and really nice work, Garrett. It is so rare to have so much natural light to work with. The foam cutting thing gives a neat effect. My only suggestion is to go back to a single operating loop but keep the over and under; having the train traverse the entire span will lend interest to viewers - making it appear more of a journey.

yeah I had the same thought.  My past Christmas trains pulled about 20 cars.  A long train looks really nice traversing the layout.  But, I made the change for a few reasons which I will reveal later.  All good.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Garrett, You have a nice space for your Christmas layout.  I lost my previous space to my wife's quilting operation.  I'm all in favor of her doing it.  She retires tomorrow.  Yippee!  She needs to get her mind off nursing and work on her hobby more.

My Congrats to Nurse Boyce.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Thank you, Dallas!!

tonight's task was adding more piers under the elevated curves.  It really bothered me to see the O36 fastrack bending under the weight of the loco and tender.   Since I luckily purchased two of the MTH elevated trestle sets, I had plenty of extra piers to add.  Now, it's rock solid, and I have no fears about the train tipping over

here's a quick video of the layout with doubled trestle support

Very  Cool  Garrett  ! 

here's a closeup look at the MTH Operating Accessory 30-9120 Gabe the Lamplighter.  Some pics and then a video:

the LionChief Plus locomotive and tender

candy candy candy

and a video

Awesome candy train: Trains and candy make the season even brighter That Lionchiefplus engine is neat - good that it has speed control to tackle those grades.

I see that you are using the Dept 56 O Little Town of Bethlehem initial set of buildings.  I have picked up one of those and a couple others from the series for my layout this year.  When I get the detailed finalized, I'll post a pic on another thread.  But I wanted to let you know I appreciate that aspect of your layout.

@Paul Kallus posted:

Awesome candy train: Trains and candy make the season even brighter That Lionchiefplus engine is neat - good that it has speed control to tackle those grades.

some of those candy cars are quite heavy and the uphill grade is steep.  the LionChief Plus Odyssey cruise control feature is perfect.

@palallin posted:

I see that you are using the Dept 56 O Little Town of Bethlehem initial set of buildings.  I have picked up one of those and a couple others from the series for my layout this year.  When I get the detailed finalized, I'll post a pic on another thread.  But I wanted to let you know I appreciate that aspect of your layout.

thank you, sir.  it's easy to get caught up in all the hoopla, but Jesus is the reason for the Season

working on the backdrop.  a first for me.  I am using 1-1/2" foam.  It's sturdy and easy to handle.

PE train and MTH Nativity train.....

the backdrop is the most time-consuming element in the entire layout.  I made a piece for the middle section in the back.  also had to make some length adjustments to the other back pieces.  I am painting two coats of blue as a base sky color then will add some other hues to achieve the desired look.  the overall length is about 19'

Very nice!  Coming along well!

here's a closer look at the backdrop construction.  A night sky backdrop for my Christmas layout has been on my to-do list for several years.  I wanted to incorporate the look of a quilt and star elements to give this a really custom and cozy look.  I think that it will look fantastic when the layout is finished and the backdrop is lit only by the lights of the Christmas tree.

the first step is to mark the vertical lines with a level while the foam is attached to the table.   I make a few other reference marks then remove the foam and place on a table.  Then, I map out 4" squares.  Then, I sketch the quilt pattern.

the second step is to apply paint.  actually, I already applied 2 coats of blue before marking with pencil.  I used four colors- a medium blue, slightly darker blue, gray, and lavender.  I wanted to use colors that might be found in the twilight sky and complement each other in a custom quilt pattern.

Like I mentioned before, a unique backdrop has been on my to-do list for several years.  I think this turned out really well.  I finished the first panel today and it took HOURS of painting.  I think it's worth it, though.  This is going to look awesome illuminated at night by the Christmas tree lights.

let there be light!

the traditional Christmas village is shaping up nicely

Garrett, the live nativity and Bethlehem buildings are great!  All the scenes on the layout look great!  Very well done.

ok, I'm calling this done.  Had an open house today and was happy with the overall presentation.  I'll post some pics here and then two videos in follow-on posts

left side train - Strasburg Railroad passenger set.  This was my first train set purchased in 2011 at a local now closed LHS

right side - the LionChief Plus North Pole Central locomotive and tender pull the candy cars and cookies & milk cars.  This loco is a beast thanks to the weighty metal construction and Odyssey speed control.  It handles the incline with no issues

Excellent, Garrett!

here's a spotlight post on the MTH red arch bridge with Christmas lights.  It looks really impressive with the lights on and is still great looking when the lights are off.  Bought this a few years ago from Just Trains in Delaware.  This is the first time using it in a layout, and I should have used it sooner.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Excellent, Garrett!

thank you, sir!

in the next few posts, I will spotlight some features around the layout

first is a shelf for the transformers and remote controls.  this is the first time I built a specific place for the transformers.  it is very helpful to keep things organized and off the floor

Looks great!  The older I get, the less I like the floor.

spotlight on the control panels for the 10 operating accessories on the layout.  I used arcade game buttons and mounted them on some 1x5 lumber

spotlight on Rotating Aircraft Beacon Operating Accessory

spotlight on Frank's Hot Dot Stand Operating Accessory

spotlight on Crossing Flashers and Bell.  I have to fix the wiring on the right flasher

spotlight on Switch Control Tower Operating Accessory

@Garrett76 posted:

spotlight on the control panels for the 10 operating accessories on the layout.  I used arcade game buttons and mounted them on some 1x5 lumber

Excellent idea, well-executed! 

@Garrett76 posted:

in the next few posts, I will spotlight some features around the layout

first is a shelf for the transformers and remote controls.  this is the first time I built a specific place for the transformers.  it is very helpful to keep things organized and off the floor

This is soooo much a Mark Boyce THING. .......which is of course a good THING.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Looks great!  The older I get, the less I like the floor.

This is your THING Mark..........which is, of course is a good THING.

Dallas, you are so right!!    I spent too much time on my knees crawling around working on electronic equipment.  I even laid on the cold concrete floors and steel grates so I could see what I was doing on equipment mounted 6 inches off the floor.  I hurt my shoulders reaching above my head as well, when I couldn't climb into the cable trough.   When I was 51, I moved into engineering, and I always tried to design equipment to be mounted above the knees but no higher than eye level, just to help the guys out.  (It was kind of like mounting the equipment in the strike zone!!)    Now at age 65, I wish I hadn't had to crawl and kneel so much! 

Sorry to digress, Garrett!  I never want to stop encouraging middle age guys to think like you are in getting off the floor.  All of your spotlights look great!  Excellent layout.

That came out great! I like the presents underneath which act as skirting.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Dallas, you are so right!!    I spent too much time on my knees crawling around working on electronic equipment.  I even laid on the cold concrete floors and steel grates so I could see what I was doing on equipment mounted 6 inches off the floor.  I hurt my shoulders reaching above my head as well, when I couldn't climb into the cable trough.   When I was 51, I moved into engineering, and I always tried to design equipment to be mounted above the knees but no higher than eye level, just to help the guys out.  (It was kind of like mounting the equipment in the strike zone!!)    Now at age 65, I wish I hadn't had to so much! 

Sorry to digress, Garrett!  I never want to stop encouraging middle age guys to think like you are in getting off the floor.  All of your spotlights look great!  Excellent layout.

You are da man Mark.😉

@Mark Boyce posted:

Dallas, you are so right!!    I spent too much time on my knees crawling around working on electronic equipment.  I even laid on the cold concrete floors and steel grates so I could see what I was doing on equipment mounted 6 inches off the floor.  I hurt my shoulders reaching above my head as well, when I couldn't climb into the cable trough.   When I was 51, I moved into engineering, and I always tried to design equipment to be mounted above the knees but no higher than eye level, just to help the guys out.  (It was kind of like mounting the equipment in the strike zone!!)    Now at age 65, I wish I hadn't had to crawl and kneel so much! 

Sorry to digress, Garrett!  I never want to stop encouraging middle age guys to think like you are in getting off the floor.  All of your spotlights look great!  Excellent layout.

discussion of back pain is on target for this project.  my back was KILLING me after painting the backdrop.  sitting in a non-ergonomic chair and hunching over caused me acute lower back pain that lasted for days.  then while that was going on, I was on the tile floor under the layout and wiring the operating accessories.  now I have broad based muscle aches and pains that cause me to wince every time I go over a bump in the road.  It's all wearing off but will definitely try to do things differently if there is a next time, lol

spotlight on the Buy War Bonds Billboard operating accessory

spotlight on the Nutcracker Auto Gateman

spotlight on the Water Tower operating accessory

spotlight on the Bump-n-Go Trolley operating accessory

spotlight on Gabe the Lamplighter operating accessory

and the final operating accessory on the layout- the ice skaters

we had an open house Christmas party last weekend and the operating accessories got quite a workout.  I would say each item was called into action at least 50 times, so all total about 500 activations on the layout in 2 days.  Everyone seemed to have pleasant enjoyment playing with the old school tech

I'm glad the layout was a big hit!!

@Garrett76 posted:

discussion of back pain is on target for this project.  my back was KILLING me after painting the backdrop.  sitting in a non-ergonomic chair and hunching over caused me acute lower back pain that lasted for days.  then while that was going on, I was on the tile floor under the layout and wiring the operating accessories.  now I have broad based muscle aches and pains that cause me to wince every time I go over a bump in the road.  It's all wearing off but will definitely try to do things differently if there is a next time, lol

Garrett , you can be happy at least in knowing how much you have sacrificed for thr hobby .

here's a video tour of the whole setup

Excellent job, Garrett!!  Very festive!

here's a tour around the layout at night

Outstanding work, Garrett!

Great Christmas layout!   Think Im about done with floor Christmas layouts myself.  At 75 its just to much getting up and down.  I admire your ability and getting started early.  
This was last years, simplified from previous year, only one track circle and a back/forth trolley.

I'm working on tear down of the benchwork and thought I would share some info about the underside wiring.

There are two sets of wiring, one for the right side track and one for the operating accessories across both sides.

For the right side track, I fed the Lionel terminal wires through this hole in the foam.  The the wires connected to a piece of Fastrack.

Underneath, the Lionel wires were held fast in the teeth of some alligator clips

The alligator clips were connected to two very long wires which ran the length of the table

At the far left end of the layout, the wires were connected to the Accessory Posts on a Lionel CW-80 transformer.  I used the Accessory Posts for constant voltage out to power the Fastrack.  My Christmas loco is a LionChief+ unit and it runs on constant track power

The loco is on a transformer shelf for easy access and ergonomics

I'm an amateur at wiring and working with electricity.  The takeaway for new hobbyists is that it is very easy to wire a loop of track even from a long distance away.