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My reasons for not doing one.

 

1) I've only recently started to get into the holiday.  My interest is still pretty minimal. 

 

2) The Christmas layout is one thing as more people are over to see it.  But unless I put the layout out in the front of the house for the trick-or-treaters to see, it's not worth the effort. 

 

3) I am also reluctant to dive into another holiday as I already have way too many trains and buildings for my Christmas layout.  For space and money reasons, I just do not want to go down the road of another holiday.

 

4) Putting up a Halloween layout would lessen my excitement for doing my Christmas one.  I don't have a permanent layout so my Christmas layout is it for the year.

 

But if I ever get an Area 51 set I could see it being a good time of the year to take that out to run. 

 

In the meantime, I'll appreciate watching others post pictures of their layouts.  Keep them coming.

I have a bunch of Lionel Halloween goodies (including a couple of Zombie items). I have two Lionel Halloween Peanuts cars.

 

I do regret that I did not get the vampire blood transfusion bunker car or the other vampire/transylvania Lionel offerings (like the blood bank tanker car).

 

But I also have a nice collection of Lemax Spookytown buildings and accessories. I intend to set up a nifty Halloween set up in a week or two. I will post photos when I get it all done. 

 

I overdid it last year with the Halloween layout but it was a pretty easy transition to take down the Spooky Town buildings and Carnival rides and replace with Christmas Village, North Pole and snow.  The track layout is unchanged.

 

The worst part is having to store all of the buildings and rides.

The best part is having kids, dogs, cats, family, friends and neighbors enjoy both seasons. 

Originally Posted by towdog:

My reasons for not doing one.

 


 

4) Putting up a Halloween layout would lessen my excitement for doing my Christmas one.  I don't have a permanent layout so my Christmas layout is it for the year.

towdog: I'm going to start showing my Halloween setup in the weekly photo fun thread.  I too only have a Christmas layout so we  have that in common.  As you'll see in the upcoming threads, a Halloween scene is possible on a Christmas layout without it being the entire layout.

 

I'd show them here but then I won't have unique pictures left for Scott's photo fun threads each week.

 

- walt

Last edited by walt rapp
You're lucky, I never got a trick or treater on Christmas! Seriously, we get about 120 kids each year, so I decided to put up a 4'X4' platform in the driveway with a loop and my son Mark's Transylvania set. I have the framework made, and I'm going to use 1" blue foam board on the top and bottom. I'm getting a 4'X 8' sheet, so I'll just use the other half up. The wife and I will hit the dollar store to see what kind of spooky items we can find.Don

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Yeah, I have to admit, I never realized there was a market for that stuff, but now that I see how it's done I guess I can understand it. Seems like some people use it to show off their trains to trick or treaters. Too bad no one comes around - we're not in a neighborhood that has any trick or treat traffic so we don't get anyone at the door.

So many amazing layouts!  I'm inspired every day when I read this forum!  Although it may not be much of a "layout", I'm using a none working locomotive and some old spare cars I wasn't going to use anyway and made a Halloween Train for the entryway.  I'm going to put some black poster board as a background and my kids will draw haunted houses on it.  I'll have to do something to cover the table too.  This is what I love about this hobby,  so many chances to include the kids!

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I'm wanting to build a small layout like this for my
Daughter. She loves Halloween... I know it's an old 
Post but I was just checking to see the size
If you don't mind? And are those 0-36 curves ? 
Thanks 
 
 
Gilly@N&W posted:

Been doing this since 2009 with inspiration from Jim Policastro. This is a very popular attraction at our modular club displays during the fall. This is the 5th year, and in general it has held up quite well.

PICT3139

PICT3123

Gilly

 

Last edited by Railfamily11
Railfam
If you don't mind? And are those 0-36 curves ? 
Thanks 
 Yes, it's 036 FasTrack. The overall dimensions are more on the order of 42"x 60". My layout was inspired by the Jim Policastro's article and his posts here.
If you're interested in my layout, drop me an email. I'm in Richmond, Va. Close enough if you want to work a deal.

 

 

Last edited by Gilly@N&W

I have a section of my layout just Halloween themed, a transition between normal people and zombies taking over, with lots of colorful adornments. I keep adding little items as I come across something I like, but space is getting crowded, can't fit everything, including all different train cars. I do have small 'hitch-hiking ghosts' from the Disney ride.

Silver Lake posted:
More trick or treaters come to my house on Halloween than come to my house for Christmas.

 I think it's been over ten years since I've seen any carolers on Christmas eve.

The last really "good" group in the"1980's" .

    I remember using up two bottles of brandy, and half a bottle of whiskey some years as the caroling groups seldom wanted a soda, coffee, or hot cocoa

Halloween isn't faring much better really; kinda dead ...

  Maybe , I'll finish a new space layout in time, but I usually throw some stuff together for every holiday I'm at home anyhow. Figures that "don't fit" do great on All Hollows Eve; Robbie & B-9 robots are going to have to keep track here..... Soldiers from the 1700's, to the 70's, Cowboys, Indians, and an African warrior mingle.  "Little People" show up, with a bag piping Scott, and his girl. #53 (Herbie the Love bug) stops to let a ballerina," The Tick and Arthur" cross the street, Herman Munster squeezes his horn at them as Grandpas Casket racer screams it's way around them all. 3 Wise Men, a reindeer, and Santa wait patiently..(they crash the party as often as Scooby Doo & Shaggy). Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster,  "Godzilla Jr", The Mummy, and a skeleton have a new mine shaft to play in. And the giant rats & other animals that sprout from eating "The Food of the Gods" can now sip from my new tank. P1010037King Kong better not get any bright idea's.

  The Marvin the Martian Mars War Bonnet rocket train, and the alien robots, aren't forgotten.

 Hey, I have a cool idea for a disappearing tunnel

the Cube train

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Gilly@N&W posted:

Been doing this since 2009 with inspiration from Jim Policastro. This is a very popular attraction at our modular club displays during the fall. This is the 5th year, and in general it has held up quite well.

 

PICT3139

PICT3123

 

 

Gilly

So this year I am planning on making my first Halloween themed layout.  In fact I would consider this my first real display layout outside of Christmas projects.  I love what Gilly has done here.  

Is anyone else thinking about a Halloween layout for this year?  Would you be willing to set it outside on Halloween for passer's by to see?  If not where would you display it?

I have an engine on order and plan to redecorate some less expensive cars for the theme.  I have a few different accessories already on hand and am keeping my eyes open for more.

To make a small display like this, what is a good starting point?  This looks like it was made from 2" foam insulation.  I love the look but don't know how to replicate the shading on the gray/white edges.

 

What are your thoughts looking ahead to All Hallow's Eve?

JZ

JZ,

Here are a few shots of the original layout in OGR several years ago. It was the one that Gilly improved on quite a bit with his version.

Like you said, it's just 2" thick styrofoam glued up and hacked on with a steak knife until it looked sort of like rock. The shading on the rock work is done by dry brushing. That is, paint it gray; let it dry; then whisk a brush with just a little bit of off-white color paint across the surface to bring out the highlights.

It's a lot of fun when you get into it.

The original was about 40" x 60" with O36 Fastrack as I remember. It was actually two-sided with a more conventional autumn scene on one side and Halloween on the other.

As far as displaying a layout on Halloween night, some have set up a similar display on a front porch where trick or treaters can see it on their way to the goodies.

OGRHallow 005OGRHallow 006OGRHallow 007OGRHallow 009OGRHallow 010OGRHallow 012OGRHallow 052

Here is the other side that was shown on the cover of OGR that Sean007 posted earlier in this thread:

OGRHallow 030

OGRHallow 027

Jim

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Last edited by Jim Policastro

Jim P. Thank you so much for posting these pictures!!  I intend to get material for the base before the week is out and get started soon.  With having small children to care for I want to get started soon as everything takes about 3 times as long as expected.

EddieZ,

I love the Lego's.  I have the same haunted house and was planning on using it as well ��.

 I will post progress on this thread as hopefully it will inspire others and I can learn some things along the way!

JZ

This is the layout we use every year with minor changes taking place just to freshen things up a bit. We use backdrops so the garage is as dark as safely as possible. Don't want any ghouls or goblins tripping or falling over anything. Don't know if it's a bigger hit with the kiddos or their parents. The show starts about 6pm and goes til either the candy or the trick or treaters  run out. 

This will be my 2nd year of having a Halloween layout. I keep mine on the sunroom in the back of my house on a 4'x8' plywood table but am contemplating having a second one in the foyer that goes around the candy bowl.  Not quite ready to move outside yet, although may consider it for 2018 if I can find an easy enough to move table.  

The sound effects on the Peanuts Halloween train are great.  For $140, I may buy a second one and kit bash it (spray paint over the peanuts markings on the loco and tender).  

 

Attached are some kit bashing Items I did on an o scale gondola, some gondola coil covers and some lcl containers I had vinyl lettering applied to.  Also, I had  a rectangle box made with orange spool on a 3D printer to haul pumpkins   They fit nicely inside a gondola   

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Smoke Stack Lightnin posted:

You guys have inspired me to set up a small Halloween display. I’ll surprise the wife, and hopefully not need to have any part of it surgically removed!

Go for it!  I did last year and learned a ton.  Had a great time too.  This year I plan on dusting it off and using it again.  I also plant to take it to the Cub scout Halloween party.  I am hoping it's a big hit.  See my thread from 2017.

I'm about to start my very 1st train layout. Which will be a Halloween layout. And yes, it'll be mine year round, my ONLY layout at this point.  I have a 4X8 sheet of plywood for this project to be based on. Does the track and the landscape, scenery, etc... bolt directly to the plywood? Or, is the a 4X8 foam board that goes on top of the plywood before starting the building of the layout?

Last edited by Punkrockpub

lots of different opinions and options on how to start.

Some use foam on top of the plywood, some use acoustic ceiling tiles, some use homosote and I assume some use nothing and lots of other options I probably didn't mention.

Also, what type of track are you using? 

Best to use the search feature and read up on peoples thoughts, pros and cons of each etc etc.

 

IMO, I would screw your plywood to the frame and then put acoustic ceiling tiles on top of the plywood.

I find the ceiling tiles hold screws and paint well, besides deadening the noise/drumming of the engines/rolling stock.

There was a recent post on this with lots of good, various input on different methods used, pros/cons etc.

I think it really depends on the individual. 

I can jump on top of my layout with no issues, other people would consider this a waste of money, it really depends on what you want.

   Last years thread by JHZ563 has more meat on it. This one has been edited severely over time for some odd reason, no debates I recall.. too much focus on toyish, space, fantasy for somebody's tastes?

 New track of any type is awesome to run on. If you insist on vintage you might try Tinmans used & refurbished track.  

  Tube track can be had new pretty reasonably. O is taller, thicker metal, and has fatter pins than O-27", turnouts etc are a bit more costly than 0-27. You can use adaptor pins, force, and pliers to MAKE them play together . Newer and bigger trains often need 36" diameter min..  One cheap priced but good option is Menards O, about $50 for a circle delivered two summers ago . Order online or order at a store. A traditional look, etc etc. Shopping will pay off.

  Ive not used ceiling tile on a layout, but I bet Ive cut and installed a semi truck full. The right tile and it would be ok flat, or cut to a roadbed shape but indoors only... 

I did green foam. With a few 5"x5" support boards to throw under hands and knees it took my 200lb crawls. A palm will dent it under weight. 

  There was 2-4" thick foam, I'd consider that alone. Slightly bulky, but light weight and moisture proof, raised enough the smallest ghost can see, but likely not walk on or grab at.....though a "fencing off" might also be a good idea for outside and not on a table. A plywood bottom is optional on the thick foam.

Ceiling tiles do not like moisture at all. Thick foam could sit alone on a damp lawn.

   I'd try gluing the tile or foam witha soft bonding glue and T pin and/or caulk the ties in place. (removal should be pretty easy if need be) Screws and really any other solid connection transmits the most sound to the wood. The sound is transmitted via air to the floor after that. Carpet is another defense against noise vs a hard  floor.

 The rest is reflective noise off the top. Scenery and soft ground cover actually quiets things up on top.

I used 1x3's and 1x4's for an L-Girder bench work toped with 1/2" plywood and 2x3 legs. This gave it plenty of rigidity to move around the garage on steel casters . The plywood was then topped with  1/2" x4x8 "Sound Board" from Lowes. The same material as the ceiling tiles but a lot cheaper at the time and it holds a screw quite well as long as you don't go crazy and torque it down to tight. Attached with short drywall screws to the plywood, but it will require a good  primer before starting your track work and scenery.

  

Jim R. posted:

Let’s not get this thread off on a tangent about how to build a layout in general. Start a new thread so the information can more easily be found by others with the same question.

Plus, it would be nice is this thread stayed focus on examples of Halloween layouts. 

Totally agree with Jim, kind of why I was pointing original poster to check out previous threads.

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I give Lionel credit for jumping onto the Halloween bandwagon, which reflects their understanding that Halloween is now the second biggest holiday (in terms of consumer expenditures) right behind Christmas.  That stated, I suspect Halloween themed layouts are likely to at best remain a limited and short seasonal niche, where the key suppliers to enthusiasts are Lionel and Department 57.      

Hi Dan

I agree wrt Lionel jumping on the bandwagon, it was a good idea. They must be making money on it as the "halloween line" has been out/continuing now for what 15 years? That and MTH also jumped on the money train.

Not sure about the seasonal layout, I've heard of a few in my town that are up or part of the permanent layout.

Department 57 has some nice stuff but the "early" lemax spookytown stuff is also great. I say early because the stuff the last few years seems to have been cost reduced/made smaller.

 

Ottawa_Marc posted:

Hi Dan

I agree wrt Lionel jumping on the bandwagon, it was a good idea. They must be making money on it as the "halloween line" has been out/continuing now for what 15 years? That and MTH also jumped on the money train.

Not sure about the seasonal layout, I've heard of a few in my town that are up or part of the permanent layout.

Department 57 has some nice stuff but the "early" lemax spookytown stuff is also great. I say early because the stuff the last few years seems to have been cost reduced/made smaller.

 

I noticed that, too. My Halloween layout has Lemax buildings made prior to 2002, and at the time they were quite the bargain for even the large animated-lighting buildings, like Greaves Manor (as seen on the hilltop on my layout below).

I find Lemax works best with O-27 layouts and traditional-sized trains because of their size.

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Jim R. posted:
Ottawa_Marc posted:

Department 57 has some nice stuff but the "early" lemax spookytown stuff is also great. I say early because the stuff the last few years seems to have been cost reduced/made smaller.

I find Lemax works best with O-27 layouts and traditional-sized trains because of their size.

 

You could almost use the new buildings on HO. I was excited to see the pumpkin water tower on the website but when I saw it in person I was very surprised at how small it was. Oh well, time to kitbash I guess. 

 

       It wouldn't be Halloween without an Erie loco       IMG_20171015_123635IMG_20170920_021628~2IMG_20171007_2250371534274746799IMG_20171015_190844[1)                                                                             Coffin Tender

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Skeleton log car

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The Cult of Brady

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Sheldon beware!                   Somewhere between "Nightmare" & "Beetlejuice" 

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Your gonna need a bigger boa..... crane; you'll need a crane 1534276387020

The bat was wired to the caboose; chasing it.1534276065265

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Last edited by Adriatic
Ottawa_Marc posted:

One of my Halloween consists from this morning. General has a hard time with it though.20180815_072350

Nice pics, Marc!   I have the same Transylvania Railroad General & most of the same cars as you.  I also have found that the general isn't great at pulling more than about 6-8 cars, especially if they are heaver ones with "aquarium innards," from Lionel or MTH.  (The MTH aquarium cars are really heavy!) 

 

Last edited by RadioRon

Ed, what are the two cylinders at the table's edge? One looks like a giant purple coffee mug, the other a big fire cracker.

  I like the big figures. They kept me busy at the local home improvement store for an hour playing with them all .  I was actually doing my own 20-30 years ago using life sized science models and car door lock solonoids.

I also immediately noticed the Oriental sails .  I find them facinating for some reason , especially on junks. 

"Birdie" used to be my vans 3rd brake light and extra turn signal in my rear window around this time of year. Braking makes his jaw drop and led eyes light up. (This was just a manual operation for fun) He can also be wired to one of the crossing gate triggers.

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bestSkullSing

Adriatic, if you check out the video, those are called Remo Thunder Tubes.  I have a sound activated strobe light so when people come to visit they shake the tubes to create a sound like thunder to make the lightning effect.  We found the two figures at the local HomeDepot after Halloween and for $20 each, couldn't resist.  The oriental buildings and ship are part of the Lego Ninjago series.  We decided to go with a water theme/sea monsters this year.

Birdie is a "Keeper" 

https://youtu.be/SXAf7Hzbccw

Video play is hit and miss for me, I get throttled pretty hard at times. I can load "regular" data of larger size faster...???.   I'll make it a point to watch the next time Netflix isn't buggering up the works around here

REMO...The name seems familiar. Isn't that a vintage mfg. from the 60's... The company Curt Russel started his carrier with; a spy toy ad... Mighty Mites, Mr Machine, etc..

Birdie was fun. The eyes need to be lit for full effect though. It could be pitch black and suddenly you saw his red eyes highlighting the bone, "screaming" at you to stop.

His mouth is too small for anything HO or larger   I think I HAVE to get him down again now

I brought him down to play yesterday. His coil plunger head broke off in just a few cycles, lettin the recoil spring loose, but a junk screw retains it now. I bet the rest of the plastic lock mech fails in 5 more years; dryrotting away. 

I'm thinking I could whip up some shoulders, an arm and hand on a throttle.

Wondering if my engineer caps will fit him ? ..dead engineer's caps actually  

Spõõky  

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These are some very great train displays fellows!!! I've decided to keep my Halloween trains up all year long. I plan to cut my 4X8 plywood sheet in a classic "coffin" shape then, hopefully, come up with a decent track plan and possibly putting a 1/43rd scale slot car set on it as well!!! I have some 1/43 scale hearses that I can convert to slot cars!! I know my layout will have to be basic because of both train & slot cars on the same board. Any thoughts or suggestions will greatly be apprecieated.

These came with hilly track and/or a jump ramp originally. I think slot cars call for the figure 8 derby track or a track jumping a figure 8 of tracks. Bonus points for anti collision control I don't think making a crossing(s) would be too hard. If I only knew what I know now back when I was 8 Train current can't hit the slot rails or visa versa so speed and a jumplike transition over an isolated section is kinda needed for the slots. The trains roller spread and wheel base should be enough to bridge the isolated "dead" section decently. Of course if you want to get nuts with sensors and processing that's possible too. Hoping this post brings on the attachment tool. I jammed a stick in his mouth so he couldn't bite me... again... and dressed birdie for a new job.

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