well it’s almost that time of year and Im going to attempt my first christmas layout. I want to run 2 trains and have a few accessories and dept 56 buildings.
Does anyone have pictures from their past christmas layouts?
What did you guys use to build the layout on? Im going to put it on the floor (half under the tree and half not) and was thinking of using 2 inch foam board. Is this the best/quietest way to go?
Here’s a shot form last year…I did homasote…it was pretty quiet. I believe Soundstop is less expensive than homasote, and will achieve the same result. Both are designed for sound absorbtion. Foam is not intended to absorb sound, but should be OK if laid on the carpet. I am planning to use foam this year on top of a carpet pad.
Hope this helps,
Kurt
http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb282/anjdevil2/?action=view¤t=5fda6a77.pbw
I used 4X8 plywood with 1/2" foam glued to it. We layed out the board on the floor and centered the tree in the middle, then built around it. We made sure the crech was out front of the tree and the train went behind the tree twice.
This time around, we’ll try to elevate the back part of the layout with the Polar Express.
We usually use the Dept 56/LeMax and buildings from Lowes.
Here are a couple of ideas from our Christmas layout. A few years ago I decided to have the trains go under the tree and make space for everyones presents but still have the trains able to run. Like all layouts it is a work in progress each year new twists and additions.
Tunnel openings let you view the trains under the tree.
The basic track plan so trains & presents coexist w/ few problems.
The way things looked Christmas 2006.
Christmas 2006 with a train whizzing past.
A short 2-minute video of 2006 layout on YouTube. (Sorry about the video quality it was all done with a point and shoot digital still camera with 20 second video clip capability.)
Kevin T.
This is done on a 4 x 8 foot layout.
great layouts guys! I also have a 4 x 8 space avalable for the layout. Your layouts are pretty much what Im shooting for. I just have to decide on what material Im going to build it on. I like the homasote material for sound reasons because I want the layout to run quiet so its more enjoyable for the family. I also like the foam because I will be able to stick trees and secure track a lot easier than with a solid material.
Thanks for the help again. I hope to start getting materials together and start building it in the next few weeks so it will be ready right after thanksgiving. KEEP THE PICTURES COMING!!!
this is my basic layour from last year… nothing special, and just running on the floor… but it makes my son and I very happy… besides… everyone starts out running on the floor
That is all you need!
[#ditto]
Nothing better than Christmas tree lights and a train running around the trunk.
Once again, it appears I will not have any opportunity to revamp my Christmas layout this year. This time it’s due to my current client being in Virginia, meaning I have to drive (or fly) down to Charlottesville 3-4 days a week. Anyway, here’s a look at what my current Christmas layout is: 
Here’s our layout from last year. Placed right on the carpet. Buckeye was kind enough to share his idea of placing lights under the snow with me. I liked the effect. Not sure what’s on tap yet for this year. Only run one train. Simple oval with a passing siding. Every year, my son picks out an accessory, so I have kept the track simple to leave room for accessories. Kids who visit love the nutcracker gateman, the Royal Mounted Policeman who saves the helpless gal tied to the tracks, and switching tracks. That’s the best part, so I would always recommend keeping it simple with some interactive accessories.
I agree about having a lot of accessories. Im going to have a rotary beacon, semaphore, highway signal, street lights, a milk car and log car.
I want to have a town and then the north pole under the tree. I think Ill put my coal loader by the north pole as well [;)]