First time post and new to train layout. I finally decided on the Lionel Polar Express starter set. I want to create a track layout under the Christmas tree and downloaded the Holidays and Toy Trains pdf with the “3 times around the tree” article. For those who have seen this cookie cutter layout, is this too ambitious for a newbie? Since the starter set comes with fast track, should I build on that, go with the article suggestion of k-line tubular, or something else? Another concern was Neil Besougloff’s comment about using a starter set with cruise-control b/c of the grades. The Polar Express Set does not have this function. Also, I would probably not create the lake. Any comments would be most appreciated.
Hmmm, first train set? I would suggest something simple in a track plan to start. sort of get the feel of things first. Keek it simple till you get the hang of it. FasTrack would be the best way to go as a lot of equiptment is being made to run on that curve size. But there are many 027 and 032 layouts still going strong. Just have fun.
Tony…[#welcome]. Personally, I have to agree with your first choice in a train set, the Polar Express, with its ties to older trains (steam) and what has become a Christmas movie classic. I have to strongly agree with Sir James suggestion…set up something simple under your tree and enjoy running them for the holidays while thinking about next steps. The FasTrack looks more realistic than tubular track and is easy to work with. If you have them, mix the trains and under-the-tree decorations you have, like Christmas village pieces, lighted village buildings, or, whimsically, a nativity scene. The wise men would have taken the train and left the camels at home if they had checked the train routes and schedules. [:D]
PE set is a good choice for a first set. I agree with the others regarding KISS principals and use of a floor friendly track system for around the Christmas tree. I’ve switched to a large oval of O-72 FastTrack for the HE set I use for the Christams layout. People can walk on it without breaking the track, the road bed keeps carpet debris out of the gear train and oil/lube/smoke fluid out of the carpet. There have been photo’s posted of some rather elaborate floor layouts over the years, some look like they’ve taken over the living/family rooms[:)] Good luck and enjoy the train set and the holidays.
Thanks for the feedback everyone! Yes, I may be getting in over my head with this layout. Im pretty handy with power tools and woodworking, but like you said, I need to enjoy and experiment. However, I may add some switches and more track. Perhaps an inner passing loop and a siding. I do want to create a destination and a task. For example, start in a small Christmas village (Lemax, Department 56), pick up the children and head to the North Pole where santa and some elves are waiting (directly under the tree). Along the way, have the train stop and dump some logs or candy canes (dump car from Lionel.) I can spread a white sheet to create snow, add some model pine trees, etc. Also, everything will be sitting on a hardwood floor.
RockIsland, the nativity scene is a great idea! My wife would especially love that.
Chuck, what is “KISS principals”?
Also, my wife works for Norfolk Southern and wants me to add a NS diesel. Lionel and MTH have an expensive O scale version that looks amazing. Bachmann also has a less expensive version. Any thoughts?
Tony, [#welcome] to the forum. Sounds like you have a great plan, will definetely be fun. If you have any questions there are a lot of guys here with plenty of information, don’t be shy. And don’t forget to take some pictures, it would be nice to see them here also.
Welcome Tony! I think you would be well pleased with the Williams engine. In general, they are not as ‘realistic’ as the more expensive ones, but are great runners - I’m unsure which NS engine as Williams offers more than one in those colors - check on the Bachman Williams website to make sure the one you pick will run through “027” curved track pieces that came with your set.
I have perused the Holiday pdf; I think you may eventually build up to something like that.
About 20 years ago, my wife was most unhappy with my unannounced pre-emptive invasion of HER SPACE with my trains around the tree. I patiently waited until she went out shopping to hatch my plan, dropped an 8’ X 4’ plywood board down covered with a white sheet, and then set the tree up in the stand. After all, she had told me to place the tree in the stand while she was out and get out the lights, ornaments, and the rest of the Christmas paraphanalia… And I did exactly what she requested, and then some.
By the time she returned, I had the simple track loop completed and wired, old ZW ready to go. Just no trains. Then the DISCUSSION started.
“Where are we going to put all my lighted village pieces?” “Under the tree with the trains, a traditional town scene.” “Where are we going to put all of the presents? They are supposed to go under the tree.” “Over in that empty unused area in the corner.” “You didn’t tell me you were going to haul out your old trains this year!” Then I hit her with the knock-out punch…“Look, I’m giving the little monster a Lionel starter freight train set for Christmas. How can you deny him that joy?” [:-^] That was before the phrase “It’s for the children.”
She set up her precious ceramic lighted village pieces while I furiously swapped out the green extension chords with white ones so they could be hidden more easily. Added power strips to control all of the lighted houses, window candles, and tree lights. Power on/off at the flip of a couple of switches, transformer plugged directly into the wall socket.
Everyone knows my wife is the decorating genius in the house. The coup de gras were all of the compliments she received from family and friends who spent most of their time when v
I would not go with a layout with any grades using the Polar Express layout under the Christmas tree. Grades will require constant adjustment of power to the track on a non-cruise engine. I prefer a simple flat oval under the tree. That way you can leave the train running unattended.
O-Gauge trains are a wonderful, adictive hobby. Good luck on your adventure.
The PE is a great starter set. Lots of add on cars and figurines that can be added - Hot Chocolate car, baggage car, etc.
To make your holiday experience the best - note that PE owners have had problems with the smoke unit in these engines. To fix it … if yours has a problem, refer to this link below:
Another FYI - liquid scented smoke can add to the enjoyment of running your train. There is Christmas scent, Cinnamon, Coal, Apple Pie, … and many more.
I think the layout in the Dec. 08 CTT. the train set to layout article is perfect. I wish it came out soon I would have used it for my layout but I decided on another layout in a eailer CTT. If you don’t use that I run a loop with a siding that I put some flat cars and gondolas with the small gives on them.
Does everyone have good luck with eBay purchases? I just won a few used rolling stock items. Not confident enough to buy engines, yet.
Also, the Bachmann NS diesel does not have sound. I definitely want horn and engine sounds. The MTH O-scale has this as well as the Lionel version, but its a little too rich for me since I am already over budget. I understand that MTH will release a Railking NS diesel with ProtoSound in May '09. Patience, I guess. Its too bad no one makes a starter set with a NS diesel.
PhilaKnight, if you are talking about the Kent Johnson Scenic Logging Railroad layout, I agree. After a few modifications, it will be perfect for a Christmas tree layout. I will add a coal dumper and a candy cane dumper along with extra cars, additional track sidings and maybe an outer loop. Also need to add Santa, elves and a North Pole building, as well kids and a Christmas village.
Jack, I definitely cleared this one with my wife. She agrees that I should hold off on all the benchwork until next year.
Brad, thanks for the smoke tip. I definitely want this to be a smoker and the various scents are a plus. I will check this out at the Atlanta Trains shop.
Here’s a link from All-Gauge Model Railroading Page (Thor Trains) - (A GREAT resource for track layouts! You should bookmark it in your browser.) which features holiday layouts for around the tree:
This should help you setup up something interesting for your display. As others have said, starting out now I would avoid putting in any grades at this point. That doesn’t keep you from adding an elevated line for a trolley or a handcart. I did that with mine and, of course, this gives me the chance to post a picture or two of it [:D]:
I would suggest keeping it to an oval with maybe a siding but keep it as simple as possible. This year for Christmas, I think I will just set up an oval with a passing siding and that would be it. I don’t think that there really is a point setting up anything fancy under the Christmas tree because I have a good sized layout in the basement. [:D] I think that purpose of the layout under my Christmas tree is to show off the whistling station that I have, Lionel’s Operating Gateman, and the old metal people and animals that my grandfather gave my brother and I. [2c]
“It is often used figuratively to describe the last of a series of events which brings about the end of some entity;”
Bob…
The end of the “entity” was the end of the wife hogging all that great space under the Christmas tree for her purposes that could be better used for my trains. I just had to be sneaky about it, then put a guilt trip on her, and finally dance her into a corner of visitors admiring her good taste in interior design…women are suckers for compliments, except those coming from husbands. [:D]
