Is anyone else amused by trying to imagine what a “stroke of fat” would look like, exactly?
Bob…it gets worse. I reread the Wickepedia definition, particularly of the literal translation of the common misspelling found in the second to the last line. I’d repeat the literal translation…but Bob Keller might toss us.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coup_de_grace
Jack
Hey Tony,
The suggestions here are really solid–good ideas one and all. I too became bitten by the O-gauge train bug about three years ago. Got an old Lionel Cannonball express set (DC transformer) and just have dived head first into the lunacy. My wife thinks I’m nuts–but nothing compares to the joy I see in my kids’ eyes while playing with the trains. Anyway, I wanted to add to this thread by admitting that I went down to my local train shop and had the guys there install the electric RR cruise commander in my PE. Back in that issue with the “3 times…” I was struck by that idea and want to make it happen. Like it was mentioned, a standard PE can’t do it–the motor needs to be increased and decreased the entire time if grades are involved. So, I had it fitted with that upgrade and hope to have it making the grades with no problems. And I will try to load some pictures if I can figure it out.
Good luck and enjoy!!
Simple.
Ordiei, good luck with the cruise commander add-on. Is this what you are talking about? http://www.electricrr.com/index.htm
Buckeye Riveter, great pictures. I love the lights under the felt. Are they regular Christmas lights or something else? I would be concerned about the kids (or myself) stepping on the lights and creating a hazard. It looks great though. Also, would you recommend an artificial tree over the real thing? Seems like dropping pine needles (and sap) would make a mess on the track.
Thanks again everyone.
– Tony
Hi Tony,
Below is a pic of the 2007, Christmas Tree sub-division of the Christmas Tree, Carpet & Western ( CTC&W reporting marks ). The tracks along the back wall did pass directly under the tree, I did occasionally use a hose on a shop vac to clean needles off of the track, though they never did build up to the point of causing problems for the trains. I didn’t have any issues with the real tree dripping sap, and I imagine that unless you have cut some braches to shape the tree, it shouldn’t be an issue, never has been for ME any way.
Have FUN, but be warned, the O-Gauge Virus is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS, with no known cure, but is rarely FATAL(unless your WIFE catches You buying trains[swg])
Doug
I got the kids a Polar Express starter set for Xmas last year. After seeing one in the window of a local Lionel dealer, they desperately wanted one, so Santa surprised them Xmas morning. I stayed with a simple oval around the tree, used white cotton mats that I place on top of a plywood stage I built for the oval and the tree. With the simple oval I can turn on the train and let it run and not have to hover over top of it, and the kids are able to run the train and I don’t have to worry about them derailing it too badly.
The PE set is nice though, and you can add onto it with all the extras they have. This year we’re getting them the PE train sounds tender, and probably the hot chocolate car.
Speaking of HOT CHOCOLATE - I just found a bottle of HOT CHOCOLATE scented liquid smoke yesterday. It’s made by Mega-Steam. I haven’t used this particular brand, but I’m hoping for the best.
I also grabbed a bottle of Gingerbread scented smoke too.
This should keep the wife happy over the holidays … just as long as she doesn’t think my train is a chocolate bar and tries taking a bite of it! [%-)]
Well, if she does, hopefully you have a good dentist!
Tony, welcome, this is a fine group of guys/gals here to enjoy the hobby with. Regarding the set up around the tree, I have done a few things that helped a lot. First, I built a platform of 2x4s on end screwed to a piece of 3/4" plywood that was 2’ x 2’. I put the tree on this to keep the lower branches well off the tracks. Also, as you suggest, a artificial tree does have the advantages you mentioned. You do not want sap and needles in the works of the engine. Another idea was to make a square instead of a oval. this allowed more clearance around the base of the tree. I picked up a few extra pieces from my train dealer. On the subject of smoke fluid, JT’s Mega Steam has several nice Christmas aromas available. Keep in mind, there is a switch in the locomotive to turn the smoke unit on and off. If you are going to run the train for a prolonged time, either make sure you keep the proper amount of fluid in the smoke unit, or turn it off. Also, Fastrack is a great system, with a couple of issues. One is that it is rigid and so you don’t have much wiggle room to change the configuration, but they do have a good number of different size pieces to accomodate most track plans. This will be an issue to think about for a big, complex layout. Second, it does make running trains a bit loud. Some have had success with using carpet padding under the tracks. You will just have to see if you can handle the noise. Lastly, you may want to make some “tunnels” out of scrap wood to have the train go in and out and you can pile the presents up around the tunnel so that the running of the train won’t be hampered with all the obsticals. Again, welcome and good luck.
dennis
Another idea I remember making tunnels out of the presents ( I was beyond the santa years by then) But after the christmas moring if you keep the presents around the tree in there boxes for a few days you can always make tunnels out of them for the train.
Tony…just remember to not call Christmas presents “obstacles.” The significant other may get lit up and demand to know what you think is more important, the train or the “obstacles.” [:D]
Jack
I find the Lionel FasTrack to be quite LOUD. It is also much more expensive than the older “tube” type track. I recently purchased about 60 pieces of O-27 track off ebay for $31 including shipping.
I wanted to expand my layout for Christmas, but the price for track was a problem to me. That combined with the quieter running on O-27 led me to getting the older style track. The lack of “realism” did not bother me. How realistic is a decorated tree that is 300 feet tall (scale wise)? Plus, the O-27 has tighter curves, so I could do “more” in a smaller space around the tree.
My 2 cents…
TONY,
[#welcome] to the forum.
For your Christmas tree layout keep it simple like an oval. This is where my wife sets up her train which consists of a Williams GP 38 and all her Macys boxcars and Coca Cola cars she bought at YORK through the years. She also has another smaller oval inside the large on where she runs the Coca Cola bears on the handcar pull a buch on other cars with Coke stuff on.
Just my [2c], and I try and make My WIFE happy.
laz57