Ideas, insights and experiences wanted for layout.

[kolov]

I am in the begining stages of planning a holiday layout for my workplace.
It will be a small public display around a Xmas tree in the lobby.
It will be a display, not just a train running around a tree.
Any wisdom to share about doing a public display?

[Anonymous]

With a public display, make provisions for what I call "Finger Pointers". These are people who can't just say "Look at the so and so"...they need to close-in point, or touch the item in question, often knocking-over items along the way. Plexiglass or "roping" of some kind will help with this, although I agree that it's a shame to have to do it. Joe

[Anonymous]

Make sure you have it at a level where kids can see around 30". At 30" kids can enjoy it and mom and dad can also enjoy with out breaking there backs holding there kids up to see. [2c] Good luck have fun.

[kolov]

Keep the ideas rolling in.

One idea I have is have the train or trains on a track that grades down to unseen level / tunnel so we can park the trains out of sight and out of reach when they are not running.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Set it up as completly as possible in the shop before long before actually puting the layout on display. Pre wire as much as possible, test everything and have the operation bullet proof. Have written and or drawn plans of layout and wiring. You can't remember everything, and when help shows up to erect the display, having a diagram for the help to follow frees you up to address the stuff that comes up while they work on the layout. Mark the wire ends to facilitate re-connection. Make your control panel with the controls and buttons portable so you can plug it in. Mark the panels to aid in assembly, and draw the layout with the markings. Check with local electrical code for any rules to be followed. Sometimes displays in a public place have special codes.
A friend and me set up an American Flyer exibit every year at Thanksgiving. We have basically two large table layouts connected by two bridges. I follow the aforementioned tips and my side is running in about 1/3 the time it takes my friend to set up. Oh, Our table is set at 26". The kids love it.
Jim

[Anonymous]

To save wear and tear and possibly electricity, consider tying the main power for the set up to a motion sensor or a combo sensor/timer. Avoid realy tight radius curves, these are harder on the tracks/trains, particularly the wheels. Wiring is usually the biggest headache. Look at molex style connectors that are a) keyed and b) can be easily color coded. This makes setup/tear down a lot easier. Good Luck!

[corton]

No track switches so that you avoid the opportunity for derailment.

[dwiemer]

Try Fastrack as it is very sturdy and will not separate. Keep your buildings close together and as mentioned, pre wire. Don't use "snow" that will jam engine parts.
Dennis

[Buckeye Riveter]

Materials that are fire retardant or fire proof. Make sure an extinguisher is nearby.

No exposed wires.

[kolov]

Anybody have any experience with simple automation?
I have done some stuff with Lionel's ARC with moderate success.
Has anyone used software with sucess or anything else?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kolov

Keep the ideas rolling in.

One idea I have is have the train or trains on a track that grades down to unseen level / tunnel so we can park the trains out of sight and out of reach when they are not running.

Sounds fine for a permanent in-home layout. For a temporary layout, you'd be best to KEEP IT SIMPLE! Joe

[pbjwilson]

A trolley adds alot of interest. It can also be elevated on trestles. Especially nice running through a downtown area of buidings.

Being "train guys" we tend to look at the track plan and trains first. What really makes a great display layout is the different scenes and scenicing. My Christmas layout always comes to life when I add people figures to it. Lots of figures in common holiday situations make for a great display. Kids making a snowman. People window shopping. The christmas tree sales lot. All that kind of stuff that people associate with the holidays.

And don't forget Santa Claus!

[brianel027]

To add to the good previous comments....
Years ago I had a portable train layout build on a hollow core door with raisers and a homosote surface so that I could have cutaways for more scenic elements. The layout was built on the cheap with almost entirely found or very cheap materials. The door was found, the homosote was scrap, the wires came from the office where I worked when they redid the building-wide computer network ( I tested all of it first though).

It was with 027 track, switch footprints where chopped down with a cut-across for reverse direction running. There were a couple of sidings with a mountain and self-built operating accessories. Mountains and scenery were made from found scraps of blue and pink insulation board with the help of spray insulation foam. Building lights were done with cut up old mini-CHRISTmas tree lighting chains.

I can tell from years of going out with that layout that it was a big hit at every show I was ever at. Folks, families, mothers, dads, kids all admired it. Parents were always amazed at the tight budget it was made on. Mothers were amazed at all the found objects that were utilized (painted sawdust for scenic material, artificial CHRISTmas tree branches for trees, plastic aquarium plants for bushes, coffee grounds for ballast, all cleaned used 027 track that I rust spray painted to help hide it's condition and then cleaned the top surface).

Operating cars, like the Aquarium Car are always a big hit and can help compensate for fewer operating accessories. Having some complete "play value" cars like Looney Toons or Sponge Bob gets the attention of the little kids... I put Sesame Street characters into a gondola - they didn't do anything - but it was amazing how many moms would point those out to their little kids.

Sure, it's really about the trains, but you have to grab people's attention first!

Of course, since the layout was small, it meant running the smaller 027 types of trains. But most folks didn't seem bothered by this. When you are trying to promote this hobby to the masses, affordable items go much further than do expensive scale proportioned trains that are less affordable for families.

[Buckeye Riveter]

QUOTE: Originally posted by brianel027

. When you are trying to promote this hobby to the masses, affordable items go much further than do expensive scale proportioned trains that are less affordable for families.

[#ditto]

In fact, the best holiday displays I have attended always contain whimsical not to scale items that draw children's attention.

[kolov]

Thanks for all the ieas!
All this talk kinda makes look forward to winter!