It is that time of year for Trains Around the Tree

[dsmith]

It's that time of year to start thinking about trains around the tree at Christmas.  Although I don't assemble Holiday layouts any longer, here are 9 of my layouts from 2008 - 2016.  Every year I assembled a new track layout with different trains to keep things interesting.

 

Hopefully, these videos will inspire some of you to keep the Holiday spirit going by arranging some of your trains under the tree.  Happy Holidays!

 

https://youtu.be/-qGyHSV_o5E     Christmas 2016

https://youtu.be/5ymXnPG0-Eo     2015

https://youtu.be/GzSZHc5jmeI      2014

https://youtu.be/Uzrzc0oVw3g      2013

https://youtu.be/qiEAVGImolQ      2012

https://youtu.be/i4ap40OKATE      2011

https://youtu.be/RQgr3AP-YlQ      2010

https://youtu.be/MkITpA7WZ8U   2009

https://youtu.be/9ph4YNVsHLE    2008

 

[Vintagesteamer]

We dont always put up a layout due to lack of space in the living room.  Floor layouts are out due to the dog hair getting into the gears and side rods.  But, prewar Lionel OO with its tiny 3 rail track size is perfect around our tiny tree.  Just as it was intended by Lionel, a train to fit in small spaces.  

[philo426]

Looks good and I bet they run as well as their O gauge counterparts!

[Vintagesteamer]

They do and much less prone to any zinc pest issues.  The OO warped frame issue is a design flaw in how the boiler is held to the headlight bracket.  Tightening the screw in the stack beyond finger tight pulls upwards on the frame, leading to warping.  Both of mine I straightened in a jig that I made up.  Once straight, they are fine if that offending screw is kept just tight enough that the catwalk ladders don't fall out.  These OO Hudsons really are a jewel from the prewar era and a cheaper way to own a "700e" than the O scale version.  

[pennytrains]

https://link.shutterfly.com/bjmjdDAievb

 

 

[philo426]

Nice Display;a lot of work there!

[jprampolla]

Thanks, Everyone for sharing all these remarkable layouts!!!!

Here's something I did a few years ago, with O gauge GarGraves bent to 24" diameter, measured from the outside tie end.  Also, homemade slot car with Santa in a Corvette with AirStream trailer (motor in the trailer) and a Peanuts animated 'toboggan run' altered to run continuously.   All fits on a 2 by 3 ft. board:

https://youtu.be/EGWK-EzrIh0

 

Take care, Joe.