It's Ralphie "And A Christmas Story" Time!

[ADCX Rob]

I think he's wrong about the second godola as well. You can see the yellow tray of the 3562-1.

[BigAl 956]

Everytime I watch this film I have the same thoughts about the trains. Glad someone put in the work to help clear things up. This would make a nice article for CTT one holliday season.

[pennytrains]

Hmmm.  Very interesting.  But somewhat incorrect.  He neglected to point out the Lionel M10000 running on the lower level alongside a completely different freight train on the inner loop.  So, that means the trains were on dedicated loops and didn't change levels as he suggested.  And, it also means there were 4 sets operating.  So delays in their appearances were likely 100% intentional based on what the director wanted rather than the trains changing levels on an elaborate block system.  The filming at Higbees was done entirely at night while the store was closed and I'm sure they had very little time to decorate the window before they had to tear down the display.  I wish I could remember the name of the collector here they contacted about using the trains in the movie.

[Flintlock76]

Here's an interesting video from the "Toy Train Tips" YouTube site everyone may find interesting.  It's a "dissertation" on the Lionels used in the movie "A Christmas Story."

(Is it REALLY almost 40 years since the movie came out? Where do the years go?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtZE05W3mWg  

Have fun!