My new holiday layout for under the christmas tree build in progress

[Chessie System]

I started building my layout for the holidays under our Christmas tree but I decided to do something a little different since its just for fun.

I will be running 2 simple HO ovals on a 4'w x 5'3"L platform built out of 1/2 plywood and 1x3 lumber. I will be modeling a winter scene on the entire layout using Windham Heights ceramic village houses once available at the dollar tree store around my area. I decided to use these houses because of the $1 a piece price and the size is near scale. I will be using a covered bridge on the outside loop that my wife bought me last year for Christmas as well as a little scratch built bridge from balsa wood I made on the inside loop. I will be running Atlas code 83 flex track, DC operation.

My dad and I built the platform in mid Oct and I have been working on it little by little since. I finished the foam contours, creek bed, bridges, and added trim to the fascia stained it with minwax cherry and put 3 coats of varnish on it and it came out terrifiic but it took a little longer then I would have liked.

 

I finished my 6 & 1/2" bridge track that will span my 5" scratch built bridge made from balsa wood Tuesday night. I used a piece of code 83 flex track and cut the tie joiners to slide the ties closer together and glued the tie gaps on the bottom side with jet glue. I also fabricated a set of guard rails for the bridge track too out of code 83 flex rail bent into v's at the end and soldered together, I glued the guard rails to the ties with the Jet glue. I'm pretty happy with it for a 2 hour project, I basically mimicked walthers bridge track with the design of my bridge and track. The whole thing only cost about $8 to build.  

Wenesday I put 2 coats of semi gloss white on everything as a base color since it will be modeled in winter, I need to go over a few areas with a 3rd coat then I am done with the paint.
I had the lemax village pebble stone road already cut to fit which went on Saturday.

Saturday night late I painted the nail heads rail brown in prep for laying track on Sunday. Also painted the rails and guard rails for bridge tracks Sat night as well, really happy with the way this all came out so far, I will paint the sides of all rails on the entire layout after all the track is layed.

Yesterday I started laying the track, hopefully I'll be able to start wireing it tommorow night and run the string of lights through to light up the village. I will be leaveing it just painted white for now and will finish the seanery, ballast, creek/water, etc... after this Christmas since I am running out of time.

Pictures can be found here

[lanceh5]

Nice looking layout. I will build something similar next year. In the past I had a folded oval with a bridge and it worked well. This year in the new house I will use an oval with Kato rail on a 4' x 6' plywood base on legs. Next year will use some of your scenic ideas.