Merry Christmas!
If there's one tree NOT to put your gifts and stocking stuffers beneath, it's MY tree.
History
Since 2001, and with minimal fail (2003, 2008), I have managed to get some Laygoe trains running around the tree. The 2001 effort started with a botched copy of 4561, botched I say since we bought some half-assed version from Toys R Us with loads of missing pieces and got filled and reimbursed by the company. It was complemented with the 4553 Train Wash.
2002 had what I remember to be fragments of the 4565 Freight and Crane Railway as I managed to get it (and gazillions of other classic system and train sets) from St. Vincent de Paul (became Hearts United of Florida and now Maxyne's Thrift Shop).
For 2003, I went back to HO Scale but it only lasted one year as the Life Like HO tracks were producing sparks, and not to mention I had no knowledge of what a 22" radius meant (my Opera centerbeam didn't like the layout) much less was able to differentiate the Walthers knuckles with the Life like cheapy couplers.
2004 and on brought forth bona-fide return of the LEGO train system. 2005 was one of the more remarkable as it involved multiple loops of the Cargo Train, Passenger Train, etc but no city, rather spiraling loops of track. I would minimize the project as I had a Downstairs Table between 2006 and 2009, and in 2008 there was no tree but the table.
2009 brought back a somewhat thoughtful layout, and that would repeat for 2010. What got me really thinking about changing the game, however, was the ridiculous stool setup. For years I would rig either a "Rainbow MOC" bridge or something to bridge the electronics over the looping track. I was supposed to have a full on model to bring the wires over the tracks by 2011 but time ran out and I built something really cheap. In 2012, I brought forth the Pedestrian Overpass and that imposing MOC would carry anything over. 2012 also produced the best at the time layout with a brand new pigtail loop design and considerable urban detail.
Over time, a tropical theme was developed, whereas snow and winter villages would not be a part of it, instead suburbia and light urban areas.
The Pigtail loop and 2013
Why do I do a Pigtail loop? (This is like a dumbbell bent 180 degrees). The reason is simple. I have made many double track sections with ballast to supplement the GFLUG displays. I could run double track, but the amount of electric slots in the tree are limited to two transformers and the second transformer is usually given to light up buildings inside. So keeping it to 1 loop, I also modify the track so it can run with a double main and turn around back to the opposing track. What it also does is increase the run time significantly so that the train running can be more fascinating.
What the 2013 layout did, as opposed to 2012, was utilize more ballasted panels of track to create a more realistic feeling. For the first time, a landscaped boulevard would be a significant part of it and the streetscape would parallel the track corridor just right. More focus on the metropolis was also a part of this design, with two new city buildings, one being a huge modular and the other a small filler storefront. I usually balance an industrial section with the city. Unfortunately, this year there was a little less focus on the industrial section as a whole, but a new temporary warehouse emerged to keep the section busy. The industrial section does continue to be doused with litter, tow trucks, and commercial vehicles. Probably the most noticeable thing is the addition of parts in rare colors and also the heavy ballast work; over 17,000 parts were acquired in 2013 on account of various sources, and were put to great use thus far.
New train cars were also built in time for this display, and more are to follow.
One shortfall that I have come across this year, however, is the lack of city vehicles built up to date. Yes, I am still showing cars built in 2005! The design features are a bit obsolete for some of these vehicles and one goal in 2014 is to revamp my vehix. Also, due to some issues with the 9v train system, I may start to include PF more in the future.
BUT FOR NOW, ENJOY THE CURRENT LAYOUT!
***HERE'S A VIDEO OF THE 2013 LAYOUT IN ALL ITS FESTIVE GLORY*** Merry Christmas! Happy Festivus!
History
Since 2001, and with minimal fail (2003, 2008), I have managed to get some Laygoe trains running around the tree. The 2001 effort started with a botched copy of 4561, botched I say since we bought some half-assed version from Toys R Us with loads of missing pieces and got filled and reimbursed by the company. It was complemented with the 4553 Train Wash.
2002 had what I remember to be fragments of the 4565 Freight and Crane Railway as I managed to get it (and gazillions of other classic system and train sets) from St. Vincent de Paul (became Hearts United of Florida and now Maxyne's Thrift Shop).
For 2003, I went back to HO Scale but it only lasted one year as the Life Like HO tracks were producing sparks, and not to mention I had no knowledge of what a 22" radius meant (my Opera centerbeam didn't like the layout) much less was able to differentiate the Walthers knuckles with the Life like cheapy couplers.
2004 and on brought forth bona-fide return of the LEGO train system. 2005 was one of the more remarkable as it involved multiple loops of the Cargo Train, Passenger Train, etc but no city, rather spiraling loops of track. I would minimize the project as I had a Downstairs Table between 2006 and 2009, and in 2008 there was no tree but the table.
2009 brought back a somewhat thoughtful layout, and that would repeat for 2010. What got me really thinking about changing the game, however, was the ridiculous stool setup. For years I would rig either a "Rainbow MOC" bridge or something to bridge the electronics over the looping track. I was supposed to have a full on model to bring the wires over the tracks by 2011 but time ran out and I built something really cheap. In 2012, I brought forth the Pedestrian Overpass and that imposing MOC would carry anything over. 2012 also produced the best at the time layout with a brand new pigtail loop design and considerable urban detail.
Over time, a tropical theme was developed, whereas snow and winter villages would not be a part of it, instead suburbia and light urban areas.
The Pigtail loop and 2013
Why do I do a Pigtail loop? (This is like a dumbbell bent 180 degrees). The reason is simple. I have made many double track sections with ballast to supplement the GFLUG displays. I could run double track, but the amount of electric slots in the tree are limited to two transformers and the second transformer is usually given to light up buildings inside. So keeping it to 1 loop, I also modify the track so it can run with a double main and turn around back to the opposing track. What it also does is increase the run time significantly so that the train running can be more fascinating.
What the 2013 layout did, as opposed to 2012, was utilize more ballasted panels of track to create a more realistic feeling. For the first time, a landscaped boulevard would be a significant part of it and the streetscape would parallel the track corridor just right. More focus on the metropolis was also a part of this design, with two new city buildings, one being a huge modular and the other a small filler storefront. I usually balance an industrial section with the city. Unfortunately, this year there was a little less focus on the industrial section as a whole, but a new temporary warehouse emerged to keep the section busy. The industrial section does continue to be doused with litter, tow trucks, and commercial vehicles. Probably the most noticeable thing is the addition of parts in rare colors and also the heavy ballast work; over 17,000 parts were acquired in 2013 on account of various sources, and were put to great use thus far.
New train cars were also built in time for this display, and more are to follow.
One shortfall that I have come across this year, however, is the lack of city vehicles built up to date. Yes, I am still showing cars built in 2005! The design features are a bit obsolete for some of these vehicles and one goal in 2014 is to revamp my vehix. Also, due to some issues with the 9v train system, I may start to include PF more in the future.
BUT FOR NOW, ENJOY THE CURRENT LAYOUT!
***HERE'S A VIDEO OF THE 2013 LAYOUT IN ALL ITS FESTIVE GLORY*** Merry Christmas! Happy Festivus!
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