Feel like some Christmas songs while perusing this lens? Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the Amazon widget! You'll hear sound bites of popular Christmas songs while viewing this lens! By the way, if you decide to look at one of the videos posted here, don't forget to stop the music or you'll have an audio trainwreck!
Christmas Still a Ways Away!
Have You Done a Critique of Your Christmas Layout?
1. What was your favorite part of this year's layout? How can you expand on it?
2. What piece of equipment didn't look or function the way you wanted? Put it someplace where you will remember to work on it when you have nothing to do. A little touch-up on 25 things over the course of a year is a lot easier than having to do everything the Saturday after Thanksgiving!
3. What piece of equipment would you like to add? In a down economy folks are selling things at a discount! Look at hobby shops and train shops. Look on eBay for equipment being sold by folks who need cash! You'll be helping yourself and them! Things are always cheaper during the off-season.
4. What piece of equipment do you have that you want to get rid of? See #3, above. Sell it for cash at a garage sale or on eBay and use the proceeds to upgrade the equipment you have.
5. Now is the time to start acquiring the parts of the layout that you want to add for next Christmas. Looking around during slow times for hobby shops is a great way to pick up some deals. Don't forget eBay as a source for the cars and track you need!
6. Have you checked around for local model train clubs. The folks there can give you some great tips about the best or easiest way to create some of the effects you are looking for.
7. Read. Read. Read. Ideas will come as you look at magazines, books, and websites.
Don't forget to start early. Some projects take a long time, even for something as small as a double loop around the tree! If you are going to build a model house, kitbash a building, or even just touch up the paint on two or three figurines that your dog decided looked like tasty morsels, that is best done when you are not in the midst of heavy Christmas decorating. Spend that time around the Holidays enjoying your trains, not wishing that you had done something a few weeks or months earlier!
Now, Back to What You Came Here For!
(The Date The Christmas Train Arrives at the Station is December 25, 2009)
Setting the Scene
A train display at Christmastime is all about memories, traditions, and fun. A steam train running around a fir tree lets you think back to a simpler time. Setting up the layout can be a tremendous bonding time between Dad and the rest of the family. And it's a good way to start building traditions that your kids will carry on long after they've started their own families!Even without a train, it's possible to put together a Christmas wonderland if you choose the right items.
According to Your Train Ticket Your Destination Is . . .
You Don't Have A Ticket
The theme doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as "a train running through farmland." Or you might choose "an urban scene from the 1970's." You might even go as far as choosing a specific time and place. I've seen a nice layout specifically built around Dallas, TX, with recognizable landmarks.
Model Trains on Shirts Make a Great Gift!
Whether You Still Have Your Old Trains, or You Need a Whole New Set!
So What Would the Setting of YOUR Christmas Layout Be?
Click the Up Arrow Next To Your Layout's Setting and See Where It Ranks!
You've decided to create a Holiday layout for your trains and accessories, but haven't made a decision yet as to what to put in there. Or maybe you have a layout that just needs some major upgrading. If you had it to do from the very start, what would the theme of your layout be? Would you like a rural theme or an urban one? Would you like something Historic or Contemporary? Will there be people there? How about animals?
Tell us where and when your Holiday railroad exsts!
Accessories? None for me, thanks.
I like my Christmas layout simple! Just an oval o more...0 points
Small Town. Early 1900's
1900-1930. Few cars. Lots of people walking on the more...0 points
You Never Know How Helpful a Christmas Train Can Be!
An Ornament, A Train and Some Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Christmas - Ornaments
Ornaments is an award-winning 3D computer animated short story about a mischievous Christmas tree decoration with a hunger for some milk and cookies. By Aaron Erimez. The songs, in chronological order, are: "Habanera" from the opera "Carmen" - George Bizet "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" from "The Nutcracker" - Tchaikovsky "Can Can" from "Orpheus in the Underworld" - Offenbach "Barber of Seville" Overture - Rossini "Trepak" from "The Nutcracker" - Tchaikovsky
Runtime: 339
107297 views
41 Comments:
curated content from YouTube
Starting to Accessorize Your Holiday Layout
Building a Village...For When a Simple Oval's Not Enough!
So you've set up the tracks, you've gone through the basics of making sure that your model trains will actually run this year, and it's time to begin the fun of actually creating a scene.
Buildings, people, animals, even scenery makes a tremendous contribution to your display! It is the addition of little things that bring a layout to life!
Sometimes I need a little bit of a push in my creativity. I need to see what is available and what other people are doing. One of the better creators of Holiday Villages is a company called Dept 56 which is actually a division of Lenox. Available at many retailers, you can also find Dept 56 buildings and figurines on eBay. I like looking at eBay so that I can see retired pieces as well as get an idea of items that are available that may not be at my favorite retailer. You can also find some pretty good deals on some of the more common buildings at times.
If you are simply trying to put together a village, and you aren't concerned about the "collectilble" aspect of the pieces, or if your layout will be where little hands can easily reach out and touch the scenery, you can frequently get servicible buildings and figures at WalMart, the Home Depot, Lowes, or hobby stores.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byWoodland Scenics
And you don't have to be completely on your own when it comes to custom layouts. Woodland Scenics is a company that produces kits, accessories, how-to videos, and materials to help you create that special layout! Need to figure out how to get a freight car to look like it has actually traveled the rails rather than just popped out of a box, or how to make a town look alive rather than--well--plastic, or how to achieve the look of running water on the layout without flooding your living room? Woodland Scenics can help!
The Thomas Kinkade Night Before Christmas Story House
It Might Make a Great Addition to Your Christmas Display
What Are The Necessities?
You've decided to add Christmas scene to your layout. What are the absolute essentials to make your layout just right? Vote your favorites up, the losers down, or add an idea of your own!
A Train Ride on Christmas Day?
Bird Riding Christmas Toy Train WATCH
Its December and there is a toy Christmas train. And I put my bird on it. The camera was balanced on the train car behind him. The name of this famous bird is Cocorito (Ko Ko Deeto) With a spanish accent.
Runtime: 60
8373 views
20 Comments:
curated content from YouTube
Handcars!
Lots of Fun in a Little Bit of Space!

Handcars on eBay!
If you're going to put a handcar on your layout, it is often possible to find them on eBay at a DISCOUNT. Let's see what's there right now!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byI Love Handcars, But I Don't Have One Yet
Whether they are running on the main line, or they have a dedicated track with a bumper at each end, handcars are a lot of fun on any layout!
Choosing Your Train
You're the Yardmaster...What Kind of Train Will You Be Running?
One of the basics of any train layout is the train itself. The first thing you need to decide is what kind of train is going to take that trip around the tree. Will it be a passenger train, a freight train, a hybrid containing both freight and passenger cars, or strictly a fantasy train with all sorts of fun characters and cars (Santa, elves, etc.)
Christmas Locomotives and Cars
Sometimes you need something a little bit more festive than realistic. A little bit of fantasy at the base of a Christmas tree works perfectly! Why wouldn't Santa ride on a locomotive? Elves? Of course, they make wonderful railroad workers. And given the right location, snowmen make tremendous railway personnel!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byA Christmas Layout Gone Wild?
Santa's Christmas Train
Santa's Christmas Train is a sweet twist on a traditional story complete with charming full color illustrations. Your young children will laugh at the silliness of Lionel's blunder and cheer when the scatter brained elf saves the day. This book will quickly become part of your holiday traditions.
Santa's Christmas Train
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/03/2009)![]()
"A motivating story for children of all ages - Lionel sets a great example that even the littlest can achieve much!" --ABC Schools Magazine
The Polar Express--So Real You Could Touch It!
Well Ya Comin'? Where? Why, the North Pole Of Course! ALL ABOARD!
Perhaps the Greatest Christmas Train Movie of All Time!
"Tickets, please! Tickets! Well, ya coming?"
Flying through the mountains and the snow
You can ride for free and join the fun if you just say yes.
'Cause that's the way things happen on the Polar Express
The Polar Express (Full Screen Edition)
The Full Screen Edition DVD brings the animated classic right into your home!
The Polar Express
The Soundtrack "Here we only got one rule--never ever let it cool." Sing Hot Chocolate with Tom Hanks, Silver Bells with Kate Smith, Santa Claus is Coming to Town with Frank Sinatra
Who Could Possibly Not Like This Music?
Click The Widget and Listen to the Samples!
Polar Express
And you may want to bring the book and the movie to life right there on your own display! The Polar Express running through your living room, around your tree would make your layout one of the most memorable in town!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byAnd the first gift of Christmas is???
Better fix that hole in your pocket.
could hear the bell.
But as years passed,
it fell silent for all of them
Even Sarah found, one Christmas, that she
could no longer hear its sweet sound.
Though I've grown old...
...the bell still rings for me.
As it does for all who truly believe.
If YOU WERE Santa . . .
Model Railroad Magazines Make GREAT Christmas Gifts
For an even BETTER Christmas layout next year!
Tales From Christmas Trains: 1830-2030
Tales From Christmas Trains: 1830-2030
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/03/2009)![]()
A delightful and original story answering the age-old question of why toy and electric trains are to be found under the tree each Christmas morning.
Magazines About Real Trains and Railroading
Like Your Little Railroad on Steroids?
Decorate Your Tree With Train Ornamets
Trains Under The Tree Look Nice! Trains On The Tree Add a Special Touch
Train Decor Here There and Everywhere
Who Says Your Train Stuff Has To Stay Indoors?
But who says that trains are limited to the Holidays? Some yard decorations are appropriate all year long!
Railroad Decor
Train Clocks
Some are for fun!
Train Clocks
And Some Are Classy
How Can You Make Your Model Train Layout a Little More Christmasy?
Whether you are building a model railroad, diorama, or any othe kind of winter display, you probably want some Snow. For a dusting, sprinkle the snow and spray with Scenic Cement (S191). For heavy drifts, apply Flex Paste (C1205) to your layout and sprinkle the snow on top. The snow comes in a handy see-through, reusable Canister Shaker (50 cu. in.) with a sprinkle/pour dual-purpose top! Easy to store! More Wearable Model Trains
Train Calendars Make Wonderful Gifts
Model Train Displays at Christmas
For Those Who Don't Have the Time or Space to Build Their Own.
More T(rain)-Shirts
Another Lovely Christmas Train Layout
John and Cindy's 2007 Christmas Train
This is a remake of our first video(JohnCindys Holiday Train 2007), but with sound. I'm still using the same camera but switched to Studio 11 to edit the video. I guess now I'll have to buy a Digital Camcorder, because this was a lot of fun.
Runtime: 325
3543 views
8 Comments:
curated content from YouTube
Have You Ever Heard of Strasburg?
Perhaps the Center of Model Trains in America
Yes, Strasburg has its own railroad.
The Strasburg Railroad was founded in 1832. Much of the early history has been lost, but it is known that the trains were running on a timetable by 1851. The February 22, 1861 visit of President Abraham Lincoln caused the railroad to purchase its first passenger car, which it used to transport people to and from the President's appearance in Leaman Place.
The railroad operated until 1957, when a series of storms caused sufficient damage to the track that the owners were unwilling to invest an amount sufficient to make the necessary repairs and return the line to regular commercial service.
So in 1958 the Strasburg Railroad became a tourist railroad.
When you visit Strasburg, have a tremendous time riding the train, and don't forget to look into sleeping in a caboose at the Red Caboose Motel.
Outdoor Christmas Decorations with a Railroad Theme
The Strasburg Railroad--A Ride to Paradise!
And Yes, The Strasburg Railroad Runs in the Snow!
Steamin' in the Snow - Strasburg Railroad
Ride along the Strasburg Railroad in a beautiful winter landscape of ice and snow. Watch 0-6-0 #31 bounce up and down the tracks as she hauls her passengers through the white-covered farmland of Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
Runtime: 597
31157 views
35 Comments:
curated content from YouTube
Trains Trim Trees Tremendously!
And Here's Some Inspiration for Next Year's Layout
The Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg, Pennsylvania
And Did You Know That Your Trains Don't Need to Stay Indoors?
Earlier in this lens we told you about Garden Railways
magazine. This wonderful hobby combines two different hobbies...model railroading and gardening! If you like these hobbies, the magazine is fabulous. And G-Scale trains are definitely a great way to go! If you have a love of trains and of gardening you can create some incredible scenes involving model trains and structures and natural plants. Here is a picture of the trains at Disney's Epcot Center in Orlando.

Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byYahoo Groups Devoted to Model Trains
When You Just HAVE To Learn MORE!
- HO Railroading
- For HO Enthusiasts.
- Layout Construction
- For those interested in Layout Construction.
- N Scale
- N Scale. Small in size, but great for building big layouts in tight places.
- Buildings and Structures
- Buildings and Structures...because scenery can make or break a layout
- On 30 Conspiracy
- Big trains on little tracks!
- S Trains
- S Scale--an interesting scale, not as well known among the general population.
- Hi Rail
- 3-Rail Trains--Like Lionel.
- O Scale Kings
- 1:48 Scale on 2 rails
Don't Have Time or Space for a Layout, But Still Want Christmas Trains?
Here are some Videos Specifically Looking at Model Trains at Christmas
Maybe you have a layout set up, and just can't get enough trains. These videos let you look at trains while just laying on the couch.!
These make OUTSTANDING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS for the train lover on your list.

And yes, it sometimes snows on a garden railroad, too. You'll even notice that they use the model trains as snow plows to clear the tracks!
Pictures taken from the Shorline Garden Railroad Club website. There are many more pictures there, take a look.
Do You Need a Little Elvis in Your Christmas Layout?
This exclusive Presley® Collectible Electric Train collection features a classic diesel locomotive with a working headlight and illuminated passenger cars, each decorated with dynamic, full-color portraits of Elvis's® most electrifying performances and even a golden replica of his signature! Plus, the 75th Birthday Car features images of Elvis from childhood through his lifetime as a legend, and the official 75th anniversary logo. Available exclusively from Hawthorne Village, this train set makes the perfect addition to your village collection, and a must-have Elvis tribute for all fans! But hurry! Strong demand is expected - Click Here For More Information!
Should I Put My Trains Away for the Year, Or Should I Leave My Layout Up?
I Guess She's Going to Make Me Put Them Away Again. These Tips Will Help.
1. Clean the cars and the track. It will make set-up next year much, much easier.
2. Repairs should be made immediately. I don't know about you, but there is almost nothing I hate more than getting ready to put together my Christmas layout and finding a damaged car, building, or figure. Make the repairs now, and you'll be happier next Holiday Season.
3. Make a list of things you need to do for next year's layout. Are there cars, figures, tracks, accessories, wires, scenery, etc., etc., that I need? They might be on sale NOW! Hobby shops want to get cash for their inventory . . . especially in hard economic times.
4. PADDING. Wrap your figures, your cars, your locomotives in some sort of protective material. Bubble wrap is good. Even tissue is helpful. We don't want delicate things to bounce around, hit against other things and break or scratch.
5. Lists and Labels are Your Friends! Where did I put those street lamps? I asked the question over and over. I finally went out and bought a new set . . . two days before I found the old set.
Note to Self
Wife threatening to throw me out of house and home due to model trains taking over Christmas Display. Start planning to stun the neighbors with incredible outdoor display next Christmas.
So What's The Bottom Line?
1. Nostalgia and Family History. It's a chance for us older folks to remember things from the past. For some, those memories come as they decorate the tree with ornaments. For some, baking and cooking helps us remember times, experiences, people long past. For Train-Folk, the recreation of or improvement upon our old Christmas layouts brings us back to moments which were important to us at the time--helps us to remember.
2. Intereaction with Family and Friends. Whether it's in the putting the layout together, or just sitting and watching the train go around the tree, we get the chance to talk with friends and family without the hassles of daily life interfering.
3. It's pretty. Colors, motion, sound. A model railroad just seems to fit in with the season and the decor. A bit of whimsy...a touch of fantasy, at a very special time of year.
4. It's fun. After all, for most of us a model train is a toy.
It's worth repeating...
At one time, most of my friends
could hear the bell.
But as years passed,
it fell silent for all of them
Even Sarah found, one Christmas, that she
could no longer hear its sweet sound.
Though I've grown old...
...the bell still rings for me.
As it does for all who truly believe.
Have fun, play, and enjoy the Holiday Season! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! And a Blessed, Merry Christmas!
Learn About Model Trains on Squidoo!
Watch here for interesting Model Train Lenses on Squidoo.-
LGB Trains
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LGB trains are great! LGB stands for "Lehmann Gross Bahn", which is German for "Lehmann's Big Railroad". LGB trains are big, as they are made in G scale, the largest of the commonly availble model train scales. LGB G scale trains are sturdy, and are...
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Like this Lens? See Something That Needs Changing? Or Just Need to Blow Your Whistle?
Let Me Know What You Think About the Lens. Make Some Suggestions About What You'd Like to See Added or Changed. And TELL ME ABOUT YOUR TRAINS!
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- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Oct 16, 2009 @ 7:42 pm
- What a wonderful lens! Blessed by a Squid Angel.
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- Floorance Floorance Aug 28, 2009 @ 12:33 pm
- This is a FABULOUS lens! My son Jack just LOVES trains and you have given me some inspiration to do something special for his room. Thank you! 5*
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- ViolinStudent ViolinStudent Dec 5, 2008 @ 1:05 pm | in reply to Evelyn_Saenz
- Thanx Evelyn, Merry Christmas!
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- Jimmie Jimmie Dec 4, 2008 @ 5:14 am
- We had a train that we set up around the bottom of the tree. Drove the cats insane! Wonder what ever happened to that set?
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- chefkeem chefkeem Dec 4, 2008 @ 12:40 am
- Very nice page, Art. I gave it a Squid Angel Blessing and 5*s. :)
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