100 Days to Christmas - Christmas Train Layout Planning
Sept 17, 2019 1:19:18 GMT
Country Joe likes this
Post by kstrains on Sept 17, 2019 1:19:18 GMT
I came across this graphic today to remind me there is only 100 days left until Christmas!
Each year I have a friend that ask me about plans for Christmas Layout starting about August. This year is no different. In fact, he even asked me tonight how my layout was coming along! Too early to start or plan, not for me! Yes, I have already begun!! For some I know this is too early. However, most stores have already begun putting out their Christmas merchandise. I know there are those that have very big Outdoor Christmas Light Displays that began 1 or 2 months ago. There is one guy on YouTube that I follow that starts in July in putting up his village.
Over the years I have learned planning is important part of setting up my layout. The problem I face each year is like to make my layout different. In making it different, I try new things which usually leads to mistakes. Last year I made a bunch of mistakes by ignoring some of my general planning and I regretted it. I had to take apart and put back together again parts of my layout several times. It was frustrating and time consuming which takes the joy out my layout for me.
After making the mistakes I made last year, I decided to work on following my plans this year. This usually requires more time, but avoids mistakes. I found out by starting out very slowly in building my layout and testing the running of various trains before building the village is the best. I like running trains for several nights or couple weeks to find things that could possibly cause problems.
The worst mistake I have every made was back in 2006. This was the year I had a disaster with my Christmas tree falling over.
If it were not for the photo I took of this, my wife and daughter may not have known it happened. I was trying to fix something late at night and I accidentally leaned onto the tree. Down came the tree which luckily broke only a couple of ornaments. All the trains were safe! It took me until 4 am in the morning to fix everything. It was a live and learn experience!
Do you have any plans yet for you Christmas Train Layout for 2019 yet? Remember you only have 100 days left! It will be here before you know it.
Each year I have a friend that ask me about plans for Christmas Layout starting about August. This year is no different. In fact, he even asked me tonight how my layout was coming along! Too early to start or plan, not for me! Yes, I have already begun!! For some I know this is too early. However, most stores have already begun putting out their Christmas merchandise. I know there are those that have very big Outdoor Christmas Light Displays that began 1 or 2 months ago. There is one guy on YouTube that I follow that starts in July in putting up his village.
Over the years I have learned planning is important part of setting up my layout. The problem I face each year is like to make my layout different. In making it different, I try new things which usually leads to mistakes. Last year I made a bunch of mistakes by ignoring some of my general planning and I regretted it. I had to take apart and put back together again parts of my layout several times. It was frustrating and time consuming which takes the joy out my layout for me.
After making the mistakes I made last year, I decided to work on following my plans this year. This usually requires more time, but avoids mistakes. I found out by starting out very slowly in building my layout and testing the running of various trains before building the village is the best. I like running trains for several nights or couple weeks to find things that could possibly cause problems.
The worst mistake I have every made was back in 2006. This was the year I had a disaster with my Christmas tree falling over.
If it were not for the photo I took of this, my wife and daughter may not have known it happened. I was trying to fix something late at night and I accidentally leaned onto the tree. Down came the tree which luckily broke only a couple of ornaments. All the trains were safe! It took me until 4 am in the morning to fix everything. It was a live and learn experience!
Do you have any plans yet for you Christmas Train Layout for 2019 yet? Remember you only have 100 days left! It will be here before you know it.