2015 christmas show layout

the layout is inside this year. the last few years, its been outside which means a tear down and fresh build both days. takes on average 4 hours to set up, so i was often still putting things out as people were arriving. i was also at mercy of the weather and last year was forced to pack up about an hour after opening due to rain.

this year features a parade of assorted vehicles.... lightning mcqueen, grimace in his snowplow and lots more. even a train and horse and buggy! as always, the village is built from lego and features a few new additions this year. 3 of the small houses, another toy shop and a few other bits.

it has lights along the bridge [those alone took half an hour to thread on!!], several solar powered dancers, a singing, dancing tree and other lighted items. the day this was set up, we had no power at the club so i worked in semi darkness.

i need to work out a way to support the two extra high tracks at the very back. be nice to have just two extra long straights, but never mind. will work something out.

the over lay. its a whos who of kids favourite tv characters. smurfs, care bears, peppa pig, and old school ones like cookie monster and snoopy.


neighbourhood cul-de-sac with houses and small school


santas workshop with market stalls in the background. two elves are having a car race, with a candy as a prize.


inside out came to visit! waiting for the train of thought perhaps?


frozen outside the toy shop.


from the top end. this is what kids will see as they come in the door from the main room.


from the bottom end.

[Super]

Absolutely amazing Sunhuntin, for sure your best Holiday build yet. Just so much going on. I love your idea of the ski slope in the back and all the white track is perfect. The kids are going to love it. Are you planning on doing a short video with all the lights and moving items going on. A fantastic job....one trip on the scooter?

thanks, super

will likely do a video on the night. with no power yesterday, all that would have been seen was the lights and nothing else. its pitch black in that room due to no windows.

one trip by car. the lego buildings are stored in 4 banana boxes to prevent damage during the year. everything else came in two storage tubs.
actually have a lego order coming, its due in thursday, so im hoping like anything it makes it. ive got the minecraft snow hideout and a gingerbread house in that parcel. would be great to have them in time for the show.

the track isnt quite perfect at the raised joins. darn mattel making the riser blocks unable to be stacked!! ive had to try and work with old tomy ones. the up hill slope coming off the bridge on the left is especially sharp and thomas struggles to get over it, but its as flat as i can get it.

[Super]

I love the Toy Shop in the foreground. What set was that in? There are stackable risers for the Trackmaster tracks. They are like A Frames on the sides and you don't see them too much. I know I have seen a YouTube video of a layout with dozens of these. I will check if I can find a picture.

Didn't take long. Here they are... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thomas-Friends-T...Swv-NWUf4f

Dang, that is really packed, sun.

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Anger (from Inside Out) doesn't look to happy about the train delays due to snow...

ahh, thanks, super. i had forgotten about those risers, and i actually used them at the last show. will have to go up and see how many i can find. dont have very many unfortunately.

thanks, rokman. im happy with it, lol

sorry, super completely missed your question re: the toy shop. do you mean the one with the frozen characters that is attached to the track?

if so, its from this set:

[Super]

Yes, thats the one. Didn't know the sign rotated to. Does it only rotate if the train stops at the shop and powers it with its wheels or is it motorized?

powered by the train, as are the ice skaters.
the lights on the pond, station and toy shop go when the train passes by. if i recall, the music in the station goes the same time as the lights.

[Super]

They are nice. Anxious to see the video when the show starts.