I have the most respect for everyone on here which is why I have joined. All my life I have been fascinated with trains (probably more with models than the real thing!) I have always had a train under my Christmas tree. I have always dreamed of a model train IN my tree. One day I saw the Henning tree on the internet and I became inspired. Over a year ago I started building a Christmas Tree Train. The reason I say I am different is simply because I am not picky how my train looks, but I am about how it performs. I am hoping some of you can give me advice. Is anyone interested? I don't want to insult anyone because I am not going for a realistic looking layout. This was my inspiration: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/trains-in-the-tree-the-plans-by-bill-henning
Wow. I made a 30" circle of HO which I used to mount in a real tree years ago. That was home to alternately a Brill trolley or a cable car. It was nothing like this! Don't expect to haul a long train up that steep helix...
Looks interesting, enjoy the project, and be sure and post the final version when it is finished. And welcome to TrainBoard!
Welcome to TrainBoard! This us a do what makes you happy hobby. Hoping you will reach a result which brings much joy. Keep us updated.
Welcome to trainboard! Years ago I had Bachmann N scale Trim A Train circle track that was meant to be put in the Christmas tree. Though I bought it used the wooden dowl rods were either broken or missing. Went to the local craft shop and purchased some. Yes I was able to run a Christmas N scale train in the tree. I didn't know there were O scale ones too! :
Hi Trent, welcome. That's the beauty of a hobby, it's something you do to please yourself. So ask away, we'll give you all the help you can handle.
Trent, Welcome aboard and you have a great idea. Trains belong with Christmas trees, wether around them or in them.
Yes, welcome. It is truly about what motivates you personally. I am a little different also. Not to blow my own train horn, but I model in 1/384, Omega scale. Been serious with it since 2015. Happy Railroading, gmorider
I have trains in my tree. However, only the ones under it run. Welcome aboard. https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/ornament-tree.109199/full&d=1436197176
Thanks everyone, so do I just discuss everything here or should I go start a thread in the N-scale with a title something like "Train IN the tree" I think this going to work, I am heavily invested in it. Anything you build needs a strong backbone and I had a dream that the backbone is the trunk of the tree. I decided to make that my Helix and build off of it. I plan on posting some pics, BUT do I do that here or start a dedicated thread?
Ironically that was one of the first things I considered, that and how to disassemble it and yet keep it sturdy and where to store it. I had read where Bill Henning built his and then had issues fitting it through normal doorways! The good news is if it fails, I won't have to worry about that, it will turn into firewood, lol. Don't fret, I will try long and hard before that happens!
Are you going N? Then you won't have that problem. You could even hide your structure almost completely in an artificial tree. Yeah, I'd suggest you start a thread for it.
I have started a thread on this... Please feel free to give me your advice https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/train-in-the-tree.128417/