model train set on track

Toy Trains at Christmas

e*Train Issue: Dec 2015   |   Posted in:

(From article around 2005)

“I have always loved seasonal layout photos, both vintage and contemporary ; illustrating the ways we incorporate toy trains into winter holiday displays. Each year it seems the toy train publications devote less and less space to these efforts. It occurred to me that we could have a special edition of the E*train on line magazine composed of photos of our holiday layout scenes, both current and years past.”

…Paul Wassermann.

This personal observance posted by Dr. Paul Wassermann on the Yahoo TTML board, along with a request for photo contributions has resulted in the following article. Thanks to Paul for his creative idea and thanks to all the TCA members who participated by contributing their photos

S Gauge Layout at the State Capitol in Salem, Oregon 2004 – Alan Bennett
S Gauge Layout at the State Capitol in Salem, Oregon 2004 – Alan Bennett
S Gauge Layout at the State Capitol in Salem, Oregon 2004 – Alan Bennett
S Gauge Layout at the State Capitol in Salem, Oregon 2004. – Alan Bennett
Christmas 2004 – Alan MacDonald
Grand Daughter played with the MTH Firehouse over and over again. Around the tree is an old Marx 10005 tinplate which was my first train in the 1940’s – Dennis Aurata
Me holding my son, Jonathan Olekson, while he takes in the action of my Christmas train I set up for his first Christmas,1996 – Paul Olekson.
My son, Jonathan Olekson checks out a Lionel 611 switcher on his first Chrismas in December 1996 – Paul Olekson.
Suzie Schrader’s wonderful z gauge layout goes thru the miniature house with it’s mini-mini layout on the table. This is always a crowd pleaser. Note her family photos on the wall. Christmas as Fairfax station, 2004 – Clem Clement.
My standard gauge layout at the famous Fairfax Station, Christmas 2004 – Clem Clement.
TCAer Chaplin Jim Warrington blesses the National Capital Tracker’s layout at Fairfax Station, Dec 2004 – Clem Clement.
Chasing trains at Fairfax station, Dec 2004. – Clem Clement
Yes, I can run these s gauge trains. Fairfax station, Dec 2004 Bob Tufts layout – Clem Clement.
My standard gauge layout at the famous Fairfax Station, Christmas 2005 – Clem Clement.
The famous Maple Donut Christmas tree ornaments(A gift from Gordon Wilson) visit Clem’s layout. Note Lou Redman is accepting them as the Blu comet waits to pass and the 392 with 3 mohave cars takes on passengers under the IVES glass station – Clem Clement
Photo by George W. Starz Pittsburgh PA
Lionel Christmas Trolley services Dept 56 Snow Village -2003 – Angelo Lautazi.
The only snow we will see in Scottdale AZ is in our Snow Village – Angelo Lautazi.
An overall view of the layout from the front of the lobby – Kent Anderson.
The christmas express round gumdrop curve and gumdrop bump where the tomte’s go to ski and snowboard – Kent Anderson.
This picture was taken with the train in motion….note the neat headlight effect and speed smudges – Kent Anderson.
Santa pauses the express to take a look at the tomte’s new fire engine still waiting to be off-loaded from it’s mike’s flatcare on the spur. santa thinks it’s nice, very nice! – Kent Anderson.
Santa’s supporting cast of tomte’s take a bow and wish a merry christmas to one and all – Kent Anderson.
The express highballs it down the mainline toward gumdrop curve with a gondola of tomte’s ready to help at santa’s call – Kent Anderson.
My best Christmas ever, 1956, I was 4 1/2 years old and had just received my first electric train set ,a Flyer 560ST “The Flying Freighter” Baldwin freight set – Kirk Lindvig.
Our tree from 2004,there are a few Prewar accessories on the floor & a 42, with 18, 19 & 190 running. As it is a time exposure, all of the train that recorded was a “hoola-hoop” of light from the headlight – Mike Isenberg
Historical photo from the TCA’s Toy Train Reference Library files of Xmas layouts, dated Dec 1944 . Ron Morris
Historical photo from the TCA’s Toy Train Reference Library files of Xmas layouts,circa 1917. Ron Morris
Christmas 2003 – Sean Kirchner

Christmas 2003 – Sean Kirchner
Christmas 2003 – Sean Kirchner
Christmas 2003 – Sean Kirchner
These photos of my holiday layout I constructed using plans I found in CTT or OGR, Dec 2000 – Tim Callahan
Holiday layout, Dec 2000 – Tim Callahan
Holiday layout, Dec 2000 – Tim Callahan
My 2004 Christmas Layout – Tom Bianculli
My 2004 Christmas Layout – Tom Bianculli
My 2004 Christmas Layout – Tom Bianculli
My granddaughter Emily, 5 months old – Tom Bianculli
Christmas Layout – Dennis Aruta
Christmas Layout – Dennis Aruta
Christmas Layout – Dennis Aruta
Christmas Layout – Dennis Aruta
Christmas Layout – Dennis Aruta
Christmas Layout – Dennis Aruta
A Dept 56 bandstand welcoming a Marx holiday train – Paul Wassermann
A custom Pride Lines station that was given to me as a gift from TCA friends upon completion of my year as national president – Paul Wassermann
Allied Model Trains – Holiday Layout – Bob Mintz
Allied Model Trains – Holiday Layout – Bob Mintz
Allied Model Trains – Holiday Layout – Bob Mintz
Allied Model Trains – Holiday Layout – Bob Mintz
Outside on the roof is a lighted animated train to make it easier for Santa! – Bill Trappen
I am using both standard gauge and “O” gauge – Bill Trappen
There is equipment and accessories from Lionel, American Flyer, MTH and K-line as well as ERTL vehicles – Bill Trappen
An American Flyer “S” gauge “Christmas Express” with red and green New Haven coaches running under a tree – Bill Trappen