Hi I'm new to trains. My brother has had them for years and gave me his Polar Express for Christmas. I have set it up under the tree. I am wondering whether I should just start to develop the oval around the tree first or perhaps a bit more complicated layout. He has suggested a figure 8. Thanks!
Welcome to the forum, and the wonderful world of Lionel trains!
The answer to your question is entirely up to you! Most hobbyists start small and expand slowly, ever changing their layout. Others plan their 'dream' layout and build it once.
It all depends on how much space you can devote to your layout, how simple or intricate you want it, if you plan on adding more trains and wish to run 2 or more trains on different loops, and lastly, how much funds you can devote to your hobby.
Here are some layout suggestions to start you on your way, complete with scenery suggestions. Have fun!
http://www.thortrains.net/marx/47fastrack1.htmlLarry
Thank you so much! These give me a great place to start figuring out what I want. Thank you! I am having fun. I have done some set design in my past and look forward to incorporating some of those skills in the layout.
When looking at the possibilities, I see how I could incorporate a more modest oval layout around the tree, in pie-like sections for house, coyotes and rabbits, frozen, to north pole and then later grow it out.
Thanks again,
Chris