In the December 2006 issue of Classic Toy Trains, then-Editor Neil Besougloff presented his design for a “three times around the tree” layout. It has since become a favorite with many readers and has inspired several holiday layouts. We’re presenting Neil’s original plan, featuring Lionel O-42 tubular track curves, a tunnel, and a 45-degree crossing. The entire mult-level display fits neatly in a 6½ x 6½-foot space.
One of the three loops is flat 5½ inches above the base of the layout. The other two loops are split between climbing to the upper level of the layout and descending to its base.
You can use Lionel or MTH graduated trestles to create your grades, or simply elevate appropriate sections of track with blocks of wood draped with a white cloth to represent snow.
Download the track plan and components list here.
