#104 December Status Report

December 2, 2015

Christmas is coming, and the EnterTRAINment Junction (EJ) team has again set up the Christmas layout in the EJ display area. This is available to visitors free of admission charge.

The layout has three loops of track on three different levels, a canyon that runs across it from one side to the other with a frozen lake at the bottom, and a town with businesses and a railroad facility (Figure 1).

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Figure 1 Christmas Layout (Town Side)

Another notable feature is the waterfall that runs from the top of the mountain down into the frozen lake (Figure 2).

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Figure 2. Christmas Layout (Waterfall Side)

At the other end of the layout is the prominent mountain with its upper level track circling at a level two-thirds of the way to the top (Figure 3).

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Figure 3. Christmas Layout (Mountain Side)

The canyon offers an opportunity to include some impressive bridges spanning the lake (Figure 4). If you look carefully, you can see a hot air balloon flying in the canyon beyond the two-span truss bridge. There is also a charming little farm scene in the bottom of the canyon next to the lake.

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Figure 4. The Canyon

The town’s lower level has the houses and businesses, while the upper level has the facilities for servicing and maintaining the trains (Figure 5).

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Figure 5. The Town

Figure 6 provides closer view of the waterfall and the beautiful arch bridge spanning the canyon.

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Figure 6. The Waterfall

The volunteers have done another outstanding job with this year’s Christmas layout. Come see it, and don’t forget to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus on the “Journey to the North Pole.” Mrs. Claus has fresh-baked cookies for her visitors!

© 2015 Tom Bartsch
MVGRS Big Train Project Coordinator