The Christmas Model train layout looks great but I was wondering why it's was 4' above the floor where 90% of the children can't see it, until I saw a little girl try to move the trains by hand, [ she was talked to by a Amtrak employee ]
Next Year, maybe you could lower it to about 2' and continue the plastic side shields over the top to keep little hands away from it but allow more little people to enjoy it.
Nice Display,
Thanks from your traveling public.

Not only are they good with mail/net inquiries, but if you have a chance to visit their faculty on Erie Ave. in Phila., you will meet some of the nicest and helpful people in the business. After having all my questions answered by "Tom" and some repairs done, I will go no where else for all my train parts.
It's a fantastic experience, in this day and age,  to encounter this level of customer service.
Thanks guys,
Max Kurz

I am 95% completed on my first layout and if you send me your Email address I'll share details and a overall picture.
It's a modified layout from a MR book and has been changed weekly by my 6 year old grandson since we started 3 years ago. It's an HO 4x8 setup and by using second hand buildings and trains it's cost has been just about $1300.00. It has a river and a self reversing,[ Bachman] trolley.
mkurz21@verizon.net

What are you using to power the accessories,Lights ETC
Ethanville

After 2 years of gathering 20 pieces of lighting equipment, Street lights,Beacons,Houses,Traffic Signals etc and snaking the wiring,I hooked up all the items and connected the leads to a Bachman controller, [AC side] and the system lights up for a second then fades out, after a short time period the same thing repeats.[ Thermal overload ? ]-Do I need a heavy duty transformer,if so, what is recommended ?