Another year, another two shows done at White’s Nursery. This one was our “Christmas” show typically done in early November just as they are clearing out the Halloween decor and gearing up for the holidays.
Our fall shows seem to always involve our hodge-podge collection of gingerbread houses, people and candy trees. They do look Christmasy, but I’d like to come up with a new holiday theme.
Our mini-layout featured an animatronic Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Those who have been in the Hampton Roads area for a while may remember Christmas at Coleman’s Nursery. We’ll never be able to duplicate that, but we like to add some movement to our displays when we can.
They were supposed to be circled by the Grinch and his dog Max on a sleigh, a little thrown together motorized draisine that worked admirably during an eight day show a couple of years ago.
This year, however, it was a no-go for the Grinch (refused to run) and he was replaced by the troll in a truck.
The Santa Troll in the back of an LGB rail truck worked really well. So well that, not wanting to delegate the role permanently to our only rail truck I looked around and found a Delton model that will do the job. The mini tracks are only 32-36″ diameter circles to we’re always looking for short wheelbase vehicles to won’t have a coniption going around such a small track.
Dismal Creek Railroad 