MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas!

The Real Christmas Story

Luke 2:1-20

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds' Visit

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

seen. 

LET THOMAS COME TO YOUR BREAKFAST!

Here is a hilarious episode!

Tomy "Thomas Coal and Water Station" Set

For $23.00, I was happy to acquire the Coal and Water Station set. I thought I'd share this picture with you!

It came with the station, and another Tomy Thomas as well as three coaches, eight curve pieces, and one small straight piece and one large straight piece.

BEHIND THE SCENES: "THE VIADUCT"

I raised the bar with the creation of Mainline Viaduct. The viaduct first appeared in Season 1, Episode 1, and the improved version first aired with my remakes in "Better Late Than Never."

In the following paragraphs, I will strive to give you a glimpse of how I created this venue and how you can create one of your own under $15.

Supplies:

• pencil
• scissors
• circular saw
• 1/8'' plywood or siding board
• 1" by 1" wood
• screws/nails
• 1/2" by 4" pine board
• gray paper (or whatever color you want the viaduct to be)
• green tablecloth
• blue paper
• plastic wrap
• Spanish moss or other forage scenics (optional)
• rocks (optional)
• black spray paint (optional)
• ruler

Step 1:

*All measurements are according to what I made, however, the viaduct can be made bigger by simply cutting larger pieces of plywood. 

a. Cut two rectangles of plywood, both about 30 inches by 15 inches.*
b. Cut a rectangle of plywood, 24" by 30". *
c. Cut the 1/2" by 4" board to about 26."*
d. Cut the 1" by 1" piece to make four pieces at least 16" long each, but no longer than 24".
e. Assemble. (Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2.)

Figure 1

Figure 2

 Step 2:

a. Cut about 12 - 1 1/2" strips of 12'' paper.

b. Cut out 12 arches, each one and a half inches in radius. Make sure that above the cutout arch there is about 2-3 inches to spare.

c. Glue them all together. This should form two sets of two-dimensional viaducts.

d. Using scrap paper and more of that same gray, make several 4.25" strips.

e. Hot glue the 4.25" strips into around the viaduct arches. Then, as hard as it will be, you must glue the other side accordingly. I would recommend gluing the straight sides in fist and then putting the curved arch strips on.


 Doing Processes D and E make the viaduct strong and three-dimensional. See Figure 3.

Figure 3

 Step 3:

a. Slide the rigid viaduct under and then up into position under the board. Add two sets of rails to the top of the board.

b. Add tablecloths or other mass greenery items as such, and secure around the viaduct. (Figure 4.)

Figure 4

c. Add dark blue or blue paper underneath the viaduct but on top of the greenery for water.

(I actually didn't have my greenery in the viaduct yet in this picture.)

d. Unless you want to make yours waterproof, artificial water can inexpensively be made with ceran wrap, or also known as plastic wrap. Gravel and rocks can act for two things. They can make the realism come alive, and they can provide a great "transition strip."

e. Add Spanish moss and scenics!

(I used the Krylon "Chocolate" color. [Top left.] )
Figure 5. 

f. For weathered realism, brown and/or black spray paint can be spritzed on to the scene. (Figure 5) This adds such a rich aspect. (Figure 6.)

(All of the dark spots are where the spray spritzed it. Weathering
looks really impressive especially in the videos.)
Figure 6. 

g. Pose an engine to see the great scene you created!

Note: Usually regular plastic totes can be used on either side to continue the track, or, you can suspend the viaduct between two train tables, which also gives it that "bridging" effect.

Feel free to email me with any questions!!!

Mr. Larrison: larrisons1234@gmail.com

A SNOWY MONTH DESERVES A SNOWY REMAKE! HERE IS "THE DEPUTATION!"

Brew up a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa and enjoy this "chilly" remake! BRRRR!