The quasi-annual Christmas/winter layout thread

So, where do I start? Obviously, I need a layout that is fairly robust, thanks to kids and “Catzilla” pictured above! As much as possible, I like to us materials that are inexpensive, reusable and don’t create a lot of mess. Since I’m using Plarail and Trackmaster trains and accessories, other structures and scenery elements should tie in and not look overly realistic. I want to maintain a toy-like, fantasy appearance to the over all scene (while keeping the cost down as much as possible). Toward that end, I’ve become a fan of the small scale Christmas village structures that are available at a number of chain retailers here in the US. Probably the best known line is Cobblestone Corner, sold by the Dollar Tree chain which cost... $1 USD! These were formerly made of some kind of porcelain/ceramic but are now plastic, which I actually prefer. Last year, I did find a number of porcelain structures at Walmart for ~$2 that are very similar to older Dollar Tree buildings. I’ve collected my buildings over the course of the last two years and have a nice little village for less than the price of one larger scale Lemax or similar building. I would put these in my “What Works” category.

Images stolen from the Dollar Tree website: