Our 2024 Christmas Train Layout Featuring Lionel's Polar Express

Welll, right now it looks as if I'll be taking a couple of days off of posting. Not just for Christmas, but I do believe I'm catching the cold my granddaughter and oldest daughter have been fighting this week! arrrgh! 😠 Great timing!

That said, here's the finished 2024 Christmas layout and tree. A couple of weeks back I posted it when the cheapo Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express train was running around the tree. Since then I added more details, retired the Hogwarts Express, and added Lionel's Polar Express. Until next time - Merry Christmas! Opa Fritz

The latest YouTube video featuring the layout.

Our postage stamp-sized house is just big enough to squeeze in this 4'x6' board. This year, as well as last year, the board has been raised up, however, the granddaughter is already talking about putting up the large green tree for next year, meaning the board will be on the floor.

Wondershop (Target) Woodie Station Wagon - Stamped Sheet Metal with Tree

I have a LOT of Christmas related photos and seeing as how I was trying to catch up posting my old photos of toy cars and trucks this year, I thought this would be appropriate to post now. This Woody station wagon was sold in Target discount department stores under Target's 'Wondershop' store brand  I've used this Woody station wagon on previous Christmas layouts, however it wasn't used this year. It measures:  5" *12.70cm) L x 1.75" (4.44cm) W x 2" 95.08cm) H (to top of roof), The wheels are not functional, being stamped into the body. Target has offered a range of buildings over the years which would compliment this vehicle nicely. Enjoy! Opa Fritz

21st Century #20006 54mm German Infantry Series 3 - Part 5 Pose 4

It was common practice for many, many years for toy companies not to make many - if any - casualty figures. 21st Century was no exception, and while they had a smattering of casualties peppered throughout their line, it wasn't really that many. Newer companies offer more casualties, and some even have entire sets worth. Anywho, here's a nicely sculpted pose of an unfortunate infantryman who crossed paths with a bit of hot lead. Enjoy! Opa Fritz

REMCO Hamilton's Invaders - Pt 23 The Toys: The Defenders Pose 7 No RM Number

Here's the last of the Defender figures - a generic driver in white plastic. To the best of my knowledge, there was no RM# assigned to this guy. The 'photo essay' is a bit truncated, with me having only taken two photos Enjoy! Opa Fritz

Back To Hogwarts: Modern Gourmet Foods Hogwarts Mug with Hot Chocolate Mix and 'Wand' Stirring Stick

I pick up a lot of my Harry Potter stuff from stores I frequent. Some things - like LEGO sets - have to be ordered on-line, but a lot of incidental things show up in my stores, like this Modern Gourmet Foods Hogwarts mug - a perfect gift for the Holiday season (in this case a gift to myself 😉). I started my Harry Potter series in September of last year by featuring a Hedwig mug by Modern Gourmet Foods and now look forward to new annual offerings. I like the design of this mug in that it's reminiscent of a black cauldron. The Hogwarts crest is a combination of the iconography of the four Wizarding Houses and the reference to 'Potion Master' may be a nod to Severus Snape - Head of Slytherin House and Death Eater-turned unlikely hero. The stir stick is a tiny replica of what appears to be Harry's wand, and there is a package of hot chocolate included. I haven't yet made the chocolate, so I can't give any taste reviews on it - sorry! While the mug is supposed to be dishwasher safe, I think I'd rather hand wash it. Enjoy! Opa Fritz