Dollar Day Luck

[Big Daddy Audio]

As you know, I scored a bunch of Lionel track and I'm going to do a Christmas display.

I looked at my "Christmas Village" building inventory and was NOT impressed with what I have.  I decided that I was going to try to "thrift" 5-10 more buildings for as little money as possible.  Today I got on the scoreboard with a simple, lightable (but with no light) building that looks a little Victorian, but doesn't have any kind of exterior signage to indicate the nature of the building.

Cost - $1.00

These things usually go for (new, that is) about $20.00 for the off-brands all the way up into the stratosphere for the limited-run, huge, name-brand ceramic pieces.

I figured I made out okay and will take and post a picture soon.  It's nothing special, but it is in good condition.

I also skated through the checkout very quickly thanks to an nice lady with a cart-full of shoes ("Why don't you go first? You only have one thing...")   

[Skip]

Thanks for keeping us abreast of the Lionel track and display preparations.  Crap, this display is going to give Macy's a run for the money!

[Big Daddy Audio]

Well, not quite yet, but I appreciate the enthusiasm.

Here's a shot of the "Dollar House #1"



As you can see, it'll fit in nicely, but there's very little that's remarkable about it, aside from the price paid.  It'll work well as layout "fill" until the point (if and when) it gets replaced with something more meaningful.

[Big Daddy Audio]

Scored 3 more "houses" (Pub, Bank, and Church) last night when out with the daughter; Church has the light socket and cord.  Got home and realized that the cashier did not charge for one of the houses.

3 houses for $2.00

End of the first, Big Daddy 4, Dollars 3.

I'm winning.

[Big Daddy Audio]

Here are the other three "houses":



The Pub (It doesn't say "pub" on it, but it looks like a pub to me, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it):



The Church:



And The Bank:



Again, nothing but good layout fill.  They will work fine.

[elvisgurly]

Found a few 45's for $1.00.

Got a few records for a $1.00 a piece.

[Big Daddy Audio]

It wasn't a "dollar day" but the price was right for this Department 56 Original Snow Village Skate & Ski Shop (with box).



I found it at Goodwill for $3.99.  It was more than a dollar, but it's in great shape, has the box and light fixture, and is a Dept 56 building.  These things are for sale on Amazon for $45-50, but they go wanting at $22.00 on eBay.  I still think I got a bargain.

As an aside, Goodwill is stocking a TON of Christmas stuff now for their "Christmas in July" promotion.  The problem is that they have started using "seasonal" item price tickets which they EXCLUDE from their daily color sales.  Sometimes you're lucky and find something marked "Misc" or if the cord is showing "electrical," but usually you get stymied.  It's more than a little frustrating.

[Skip]

The Pub (It doesn't say "pub" on it, but it looks like a pub to me, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it):

Its your's so I can't argue. However, by the way those shutters are placed it looks to me that it is the house of ill repute.

[Big Daddy Audio]

Well, here are a few pictures of the finished layout.  Wound up finding a few more buildings, but Goodwill must have had their knickers in a twist, because no seasonal stuff was ever discounted (except in July).  I guess they weren't so bent on moving it.  Wound up getting the water tower and gazebo (both Dept 56) at a Goodwill in Chino, CA for $2.00 each.  Wound up buying a few more buildings on sale from Sears and Lowe's at a discount.  Bought the Dr. Pepper train from Craigslist and got the flashers for the grade crossing from Lionel Parts.  It's a work-in-progress.  I've added a few more vehicles since these were taken.









I want to make a video of it, so stay tuned.   

[valleythriftshopper]

Looks awesome, nice job!  I have been watching alot of HGTV Christmas decorating shows so I am really inspired to do something big myself next year, we will see if the enthusiasm is there in 11 months!