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Friday, August 18, 2023
Villaging comes in all forms and flavors. Most have details and/or stories. Fellow member of the O Gauge Forum, “af3020” has an amazingly detailed section in a temporary floor layout - and a great story to match. Thanks for sharing this awesome photo and great village story with us.

(See, it’s not always D56)
“The station is an American Flyer #104 Kenilworth station from 1933. In 1928 Flyer decided to name its various stations after towns in and around Chicago and Kenilworth was one of the towns they chose. The other two were Hyde Park and Flossmoor. The two freight stations are also American Flyer - #97's which date from 1931. The icing station is an MPC reissue of the original Lionel version. On the right side next to one of the freight stations is an American Flyer postwar barrel loader. It was designed for use with S gauge but if you put about a half-inch base under the accessory it works just fine with O gauge equipment. There is also part of another freight shed just visible to the right of the train station. This is a heavily modified Lionel MPC shed kit complete with interior detailing and lighting. The passenger platform is postwar Flyer. The steam engine is the head end of the American Flyer Set #1 from 1938. The UP diesel is MPC from the 1980's. The cars and trucks are from various manufacturers as are the people. I've painted most of the people myself. There are a couple of figures which I have modified and painted.”
And then, just to add to the fun, he added:
“The reason for the pieces of black and brown and green cloth, is because when I put this version of the 0&0 together, the living room rug was a light blue, which didn't do much for the train display (we have since gone to a medium green rug so all I use now are the black and brown swatches of cloth)”
There are many styles for displays/layouts, from fantasy to reality and a million variations in between. This is as close to reality that I've seen. This great photo is from the layout of "Country Joe" from the "O Gauge Forum" (see the "Forum & Links" page). Joe hails from Florida, USA, and it looks like you could drive right up for an ice cream at the "Regina's Ice Cream Shop".
People are important in a lot of villages. Here's an example, as shared by Cesare Villa from Italy. TVC viewers have seen a lot of Cesare's creativity over the years, throughout the site, and his latest video will be a selection in the August, 2023 " Village Videos" page. Thanks, Cesare, for being part of our community.
I love these hand carved, wood, lit village scenes.
Fabio Cianconi, an active member of our community
from Italy, shared these photos of his "Spring Village 2023".
We have been fortunate to see many examples of his
creativity in the many photos & videos he has shared.
Chiara Parodi sends us this photo from Italy.
A busy square in her village looks like all are having fun.
Daphne Hendriks, an active Netherlands member of
our community, sent this neat shot of her village train
"hi-ballin" by her beautiful display.
e _xander sent in the really neat display from
our favorite "My Merry Christmas" forum.
Our popular columnist Jim Peters sent along
this photo of a section of one of his villages
with the "World's Largest Trailer Park".
Looks like a great party zone!
From Italy comes this awesome photo of a fun
area of Gennaro Massa's well designed village.
Lemax's "Caddington Square" never looked as good
as this display by Pierpaolo Pica from Italy.
Looking like a scene from a 40s Christmas movie,
this boulevard invites a nostalgic stroll through the
snow. One of our newest columnists, Mark Frendo, of
Pennsylvania, had this photo in his March 17, 2023 column.
Back in the day, this is what an Amazon delivery might have
looked like. This fun shot was taken by Linda Di Tomasso of
Ginette Ethier & Jacques Leveille's display. They are all in
the "Lamplighters Club of Quebec" in Canada.
This beautifully detailed street invites a stroll.
Our columnist from Italy, Peppe Apuleo, shared
this awesome photo of part of his village with us.
As Jay Haack (aka Soaring Hawk) from Oregon, USA, tells it:
"Here's Ebenezer Scrooge leaving his counting house in the
cold, dark night, on his way to the Melancholy Tavern for a
bite to eat before retiring to his apartment on Christmas Eve."
Wow! He sure is about to have a surprising night!
"Stories" add so much to a village, and this one
photo captures so many stories covering all things
"Halloween". Thanks to Greg Cassidy of Maryland,
USA, for sharing a "Boo" with us.
Jan Kol's club created amazing displays throughout
one of the most historic cathedrals in Netherlands.
What an awesome way to experience Christmas Joy.
The hand-made details, that are
displayed here, are simply breathtaking.
Christmas Spirit comes in all shapes, sizes, and
locations. A single shelf in a hutch can change an
entire room, especially when it's done creatively,
while paying attention to the details. Here's a
perfect example of "Villaging" at its best.
Once the ambient light gets low enough, you start
to witness one of the best "miracles" of "Villaging"...
the Lit Buildings come alive, flooding out stories
to all who view it . . . "Ahhh, life is good!"
Another example of using space creatively. Welcome
to the "North Pole" as we catch Santa about to leave
on his famous journey. Even though he'll be spreading
so much joy, it must be hard to leave when he lives in
such a beautiful "Village".
"OHH, such fun!" This "Employee Groto" is perfect
for the hard-working elves to relax and unwind.
Santa and Mrs. Claus also enjoy the
attention to details that surround them.
Long time columnist and TVC's resident story teller,
Larry Treadwell of North Carolina, had this photo in
his 2014 "Dickens Christmas". This proves that
streets don't have to be straight.
Yes, the "North Pole" is a village at the top-of-the-world.
I love the hand-made log bridge, that's helping the Elves
cross the "Gargantuan Gulch" to arrive at work on time.
According to Linda B. from New Hampshire, USA,
"The amount of space around the Lit Buildings allows
for a better look at the building details, and opportunities
for more stories to be created about the Elves' travel".
Sometimes a smaller area can give the best results.
"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus".
One of my all-time favorite Village Photos first
appeared in the "Just So You Know" column
of December 8, 2017. It has also re-appeared
a few more times throughout the last six years
on The Village Collector. Thanks to David Spears
for our "Inspiration" and being the first to share
a column with our community here.
Hand-Made "Glitter Houses" are very popular,
and a great opportunity to show your craftsmanship.
What FUN!
My goodness, there really IS a "Village Room" . . . very
impressive use of space (as long as pets aren't allowed).
"Faster, faster" down "Cobblestone Road" as
Mrs. Wattlesby and her niece are late for
the "Razzleton's Christmas Tea Party". This
is society's must-attend event of the season,
and timing is socially critical.
The magic of "Lit Buildings" shines through,
no matter what month it is.
A chugging steam engine, pulling a vintage
Christmas Train, can add a whole new dimension
of fun and stories to a village. Here comes
"The Express" . . . bringing special VIPs
to the North Pole.
Wow - all the Christmas Observers aboard
this festive train must have agreed that
"Cardboard Never Looked This Good Before!"
Painting your own Village is a way to know
much more about each building and its inhabitants.
Very Cool!
Another early photo, from our Minnesota columnist
David Spears, displays one of my most used
phases, ". . . and a good time was had by all."
Adding layers of interest and elevation can
truly enhance the details of each Lit Building.
Street Level Views, especially with elevations, really
show off the "Magic of Lit Villages". The presence
of a display such as this, in any room, can enhance
the emotions and feelings of all observers.
Are you in a "Holiday Frame of Mind?"
Oh, my, there's so much magic in this
Village Photo. Sharing is the best reward
for all this Time & Effort. Are you
feeling the "Christmas Spirit" yet?
Waterfronts add quite a challenge plus a great
opportunity for creativity. Attention to details is so
important for a top notch display, such as this
Phil Adkins awesome Village Photo of "Phil & Sue's
Christmas Village". Phil is one of our popular TVC
columnists, and, sharing his village all the way
from England, helps prove our belief in
"One World, One Village".
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Wood cut-outs make up this intricate village scene,
which is a very popular style in Europe. The details
and craftsmanship are awesome! I love the
variety of styles and efforts that makes up
the world of our Lit Building passion.
Ahhh . . . Lit Buildings . . . So many styles, so
little time. Look at the incredible detail here.
Mind blowing!
The Christmas Magic of Lit Buildings does not get old.
WOW! What a great shot for a finale to end this page,
but I wonder where you keep all the boxes? Yes, this
must be the "No-Pets-Allowed Christmas Room".
I wonder if that's the new Department 56 accessory
"Tree - with lights - large".
Now it's time to send in YOUR Village Photo.
Just click the CONTACT US button below.