The Disney® Character Christmas Village - New for 2008!
Another spectacular new collection - just in time for Christmas! Warm up your holidays with this new, unique collection, which features the most fun characters from the most fun Disney® animated features. Like the Disney® Villains set, also new for 2008, this collection has been selling quickly, so don't wait too long to get your order in.
This offering is so unique that I have added way more descriptions and illustrations than usual. If you click on a blow-up, know that some of the blow-ups that show characters actually show them larger than the "real thing" so you can get an idea of the detail and craftsmanship that has gone into this collection. The photos also show figures grouped together that you don't receive at the same time; generally you receive one or two figurines with each structure. Here are some of the delightful settings included in this collection:
  - Mickey's Place: Here is the mouse that started it all, surrounded by his closest friends, all celebrating yuletide joy. Most of the figures that go with this setting are modeled as they were drawn in the classic colored Disney cartoons of the 1930s and 1940s (many of which overlapped into the "Mickey Mouse Club" in the 1950s and 1960s). So there's a vintage feel that's just right to this part of the collection.
  Winnie the Pooh's House and Friends: Disney's® charming adaptations of A.A. Milne's classic children's stories have delighted generations. If you know who lives in the Hundred Acre Woods under the name of Sanders, you'll love this issue. Free, heirloom-quality miniature sculptures of Pooh and his friends will also be heading your way.
You should also know that there is also a delightful Christmas train collection featuring the Winnie the Pooh characters further down the page.
  Seven Dwarf's Cottage: Snow White's "little men" celebrate Christmas with all the enthusiasm they can muster, in front of a cottage is covered with festive decorations. Again, you don't receive all the dwarfs at the same time, but if you stay subscribed, eventually you'll receive every figure shown.
  Many Others - As your delightful Disney® Christmas Village sculptures come in, you will also receive additional figurines and other accessories to increase your holiday fun.
To learn more, to see more photos, or to purchase the the Disney® Villains Halloween Village, click on the link below.
 Mickey Mouse® And Friends Christmas Through The Years Electric Train Collection
a Nostalgic Trip through 8 Decades of Fun! Great Disney Collectible! - All aboard for a trip through 8 decades of nostalgic fun! This Mickey Mouse and Friends Christmas train set collection showcases handcrafted and fully sculpted scenes with Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Goofy and more. Subscribing to this collection now sets up a "standing order" that guarantees you can purchase each limited-edition issue in this collection as it becomes available. The magic starts with Issue One featuring the illuminated steam locomotive and coal tender. About four weeks later, you will receive Issue Two, a classic train car, which includes the FREE nickel silver 16-piece HO gauge track. Then your Mickey Mouse and Friends train collection continues with Issue Three, another train car, which includes your FREE power pack. Additional Mickey Mouse and Friends train cars with sculpted characters and decorations, each a separate issue, will follow. Note: Hawthorne village® reminds me to tell you that these are fine, heirloom-quality collectibles. In other words they're not toys for children, they're "toys" for big people like you.
Please click on either photograph for more pictures and details.
 Canadian shoppers, click here!
 Magic of Disney(r) Express
 - The
Magic Of Disney® Express Train Collection
 celebrates all of your favorite Disney® characters, including Mickey Mouse (as the Sorceror's Apprentice), Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and many more. Each issue in this collection has exquisite detail and charming features that will attract attention and interest for years to come. The locomotive headlight and the coaches are lighted as well, making this train a real "attention-grabber" when it runs around an illuminated holiday village such as the ones shown on this page.
Please click on either photograph for more pictures and details.
Canadian shoppers, click here!
 Winnie the Pooh Hundred Acre Wood Christmas Express Train Collection
- According to the Hawthorne Village people, this train is:
"a hunny of a celebration of friendship and the holidays. Adorned with fully sculptural handcrafted, hand-painted Christmas scenes of your favorite Pooh characters,
including Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger created from original art by Disney artists.
This heirloom-quality On30 scale Pooh electric train set features a cheery locomotive that really lights up and 
coordinating cars, all richly decorated and alive with the spirit of the holiday."
Please click on either photograph for more pictures and details.
Canadian shoppers, click here!
  New for 2008:Winnie the Pooh® Holiday Villages and Trains - If you would like to see more Winnie the Pooh, including two delightful new holiday villages, click here.
Note: If you buy a collectable train with the idea of running it around your Christmas tree, you might want to take special precautions so that someone who missteps near the tree doesn't accidentally kick an irreplaceable locomotive across the room. (Don't ask me if this warning is based on personal experience.) One possible solution might be to start a subscription of the Hawthorne Village train you like the most, and at the same time buy a Bachmann On30 train set that you can afford to leave on the floor or let the kids run. (And when the kids go to bed, and everyone else leaves the house, you can get out your Hawthorne Village train and run it--they run on the same track.)
The Disney® Villains Halloween Village - New for 2008!
A spectacular new collection, introduced just in time for Halloween! Many years ago, moviemakers agreed that Walt Disney was the true master of the "horror" genre, because he could creep you out without ever showing anything really scarey or losing a G rating. And here is a brand-new Halloween village collection that features the creepiest of them all, featuring the villains from Sleeping Beauty, 101 Dalmations, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and more. Let's face it, the first time you were scared under the seat of a theater, it wasn't by Freddy or Jason - it was by one of the ladies on this page. Since this collectible series was introduced, they have been almost literally flying off the shelves. So if you want to be a part of this spooky action, get your order in as soon as you can.
Because I am so excited about this new offering, I have added more descriptions and illustrations than usual. If you click on a blow-up, know that some of the blow-ups that show characters actually show them larger than the "real thing" so you can get an idea of the detail and craftsmanship that has gone into this collection. The photos also show figures grouped together that you don't receive at the same time; generally you receive one or two figurines with each structure.
  - Issue 1: Maleficent Manor: Don't sing "It's Not Easy Being Green" anywhere near this lady's hearing. The first issue in this collection is the home of the ultimate Disney® fairy-tale villain. For many years Sleeping Beauty was my favorite Disney® fairy tale movie. I liked the consistent 14-century architecture and costumes, and the fact that the prince got to do something besides ride a horse and sing. But I also appreciated the ultimate "bad fairy," who has given youngsters nightmares for generations. Maleficent also provided most of the inspiration for Susan Sarandon's villainous queen in Disney's splended mostly-live-action movie Enchanted (although there is also a "nod" to Sleeping Beauty's stepmother-turned-hag). A deadly spinning wheel and Maleficent's right-hand raven complete the scene.
Update for September, 2008! - I just got mine in the mail. The castle comes with chains on the drawbridge, Maleficent's trusted raven "hovering" overhead, and Maleficent herself, hovering over a spinning wheel, and raising a staff in her best "I'm getting ready to do something really evil" pose. The castle is illuminated by a blue lighbulb - how's that for different? This is as fine a "halloween sculpture" as Hawthorne Village has put out so far, and they've put out some great ones. I'll post photos as soon as I get a chance.
  Issue 2: Cruella DeVille's Mansion: Admit it, you're humming her theme already. Cruella's broken-down mansion, "Hell House" plays a key role in the movie, as 99 puppies try to find a way out before they become a fasion statement.
This was another of my favorite movies when I was a kid - the "snazzy" 40's sound-track, the mid-century impressionistic views of Paris, even down to the brush strokes that outlined the characters. Though Cruella couldn't turn into a dragon or witch, she certainly could be a threat, especially if you're a dalmation puppy named "Lucky." And I understood at an early age that anyone who puts out her cigarette in a pastry was not a nice person anyway.
  Issue 3: Wicked Queen's Castle: This one started it all! When I was about four we watched this movie at a drive-in. When the queen-turned-hag lifted the poisonous apple and cackled, I disappeared under the seat and didn't see the rest of the movie until years later. I'm sure many of you can share similar heartwarming stories of your first encounter with the original Bad Lady of Disney. The Magic Mirror is also featured in this classic collectible.
 Other Features - As your deliciously creepy Disney® Villains Halloween Village sculptures come in, you will also receive intended victims and other accessories to heighten the suspense of your settings.
If you can tell I had fun just writing the descriptions, imagine how much fun you'll have displaying these unique and original collectibles this fall, and the next, and the next. And if you're a "serious" Disney® collector, consider just how unique this particular collection is!
To learn more, to see more photos, or to purchase the the Disney® Villains Halloween Village, click on the link below.
 Set Sail with Disney Pirates of the Caribbean Ship and Figurine Collection Inspired by the Epic Movie! Unique Halloween Decor - Hoist the sails and prepare for a voyage across the mighty seas this Halloween! This exciting Disney Pirates of the Caribbean collection welcomes you aboard the famous Black Pearl Ghost Ship in this impressive Halloween decoration. Meet your "mates" in Issue One with six fully sculpted figurines of the cursed crew, including Captain Jack Sparrow. It won't be long before the moon grows full and you receive Issue Two - the mighty Black Pearl Ghost Ship. This animated Halloween decoration full of lights, sound and motion comes ready to be boarded by your additional issues with varied selections of pirate figurines (and accessories)‡ in pursuit of vessels to plunder and booty to fill their treasure chests. Inspired by the adventurous blockbuster film, this Hawthorne Village collectible is ready to shiver ye timbers this Halloween. This collectible pirate ship is amazingly handcrafted and hand-painted to frightening effect - perfect for your Halloween decor! It even lights up with eerie illumination to showcase every meticulously sculpted detail. From skeleton pirates that actually move to spooky sounds and real tattered cloth sails, this Disney movie collectible is the finest ship to sail the Spanish Main! Hurry to order your Disney Pirates of the Caribbean ship collection. Strong demand is expected for this animated Halloween decoration and you won't want to miss out on bringing home Captain Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl Ghost Ship. Order now!
Click on the link below to purchase or for more information.
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Hawthorne Village Train Accessories - As different as they may look, all of the Hawthorne Village trains on this page are mechanically interchangeable. They are On30 trains, built on frames made by the Bachmann Corporation, the world's largest model train manufacturer. The track they all use is the same EZ-Track that Bachmann sells for HO trains, so if you order more than one Hawthorne Village train, you can use the track from each set interchangeably. You can also always get extra Bachmann EZ-Track pieces as well as Bachmann parts and service on your Hawthorne Village trains. A few extra track pieces and other Hawthorne Village accessories you may find useful are provided below for your convenience.
 Electric Train Crossing Gate and Block Signal Accessory Set Adds Realism to your Collectible Electric Train Set! Exclusive! - This miniature-scale crossing gate and block signals will add interest and charm to any Hawthorne Village train. Meticulously handcrafted by master artisans, each detail is flawlessly re-created, from the red-and-white striped train crossing gate arms to the white crossing signs. The crossing gate's arms even lower automatically when the train passes over the track! This is also an excellent value. Click on the link below to purchase or for more information.
 Electric Train Track Accessory Keeps Your On30 or HO Scale Train Set on Track - One of the true joys and excitement of owning an electric train set is in enhancing - and growing - your display by adding quality accessories. Hawthorne Village's exclusive HO scale "Track Multi-Pack" Train Accessory Set affords you almost 8 feet of additional track, including four 9" Straight Track and six 9" Radius Curved Track. Perfect for any Hawthorne Village train sets. All you need to do is snap them together. Click on the link below to purchase or for more information.
 Expand your Empire! - If you have already added the Track Multi-Pack Train Accessory Set to your railroad, this set will allow you to add a figure eight shape to your railroad. This set includes a 90-degree Crossing, four 2-1/4" Straight Track and one 18" Radius Curved Rerailer. Click on the link below to purchase or for more information.
 Handsome Model Train Set Display Case Shows off Your Train Collection in Heirloom-quality Wood Cabinet with Glass Doors! - Provide an elegant home for your beloved model train collection in this heirloom-quality model train set display case, exclusively from Van Hygan & Smythe. Custom-designed in the tradition of fine European craftsmanship, its classic style is enhanced by solid hardwood construction with a rich walnut-finish. Hinged glass front doors reveal three 3-1/4" deep hardwood shelves, perfectly sized for your limited-edition train collections. Magnetic door closures minimize dust, and gleaming brass-finished hardware adds an elegant touch. Click on the link below to purchase or for more information.
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| Where to Go for More Trains and Towns |
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More Holiday Villages - Includes villages and accessories inspired by It's a Wonderful Life, the Andy Griffith Show (A.K.A. "Mayberry RFD"), John Deere, Norman Rockwell, NYC landmarks, and vintage 50's-era businesses like McDonalds, Sinclair Gasoline, and many others.
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Big Trains Store™ - Describes On30 and O gauge model trains for building indoor model or display railroads - most of the trains and accessories would go great with the villages and trains on this page.
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Where to Go for More Holiday Decorating and On30 Model Railroading Ideas |
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 New for 2008!: Introducing Spook Hill™. Our sister site Big Indoor Trains™, now features a series of free, 100% original Halloween building projects in O or S scale, enough to give you a complete Halloween village that you can build yourself from inexpensive materials. In addition, most of these structures will complement any train or town on this page.
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 What Is a Glitterhouse?: Our sister site Big Indoor Trains™, also features a series of free, 100% original articles on collecting and building those cardboard Christmas houses that were popular between 1920 and 1965. Supplement any Christmas village with your own vintage-style structures that you can build yourself from inexpensive materials.
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Yes, Disney® has been licensing products since Mickey was black and white. But this page features some entirely new, and very original products, including the first-ever holiday villages based on Disney® characters and settings! Demand is already high - several of our readers bought these before we even knew they were available.
BIG Indoor Trains™ Primer Pages