Making a Christmas Village 2023 - Lionel Trains - Dept. 56

[@Ivo_o.o]

i really loved the train rides . Thank you Dave for fulfilling my childhood dream . its Truly a MASTERPIECE!! thanks for you dedication and hard work . Hope to see this again in 2024 .again Thank you .

[@demadre]

Dave and Julie, thank you so much for the countless hours you spent putting this together for the rest of us to enjoy. This is truly a labor of love.

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@jayeabb4311]

Merry Christmas ❤❤

[@usandthem2865]

2024 MERRY CHRISTMAS! Wonderful, exciting.... to stare and dream.... love it... thank you for the warm feelings and smiles...

[@ThomasJones-c7x]

OMG! I'm Speechless; Unbelievable! The Work! Labor of Love; Wonderful! Merry Christmas to You!!!

[@davehohman2323]

Happy holidays! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and it is my pleasure to share it. 🎄

[@smeeglesapprentice1468]

It is such a pleasure to watch you recreate this every year and to watch the layout operate. It has become another milestone I look forward to on the way to the holidays. I am still in awe of your logistics - how you keep everything ordered, packaged and stored for use each year. Also, a big thank you to Mrs. Clause for helping to make this happen!

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoy the video. It’s is my pleasure to share it. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@JohnnySoundSTL]

Been watching you for years, and at 75 very thankful to still be around and see you do this (with new layout stuff and seems a new camera?) Thanks for the ride-thru and all that you guys so creatively and laboriously do---GO BLUES!!! Another mediocre season and firing of a coach. May there be another Cup run this year because of that?@@davehohman2323

[@Elkcib]

My dear friend, I’m a bit early this year but I’ve come back to see the holiday magic you create each year. You make the Holidays more special. I don’t know how you do it but it’s absolutely amazing!

[@kierinwolf]

THE BEST REMINDS ME OF THE DAYS WITH MY DAD

[@davehohman2323]

That’s great. Thanks for watching.

[@CalebHawkins2023]

This has become an annual tradition I'm my household. We watch your videos before setting up our own. Thanks for sharing.

[@davehohman2323]

That is awesome! Glad you enjoy the videos. Thanks for watching and it is my pleasure to share it. 🎄

[@jacklerchbacker]

It is truly wonderful, Dave and Julie! Thank you for sharing this magnificent display with all of us😊

[@davehohman2323]

Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@dylan520rr]

Love the town! I also have a town!

[@ricksheafer528]

I usually don't comment on videos but this one I just had to. This is magnificent my friend, I've never seen anything like it before. It is simply beautiful. I wish I lived in that village. I know you put a lot of heart into this. I've got to tell you I'd never take it down. What state are you in, I'd pay good money to see this in person. Happy Thanksgiving and Christmas my friend. Thanks for putting a smile on this old man's face.😊

[@PedroPerex]

Fantastic! Simply Fantastic! The world is a better place through your efforts. My knees got sore just watching. I'm pretty sure the Grizwalds won't have enough power for their outdoor light display lol Thank-You.

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@SpargurYarnCrafts]

Goodness, what a gorgeous layout! I hope one day I will have the space to set something like this up.

[@starsrhi2335]

GOOD AFTERNOON - Truly, outstanding !!! Liked the train going through the tunnels. Seems you have every angle covered for Christmas. AND the work that goes into something like this.......setups like these are treats are marvels......and we don't see them that often. How delightful, thank you soooo much. Love and Joy to the whole family.

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and it is my pleasure to share it. 🎄

[@williamloeber6253]

Wow, outstanding layout! Even spending my life as a RR cop, I love watching these model trains. Thank you so much for sharing. Merry Christmas. 😊

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and it is my pleasure to share it. 🎄

[@tyz443]

I would love to take a leisurely stroll through this dream city. Thank you so much for your wonderful video. With love from Japan Merry Christmas!!

[@davehohman2323]

Thank you very much! Merry Christmas 🎄

[@hmsjr0154]

I’m interested in the specifics on the display. Number of buildings cars, figures trees and so on. Each year it’s amazing how well this display always comes together seamless. It’s pleasure to watch this.

[@danielfryar3116]

This is a wonderful sight. Merry Christmas you two.

[@davehohman2323]

Happy holidays! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@InfinitismYT]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@davehohman2323]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@ChrisJohnson-bg2pg]

WELCOME TO HOHMANVILLE!! I was in aww last year watching you set your village/city up. Then I saw this pop up in my feed and thought no way! A new one? I love the dedication that the two of you have to devote the time and space to something so colossal. Just amazing, the amount of buildings, the trains and I really enjoyed the added perception from the trains this year. Now the question is "what will he do next year?" Merry Christmas Dave and Julie and thank you for this.

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the video. I’m already thinking about next years project. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@petelinster7093]

Love the trains. So many. I'd be happy just to keep one big oval running. The village is awesome. Next time if there is slow down your train when featuring your Go Pro camera. That way we can appreciate even more. That's a life time collection.

[@islude1978]

Another unbelievable village. Looks better than most Firehouse Gardens and regular train museums. God bless you both and Merry Christmas!

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kevinhugas9049]

Wow just happen to stumble upon your layout build from a year ago and I said to myself I wonder if he made it this year and sure enough 5 days ago you made the video. The KZbin algorithm is really working! Thank you for the 20 minutes of relaxing Timelapse And merry Christmas!!!

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you stumbled across it. My pleasure sharing. Thanks for watching. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@BeckyValkyrie]

Me too! I'm glad he did a new updated video.

[@cardinalfang7725]

Not enough superlatives to describe it. It's certainly a wonderful Christmas gift to so many people. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@davehohman2323]

You are so kind Thanks for watching. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@brucegibbs2118]

Such a labor of love beautiful

[@sgttombailes3380]

OUTSTANDING !!! Love It !! I'm 72 and built my best one ever this 2023 Christmas. Of course mine is NO WHERE as big as yours. I'm old and slow. It took me over a week to build mine. LOL !! But all the neighborhood kids loved it. And that's what matters..

[@davehohman2323]

The best one is always the one you just put up. Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ronnievance1]

Now That's! a proper Christmas Village! Well Done Sir!

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and it is my pleasure to share it. 🎄

[@bonnieronnie4889]

Merry Christmas!! I have been waiting patiently for this all year. Thank you.

[@davehohman2323]

Hope it was worth it 😊. Thanks for watching. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@IngeniousDimensions369]

This is so beautiful.😍😍 Very inspiring.💯💯

[@davehohman2323]

Thank you! 😊

[@mrstacyj9496]

Thanks for sharing - too cool. Did you ever see a Presepe? - a Neopolitan nativity (angels, animals, magi, Baby Jesus, etc.) Many elements that require time and artistry to stage, like your little metropolis.

[@davehohman2323]

I’m not familiar with Presepe but I’ll check it out. Thanks for watching.

[@SchatzlErnst-xx6mp]

Eihne wunderschöne Weihnachtszug mus ich sagen habe so etwas in dieser Ausmaß noch nicht gesehen einfach wunderschön . Frohes Fest aus Bayern Deutschland. 👍🎅

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@7sevenpointed7]

Nice one Dave! I had a great time watching this. thanks so much

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it. My pleasure sharing it.

[@lisaballew6163]

Wow! Best village I’ve ever seen. What dedication! Ingenious. Thank you for sharing. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM BOSTON, MA!

[@davehohman2323]

Wow, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@stephanegingras9666]

Awesome layout, must be even more impressive in person.

[@davehohman2323]

It is indeed cool in person. Thanks for watching.

[@musicman8942]

Thanks for sharing this with us here. I miss my Lionel Trains.

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it !

[@thelonemoose4718]

Dave, you're my hero!!! I have always dreamt of building something like that, but I just never managed to get it done. Maybe with retirement next year I can get started. Yes, I know... Dept. 56 stuff is top-shelf!! Is your layout "O" gauge? You are a genius my friend!! Bill

[@davehohman2323]

Trains are indeed O gauge. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. I’m looking forward to your video next year.

[@imaginationunreal]

Absolutely amazing! 20 days?! I think it would take me 20 months to create something like this. Did you even sleep during those 20 days? Beautiful!

[@davehohman2323]

It’s not like I started from scratch. This layout was been developing over the last 35 years. It just took me 20 days to set it up this year. From scratch it probably would take 6 months. Thanks for watching.

[@BeckyValkyrie]

@@davehohman2323 I was wondering how long it took you to get here. How neat is that?! What a cool Christmas hobby to get into.

[@davehohman2323]

@@BeckyValkyrie Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jimbrent8151]

Just as amazing as last year...

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@silhouettenoz]

Very special; thank you for your effort, from Australia.

[@davehohman2323]

Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

How can one not admire this; that you to do it every year, or that your knees still hold up. Cheers!… n’ Happy Holidays 🎄

[@davehohman2323]

Happy holidays! Thanks for watching.

[@paulboutilier1095]

Thank you for sharing, absolutely wonderful!

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@charliehanscome6456]

Wow! Great job! I love the camera on the train.

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@JW_Morris]

I would pay money to tour it. Absolutely beautiful and amazing.

[@davehohman2323]

Wow, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@DebbieInOregon]

Fantastic..just WOW! Thank you sooo much for sharing. Merry Christmas.

[@davehohman2323]

Happy holidays! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ollieenger1424]

Im stunned anyone would do so much work!

[@davehohman2323]

…. and do it every year. It’s almost time to start deconstructing. Thanks for watching.

[@joegabuzda976]

Truely a MASTERPIECE!! U R really lucky to be able to bend and get back up so much hahaha Those days are over for me. Keep up the outstanding work and thanks for a wonderful, entertaining video.

[@metalstargaming4662]

New to your channel and seen the 2022 train. Glad to see you did this for 2023 brings joy to my family heart. Thank you and merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your love ones.

[@davehohman2323]

Come back next year and you will see another one. Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching.

[@cindyandkurt]

I have no words! Amazing isn't good enough! Thank you for this!❤❤

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you like it!

[@philiplinxwiler]

Fantastic as always Dave! Merry Christmas!

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks, you too! I liked your video as well.

[@philiplinxwiler]

Thanks Dave! That means a lot coming from you!@@davehohman2323

[@thomasbabcock1985]

Amazing! Great video as well.

[@lomilegall3886]

This is spectacular! Amazing! wow! I enjoyed all the views ! Well done!

[@davehohman2323]

Thank you very much!

[@chuckhunter328]

Very nice, Thanks for sharing!

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@US_Joe]

Great job Dave & thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas my friend! 👍👍👍

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@LeechfootsHandle]

Amazing, amazing, amazing! I want to see the grandkids' reactions! They must love it!

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks so much. Kids of all ages love it. Happy New Year.

[@Jesuslovesyou709]

Wow this is talent! Every year! Now thats dedication 👏! Honestly you have inspired me to build a mini display!

[@davehohman2323]

Glad to inspire you. Thanks for watching.

[@BIBSTERSrepairshop]

Amazing video thanks for sharing again really enjoy the video any new pieces this year?

[@davehohman2323]

There are a few new things. Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@NormanAllen-ps9ju]

Herculean effort with stupendous results !! A wonderful final result that surpasses all !!

[@dadoboi]

Dave! You are the Boss! Just amazing! If I were your friend, I would be at your house all the time! 😀 Merry Christmas 🎄🎅

[@davehohman2323]

Happy holidays! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@sgttombailes3380]

FUN building it !! but not so fun taking it down to store away~~ LOL...

[@davehohman2323]

Taking down is a lot easier than putting up and will start in the next couple of days. Thanks for watching.

[@김회진-x3g]

해피 크리스마스~

[@davehohman2323]

Merry Christmas 🎄

[@jackrawal2877]

I come here every year during Christmas and watch u put this. My Christmas is incomplete without watching this. Merry Christmas !!

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks for coming back each year. Merry Christmas 🎄. New video coming December 2024. 😊

[@Renatoqfilho]

This is a wish I have! I still have a cute tiny Christmas village I call Dickensville but I eventually will get one bigger and bigger… loved yours!

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@rebeccasemanie4609]

Wow!!! Thank you so much for sharing your tremendous and joyous labor of Christmas love. Truly enjoyed it and I can say I am ready to set up my little village. Blessings.

[@davehohman2323]

You are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@rz1967]

It's so beautiful! 😍😍😍

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@imcaptainobvious3079]

Awesome!

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it !

[@carmenrosario1709]

Wow! that was awesome😍😍😍😍

[@davehohman2323]

Thank you so much 😀

[@msalas0101]

Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing the 2023 Christmas Village. I’m sure it’s even more amazing in person. It’s going to be fun comparing this year and last year to see if I can spot any tweaks.

[@davehohman2323]

There are a few thing that are different. Thanks for watching. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@melvinyurban113]

Totally totally amazing wow thank you for sharing that

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@OsageScoutMom]

It looks amazing Dave!

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and it is my pleasure to share it. 🎄

[@jeannemarie2230]

Thank you for sharing, and for all of your hard work. Loved the train ride. You are truly a genius when it comes to this Christmas town/city. Merry Christmas.

[@davehohman2323]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and it is my pleasure to share it. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@mcmullinyardhaunt]

Wow, just Amazing the work and detail.

[@davehohman2323]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@belle8593]

Fantastic! 😃

[@mikesmith3049]

I can only imagine the amount of time, money and effort that goes into that layout. I have a small 6x6 under my tree and it takes weeks also.

[@marcelcormier3410]

Absolutely awesome.

[@davehohman2323]

Thank you kindly!

[@wickedwinnie]

Phenomenal! 👏

[@karenunrau1379]

Absolutely amazing!

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks. Happy New year

[@hazelwoodward2472]

Absolutely stunning!! Where do you buy all the buildings from? How long did it take you to collect everything?

[@davehohman2323]

I’ve bought buildings everywhere. This is a lifetime of collecting. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.🎄

[@hazelwoodward2472]

@@davehohman2323 Of course :) Merry Christmas!

[@mentertainment6509]

this is amazing making. when i watch this video i really envy u and wish i will make like this soon i hope u will have great christmas and happy new year ^^

[@davehohman2323]

Thank you so much 😀. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@3dartistguy]

WOW!

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks.

[@MrTensai100]

This is the best Christmas village I've seen. How many hours per day did you put into building this work of art?

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. I probably average 6-8 hours a day.

[@harrycallahan692]

I'm not much of a Lionel fan but your layout is awesome!

[@davehohman2323]

Maybe I can change your mind about Lionel. 🙂 Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@harrycallahan692]

@@davehohman2323 Certainly Lionel has their following and the company has done great coming up with more realistic products.

[@johnwillis6198]

What a fantastic layout! Is the D56 Dickens Village, Snow Village, or something else? Also, love the STL memorabilia. I live in the STL area.

[@davehohman2323]

All but 1 house is dept 56. I have about 95% of the Christmas in the City series and then other stuff I like from their other collections. I am in the stl area. Thanks for watching.

[@hr1meg]

You could stream this or make a 10 hour long video! 🤩

[@davehohman2323]

Maybe one day! Thanks for watching.

[@Cbtrainnut]

Totally awesome! Question, if the train derails in the back, how do you get it out! Thanks for building and sharing the video!

[@davehohman2323]

It happens very rarely. If it does 9 out of 10 times I can get it. If I can’t then I’m just down a train till Next year. It’s only happened twice in 35 years. Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@thomasstoltz8399]

Dave, thank you so much for sharing this. My efforts pale by comparison, a mere 60 some D56 Xmas in the City buildings with S gauge trains. My interest is in how you put your layout together. What are you using for snow? I’ve been using large sheets of 1/8” felt, but the wires for the lights to the buildings are a bear and I’ve been trying to figure out an easier way to deal with the wires. That’s why I’m curious about the many small pieces of ‘snow’ you use.

[@davehohman2323]

I use 100% cotton batting w/out glazing. Stay away from polyester I don’t like the look. I used to use a product called Mountain Mist but they changed the formula a few years ago and i don’t like it as much luckily I bought a bunch before they changed it. It tears easily and lays flat. Go to a fabric store like Joann’s and check out what they have. I use fake snow flakes that you can find at a place like michael’s to give the snow some dimension and texture. Thanks for watching.

[@Redbuzzcut]

This is absolutely fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed watching your set up post last year as well. One question, for your 1950s Magnatraction ALCOs + passenger set, what track works best for you? I can't tell if you're using Atlas O or Gargraves or something else.. I have the same engine and passenger cars, bought some new track (10 years ago, not sure brand), but there's no magnetic catch with that engine. The engine truck is still very magnetic but there's no engagement with the track I have. Any help most appreciated! Merry Christmas!

[@davehohman2323]

I use lionel fastrack with a magnetraction engine works great. My track is a mixture of fastrack and mth realtrax. The realtrax does not work with magnetraction. Thanks for watching and hope I helped.

[@Redbuzzcut]

Thank you Dave! I'll pick up some Lionel Fastrack to get that train back up and running again. @@davehohman2323

[@melvinyurban113]

I've got a question for you what happens when you have a crash or something happens underneath all the tunnels what an unbelievable display of craftsmanship of a model train Builder you guys are amazing I had to send you another comment totally totally amazing that had to be crafted out on the computer first that is totally beautiful wow

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks for watching. If you are careful while constructing derailing is rare but it does happen. Most of the time I can get to it. If not that line just gets shut down until I take the display comes down. People come over and see it and don’t even notice that one doesn’t run. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jamesb8177]

Yayyyyyy

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks.

[@TMA62]

Fantastic display! I can understand why it takes over 20 days to assemble. I have question on circuits. Did you need to install additional outlets as well as additional circuits to handle the cumulative amps?

[@davehohman2323]

It’s all powered by 3 dedicated 20 amp circuits. Takes a lot of power to keep a fake town running. Thanks for watching.

[@gregleuze6657]

It takes me three hours to put up my track around the family room with two sidings and five buildings. Your layout is incredible. I would love to know the stats, number of engines, transformers, feet of track, and buildings. Looks like you got the build down to a science. How many years have you peen putting it up? I had to share it with at least five other people.

[@davehohman2323]

I have been putting up a display of my own since 1988. Before that I assisted my father putting up his display. This has been part of my christmas since I was born. There are 225 houses currently displayed. There are 11 trains that are running on the layout. There are also 2 hand cars and 1 gang car. There are 9 transformers for running trains. There are another 7 transformers powering lights and other accessories. No idea how many feet of track but the layout takes up over 350 square feet. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. Thanks also for sharing the video.

[@gregleuze6657]

@@davehohman2323 I enjoyed it so much I subscribed. I like that it is a family tradition.

[@donschmidt4358]

OMG , beautiful . Is thier a dept 56 house you don't have ? It must take a full room just to store everything.again beautiful , I've watched this video 4 times so far

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks. There are plenty Dept 56. Pieces I don’t have. I did collect all of the christmas in the city pieces until a few years ago when they started repeating buildings for the second and third time. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@СветланаГалактионова-к2я]

👍👏👏👏👏

[@gregorygage541]

WoW Great video! Are the turnouts on the reverse loops automatically controlled or does the passage through them by the train switch the route?

[@davehohman2323]

When the train hits the switch it cause the switch to change so the train doesn't derail. Thanks for watching and enjoying the video

[@00Zy99]

this looks very similar to last year-do you change things up year-by-year? Do you have any intentions of expanding?

[@davehohman2323]

It evolves a little bit every year. There were some changes from last year. Unfortunately a small change usually means days and days of extra work and I didn’t feel like it this year. No plans to expand. It is at its maximum size at some point you’ve got to know when to stop. Thanks for watching.

[@bobmann61]

Looks fantastic! I'd like to know how you powered all this? And wired it?

[@davehohman2323]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it. I wouldn’t know where to begin with describing how it’s powered and wired. Just know there is a lot of both. 😊

[@halfoffspeech1620]

I know this is a big ask but can you update the description to list (generally) what all is in there. Each building would take forever but maybe something like “2022 department 56 Christmas in the city” village, “XYZ train” and any of the larger individual buildings/towers/structures? We recently started a department 56 village and know very little about it historically

[@davehohman2323]

I don’t know that I’m gonna list that stuff but if you have a specific ask I’d be happy to try and answer it. Thanks for watching and welcome to collecting.

[@bdennis19851]

How long have you been collecting and where do you get a lot of the buildings from?

[@davehohman2323]

I’ve been collecting for over 35 years. Some of these things have been in my family for over 90 years. I don’t buy the houses or trains from just one place they’ve been bought in brick and mortar stores and internet. Too many to try to mention. There is really no one place that stands out. If I see something and I like it I buy it. Thanks for watching.

[@TheTheflintstoneflop]

Can you strap a little camera To one of the trains and give us a pov view of the village?

[@davehohman2323]

I suggest that you watch the video until the end. Thanks for watching.

[@mrknoch]

The only question I have is can we expect another village and video this year? Please?

[@davehohman2323]

@@mrknoch Absolutely there will be a video this year. Thanks for watching.

[@mrknoch]

@@davehohman2323 All right! Thanks!

[@shannontate8483]

What do you use for the snow? Is that just white felt you’re ripping into strips?

[@davehohman2323]

100% cotton batting. Works a lot better than the polyester stuff because it is easy to shape and it lays flat. Unfortunately it is getting harder to find in bright white. Thanks for watching.