This year I added a Bachman "Home for the Holidays" train to our Dept 56 Dicken's village.  It worked out just great.

I had to redesign the village layout and because of space restrictions it set on a 43 x 94 inch top with 2" foam board and mountains and hills on each side.  The tracks are graded so the rear rises 1.5 inches to the rear. If interested I can send photos.

Having trouble keeping the tender coupled to the engine and would appreciate any advice?

New to the model railroading business... and this site.  Can I post photos with this message?