Thrift stores have been good for Christmas/Halloween buildings and tin buildings.
I agree that antique stores are overpriced on trains. Just because it is stamped Lionel, sellers think that is worth hundreds of dollars. I laugh when I see what they are charging. However, I still look and last summer I found some prewar stuff cheap along with a nice Marx set. There were all in extremely good condition. My wife and go antiquing regularly so I always ask about trains.
Bob