If you're a PE fan like me, the new PE items from the 2014 Lionel catalog are a motivating factor to build a layout that will compliment the trains and let them "stretch their legs." Artistic license has always been the key for me, such as not building an exact replica but building according to one's own taste and preferences. My future PE layout goes way beyond my current hi-rail layout that's under construction, and may not get underway for many years to come. Nevertheless, I can run any trains on the existing layout and continue to dream and plan for the PE/North Pole division, which is actually part of the fun for me.
I recently found a book titled "The Art of the Polar Express." It contains lots of color images from the creators of the movie, and is a good resource.
I also discovered a great video of an O-gauge layout. Its an excellent artistic impression of the PE story using Lionel trains and movie music:
If you have any other PE resources, list them here.