Lionel Trains

Harry Potter Hogwarts Express O-Gauge Electric Train Set

Hop on the Hogwarts Express to transport your imagination into the bewitching world of wizardry. This five-piece O-gauge train set includes a die-cast steam locomotive, tender and three passenger coaches. Four figures as described in catalog not included. Kid-controlled features include working headlights, interior lighting, air whistle, puffing smoke and operating coupler on rear of tender. Comes with powerful Lionel transformer and patented oval Lionel FasTrack layout measuring 40″ x 60″. UL listed. Assembly required. Adult supervision recommended.

* Includes: 4-6-0 locomotive and tender, 2 passenger coaches, 1 combination car, 3 straight FasTrack track sections, 8 curved FasTrack track sections, 1 FasTrack terminal section, and a powerful CW-80 transformer
* Die-cast metal body
* Powerful maintenance-free motor
* Separately applied metal handrails
* Transformer controlled forward, neutral and reverse operation

At long last, Lionel has produced a model of the Hogwarts Express(tm) that is big enough for small hands to operate. Fantasy lovers will owning a realistic model of the train that Harry Potter rides to Hogwarts. Train lovers will enjoy a truly historic event in the world of toy and model trains. This is Lionel’s first ever model of an historic British train, which required completely new tooling and molds.

Railfans will notice the bumpers on the front, the fenders over the drivers, and the “missing” sand dome (the sand reservoirs are attached to the steam dome). All of these details give this die-cast 4-6-0 locomotive an appearance that is streamlined, classic, and uniquely British.

In fact, fans of English railroads will quickly recognize a Great Western Railway “Hall” class locomotive, one of the most successful steam locomotives ever built. The Olton Hall was built in 1937 and is one of about eleven Hall class locomotives to be preserved. Unlike its brethren, which tend to be painted deep green, the Olton Hall was painted a rich scarlet for the movie “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” and has not been green since.

The illuminated passenger cars also represent the kind of cars used on British railways for nearly a century, and also used in the film. They also required all new tooling.

Here’s some more good news – this train runs on the same track as Lionel’s other sets, including the Thomas and Friends(r) sets. In fact, James the Red Engine(tm) is based on a similar British engine. So if Thomas and James have given you an appreciation for British railroading, but you’re ready for something a little more realistic, this is an ideal “step up” for your family.

Paul Race, editor Big Christmas Trains

Another View

I liked this set so well, I bought a second one. If you’re modelling Hogs Meade, or platform 9 3/4, from the Harry Potter series, this is a “must have” addition for your O-gauge layout. The tightest curves that the train will negotiate are O-36, so if your layout is based on O-31 or O-27 curves, you will be disappointed. Lionel includes an O-36 based oval as part of the set. My layout is based on O-42 and larger curves, and I haven’t had any problems.

The locomotive, tender, and cars are nicely detailed, and well built for this price point. As with any nicely detailed train components, it is necessary to exercise care when handling.

The locomotive is not ready for digital control or for digital sound effects. It has a working smoke unit and an air driven whistle. Lionel could add sound by offering an appropriately equipped car, as they have done with their Polar Express O-gauge train. I hope they do.


If you’re looking for a modestly priced train set as a starter for elementary school age children, you might be better off getting one of the bulletproof nondescript freight sets (Pennsy, NYC, Santa Fe, etc). If you would like an authentically detailed collectible based on the Harry Potter stories, either to run on a suitable layout, for display, or just for collecting, this set will fill the bill very nicely.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Lionel Polar Express Train Set G Gauge!

Lionel’s G-Gauge battery powered sets are ready-to-run right out of the box. Track and batteries are included. You can run these trains using conventional C batteries (included) or a 9.6 volt rechargeable battery (not included). It’s your choice. And for ease of use, these “larger scale” trains are powered by an easy-to-operate RC controller (with two AA batteries included). Highly detailed with authentic train sounds (including bell and whistle), these “larger scale”, battery operated train sets are designed perfectly for children ages four and up. The Polar Express G-Gauge Train Set by Lionel is the perfect way for families to relive the magical scenes of the hit movie together. Three Polar Express figures are included (conductor, boy, and hobo) and the Observation car has an endearing “disappearing hobo” feature. With a touch of a button, you can hear ‘All aboard for the Polar Express’. Easy-to-assemble G-Gauge track creates a 55” x 72” oval. Set includes: Steam locomotive and tender with details never before seen in a G-Gauge format; passenger coach with two opening doors; observation car with “disappearing hobo” feature and opening door; three Polar Express figures; 12 curved and 4 straight track pieces; RC remote controller; 6 C batteries; 2 AA batteries.

* Highly-detailed G-Gauge steam locomotive
* Authentic train sounds, including bell and whistle
* Working headlight
* Handsomely detailed passenger cars feature fixed knuckle couplers
* Remote control features clearly marked buttons that allow the user to make the train go forward and backwards, to sound the whistle, to ring the bell, and to play`All aboard for the Polar Express!

My grandson is kookoo for any trains, Thomas, Polar Express, toys, movies, YouTube videos… any trains in any form.

I thought I’d get him a junky train for fun for Christmas. I figured it would last the season. Unfortunately, I picked up a cheapie at ToysRUs for $[...]. Not only did it break after one week, it was pretty cheesy. Cars didn’t really hook together, battery hookup from the coal tender to the engine was junky, etc. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to get credit for the dumb thing since my daughter-in-law inadvertently threw the receipt away. But my grandson was nutty about the thing.

So I started a desparate search last night Dec. 19th, and everyone was out of the junkier trains. I did an extreme internet search and found nothing. By today, just about everyone was out of the better trains too. I finally had success at Target and got the Polar Express Battery Powered train G Scale. My grandson absolutely loves it and it is made so much better than the cheap ones. The cars securely hook together, it has 3 speeds forward and 3 reverse. My daughter-in-law is thrilled that it doesn’t really make a big racket; just enough noise to please my grandson without irritating everyone else in the household. I am planning to get him two 9.5 v. battery packs and chargers so he won’t run out of batteries. This train is definitely the hit of Christmas 2008.
Alternate View



We are so upset with this train. My husband bought it about a month ago just thinking it would be fun for he and our 3-year-old to play together on christmas morning. Then by chance our son has started asking everyday for the Polar Express Train. We were thrilled – couldn’t wait until this morning. HA – the joke’s on us. This train is junk. It doesn’t fit on the track well at all to start and the worst thing is the couplers won’t stay connected EVER. When family arrived later this morning all he could tell them was “I got a Express train and it falls off!!” It wasn’t just the 3-year-old, none of us could make it stay connected. You can only use the engine and tender and it makes it around one time before falling off. VERY POORLY CONSTRUCTED. I am a LONG time Amazon shopper and have NEVER felt the need to review a product in years… until now.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Lionel Santa Fe El Capitan Set O Scale

Santa Fe El Capitan with TrainSounds The classic FT diesel locomotive, equipped with realistic sounds from the TrainSounds sound system, hurtles down the Route of the Warbonnets. Three streamlined passenger carstwo illuminated coaches and an illuminated observation carfollow the westbound locomotive. With the CW-80 Transformer and a loop of FasTrack track, you are ready to run one of the Santa Fes best known passenger trains. FT diesel locomotive, two streamliner coach cars, one streamliner observation car, three straight FasTrack sections, eight curved FasTrack sections, a FasTrack terminal section, CW-80 Transformer, How-to instructional DVD Transformer controlled forward, neutral, and reverse operation TrainSounds sound system with diesel engine revving, diesel horn, bell, squealing brakes and operator-controlled, multi-part crew dialog Operating headlight Front operating coupler Dual powerful maintenance-free motors Traction tires Die-cast metal trucks, pilot, fuel tank Metal frame Lighted cab interior Engineer and fireman figures Die-cast metal trucks and operating couplers Authentically detailed interiors Interior illumination Flexible diaphragms between cars Opening doors Individually boxed Minimum Curve: O-27 Length: 52 1/2 Layout dimensions: 40 x 60

For this train, Lionel reintroduced the classic FT Santa Fe diesel locomotive, complete with the classic “Warbonnet” paint job and the realistic sounds of Lionel’s exclusive TrainSounds sound system. Lionel includes three illuminated, streamlined passenger cars, a CW-80 Transformer, and a loop their improved FasTrack track. A how-to instructional DVD for setting this train up is also included. The sound system includes realistic sounds of the diesel engine, horn, bell, squealing brakes, and even crew conversations. Other features include operating headlight, dual motors, and engineer and fireman figures. You also receive enough track to make a 40″x60″ oval.

This is one of trains that made Lionel “the standard” for toy trains over a half-century ago, and it isn’t available very often.

Paul Race, Editor, Big Indoor Trains(tm)

Alternate View

The El Capitan is easily the best of Lionel’s line of O-27 compatible train sets, includes everything you need to get started. What’s in the box? One EMD FT diesel locomotive cab unit in the iconic Santa Fe Warbonnet paint scheme (all wheels are powered, and includes Lionel’s own TrainSounds). Three individually-numbered passenger coaches, with interior lighting just like the real El Cap. A huge oval of Lionel Fastrack (ideal for setting up around the Christmas tree, or year-round if desired). 80-watt transformer/train controller with separate bell and horn buttons, enough juice to run the train set without fear of an overload

If you’re interested in Lionel trains, I highly recommend this set as a start. You will not be disappointed, and never let the price dissuade you when it comes to a quality toy train.

Popularity: 100% [?]

Lionel Penn RR Keystone Special Freight Set O

O-27 PRR Keystone Special Set Set Includes 0-8-0 steam locomotive and tender, boxcar, searchlight car, caboose, three straight FasTrack track sections, eight curved FasTrack track sections, a FasTrack terminal section, CW-80 Transformer, smoke fluid, billboard, ten telephone poles Locomotive Features: Transformer controlled forward, neutral, and reverse operation Air whistle in tender Operating headlight Operating coupler on rear of tender Powerful maintenance-free motor Puffing smoke unit Die-cast metal locomotive body with metal frame and trucks Rolling Stock Features: Operating couplers Opening doors on boxcar Illuminated searchlight with adjustable position Illuminated caboose Gauge: Traditional O Gauge Dimensions: Length: 46 3/4 Layout dimensions: 40 x 60 RailLine: Pennsylvania

They have the 80 Watt Transformer that is powerful enough to operate additional accessories and still run the train. You get a nice oval of Fastrack which is so much easier to put together and get the trains running fast. The Fastrack runs great on carpet also with the roadbed fixed on the track.

Train has a light, air whistle and puffing smoke unit. The searchlight car is lighted and is a neat car to run in a dark room. The caboose is lighted also. Usually these less expensive sets take the lights out of the caboose to save money. There is also a very nice looking engine that is something you will be proud to display. They have included a 0-8-0 with a lot of details that were missing in the 4-4-2 that used to come in the Lionel starter sets.

Set includes:
0-8-0 steam locomotive and tender, boxcar, searchlight car, caboose, three straight FasTrack track sections, eight curved FasTrack track sections, a FasTrack terminal section, CW-80 Transformer, smoke fluid, billboard, ten telephone poles

Operating couplers
Opening doors on boxcar
Lighted caboose
Illuminated searchlight with adjustable position

All in all very hard to find all these features in any train set under $200.00. We had this one up and running in 20 minutes. It also is very easy to disassemble and put away. Finally Lionel got everything right and for the right price.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Lionel G-Gauge Polar Express Train Set with Rechargeable Battery Technology, Special Features, Exckusive Diorama and Santa’s Bell

Here comes the beloved holiday favorite train set, which includes a bonus diorama with a scene from the movie Set includes a highly detailed G-Gauge steam locomotive that features a working headlight and authentic train sounds. Clearly marked buttons allow train to go forward and backwards, sound the whistle and ring the bell Also includes a detailed passenger coach and an observation car with disappearing hobo feature; 3 included Polar Express figures add to the fun. Train set can be run using a 9.6V rechargeable battery (not included) or using 6 conventional C batteries (included)it’s your choice Batteries Included: 2 AA Batteries, 6 C Batteries

* G-Gauge Train Set Includes Locomotive, Coal Tender, Passenger Car, Observation Car
* 3 Polar Express Figures, 1 Santa’s Bell
* 16 Pcs of G=Gauge Track (4 straight, 12 curved) 72″ x 55″ Oval Track
* 1 RC Remote Controller with 2 AAA Batteries included, 6 C Batteries Included.
* Special Disappearing Hobo Feature, and Exclusive Diorama


Lionel has done it again. This is the large size; G-gauge Polar Express. The train itself is plastic, but very well consturcted. I choice this over the O-gauge because I wanted it for around my Christmas Tree and I have a 5 year old grandson who just loves this train, it is easy to put on track and stays there, the train is not really fast, but just fast enough.

The remote control is very easy to use and the sound is pleasant. Not really loud like some sound effects on train sets, but loud enough to hear. The battery life is about 2 days, I use recharables which work very well. This set has the disapearing hobo, the little boy and the conductor. It also comes with “the first gift of Christmas; the bell”. My grandson took the bell and held it up to the TV while the movie “Polar Express” was playing…..my grandson just loved the fact that he had the train set that was on the movie!

Popularity: 1% [?]

Lionel Trains Polar Express Train Set – O Gauge

Now, you can own the ever popular Polar Express train from Lionel. Painstakingly designed to be true to the original, this exclusive Lionel train set features a die-cast metal Berkshire steam locomotive with a new, larger pilot, headlight lens cap and unique whistle. The engine and tender are painted in a dark, matte finish to complete the image.

Following the locomotive and tender are two lighted coach cars. The observation car features a new rounded observation deck. Silhouettes in the windows depict passengers, and the joyful coach car is where the kids get their fill of hot chocolate and candy. A 40″ x 60″ oval track completes the set.

Articulated figures with turning heads, movable arms, bendable waists and jointed knees are included. They can be posed and placed on areas of the locomotive, tender and passenger cars.

Locomotive Features:

* Transformer controlled forward, neutral and reverse operation
* Air whistle in tender
* Operating headlight
* Operating coupler on rear of tender
* Powerful maintenance-free motor
* Two traction tires
* Puffing smoke
* Die-cast metal locomotive body and frame
* Separately applied metal handrails
* All-new pilot and headlight lens shield

Passenger Cars Feature:

* Interior lighting
* Decorated drumhead on observation car
* All-new, rounded observation deck
* Silhouettes in windows
* Gauge: O Gauge
* Minimum Curve: 0-27
* Dimensions: Length: 63 3/8″
* Railroad track layout dimensions: 40″ x 60″

My son is 4 years old. He is really into Thomas and was just amazed the first time we started reading Polar Express and played the video. I was playing with the idea of getting this set for him for Christmas and opted to get the Bachmann Thomas sets since I had not seen one of these in person and he is “really” into Thomas the Tank engine.

After Christmas, a major department store had these for 50% off the suggested retail price. I could not pass this up. The department store also had one of these on display.

All I have to say is “wow”. The locomotive is actually metal. It smokes; it has a whistle; it lights up; and it’s a train. The power pack is nice and stout also. For anyone who had train sets as a kid, this is a blast from the past. It reminds me more of my father’s Lionel set from 40-50s than the plastic one I got one Christmas as a kid. It is very well detailed. I would probably have paid full price and felt ok about it since it is good quality.

The bell is a nice touch.
The figures are neither here nor there. Maybe if kids are a little older they might be better. Just a note: The fireman does not have the same long hair as the video.
The track is a lot easier to work with than the old Lionel with the pins from back in the day. You do not need to tack the pieces down to keep the track together either.
The locomotive moves smoothly. It is heavy and stays on the track well.
The cars light up brightly.

At 4 years old, my son primarily watches and hits the whistle button. He has operated the speed a little. The track would be tough for him to work with. Stick with Geo Trax or wooden Thomas if you are not going to work with/supervise your kids on this. But then, the set is also recommended for ages 8 and above.


Minor downsides.
When we tested the unit, the tender’s mid rail pickup was not fully inserted and shorted with the wheels next to it. We fixed this and all was well. This item may have been a packaging issue but appears to be ok now.
I have not run the set up to full throttle, but it looks like it might derail at full speed. (We had this on a table and derailing it would have meant doing a “drop” test.) This just means someone needs good judgement and experience in setting the speed. The train also is slow to start after you set the speed. (I am not sure if this intended to simulate inertia or not.) Again this probably means you want a patient person on the throttle.

Other thoughts.
It is O scale…so it is takes up space. You can rerail these easier than HO and N.
With the radius curves included in the set, the coaches seem a little long.

We also picked up the Hot Chocolate car at a local retailer that had it on sale. The coaches are plastic but look good.

Summary:
I would definitely buy this set again. The locomotive looks awesome Accessories are a bit expensive (in my opinion at least). The Bachmanns Thomas sets are a good year round thing, but this one seems like it will be something special for around Christmas time.

Popularity: 1% [?]