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.

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