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.
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