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 operationAir whistle in tenderOperating headlightOperating coupler on rear of tenderPowerful maintenance-free motorTwo traction tiresPuffing smokeDie-cast metal locomotive body and frameSeparately applied metal handrailsAll-new pilot and headlight lens shieldPassenger Cars Feature:Interior lightingDecorated drumhead on observation carAll-new, rounded observation deckSilhouettes in windowsGauge: O GaugeMinimum Curve: 0-27Dimensions: Length: 63 3/8″Railroad track layout dimensions: 40″ x 60″With beautiful craftsmanship and styling that evokes a bygone era, the Polar Express Train Set will appeal to everyone in your family. Designed for children ages eight and older, this train set is based on the Caldecott Award-winning book “Polar Express,” and the movie that followed in 2004. The gorgeous train set is relatively easy to put together, although parents will probably need to supervise. Even kids younger than eight can enjoy the Polar Express, if parents help them with it. The Polar Express O Gauge Ages: 8+

Requires: AC outlet

• Transformer controlled forward, neutral, and reverse operation
• Locomotive has operating headlight and puffing smoke; air whistle in the tender
• Locomotive features die-cast metal locomotive body and frame
• Operating couplers on rolling stock and on rear of tender
• Passenger cars feature interior lighting and silhouettes in windows
• Powerful maintenance-free motor, two traction tires, and separately applied metal handrails

Rating: (out of 83 reviews)

List Price: $ 329.99
Price: $ 240.00

Lionel Trains Polar Express Train Set – O Gauge Reviews

Review by buckeye mom:

Wow this was worth the hassle to find. We lucked out and got it at retail price and delivered before Christmas. This was my 6 yr old son’s first “real” electric train. What a special train it is. The details are fantastic. Lionel out did themselves! The engine is sooo heavy and very well built. The passenger/observational cars were suprisingly light, but incredibly detailed, quite beautiful! Transformer is powerful, track easy to put together. The characters are to scale and he has placed in the train and they ride around sticking out the end of the cars and in the engine. Smoke stack works perfect. Everything is just great. I guess we have a train enthusiast now. He runs it every day… and is soooo proud of it. He is so careful with it and teaches all his friends all about it. Worth every penny.

Review by C. Kapraun:

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.

Buy Lionel Trains Polar Express Train Set – O Gauge now for only $ 240.00!

Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer O Gauge

The popular Pennsylvania Flyer Ready-to-Run Starter Set now features an 0-8-0 locomotive. With a boxcar, searchlight car, and caboose in tow, the train travels around an oval of FasTrack, and passes a billboard and telephone poles, which are all included. With everything you need to get started in this great hobby – trains, track, and a safe, powerful transformer – this set is guaranteed to provide you and your family with hours of fun.

• Transformer controlled forward, neutral, and reverse operation
• Air whistle in tender
• Locomotive has operating headlight and puffing smoke unit
• Operating couplers on rolling stock and on rear of tender
• Illuminated searchlight with adjustable position

Rating: (out of 7 reviews)

List Price: $ 229.99
Price: $ 185.00

Lionel Polar Express Train Set – G-Gauge

All aboard the Polar Express! Perfect for inspiring imagination, this electric train set features ultra-realistic start-up and shut-down sequences, and is loaded with authentic train sounds including a bell and whistle. Train set has a Berkshire Steam Locomotive, Passenger Car and Observation Car. Features include bell, whistle, fixed knuckle couplers, IR R/C remote control and 50″L x 70″W oval track. Requires two “AA” batteries for controller and six “C” batteries for train, included.

• 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

Rating: (out of 22 reviews)

List Price: $ 139.99
Price: $ 100.00

Lionel Penn Flyer G

Here?s a great new addition to the expanding battery-operated G Gauge line by Lionel. The Pennsylvania Flyer freight set features a realistic steam locomotive and a colorful assortment of cars that can be run on rechargeable batteries. Operate this ready to run train using a 9.6 volt rechargeable battery (not included) or use six conventional C batteries (which are included). This set also comes with an easy to operate RC remote controller (with two AA batteries included). Set Includes: G Gauge steam locomotive and tender One gondola with crate load One cupola caboose 12 curved and 4 straight track pieces RC remote controller 6 C batteries 2 AA batteries Locomotive Features: Highly detailed G-Gauge steam locomotive Authentic train sounds, including bell and whistle Working headlight Freight Car Features: Fixed knuckle couplers Track: 55″ x 72″ oval of G Gauge track (12 curved and 4 straight) Remote Control Features: Designed for easy use Comes equipped with two AA batteries Clearly marked buttons allow train to go forward and backwards, sound the whistle, and ring the bell Gauge: Large Scale/G Gauge Dimensions: 55? x 72? oval of G Gauge trackThe Trainz SKU for this item is D11451376.Manufacturer: LionelModel Number: 11140Scale/Era: G ScaleModel Type: Sets

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (M.S.R.P) for this item is 9.99.

• Highly-detailed G-Gauge steam locomotive
• Authentic train sounds, including bell and whistle
• Working headlight
• Freight 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, and to ring the bell

Rating: (out of 1 reviews)

List Price: $ 139.99
Price: $ 84.99

Norscot Lionel Limited Edition Caterpillar O Gaugetrain Set

CATERPILLAR Train SET by Lionel in O Scale – #2 SET (2008); Makes the PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT! This authentic-Caterpillar, high-quality train set is a LIMITED EDITION ready-to-run, detailed O gauge set which includes everything you

• Features a steam locomotive with air whistle, powerful headlight and puffing smoke
• Flat car with two Cat 977 Traxcavators
• Large 40″ x 60″ oval track
• Powerful CW-80 transformer
• Set contains tender, box car and caboose all packaged in a deluxe presentation box

Rating: (out of 2 reviews)

List Price: $ 324.99
Price: $ 219.03

Lionel New York Central Freight Set 0-8-0

The New York Central Flyer barrels down the mainline with a powerful 0-8-0 steam locomotive leading the way. Equipped with an upgraded drive rod assembly, electronic steam whistle, and puffing smoke, the 0-8-0 is ready for realistic action. This colorful train set comes complete with an eye-catching string of freight cars, a large loop of FasTrack, and a powerful W-80 transformer.

• 0-8-0 steam locomotive and tender
• Boxcar
• Gondola with canisters
• Coal dump car
• Caboose

Rating: (out of 2 reviews)

List Price: $ 299.00
Price: $ 219.00

Lionel Thomas and Friends

Thomas the Tank Engine comes with three interchangeable faces, Annie, Clarabel, three play figures and more. With the PowerMax 30-Watt Transformer and the FasTrack track system, Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends are ready for some exciting adventures in ‘O’ gauge. Thomas pulls along his faithful coaches, Annie and Clarabel, as well as two Railway Workers and Sir Topham Hatt. Thomas’ moving eyes ensure that your journey on everyone’s #1 engine is a safe one, and the removable roofs of Annie and Clarabel allow you to load and unload your passengers.Features:Transformer controlled forward, neutral and reverse Moving eyes on Thomas the Tank Engine Newly designed operating whistle Operating coupler on rear of locomotive Dual operating couplers on Annie and Clarabel Powerful maintenance-free motor Traction tire Set of three removable faces Removable roofs on Thomas, Annie and Clarabel Three play figures Gauge: O gauge Minimum Curve: 0-27 Dimensions: Length: 21″ Layout dimensions: 40″ x 60″

• Transformer controlled forward, neutral and reverse operation
• Moving eyes on Thomas the Tank Engine and set of three interchangeable faces to change Thomas¿s expression
• Electronic whistle; powerful maintenance-free motor; and traction tire
• Operating coupler on rear of Thomas and dual operating couplers on Annie and Clarabel
• Three play figures included (2 railway workers and Sir Topham Hatt)

Rating: (out of 4 reviews)

List Price: $ 189.99
Price: $ 169.00

Lionel Thomas and Friends Reviews

Review by Paul D. Race:

If you’re looking for a step up from the Brio sets or other push or wind-up Thomases, this is the best one for kids over the age of 4. Thomas’ eyes go back and forth as he runs, and the set includes a power supply, Sir Topham Hat and two workers, Annie and Clarabel, two railroad workers, and a nice oval of track. The track is the same track that all of Lionel’s new O-gauge sets use, so you COULD start with a Thomas railroad now, add a Polar Express railroad next year, and so on.

Also, MANY, inexpensive O-scale accessories and building kits are available from companies like Bachmann (Plasticville), so a very nice railroad is possible for a fairly low sum of money. Or, use ceramic buildings from Dept. 52, Lemax, and Hawthorne Village. (The people are too big, though, except for the people that come with Hawthorne Village sets.) In other words, one set around the tree for the youngsters could grow into any of a dozen hobbies. And, let’s face it, for youngsters, Thomas is probably the best introduction to trains of any kind.

Paul Race, editor, Big Indoor Trains ™

Review by R. Calabro:

This is a good entry level lionel set. It does comes with Lionel’s cheapest 40 watt transformer which does not even have an accessory output however, so if you want to expand your set with lighted buildings, you will need to buy a new transformer. Overall a great product and good value for the money and the kids love it.

Buy Lionel Thomas and Friends now for only $ 169.00!

Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express O-Gauge 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.

• Set Includes 4-6-0 locomotive and tender, 2 passenger coaches, 1 combination car, 3 straight FasTrack track sections
• Interior lighting
• Soft molded diaphragms between cars
• Puffing smoke
• Also includes 8 curved FasTrack track sections, 1 FasTrack terminal section, powerful CW-80 Transformer

Rating: (out of 8 reviews)

List Price: $ 329.99
Price: $ 220.00

Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express O-Gauge Set Reviews

Review by Paul D. Race:

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

Review by G. E. Johnson:

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.

Buy Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express O-Gauge Set now for only $ 220.00!

Pennsylvania RR Keystone Special Deluxe

Our popular Pennsylvania Flyer Ready-to-Run Starter Set now features an 0-8-0 locomotive. With a boxcar, searchlight car, and caboose in tow, the train travels around a generous oval of FasTrack, and passes a billboard, six construction signs and telephone poles, which are all included. With everything you need to get started in this great hobby trains, track, and a safe,CW-80 transformer this set is guaranteed to provide you and your family with hours of fun. The same train set as the Pennsylvania Flyer Freight Train (6-30089), but with a more powerful CW-80 Transformer. It also includes six construction signs and interior illumination in the caboose.

• 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

Rating: (out of 1 reviews)

List Price: $ 259.99
Price: $ 199.88

Pennsylvania RR Keystone Special Deluxe Reviews

Buy Pennsylvania RR Keystone Special Deluxe now for only $ 199.88!