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: $ 244.70

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 $ 244.70!

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: $ 93.70

Lionel Polar Express Train Set – G-Gauge Reviews

Review by Alan Holt:

I was surprised to see the negative reviews on this product, but after reading them I think most of them were from people that did not read or understand the product description. This is a ‘G’ scale toy plastic train with plastic track that is battery powered and is controlled by an R/C unit.

I have not seen another ‘G’ scale set with better quality equipment and features for the price. The engine has built-in sound that makes a steam ‘chuff’ noise synchronized to the speed of the engine. It also makes a steam brake release noise when it stops. It has a bell sound and whistle that you can control from the R/C unit. It has 3 speeds in both forward and reverse directions. The speeds seems very prototypical. The speed is also momentum controlled – the train speeds up and slows down at a measured pace just like a real train. The detail on the engine is quite good for a ‘toy’ train.

I had the same experience with the included batteries as others – they barely moved the train for a few minutes and then conked out. I replaced the standard batteries with alkaline ones and it ran for about 10 hours before needing replacement. I have switched to a compatible 9.6v rechargeable battery that works great, is cheaper to run, and environmentally better.

The packaging states the set is for kids 4 years or older. Both my 4-1/2 year old and 2 year old can run the train with the R/C controller (and did not stop playing with it for almost a week). However they do not have the dexterity to couple the cars or snap the track together. I would guess that a 5 or 6 year old would be able to assemble and operate everything without adult help. They have banged the engine, thrown the controller, and knocked the coaches around quite a bit without any damage.

For model railroaders or anyone who wants to tinker, you could add lighting to the coaches fairly easily. I think the train would work well outdoors if you want to try creating a garden railway. I do wish Lionel would make more track options – an ‘X’ crossing and R/L hand switches would allow expansion to a true train layout instead of just an oval or circle.

I don’t think you could find a better quality radio controlled toy ‘G’ scale train with so many features for such a low price.

Review by James P. Smith:

I have loved trains since I was a child. I own both the “O” Guage and now the “G” guage versions. There are differnces between the two, but those who love trains usually know what they are buying before they purchase it. This G guage is plastic, not metal like the O, but it is wonderful nevertheless. It has all the magic of a toy train, beautifully built, great sounds, nice electronics that make the engine slow and speed realistically, and the wonderful extras like the ghost on the roof who disappears when you flip him over. I love this train and anyone who know Lionel, will understand and love this train. I give 4 stars because the track does not snap as good as it could, but no problem.

Buy Lionel Polar Express Train Set – G-Gauge now for only $ 93.70!

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 Pennsylvania Flyer O Gauge Reviews

Review by James N. Hannas:

The quality of this train set is outstanding. Very few things match the expectations of my childhood memories but this set did just that. I had it under the Christmas tree and it will be there for years to come.

Review by George Louis:

Purchased this little set for my 3 year old grandson.

Its worth the price just to see his little eye’s light up when it comes around the bend.We will be adding to it in the future.

The whistle is a little weak but overall a GREAT Starter set!

Buy Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer O Gauge now for only $ 185.00!

Greenberg’s Repair and Operating Manual for Lionel Trains, 1945-1969 (Greenberg’s Repair and Operating Manuals)

Offers over a thousand repair and maintenance tips for Lionel locomotives, operating cars, accessories, transformers, light bulbs, and switches. Provides original Lionel technical advice and handy techniques submitted by toy train collectors and operators over the past ten years.

• ISBN13: 9780897784559
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Rating: (out of 26 reviews)

List Price: $ 24.95
Price: $ 15.65

Greenberg’s Repair and Operating Manual for Lionel Trains, 1945-1969 (Greenberg’s Repair and Operating Manuals) Reviews

Review by :

This book has become one of my standard references for repair, restoration and operation. It is easy to understand, has great diagrams, and covers most Lionel pieces for this period. It is also valuable as a reference for operating those pieces with missing instructions! I highly recommend this book to anyone from beginner to pro with an interest in old Lionel.

Review by :

I have many of the original Lionel service notes included in this book. The original service notes were printed on 8.5 by 11 inch paper; these originals lack the clarity which is standard for today’s printing technology. Take the “not so crisp” originals, reduce them in size to 6.03 inches by 8.42 inches (this is the size of the book) and it becomes a chore to read the book without a magnifying glass, and even then some of the numbers (identifying the parts) can’t be read. The sad thing is the author has done a good job in correcting and updating the material, but the publisher went the cheap, cheap, cheap route. If you must buy, be sure to include a magnifying glass!

Buy Greenberg’s Repair and Operating Manual for Lionel Trains, 1945-1969 (Greenberg’s Repair and Operating Manuals) now for only $ 15.65!

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

Lionel Halloween Train Set

The haunted Halloween Train leaves the station on its way to Transylvania, ready to convey all things creepy and ghoulish to ghosts and goblins everywhere. On the train, a vampire chases a mummy around a crate load of very suspicious cargo, and a boxcar with spooky sounds frightens anyone close enough to hear the uncanny shrieks and whispers coming from inside. This haunted train runs around a generous FasTrack loop with power supplied by a PowerMax Transformer.

• 4-4-2 steam locomotive and tender, 3 straight FasTrack track sections, 8 curved FasTrack track sections, a FasTrack terminal section, PowerMax Transformer, smoke fluid
• Spooky sounds boxcar
• Dracula and mummy animated gondola
• Traditional O Gauge

Rating: (out of 1 reviews)

List Price: $ 219.99
Price: $ 153.99

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: $ 161.00

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 $ 161.00!

Inside The Lionel Trains Fun Factory: The History of a Manufacturing Icon and The Place Where Childhood Dreams Were Made

Do you like Lionel toy trains? Enjoy corporate history? Or just want to take a nostalgic journey back to your childhood?Then Inside The Lionel Trains Fun Factory: The History of a Manufacturing Icon and The Place Where Childhood Dreams Were Made is for you delivering a fascinating trip through the rise, fall and rise again of Lionel, one of the manufacturing and pop icons in modern American life. The impeccable research by Lionel historian Robert J. Osterhoff, along with hundreds of unpublished photos and images, tells the history of Lionel’s trains, factories, employees and business practices from the late 19th century until today.

• ISBN13: 9781933600055
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Rating: (out of 11 reviews)

List Price: $ 34.95
Price: $ 21.92