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 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

The Polar Express (Full Screen Edition)

When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.Destined to become a holiday perennial, The Polar Express also heralded a brave new world of all-digital filmmaking. Critics and audiences were divided between those who hailed it as an instant classic that captures the visual splendor and evocative innocence of Chris Van Allsburg’s popular children’s book, and those who felt that the innovative use of “performance capture”–to accurately translate live performances into all-digital characters–was an eerie and not-quite-lifelike distraction from the story’s epic-scale North Pole adventure. In any case it’s a benign, kind-hearted celebration of the yuletide spirit, especially for kids who have almost grown out of their need to believe in Santa Claus. Tom Hanks is the nominal “star” who performs five different computer-generated characters, but it’s the visuals that steal this show, as director Robert Zemeckis indulges his tireless pursuit of technological innovation. No matter how you respond to the many wonders on display, it’s clear that The Polar Express represents a significant milestone in the digital revolution of cinema. If it also fills you with the joy of Christmas (in spite of its Nuremberg-like rally of frantic elves), so much the better. –Jeff Shannon The World of The Polar Express
The book by Chris Van Allsburg
The Soundtrack
The Magic Journey (Polar Express the Movie) (book) Stills from Polar Express (click for larger image)

• When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.Running Time: 100 min. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN Rating: G Age: 012569699854 UPC: 012569699854 Manufacturer No: 69985

Rating: (out of 727 reviews)

List Price: $ 14.98
Price: $ 5.67

The Polar Express

A magical train ride on Christmas Eve takes a boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa. “As always, the forms are sculptured, the perspectives as dazzling as they are audacious, the colors rich and elegant, the use of light and shadow masterly.” — Horn Book ALA Notable Book
Booklist Editors’ Choice
Horn Book Fanfare Selection
New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the Year
Reading Rainbow Review BookOne couldn’t select a more delightful and exciting premise for a children’s book than the tale of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve only to have Santa Claus sweep by and take him on a trip with other children to the North Pole. And one couldn’t ask for a more talented artist and writer to tell the story than Chris Van Allsburg. Allsburg, a sculptor who entered the genre nonchalantly when he created a children’s book as a diversion from his sculpting, won the 1986 Caldecott Medal for this book, one of several award winners he’s produced. The Polar Express rings with vitality and wonder. 25th Anniversary Edition Includes To commemorate this special anniversary, a lavish gift edition has been created. The set includes a silver foil border, a CD audio recording read by Liam Neeson, a note from Chris Van Allsburg, and a silvery keepsake “All Aboard” ornament. Amazon Exclusive: A Letter from Chris Van Allsburg Dear Amazon Readers, Over the past twenty-five years, many people have shared stories with me about the effect that reading The Polar Express

• ISBN13: 9780395389492
• Condition: USED – VERY GOOD
• Notes:

Rating: (out of 265 reviews)

List Price: $ 18.95
Price: $ 2.40

The Polar Express Reviews

Review by Quaker Annie:

This book opens the possibility that Santa Claus — as presented to most of us — may not physically exist. It does this in a way that will allow children and their parents to ease into that question, a graceful move from the belief in a living St. Nick, to a belief in the spirit of Christmas.It begins like this: “On Christmas Eve, many years ago, I lay quietly in my bed. I did not rustle the sheets. I breathed slowly and silently. I was listening for a sound — a sound a friend had told me I’d never hear — the ringing of Santa’s sleigh.’There is no Santa,’ my friend had insisted, but I knew he was wrong.”From here, we follow a beautifully illustrated story of this young boy’s quiet night ride with other children, on the Polar Express train to the North Pole, a “huge city standing alone at the top of the world, filled with factories where every Christmas toy was made.”Our narrator is the fortunate child, picked by Santa, to receive the first gift of that Christmas. He knows exactly what he wants, a simple gift that will help him continue to believe in the magic of Christmas, a silver bell from a reindeer’s harness.He gets his wish, but loses it on the train ride home. However, there’s a happy ending — evidently Santa has found the bell, and put it under the tree. The boy and his little sister admire the beauty of the sound it makes, but their parents say, “Oh, that’s too bad….It’s broken.”Many years later, the boy’s sister and all of his friends can no longer hear the bell. “Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe.”My youngest son at ages 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 has chosen to firmly believe with the narrator, but he’s moved around in his reaction to the notion that Santa isn’t real. From — “that’s ridiculous, isn’t it?” to “Mom…it is ridiculous, isn’t it?” This book will let him hold onto the Christmas spirit for as long as he wants, and to return to it whenever he needs it.This version comes complete with CD’s/tapes with readings. Buy the less expensive edition, add a silver bell, and (if you can), read it with the child yourself to give a really special gift.A wonderful book for those who want to believe in the spirit of Christmas every day of every year.

Review by :

“On Christmas Eve, many years ago, I lay quietly in my bed. I did not rustle the sheets. I breathed slowly and silently. I was listening for a sound — a sound a friend had told me I’d never hear ….” And so begins one the of the most beautiful stories of all time. Although I am now a senior in college, The Polar Express has remained the most valued and cherished book in my ever-expanding library. A childhood Christmas gift, Chris Van Allsburg’s timeless masterpiece has become a fixture at our family gatherings each and every holiday season. Every member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest, appreciates it’s simple but elegant story-telling style illustrated by the soft and soothing silhouettes of Van Allsburg’s full-color art. The Polar Express is the story of a young boy and his magical journey aboard a mythical train to the North Pole. The reader is taken along this incredible ride and rediscovers the true joy and pure spirit of a child at Christmas. Van Allsburg’s beautiful illustrations become as important to the story as the words themselves. These life-like pictures encourage children of ALL ages to explore their own imaginations and to become active participants in the young boy’s journey. In the end, the young boy has grown into an old man, but the spirit of Christmas still rings for him, “… as it does for all who truly believe.” I hope you enjoy this book half as much as I do.

Buy The Polar Express now for only $ 2.40!

Polar Express Chocolate

This 12-inch Hot Chocolate car will add even more excitement to your Polar Express Electric Train Set by Lionel. Painstakingly designed to be true to the original, this Polar Express Hot Chocolate Car features lighted interiors and silhouettes of holiday passengers in the windows. Also is included is a golden round trip ticket for The Polar Express (a replica from the movie, not the real thing). Technical information: Minimum Curve: O-27; Gauge: O Gauge

• Interior lighting
• Silhouettes in windows
• Traditional O Gauge
• RailLine: Polar Express
• Minimum Curve: O-27

Rating: (out of 4 reviews)

List Price: $ 69.99
Price: $ 52.00

Polar Express Chocolate Reviews

Review by William Henderson:

And here is another great addition to my grandson Ashton’s Polar Express train set. Well made and durable. It really looks good in the setup. A must have for the Polar Express train set. You will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.

Review by J. Bishop:

The P.E. Hot Chocolate car is a perfect addition to the O-gauge Polar Express Train. Made in China, but the product is well-made and no production defects were found. The MSRP is a bit high considering that the ONLY difference between the hot chocolate car and the passenger coaches included in the train set is the window silhouettes. It’s a “must have” if you collect. Competitively priced on Amazon. Promptly shipped by Trainz.

Buy Polar Express Chocolate now for only $ 52.00!

Polar Express Ornament Journey of the Train Dated 2004

Hard to find Polar Express Ornament from the Orginal Collection Dated 2004.
Journey of the Train ornament lights up and the Train moves around the ornament. Also, has a hanging ticket.

• Rare Polar Express Light and Movement Ornament
• Dated 2004 from the Orginal Polar Express Collection.
• The ornament lights up and the train moves around the ornament.
• This is a must have for any collector..

Price: $ 68.88

Lionel Polar Express Add – On Figures

New for 2006! In addition to your Polar Express Set, Lionel brings us four brand new articulated Polar Express Add-On Figures. These figures compliment the figures that originally came with the train set.

• 4 articulated figure
• Includes Santa, Hobo, Hero Girl, and Lonely Boy
• Recreate your favorite scenes of The Polar Express movie
• The perfect complement to Lionel¿s The Polar Express O-Gauge Ready-to-Run Train Set
• & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Rating: (out of 2 reviews)

List Price: $ 35.99
Price: $ 23.99

Trainz Railway Simulator 2006 (DVD) Updated with New Content

RIDE THE RAILS IN THE MOST REALISTIC TRAIN SIMULATION EVER!

The most realistic train simulation ever brings all new content in addition to over 50 new activities, enhanced physics, online chat and driver interaction. Multiple styles of play cater to new and experienced players alike take control of a single locomotive or allocate orders to the drivers of each locomotive.

Comprehensive content management and editing utilities provide access to tens of thousands of downloadable items that you can use to create your very own railroad experience. Join the worlds fastest growing train simulation community with over 150,000 members registered online and share your creations.

• 480 locomotives/rolling stock including diesel locomotive classes 37, 50, 55 and the Flying Scotsman
• 50 new activities / Easy to use map editing tools create your own routes and scenery with over 7,500 scenery items.
• In-depth driving tutorials learn to drive diesel and steam trains, assign commodities to wagons, issue orders to drivers, couple and decouple wagons and much more.
• Realistic physics accurately models wheelslip and coupler breakage for a more challenging driving experience.
• 10 brand new fully realised routes – including Hawes Junction / Passenger schedules build up your own fully timetabled service. / Track IR support – move your head and your view responds independently of the mouse. / Cab Control HUD – control a train via the levers on-screen, rather than the keyboard.

Price: $ 39.95

Holiday Express Christmas Holiday Collectors Tin Train Filled with Gourmet Snacks

All Aboard! The Holiday express collectible tin train filled with gourmet snacks has pulled into town for the holidays. This beautiful train kit comes loaded with delicious gourmet snacks.

• Holiday Express Christmas Holiday Collectors Tin Train Filled with Gourmet Snacks
• This beautiful tin comes with a delightful assortment of goodies.
• 6 Ounces Chooclate covered raisins, 6 ounces cashew nuts, 8 ounces milk chocolate covered pretzels, 8 Ounces Caramel Corn, 16 Ounces Trail Mix
• Makes an excellent holiday gift for that train lover in your life
• Once the gourmet snacks are gone, you can use this beautiful tin train to store your favorite goodies in too.

List Price: $ 59.99
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