Best Lionel Trains Polar Express Train Set - O Gauge Buyers Comparison Reviews

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Lionel Trains Polar Express Train Set - O Gauge

Best Price: $329.99

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Product Features

• 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, powerful maintenance-free motor, two traction tires, and separately applied metal handrails
• Operating couplers on rolling stock and on rear of tender
• Passenger cars feature interior lighting and silhouettes in windows

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Editorial Reviews
Product Description

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"

Amazon.com Review

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

Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Lifelike details and optional smoke that comes from the locomotive when it's running. The Challenging: Learning how to drive the train both backward and forward takes some practice. In a Nutshell: A beautifully designed and expertly crafted train set that will delight kids and adults both. The stylish engine bus has a nostalgic, old-fashioned design and is impressively detailed. View larger. The set comes with figures modeled after characters from the 2004 film. View larger. Superbly Crafted Toy with Easy Set Up The pieces of the train set are easily assembled, from the smooth linking of the cars, to setting up the track. The instructions are sometimes vague: for example, the train needs to charge before it runs, but we didn't understand that from the instructions and spent some frustrating minutes wondering why the train wouldn't move.

Otherwise, the toy is a delight to set up and play with. Most of the parts are reassuringly heavy and durable, including the impressive transformer that powers the train. There is a small learning curve associated with learning to drive the train, especially for electric train novices, but kids will quickly catch on with their parents' help. The small figurines that can ride atop the cars are a nice entertaining feature. However, they are small and can get easily lost, as well as pose a choking hazard to younger kids.

Attention to Detail Creates a Lifelike Experience The Polar Express has some especially nice features, like the smoke fluid that you can add to it so that it emits puffs of smoke as it chugs along. The realistic-sounding steam whistle is also a great touch. The transformer that powers the train is heavy and solid, with a big throttle that's easy for little hands to operate.

Testers found the train easy to assemble, and once charged, it went smoothly around the oval track. At 60 inches long and 40 inches wide, the track is not particularly big, but you can extend it by purchasing more track pieces from Lionel (sold separately). In general, we enjoyed the old-fashioned quality in the train set's well-crafted parts, as well the numerous design details (such as interior lighting, retro styling, and a working headlight) that made the Polar Express come alive.

What's in the Box 1 die-cast steam engine; 1 coal tender; 2 coach passenger cars; 1 observation car; 1 CW-80 transformer; Santa's Bell; 4 articulated movie characters; 1 bottle smoke fluid; 40- x 60-inch oval track (with 8 curved sections; 3 straight sections; 1 power terminal section); and instruction book.

The train puffs smoke and makes convincing whistle sounds as it makes its way around the track.

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Similar Products

• Lionel Smoke fluild 2oz bottle

• Polar Express Chocolate

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• Lionel FasTrack 30 Inch Straight Track Section - 612042

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Customer Reviews

W. Jolley Said: Polar xpress order thru Amazon ( Nov. 18th 2009 )

More than a little disapointed with Amazon.com shipping. I used the free super saver shipping which shipped the train for free, however, the 2 accesories (1 smoke fluid and 8 straight track) had shipping costs almost as much as the purcahse price. Had I known this up front, I probably would not have gone thru the ordering process.

Kristin L. Rutz Said: Polar Express O Gage ( Nov. 12th 2009 )

My son loves trains, and loves the Polar Express we got him for his birthday. This train is durable and realistic looking. There is enough tracks to make a good size oval, I wish it would have came with more tracks to make a bigger course. Amazon had the best price after shopping around.

Oscar Hermosillo Said: A Fun Versatile Train ( Nov. 12th 2009 )

The quality of the train speaks for itself. Easy to set up and operate. The unit I bought came with a 30 watt power pack (controller) with no accessory posts. The 30-watt controller provides inadequate power; make sure you get the 80 watt controller. The box calls for an 80-watt unit, but somehow I ended up with the wrong controller in my box. Other than that it's been a lot of fun. Quality is what you'd expect from a flagship company like Lionel. I have since bought 3 more train sets and have assured myself of the correct controller. Have fun with it; I'm sure you family will love this train for years to come. As a side note, I bought the upgrade Sounds Tender, Chocolate Car, Hobo Car and the Santa's Elfs handcar. Nice add-on which will enhance the pleasure of your Christmas train for years to come.

Black Widow Said: Popar Express Train Set ( Oct. 11th 2009 )

The purchase I made from you was a good choice. It is of course, a great starter set. It arrived in new condition and everything checked out OK. Great price! I will purchase again from you. Thanks again. Just in time for my grand-daughter to play with.

J. Arthur Said: Polar Express ( Feb. 9th 2009 )

I bought this train set for my 6 yr. old grandson. He really loves the story and now he has his own "Polar Express"! It is a very special toy and I hope he will be able to share it someday with his own children.

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