Lionel Polar Express Train Set – G-Gauge
Posted: April 10th, 2011 | Author: admin | Filed under: Cheap Toys | Tags: Express, GGauge, Lionel, Polar, Train | 3 Comments »Lionel Polar Express Train Set – G-Gauge
- 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
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.
List Price: $ 139.99
Price: $ 94.25
Exeeded My Expectations,
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.
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|Santa Failed w/ This Train,
We are so upset with this train. My husband bought it about a month ago just thinking it would be fun for he and our 3-year-old to play together on christmas morning. Then by chance our son has started asking everyday for the Polar Express Train. We were thrilled – couldn’t wait until this morning. HA – the joke’s on us. This train is junk. It doesn’t fit on the track well at all to start and the worst thing is the couplers won’t stay connected EVER. When family arrived later this morning all he could tell them was “I got a Express train and it falls off!!” It wasn’t just the 3-year-old, none of us could make it stay connected. You can only use the engine and tender and it makes it around one time before falling off. VERY POORLY CONSTRUCTED. I am a LONG time Amazon shopper and have NEVER felt the need to review a product in years… until now.
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|Beautiful Toy Train,
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.
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