Is The Lionel Polar Express Train Set A Good Value? Where Can You Get a Great Deal on this O Guage Set?

Lionel has been making toy trains for decades, but the Lionel Polar Express Train is based on the award-winning book and the movie, which was made in 2004. Even the small figures that come with the set are modeled after the characters in the movie, which makes it more appealing for the children that are familiar with either the story. The Lionel Polar Express Train is based on a story about a young boy that tries to figure out whether there is a real Santa Claus while riding the Polar Express train to the North Pole on a hair-raising adventure.

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The Lionel Polar Express Train is designed to look like the Berkshire steam locomotive and the two lighted coach cars and observation car even resemble the movie train, including the observation platform and silhouettes in the windows. The figures represent characters in the movie.

Advantages:

The Lionel Polar Express Train is pretty easy to assemble and even older children can do it, for the most part. The parts and pieces are heavy duty and durable, so it can take a little abuse. The train has nice details to make it appear more real, such as the smoke fluid you can add so that it emits smoke clouds and the steam whistle that sounds real. The transformer and throttle are easy for children to operate because they are large enough for them to hold onto. The Lionel Polar Express Train comes with a track that is 60 inches long and 40 inches wide, but you can purchase additional track, if you want to make it bigger.

Disadvantages:

The Lionel Polar Express Train comes with a warning that it is considered a choking hazard for children under 3 because of the small figurines that come with the set, so this is a toy that is best suited for older children over 8 years old. You will need an AC Outlet to charge the transformer or run this toy, which can limit where it can be assembled. The train does need to charge before it will run.

Customer Reviews:

Customers really gave the Lionel Polar Express Train good reviews. In fact, it got high marks in durability, educational factor and novelty factor, with fun factor being just a notch behind. The ease of assembly was rated average, but most children were able to do it at the recommended 8 years or over age with a little parental supervision. User reviews pointed out the lifelike details and the optional smoke as good points, while most everybody thought it was expertly crafted and was fun for parents and children.

Useful Tips:

Learning how to drive the train backwards and forwards takes a little practice, so parents might need to help children master this part at first. Some parts of assembly could use adult supervision, and remember that it has to be charged after assembly before anybody can get the Lionel Polar Express Train to make its first ride around the track. Don't forget to keep the little parts and figures away from small children.

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