My Polar Express conductor announcement coach finally came in! Lionel did a nice job on the conductor figure leaning out of the door with his illuminated lantern. If anyone else is wondering as I was, the car only makes one announcement, “All aboard, this is the Polar Express”, right from the movie. This was a bit disappointing. Two or three different lines for the $$$ would have been great. The announcement is activated by pressing the bell button on the transformer, and yes, if you have the trainsounds tender both the bell and the conductor announcement activate together. Not too bad if you turn down the volume on the tender. The coach has an on/off switch underneath. The roof seems more glossy black than the others, but maybe it’s just me. If Lionel comes out with many more PX cars, my train will be chasing it’s tail under the tree soon.
Santa brought us the new PE Conductor car also. It is really neat. More announcements would have been great. Lionel doesn’t really advertise this has just one movie sound clip. I was surprised how bright the lantern was on this car. The roof does seem more glossy and also looks a bit translucent on my coach. It looks like the interior light is coming through the plastic roof. I didn’t realize there was an on/off switch on the coach. I am wondering what’s the next PE item that Lionel will bring out in 2009? I think this car is a very creative idea and would like to see more items like it. We have every PE add-on made by Lionel. The disappearing hobo car is cool and a nice change to the first 3 add-on cars Lionel made (baggage, diner, hot chocolate). I can’t wait to preview the 2009 catalog online!