I would think this G-scale Polar Express would be a nice train for the Christmas tree.
Has any one seen or purchased this set yet? It’s $130 with FREE shipping.
Better yet, I just found it on TRAINZ.com for $104.99 and shipping looks to be FREE too.
It’s $104.00 with a 20% off coupon at Linens 'n Things from the Sunday paper.
Rob
Um. it’s battery operated & has a remote control.
Guess that’s ok.
The Target description lists a “metal” engine. In “G” ???
Good catch on the Battery-Operated part! That’s a big turn-off for me. It was fun looking though …
Well - if anyone buys one or has one, let us know your thoughts on it!
It’s a Hong Kong Special with a Lionel logo… It’s not G in the sense of LGB, or Bachmann or the Lionel G Thomas Tank.
Sorry if I sound negative, but this train is no more connected to my Hobby than a wooden Brio.
The original O scale set (which comes with much more than this set does) cost $279 I think. This set has a retail price of $130. My guess is that this is more like the “New Bright” Christmas trains - they are G scale but not true model trains; mostly plastic, battery powered, plastic track, etc. I think it would be pretty nice for around the tree, though, as I set my two New Bright x-mas trains around the tree a couple years. Most people would probably buy this train for that reason (just running it around the tree), and because it’s Polar Express it would sell much better than the others.
For us model railroaders, though, it’s not as appealing than the O scale version, which is a model train through and through. Besides…the “Berkshire” in the G scale version … is actually a Mikado (2-8-2)!!
I think these plastic trains are no less “models” than the Lionel girl’s train or MTH’s Coors train, and furthermore, they are much better value for money, particularly, as noted, for Christmas tree use. For that matter, I very much consider Brio part of the hobby, mostly for preschoolers primarily, in the same way that Lego trains have a valued place in the hobby. Anyone ever see the Lego layout at the San Diego Model RR museum a few years back? Lovely and intricate stuff. Toy trains are toy trains, whether you’re a 60 year old hi-railer duplicating the NYC locomotive servicing facility in some year or a 3 year old playing with Brio or Thomas.
If looking down one’s nose at other people’s form of toy train entertainment is your thing, by all means badmouth this set, but you’re not doing the hobby or collegiality in our society any favors by doing so. In fact, you’re telling us more about yourself than about the set, which is probably going to delight a lot of families this holiday season.
Had no intention of badmouthing the set…I was just saying it’s different than the other G scale items Lionel has made in the past. I’m sure this train is neat and it probably will be enjoyed by everyone who buys it. Believe me, I loved the NewBright G scale Christmas trains, they were so big and fun to operate. I still have both of the ones I own, though I usually have Lionel out around the tree nowadays…
This set, being made by Lionel and not NewBright, almost certianly has more details and is better quality. Remote-control operating is also a huge plus, rather than the flip-switch “on/off” track pieces and the levers on the side of the locomotive.
You’re right, I’ve been mainly been talking about what I want in the hobby, and I’m sorry if I offended anyone. I only hope Lionel continues to make products for every person in the hobby’s different interests. If they do that, we’ll all be happy. If Lionel doesn’t make the train I want, I’ll just buy the MTH version.