Large Scale Central

Lionel Polar Express - Thoughts?

General Discussion
#1

My son has expressed an interest in a larger engine 4-6-2 and the like after attending the National Railway Conference- thank you very much :wink: my issue is number 1 budget but also not sure the 8’ - 10’ radius curves could handle something much bigger than my largest engine the Bachmann 3-truck Shay.

Looking for an economical solution to start with so looking at the Lionel Polar Express to run on the garden line. It is battery operated and has radio control.

I’d appreciate your thoughts if you’ve ventured into this.

Thanks
Richard

#2

First off, its a toy. The drivers are plastic (at least the ones I have seen) and it doesn’t have a very powerful motor in it. For your son to play with on occasion, it probably will do the job. But it won’t become the workhorse of your railroad.

#3

Yeah David, was t thinking of it as a staple item but rather something to enjoy once in awhile. He’s 10 so am not sure if it is too young for him.

Richard

#4

Yeah David, was t thinking of it as a staple item but rather something to enjoy once in awhile. He’s 10 so am not sure if it is too young for him.

Richard

#5

Yeah David, was t thinking of it as a staple item but rather something to enjoy once in awhile. He’s 10 so am not sure if it is too young for him.

Richard

#6

Yeah David, was t thinking of it as a staple item but rather something to enjoy once in awhile. He’s 10 so am not sure if it is too young for him.

Richard

#7

wow Richard, a 4peat!

#8

My neighbors son has one, tried it on my line once. it actually worked pretty well but didn’t like some of my switches. seemed kinda fragile for a kids toy. another friend has a Lionel? Harry Potter train which seemed better. both have big flanges which help keep them on the track but can be problemagic around switches.