Lionel Polar Express Set Availability

[Anonymous]

That last post is amazing.
It is like a poem.
I totally agree with it.
Lets get these skofflaws and make a lesson of them.
I hate lawers but lets sue.
I can see so clearly now how wrong I was.
It is like a cloud has lifted

I especially like the gloating at the end.

[Anonymous]

There still avalible in ill at American toy train in itasca ill. Went there saturday they had 5 sets left

[epdret]

Lionel says more are headed to dealers this month (mid-December).
If you're in NYC for the holidays check the window display at Macy*s-Herald Square; quite impressive but none are for sale on the inside.

[Anonymous]

They darn well better stop promoting the set as a "Polar Express Junior" or a "Polar Express" anything. I doubt if anyone really much cares about what they do to "customize" a Lionel train set, but you can be darn sure that Warner Bros. and others associated with the "legal" Polar Express marks, including the origianl book's author and publisher, will come down on hard on them for trademark infringement.

I am continually amazed at the stupidity some of these guys show. Anything to make a fast buck, I suppose.

[Anonymous]

Hi all,
I am just getting started in collecting Lionel trains. I had them as a kid, however they are long gone. I have the chance to pickup the Polar Express Set at a good price. Do you think this is a good way to start? And would it increase in value?
Thanks for the help,
Retcapt121

[Anonymous]

I've been trying to find a Polar Express set for my son. We're probably going to end up waiting until after the Holiday. At least we tell the kids that Santa doesn't bring you everything on your list; he picks what to bring from your list.

RetCapt121:

I wouldn't buy any modern train set with the idea or hope that it will increase in value. As I understand it, most train items hold their value OK, but don't really appreciate. There are exceptions, of course, and a lot of the value of an item depends upon its condition.

Tony

[Dave Farquhar]

Retcapt121, having just gotten my set yesterday, I think it's a good way to start, but as far as increasing in value it's hard to say. Keep all the boxes, paper, etc., and keep it in the best condition possible while still enjoying it and it may increase in value. Then again, since this has been the most popular Lionel set in 50 years, it may also become the most common, especially if they keep it in production for long.

Collectibles in general aren't a good investment. The best you can realistically hope for is that you enjoy them, and hopefully in the end you or your heirs can get back out of it the money you put in.

I spend a sizeable portion of my entertainment money on trains. My investment money goes into mutual funds or something similar. I figure the trains are a better investment than action movie DVDs or a bigger TV, in that they'll hold more value, but I buy them because I enjoy them.

[Anonymous]

Trainworld has confirmed the second run will be available in March @ $209 and they even have (or two days ago did) a new shipment available now @ $349.

Regarding Copyright & Trademark. These three words "The Polar Express" are not trademarkable and so regardless of what Warner Brothers would have you believe they cannot own these word or deny anyone else from using them. The reason they are not trademarkable is that they are both generically descriptive and geographically descriptive. It would be like trying to get Swiss Cheese or Oregon Trail Wagon Train trademarked--you couldn't in USA or anywhere else in the world that follows the Madrid Protocol. What Warner Brothers and Chris Van Allsburg own and can stop others from using are the distinct features and characters of their distinct Polar Express book and movie. So if those folks at The Train Station were to paint their cars the exact same way or start including the action characters that were based on the story (like Lionel does) then Warner Brothers could go after them. As it stands now The Train Station has not infringed anyone's Trademarks or Copyrights. We are all free to write a book or make a movie called The Polar Express. It had just better be a totally original work--and the same goes with making a toy Train called The Polar Express.

I'm not saying what The Train Station did is cool or ethical; I'm just pointing out that they've not legally infringed anyone's trademark or rights. It is undeniable they're trying to piggyback on someone else's success (or failure, if you include Lionel in the mix).

[Anonymous]

Nicely said ronkenworthy.

[Anonymous]

Emmaandy, thanks for the kind words. More importantly though, thanks for the heads-up and link to Rokenbok. I've always known that one day my boys will be playing with Rokenbok but you nudged me to their web site now and it's made me realize that Rokenbok makes great activity toys that could easily be tied into a Lionel Train play set-up. I think using both systems together has the potential to keep the demon gameboys at bay for a long time. Thanks again!

[espeefoamer]

I found out today at my LHS that the next run of Lionel's Polar Express will be available in February.They expect it to be a hot seller.

[Anonymous]

If anyone is looking for some good cheap fun watch the prices on Polar Express sets start to plunge on Ebay (just like many smart folk on this thread predicted!). Obviously sets are making their way off ships etc. and into the market. Stockpilers may be getting worried (you really do have to wonder just how many sets are out there!). Today at 5:00 p.m. one Ebayer paid $375 plus $40 for shipping for a grand total of $415. One hour before he made his last bid another guy was listing them at $335.00 with free shipping with Buy-It-Now. The guy wasted $80! The highest price paid on Ebay was $600.

[Anonymous]

I was at a train show on sunday and one vendor had a polar express set for sale $450.00 it was still there when I left.

[mead66]

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I hope that Lionel straightens itself out before it is too late.