More than 1 kind of Polar Express Berkshire?

[RRaddict]

I just bough a Lionel  Polar Express locomotive brand new in the box and heard that there is more than one version of the PE locomotive, does anyone know if this is true and how to tell which is which?

Thanks,

Kevin

[SantaFe158]

I think there is a new one that might not be available yet that has the "whistle steam" effect (blows steam out from under the whistle to simulate the whistle blast).

 

I think there are a few other minor variations too between some years.  Just can't remember what they are.

[8ntruck]

There is also a scale Pier Marquette #1225 Berkshire that the Polar Express locomotive in the movie was roughly based on.  This one is out of production, but there are probably some still available.  They listed for around $1,000.  Also available to go with this is a Polar Express tender and a couple of Polar Express heavy weight coaches.  These are legacy locomotives with all of the bells and whistles.

I've had this one on my Christmas list for a couple of years, but Santa has consistantly dissapointed me.  I must be on his naughty list.

[ADCX Rob]

The earliest locos had smallish motors that were upgraded in subsequent issues.  No reason to be concerned which one you have unless a replacement motor is needed for some reason.

[Train-O]

The only thing I know about the "Polar Express" Berkshire engine is that the first issue had both an ornamental bell and whistle.

On the newer engines I've seen them with only the bell, I don't know if this is intentional, or what?

Ralph 

[SantaFe158]

8ntruck

 locomotive in the movie was roughly based on.

 

And sounds recorded from

[8ntruck]

I'd forgotten about the recording part. 

The prototype Pere Marquette 1225 was on static display at Michigan State University.  I grew up in Lansing, and remember playing on it as a kid.  Later when I was studying engineering at MSU, the restoration of the 1225 was started.  A few years later, after getting far enough along on the restoration to have the boiler certification, they had a head of steam up during the homecoming football game and were blowing the whistle when MSUscored.

I've never seen it run, though.