Lionel Polar Express

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

I like to run the train because of the train, the book and the movie.   The book is a short, children's story that is not the typical Christmas theme, which is nice.  The movie did a great job of incorporating all the scenes from the book and making sure the "padding" needed to add length was appropriate.  The train is something Lionel did right.  When you think of RTR sets, using a 2-8-4 does not come to mind.  The engine is heavy and runs like a tank.  They added an end to the observation car to match what was in the book.  I read some criticism that they did not run six wheel trucks on the passenger cars, but that is ok because the cars track better with the four wheel trucks.   There was an impressive set of add on rolling stock as well that was made available.   All in all, the total experience is quite good and goes well with the season.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Penny Trains]

I watched it yesterday!    I like to crank up the scene where the train arrives at the beginning of the movie and see how much dust I can get airborne! 

I used a 2026 and modern era small streamliners:

 

[EIS2]

I think Warner Brothers benefited as much from the popularity of Lionel's Polar Express train as Lionel benefited from the movie.  I know that I watch the movie every Christmas because of my interest in Lionel trains, not because the movie is particularly good.  It was a win-win situation for both Lionel and Warner Brothers.

Running the Polar Express train at Christmas has become a tradition at our family.

For those of you that like the Polar Express train, why do you like it?  

Earl