Hello all,
New to the group. Just been getting back into the hobby. Thinking about purchasing the polar express set for the family for around the Christmas Tree. What are your thoughts of this set?
Im also thinking of future layout plans with another purchase recent I made of a MTH Santa Fe gauge 4-8-4 1st gen #2903 and maybe one more purchase of a Burlington Route 4-6-4 dual track layout. But the polar express would just be strictly for a Christmas set up around the holidays. Thanks for all opinions. Pros or cons.
You can find new and used Polar Express set just about anywhere. Now, you'll need to decide which one.
I have a conventional set and a LionChief set. The LionChief has all the bells and whistles and all the announcements from the movie, plus it's remote controlled. I will be getting another as I am giving this set to my daughter and her soon to be husband (He likes the remote controls, lol). Smoke is above average.
The conventional set is typical reliable Lionel, Smoke is OK. I have the conductor annoucncement car, so I at least have the movie dialog. No sounds and an air whistle tender. I'll be keeping that one and looking for another remote set.
IMO, you can't go wrong with either, it would appear that during the holidays, the prices go up. But I'm no hurry for the remote set.
I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.I am the venom in your skin --- Breaking Benjamin
Do not count out looking at vintage Lionel from the 1950's. American made and parts are easy peasy to find for them. The new stuff....not so much. The Lionel 2343 Santa Fe F3 diesel pair is iconic in the O gauge world, and they will pull the house down. I picked up a pair at a train show over the weekend for a super cheap price. Same goes for most any of the engines in that era, 736 Berkshire, 675/2025/2035 PRR locomotive, 671/681 PRR Turbine. The new stuff is nice, but nowhere near as bulletproof as the stuff made between 1945 and 1969. Prices will be higher on trains both new and used from now till Christmas, then flatten out till spring weather hits. This is train season, typically from Halloween till spring weather arrives. Lots of model train shows between now and Christmas, along with many after the holidays. Welcome to the forum and the hobby.
Thank you guys. I would have to agree with you vintagesteamer. I may just get my old post war steamer freshened up and off to the "spa". That Lionel post war steamer could like you said pull the house down. I'll be honest. I wasn't impressed with the 1-3 star reviews I read on the polar express sets. I'm sorry but the new stuff is not the same. Made in China crap. And what alot of people said were not happy with Lionel customer service waiting on hold for over a hour. And some people returning sets over 3 times. Sounds going out. Trains only able to run in reverse smoke going out. Never once had issues with this train I had from the 50s. Ya doesn't make sounds. But last time I tried still puffed smoke and ran like a beast. But she needs a little TLC for sure as she's old. I may just invest in the money for a professional to look at her as she was the engine my grandfather gave to me many years ago and he's no longer here with us today. Probably mean more to keep her running.
aboard!
Same me, different spelling!
VintagesteamerThe new stuff is nice, but nowhere near as bulletproof as the stuff made between 1945 and 1969
You can go a little further than that. Many of the Lionels made from 1970 to the late 1980's before the electronics began showing up are pretty solid as well, just as bulletproof as the post-wars. Most were made with post-war tooling and using the post-war technology. I've got several and they're solid runners.
magnum3 But she needs a little TLC for sure as she's old. I may just invest in the money for a professional to look at her
If you can tell us what part of the country you're in we might be able to point you to a Lionel repair shop near you.
Honestly, I don't like the new Lionel starter sets either.
Hi guys,
im in the Chicagoland area; specifically northwest suburbs. Ya train shops are harder and harder to find. I found one that claims to repair engines in Itasca, IL. Any help would be great.
I just Googled "model train stores in Illinois" and a number of them came up. I tried posting a link but for some reason it's not working.
If the one in Itasca's a good bet I'd take it there but don't wait until the last minute, train shops get busy as Christmas approaches, for obvious reasons.
Flintlock76I tried posting a link but for some reason it's not working.
Rob
Thanks!
That would be Americas Best in Itasca. They are amoung the areas best shops for Lionel trains. Plan on spending a couple hours there when you visit.
Chicagoland Hobbies on NW highway near park Ridge also operates a great store for repairs.
Lionel Warbonnets are so attractive and perform well...can't go wrong with a Postwar Icon! host image
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