Lionel has been making model trains for decades.
They are one of the more well known and respected model train makers and have not failed to please with their Polar Express train.
It was modeled after the train and people in the movie of the same name.
The movie was popular with kids and families.
It told the story of a young boy that rode the train on hair-raising adventures in his search to discover if Santa is real.
The Lionel Polar Express Train is highly appealing to those who saw and loved the movie.
It is designed to look just like the movie train and includes a Berkshire steam locomotive, two lighted coach cars, and the observation car that includes an observation deck.
The cars have silhouettes in the windows that represent the characters from the film.
Advantages To This Train: The Lionel Polar Express Train is fairly easy to put together so older kids can do most of the work all by themselves.
The various parts are sturdy and durable so they stand up to rough treatment from young train lovers.
Attention to details was not spared and the train has a very realistic look.
You can even add smoke fluid so it emits smoke clouds and it has a realistic sounding steam whistle.
The throttle and transformer are larger than normal and were designed so smaller hands could operate them easily.
The track that is included in the set is sixty inches long by forty inches wide.
You can buy additional track so you can make it as big as you like.
A Few Disadvantages: The Lionel Polar Express Train set contains small parts like the tiny figures and these could pose a choking hazard for children under three years old.
For that reason, small kids should not be allowed to play with this train set.
It is recommended for ages eight and older.
The set requires an AC outlet to operate so this might limit where you can place the track.
The train itself needs to charge before it will operate so it isn't ready to go right out of the box.
User Reviews: The Lionel Polar Express Train has received very good reviews overall from current users.
They give it high ratings for durability, novelty, educational value, and fun factor.
It is rated as average difficulty when it comes to assembly and most agree that parental supervision is needed but many kids eight and older are able to do most of it themselves.
Users enjoyed the lifelike details like the optional smoke and agree that this is an expertly crafted train that is a lot of fun for kids and adults.
Tips To Remember: Learning how to operate the Lionel Polar Express Train might be difficult for small children so a parent may be needed to help them master the skill.
Parental help might also be needed during the initial assembly.
Remember that the train must be fully charged before its first run so do that first to avoid disappointment and a long wait.
Toddlers will get a lot of enjoyment out of watching the train but be sure to keep the small parts out of reach.