This review is from: Lionel Polar Express Remote Train Set – O-Gauge (Toy)
I’m going to compare this model (6-30218) to the previous model of the Lionel Polar Express (6-31960), since many people seem to be asking what the difference is. That set is already thoroughly reviewed on Amazon. There are many similarities and a few big differences. Which one is better is a matter of opinion. For me, it’s the new LionChief version due to the updates and remote control.
We’ll start at the front of the train: The mighty Berkshire engine is almost exactly the same, with some exceptions: There are no longer separate hand rails adorning the sides of the tank. This was a nice detail on the previous model, but I don’t miss it. It’s been replaced by a handrail that’s cast to the metal body. Also, there are two toggle buttons in the cab of the engine, one that turns on/off chuffing noises and the other that turns on/off smoke. (The chuffing sound doesn’t actually come from the engine; all sounds are from the tender). The third difference, and this is big, is the previous model used a very simple metal bracket to “couple” the tender, which I never liked. This model uses a new over/under coupler (quick connect drawbar) that’s heavy plastic with copper diodes inside. The diodes are responsible for sending sound commands from the engine to the tender and also syncing the chuffing noises with the speed of the locomotive. This works very well – I’m impressed with how accurate it is. And, last, the smoke! The smoke on this engine works very well. The old engine was hit or miss – most of the time the train had to warm up by going at least half speed around the track for a few minutes before there was any smoke. This engine started making smoke rings right away, and they are perfectly timed with the chuff of the engine. I’m impressed.
Next, the tender: Like I stated, the tender is where all the sounds come from. I was surprised to find the tender didn’t have any volume controls. In fact, it has no controls at all since it now interfaces with the engine. The tender simply has a speaker inside with a sound screen on the bottom. The sound is decent. Still, I’d like to control the volume. This is Lionel’s “RailSounds” module, as opposed to the less feature rich “TrainSounds” or “SteamSounds”. If chuffing is turned on, your train can chuff and play other noises simultaneously. With previous versions, the bell, whistle, or announcements would interrupt the chuffing. This is more realistic. All sounds (except chuffing) are controlled by the remote buttons. This works pretty well and makes more sense than using a transformer to control sounds. The previous Polar Express only came with basic sounds. You actually had to upgrade the tender to hear any conductor announcements or chatter. The fact that this is now standard is a very good thing. One thing I do want to point out: The whistle only has a single tone. Some of the better RailSounds have a more realistic steam whistle that changes frequencies. Not a huge deal, but enthusiasts may be disappointed. I’m very happy with the sounds included on this model.
Next, the three passenger cars: Not much has changed here. You still get very high quality passenger cars with metal carriages and sturdy plastic cars. All cars have interior lights that are on when the track has power. There are silhouettes in the windows that adhere to the book and movie – children lining one car, forgotten toys in one, and the last has one lonely child near the back. The last car also has an observation deck and rear light on the crown. The observation deck comes as a separate piece that you attach. The plastic tabs that attach the deck to the train are flimsy. I feel like this piece could easily break, so I used a line of super glue to keep the deck permanently attached. This is really my only complaint with the passenger cars.
The track: You get 12 pieces of FasTrack (8 curved, 4 straight), which is a good deal considering the price of additional track. This is the same FasTrack set that comes with most Lionel starter sets, with the major exception of the single straight terminal section that supplies power. Sets that come with a transformer (this one does not) have a positive and negative wire terminal. This set simply has a jack to connect the power supply. So, here is a question that’s better suited for the hobbyist: How many accessories can I power with the supplied adapter? I haven’t tested this or running my train up any inclines, so I can’t answer that. I do know this power adapter supplies 18 VAC to the track and everything included has ample power. I’ve even seen video of multiple LionChief trains running on the same track with a single power supply. But, at some point, when you add track or accessories, you’ll have to add a transformer. Do I mind that a transformer wasn’t included in this set? Not at all. I’m glad they kept the price down. Even a starter transformer would have added too much overhead and this is something you can always…
This review is from: Lionel Polar Express Remote Train Set – O-Gauge (Toy)
I brought this thanks to amazon at a Lightning good price. I did verify the website at Lionel trains they charge 400 Dollars, compared to eBay or Lionel, Amazon has this at a great amazing price. I brought this for my self as a collector, I fell in love with not only the quality Die cast metal of the train, But also was shocked with the Box package it was really well made and put together. I will soon buy the area 51 train next. But if your reading this rating I sincerely Highly recommend this to any person. This is a serious train for mature youngster or adult… My son is 5 years old I am teaching him how to use it.. When he turns 9 or 10 years old I will buy him his own. I rate this train set a perfect 10+++( Super important reminder) buy 4 pieces of 30 inch tracks extra with this purchase you will need it if you really want this to enjoy the beauty of the trains speeds, and mechanics, also sparks.
May my evaluation helps you in your purchase. Sincerely, Ivan
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This review is from: Lionel Polar Express Remote Train Set – O-Gauge (Toy)
After first setting up the entire set (by following all instructions), I was able to move the train forward once and backwards once before it stopped working. The red light where the plug attaches to the track flashed on and off about once every half second or so and the headlight on the engine would turn on and off in unison. The transformer was powering on and off for an unknown reason.
I tried removing all the cars, and I verified all track connections and still this on/off power would occur with the engine on the track. (Made no difference with the tender on the track or off it).
I took 6 screws out of the bottom of the engine and slid the metal body off and tested the engine on the track and it worked fine. I have no idea what was wrong but when I reassembled everything it worked fine.
The other key tip was that the switches which control the smoke and “chugging” sound don’t take affect right away. I had to power off and then power on the track to get the new switch setting to take effect.
I give this four stars because it’s put together well and runs well. The fast track is good and creates a reliable connection and continuous smooth rail when it’s setup on carpet under the tree. I don’t know if the initial problems I had were my issue somehow or a manufacturing problem. All is working now!
UPDATE after 12 days of use: The engine continues to run very well since the initial problem was resolved. The one issue I’ve had over the past 12 days was that the engine would not smoke. Today, I turned the engine over and let some of the smoke fluid drip out and instantly it began to smoke. You need to put a little less smoke fluid in here than you think and if it isn’t smoking, try tipping it over and draining out a bit of the extra fluid.
Everything else works great and it continues to be a hit with the kids.
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2013 Lionel Polar Express vs Previous Model (6-30218 vs 6-31960),
I’m going to compare this model (6-30218) to the previous model of the Lionel Polar Express (6-31960), since many people seem to be asking what the difference is. That set is already thoroughly reviewed on Amazon. There are many similarities and a few big differences. Which one is better is a matter of opinion. For me, it’s the new LionChief version due to the updates and remote control.
We’ll start at the front of the train: The mighty Berkshire engine is almost exactly the same, with some exceptions: There are no longer separate hand rails adorning the sides of the tank. This was a nice detail on the previous model, but I don’t miss it. It’s been replaced by a handrail that’s cast to the metal body. Also, there are two toggle buttons in the cab of the engine, one that turns on/off chuffing noises and the other that turns on/off smoke. (The chuffing sound doesn’t actually come from the engine; all sounds are from the tender). The third difference, and this is big, is the previous model used a very simple metal bracket to “couple” the tender, which I never liked. This model uses a new over/under coupler (quick connect drawbar) that’s heavy plastic with copper diodes inside. The diodes are responsible for sending sound commands from the engine to the tender and also syncing the chuffing noises with the speed of the locomotive. This works very well – I’m impressed with how accurate it is. And, last, the smoke! The smoke on this engine works very well. The old engine was hit or miss – most of the time the train had to warm up by going at least half speed around the track for a few minutes before there was any smoke. This engine started making smoke rings right away, and they are perfectly timed with the chuff of the engine. I’m impressed.
Next, the tender: Like I stated, the tender is where all the sounds come from. I was surprised to find the tender didn’t have any volume controls. In fact, it has no controls at all since it now interfaces with the engine. The tender simply has a speaker inside with a sound screen on the bottom. The sound is decent. Still, I’d like to control the volume. This is Lionel’s “RailSounds” module, as opposed to the less feature rich “TrainSounds” or “SteamSounds”. If chuffing is turned on, your train can chuff and play other noises simultaneously. With previous versions, the bell, whistle, or announcements would interrupt the chuffing. This is more realistic. All sounds (except chuffing) are controlled by the remote buttons. This works pretty well and makes more sense than using a transformer to control sounds. The previous Polar Express only came with basic sounds. You actually had to upgrade the tender to hear any conductor announcements or chatter. The fact that this is now standard is a very good thing. One thing I do want to point out: The whistle only has a single tone. Some of the better RailSounds have a more realistic steam whistle that changes frequencies. Not a huge deal, but enthusiasts may be disappointed. I’m very happy with the sounds included on this model.
Next, the three passenger cars: Not much has changed here. You still get very high quality passenger cars with metal carriages and sturdy plastic cars. All cars have interior lights that are on when the track has power. There are silhouettes in the windows that adhere to the book and movie – children lining one car, forgotten toys in one, and the last has one lonely child near the back. The last car also has an observation deck and rear light on the crown. The observation deck comes as a separate piece that you attach. The plastic tabs that attach the deck to the train are flimsy. I feel like this piece could easily break, so I used a line of super glue to keep the deck permanently attached. This is really my only complaint with the passenger cars.
The track: You get 12 pieces of FasTrack (8 curved, 4 straight), which is a good deal considering the price of additional track. This is the same FasTrack set that comes with most Lionel starter sets, with the major exception of the single straight terminal section that supplies power. Sets that come with a transformer (this one does not) have a positive and negative wire terminal. This set simply has a jack to connect the power supply. So, here is a question that’s better suited for the hobbyist: How many accessories can I power with the supplied adapter? I haven’t tested this or running my train up any inclines, so I can’t answer that. I do know this power adapter supplies 18 VAC to the track and everything included has ample power. I’ve even seen video of multiple LionChief trains running on the same track with a single power supply. But, at some point, when you add track or accessories, you’ll have to add a transformer. Do I mind that a transformer wasn’t included in this set? Not at all. I’m glad they kept the price down. Even a starter transformer would have added too much overhead and this is something you can always…
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|This Train is Amazing! Thank you Amazon for my Polar Express Train,
I rate this train set a perfect 10+++( Super important reminder) buy 4 pieces of 30 inch tracks extra with this purchase you will need it if you really want this to enjoy the beauty of the trains speeds, and mechanics, also sparks.
May my evaluation helps you in your purchase.
Sincerely, Ivan
0
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|Had some issues within minutes but eventually was able to get things going,
I tried removing all the cars, and I verified all track connections and still this on/off power would occur with the engine on the track. (Made no difference with the tender on the track or off it).
I took 6 screws out of the bottom of the engine and slid the metal body off and tested the engine on the track and it worked fine. I have no idea what was wrong but when I reassembled everything it worked fine.
The other key tip was that the switches which control the smoke and “chugging” sound don’t take affect right away. I had to power off and then power on the track to get the new switch setting to take effect.
I give this four stars because it’s put together well and runs well. The fast track is good and creates a reliable connection and continuous smooth rail when it’s setup on carpet under the tree. I don’t know if the initial problems I had were my issue somehow or a manufacturing problem. All is working now!
UPDATE after 12 days of use:
The engine continues to run very well since the initial problem was resolved. The one issue I’ve had over the past 12 days was that the engine would not smoke. Today, I turned the engine over and let some of the smoke fluid drip out and instantly it began to smoke. You need to put a little less smoke fluid in here than you think and if it isn’t smoking, try tipping it over and draining out a bit of the extra fluid.
Everything else works great and it continues to be a hit with the kids.
0
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