Written by Paul D. Race for and |
Includes 2012 updates!
For many Americans, "Lionel" means "big train fun," especially at Christmas. The mere sight of a Lionel train around the Christmas tree invokes all sorts of memories. And Lionel still offers many great "traditional" Christmas train sets. But Lionel hasn't been resting on its laurels, as shown by the exciting Polar Express train they introduced in 2004, and the new cars they have introduced each year since And remember, all of the trains and cars on this page are compatible, so feel free to shop the whole page.
This holiday season, we are especially glad to welcome a new supplier Trainz.com. They are a full-service Lionel dealer, so they helping us make many Lionel products available that we didn't have access to before. Even more important, they understand trains and people who love them, so you can buy from them with confidence.
We are also pleased to offer an old-timey style Lionel set with Coca Cola colors that are just right for Christmas.
At the same time, several of the trains that were here just a year and a half ago have completely disappeared from store shelves, and several other products are getting in short supply. So, we invite you to learn and to have fun learning about the exciting new products. But we can't guarantee any of them will be in stock if you wait too long to order.
Note about Availability and Pricing: Although I try to keep an eye on things and to recommend products that are reasonably available, the model train market does fluctuate, and any product on this page may change price or become unavailable without prior notice. (In fact, I've inadvertently caused a "rush" on several products just by listing them on these pages.) When I have access to more than one source, I provide multiple supplier buttons to give you a better chance of getting the trains you want (as long as you don't wait until mid-December to make your choice, in which case all bets are off). Still, experience tells me that It will get harder and harder to keep up as the holidays progress. So please avoid disappointment and order early.
For more detailed information about why model train products seem to come and go and why I have stopped listing prices on my "catalog pages," please see my article "About Pricing and Availability."
Note about Suppliers: While we try to help you get the trains and other products you want by recommending suppliers with a good record of customer service, all transactions between you and the supplier you chose to provide your trains are governed by the published policies on the supplier's web site. So please print off any order confirmation screens and save copies of invoices, etc., so you can contact the appropriate supplier should any problems occur. (They almost never do, but you want to be on the safe side.)
The Lionel(r) Polar Express Train Set - If you can get ahold of one, this new, reasonably priced set will give you everything you need to set up a Polar Express Train around your Christmas tree. This train set includes a very large, solid, high-quality locomotive that whistles, as well as two lighted passenger cars with silhouettes that show scenes from the movie. Poseable characters from the movie are also included. Even if you don't see the movie, you probably don't want to miss this value. (P.S. I enjoyed the movie, too.) Rumor has it that the locomotive is based on a Pere Marquette Berkshire that ran on the real railroads near the author's home when he was growing up. This locomotive is one of the nicest Lionel O-gauge locomotives that has been produced in a while. |
2009 Update: - These trains have been consistent best-sellers since they were introduced. When it came out, I said that it was destined to be a "classic," and it has already earned that title. That said, the trains themselves are made in batches and the add-on cars are made in even smaller batches, so if you want to be certain to have this train around your Christmas tree this year, order early.
Please click on a button below for details, pricing, and availability. Note about the "Large Scale" Polar Express(r) Train Set: - While you are shopping for a Polar Express train, you will almost certainly come across Lionel's "Large Scale" version. It's bigger, it's cheaper, what's not to like? Sadly, it is a battery-powered toy train with plastic track. The whole train is far too small to be considered "Large Scale" in any meaningful sense, though it does run on 45mm track (the same track width that real Large Scale trains use). And it's not nearly as well-made as the O gauge version. Readers tell me they go through a lot of batteries, and even the people who like them recommend getting a rechargeable battery and charger. If you do want to check it out, click here to see the Amazon listing. But if you want a train set that will give you historic Lionel quality and hours of unattended running, consider sticking with the O gauge (three-rail) version on this page. |
Lionel Coca-Cola 125Th Anniversary Vintage Steam O-Gauge Train Set This is a new, very popular Lionel train that will sell out quickly. It includes the "General-style" old-timey locomotive, two freight cars, and a caboose. To see a slightly larger photo of the locomotive, click on the photo to the right.
Click the Amazon button below to see availability and price. Other Coca Cola Trains and Acessories - If you like this train and would like to see other Coca Cola-themed trains and accessories to go with them, please visit our Hawthorne Village Coca Cola Train page. Even if you want to sick with Lionel trains, you'll find that the Hawthorne Village Coca Cola Railroad Accessories collection adds a great deal of interest to your railroad or Coke-themed Christmas Village.
|
Still a Favorite!Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express? - First introduced in 2007, this set is still introducing kids of all ages to the wonders of the old British "Great Western Railways" trains, albeit in a color scheme designed to attract fantasy lovers of all ages. This model of the Hogwarts ExpressTM is big enough for small hands to operate. Enjoy the magical journey that is portrayed in J.K. Rowling's enchanting Harry Potter series. Train lovers will enjoy a truly historic event in the world of toy and model trains.
This is the first European train ever modeled in O gauge by Lionel! And it includes a specially-machined model of the real, historic "Hall Class" British locomotive that was repainted for the Harry Potter movies. (If you are from the UK, you're probably used to seeing these Great Western Railways locomotives in green, but all of the other details and proportions will be familiar.)
Okay, a "Harry Potter" train may not quite seem like a "Christmas" train, but it will look great around your Christmas tree. In fact, we were impressed enough with this train to give it its own web page.
To learn more, visit the Lionel? Hogwarts' Express? page.
|
Improved! - Thomas the Tank Engine Set Lionel has upgraded their popular O Gauge Thomas set. Thomas's eyes move as he goes around the track, pulling Annie and Clarabel. Two Railway Workers and Sir Tophman Hat are included, as well as enough of the new, more attractive FasTrack track system to make a 40" x 60" oval, and the CW-80 transformer for more power.
To check price and availability, please click a vendor button to the right.
|
In addition, the O-Scale Accessories page includes many relatively inexpensive details such as bridges, fencing, and stations, that will bring life to any O-Scale or O-Gauge railroad. Click on the picture at the right to see that product page. |
Note: Family Garden TrainsTM, Garden Train StoreTM, Big Christmas TrainsTM, BIG Indoor TrainsTM, BIG Train StoreTM, and Trains-N-TownsTM are trademarks of Breakthrough Communications (www.btcomm.com). All information, data, text, and illustrations on this web site are
Copyright (c) 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 by Paul D. Race.
Reuse or republication without prior written permission is specifically prohibited.
For more information, please contact us