Polar Express...How Much Stuff?

Don't forget the 6-24252 Wolves and Rabbit animal pack.

I'm a big PE fan. I have all the cars for the original set and always enjoy running it at Christmas. I think that it's more interesting if the Polar Express is heading for the North Pole rather than around and around the tree. I made a North Pole using Department 56 buildings and used the PE figures in combination with Hawthorne Village Elves to represent "The First Gift of Christmas". The movie had a huge crowd of elves, but it's really difficult to find appropriate elves for this scene. Not sure why Lionel hasn't produced elves because I'd probably buy 100 of them.  I have my PE pass by the Caribou and then the Wolves and Rabbits on the way to the North Pole. All the Lionel figures seem to help blend the PE Train into the layout.

Emile

I purchased the PE set back on 2004 when it was first released. I have added all of the cars that have been offered to date as well as the sounds tender. We use this set on our Christmas layout.

I also acquired the scale version which is a home run. The scale 1225 Berkshire and the Heavyweights that go with this set are a real winner. I added two additional cars to this set, an RPO car (painted by Jeff Sohn) and a Conductor Car (modified by Forum member Keith).

Paul, if you are really into the PE adventure, you might want to consider acquiring the scale set that is offered on the 2014 Lionel Signature catalog.

PTC,

Do you think Jeff would give up the color code for the paint? Was it a one-off mix? The question was recently asked in another post and has been before.

I have the S gauge set on order, we do some small Christmas season shows in the area. In the past we had displayed Thomas and Percy running on the S track but a lot of the kids asked about the Polar Express and now hopefully it will arrive in time for these shows this season. 

Ray

Moonman:

I can't speak for Jeff, but he is a really nice guy and a true craftsman. Why don't you e-mail him and ask your question.

By the way, the RPO is a perfect match to the other scale cars.

I've gotten "most" of the PE items. I haven't pulled the trigger on the Conductor Car. Also passed on all the scale stuff and the handcar. My only frustration has been with the board in the engine. Smoked the third one this past year and still haven't gotten around to replacing it. Just may wire up a bridge rectifier and call it a day. I've been on the fence about just buying a new engine, maybe that Lionchief thing.

BTW, in answer to your original question, "too much".

Gilly

Moonman,

The Polar Express Streamliner is also worth a look. It has interior modeling instead of silhouettes and runs strong. Great sound and very smooth. It is so much nicer than I thought it was going to be. See one in person and you'll be convinced.

Emile

You can never have enough "stuff".  It just isn't possible. Each time I reach the point where I think I have enough, along comes something that I didn't even know I needed, and then I have to accessorize it to make it complete, but it never actually is complete.  Seems the manufacturers keep manufacturing new stuff to go with the old stuff.  And the circle goes on and on.