The new scale Polar Express Berkshire and cars

Paul Kallus posted:

... Lionel has told me the Berk will be the same as the 10th anniversary edition except it will have Bluetooth. ... Does anyone know any thing else on the engine and cars?

Well, hopefully it won't be the EXACT same, 'cause those locomotives all needed replacement pilot wheel bushings.    Right out of the box, the pilot wheel bushings for both my black and gold PE Berks popped right off the locomotive.   I guess these locomotives got the 4th-string Chinese factory crew manning the assembly line those days.    Lionel CS was very good about it though, and immediately sent out free replacements.

I'm sure they don't want a repeat of that "faux-pas".  And if I'm not mistaken, when Lionel ran a short production run of PE Berks to correct an order shortfall for Charlie Ro, the second production run had no such reported issues.

David

Good point, Dave.

I think you've covered it.  I'm glad I missed these the first few times around.  The new cars with the PE under the windows will be a nice change.

Well MartyE, wait til the next issue and the cars being made in this catalog will have the movie version 4 wheeled trucks! How bout dat?

MartyE posted:

I think you've covered it.  I'm glad I missed these the first few times around.  The new cars with the PE under the windows will be a nice change.

I agree! I cannot wait to get my set. 

MartyE posted:

I think you've covered it.  I'm glad I missed these the first few times around.  The new cars with the PE under the windows will be a nice change.

Given that the last batch of scale PE Berks were under the BTO program I think there's a lot of PE fans who are also glad at the -rerelease. The PE Berks selling on the secondary market are going for quite a lot of money.

If Lionel does a good job on the snow effect I think the new cars will be neat. I pre-ordered a set.

Its funny...I remember when the animated movie was released in 2004 and the various on-line discussions that went on for years among collectors and operators who expressed interest in a scale PE Berkshire and cars. I hope I am around to see the 20th anniversary edition of the PE!

I'm not sure about the new cars.  I have a full set already, including some not included in this latest run.  Anyone care to change my mind?  

I hope Lionel continues to keep up production of the Polar Express. I would imagine it is one of their best selling engines. I believe it should be an engine hat should be readily available.

Great job Lionel for continuing to improve this product and listening to what the customer wants.

I have a love-hate relationship with Lionel and Polar Express.  Absolutely love the movie, what Lionel has produced, etc.  But the constant re-releases is agonizing.  This year they are adding Bluetooth, snow, and proper lettering.  Two years from now it will be something else begging me to upgrade.  Same for the Lionchief set.  The 10th anniversary set is now outdated with the introduction of snow on the cars and Bluetooth.

But, the good thing about PE is that you can sell whatever you have on the secondary market and not lose too much.  They really do hold their value well.

I'm also waiting for the re-release of the Gold PE at some point.  I'd prefer different colored lettering, but even if those were not changed, I think I'd order this time around.  I couldn't swing it the last time since I was also ordering the normal scale Berk and cars at the same time.  I hope I don't have to wait for the 20th anniversary for it.

One thing I don't think you will see again is the scale abandoned toy car.  I have one and it is very nicely done.  BigRail

Paul Kallus posted:

The latest Lionel catalog - 2017 vol. II features the scale PE Berkshire and newly decorated passenger cars. Lionel has told me the Berk will be the same as the 10th anniversary edition except it will have Bluetooth. The cars are the scale heavyweights but with simulated snow on roofs and lettering below window panes - as seen in animated version. Does anyone know any thing else on the engine and cars?

I know that now that they've perfected CGI, each passenger car's windows will display what appear to be real-life shadowed figures moving inside the cars - just like the windows on the Hogwarts Express at Universal. Oh wait, that's what I'm hoping for ...

There's only so much of the technology treadmill I can handle.  And this offering doesn't make the cut.  It doesn't matter to me whether the car lettering is above or below the windows.  And I'm certainly not gonna by the new Berk because it's got Bluetooth.  In fact, that's the last reason I'd buy something.    As for the LED lighting in the passenger cars, that's definitely a plus.  But it's something that can be added/modified to the complete set I have.  And speaking of a "complete set", who knows if Lionel will continue this latest series of PE passenger cars with other cars already in the original set.   The snow-covered roofs are also a nice touch, but again... that's something that can be easily added to the original set if you're so moved.

For those who missed the original release,  this is a great opportunity to get on board with a scale Polar Express.  But for those of us who already own a set, this latest offering gets a "no thank you."

Rocky Mountaineer posted:

 

For those who missed the original release,  this is a great opportunity to get on board with a scale Polar Express.  But for those of us who already own a set, this latest offering gets a "no thank you."

Unless you are selling your previous set, I think that you state the obvious.  I certainly wouldn't buy it if I was already in.  The thing about the scale Polar Express is they are always in demand.  When Lionel made the silver 115th Anniversary Berk ( who celebrates 115?), reportedly to make up the difference for the run Ro needed, I made the comment and still feel that Lionel could have just made more Polar Express Berks and sold them all out in a heartbeat.  In hindsight I'm glad they didn't.

I think Lionel could catalog this set once every 5 years and sell everyone of them.  The Bluetooth, snow capped roofs, and lower lettering are a bonus.

 

I think Lionel could catalog this set once every 5 years and sell everyone of them.  The Bluetooth, snow capped roofs, and lower lettering are a bonus.

 

I assume Lionel's survival, or at least resurgence of train interest, owes a lot to the producers of the PE movie and Chris Van Allsburg. Probably more to traditional sets vs scale. I know I have purchased a number of Lionel items I would not have if it was not for the movie and my children's interest. 

wmcwood posted:

 

I think Lionel could catalog this set once every 5 years and sell everyone of them.  The Bluetooth, snow capped roofs, and lower lettering are a bonus.

 

I assume Lionel's survival, or at least resurgence of train interest, owes a lot to the producers of the PE movie and Chris Van Allsburg. Probably more to traditional sets vs scale. I know I have purchased a number of Lionel items I would not have if it was not for the movie and my children's interest. 

True.  When we decided to get into toy trains five years ago, we did what most folks would do.  We went to the hobby shop, looked at train sets in big boxes (that construct is in every adult's head because that's exactly what they got when they were a child) and then looked at price. The PE set was $350 while the RK N&W J Bantam passenger set was $400. Not knowing any better and having seen the PE film, my sons wanted the PE set. If the hobby shop only stocked scale PE stuff, at say $2k - and then an additional expense for track to accommodate it - we would have gone with the RK set, probably wondering who on earth would be stupid enough to spend that kind of money for no obvious additional play benefit.  Lol. 

towdog posted:

I'm also waiting for the re-release of the Gold PE at some point.  I'd prefer different colored lettering, but even if those were not changed, I think I'd order this time around.  I couldn't swing it the last time since I was also ordering the normal scale Berk and cars at the same time.  I hope I don't have to wait for the 20th anniversary for it.

FWIW: The gold painted 10th anniversary PE Berkshire was reportedly limited to a run of 200 engines (from the 2013 catalog description). As a quasi Polar Express collector and operator it should've been a "must" for me, but I never cared for gold engines and couldn't justify the cost given I bought the black version.

You never know though, maybe they'll make a 20th anniversary gold edition in 2024.

PJB posted:

wmcwood posted:

 

I think Lionel could catalog this set once every 5 years and sell everyone of them.  The Bluetooth, snow capped roofs, and lower lettering are a bonus.

 

I assume Lionel's survival, or at least resurgence of train interest, owes a lot to the producers of the PE movie and Chris Van Allsburg. Probably more to traditional sets vs scale. I know I have purchased a number of Lionel items I would not have if it was not for the movie and my children's interest. 

True.  When we decided to get into toy trains five years ago, we did what most folks would do.  We went to the hobby shop, looked at train sets in big boxes (that construct is in every adult's head because that's exactly what they got when they were a child) and then looked at price. The PE set was $350 while the RK N&W J Bantam passenger set was $400. Not knowing any better and having seen the PE film, my sons wanted the PE set. If the hobby shop only stocked scale PE stuff, at say $2k - and then an additional expense for track to accommodate it - we would have gone with the RK set, probably wondering who on earth would be stupid enough to spend that kind of money for no obvious additional play benefit.  Lol. 

fwiw: When the animated movie was released in 2004 my wife and I went to see it in IMAX 3D (a fantastic experience btw) and I remember remarking to her after we left that the movie would generate a renaissance in electric toy trains. The synergy of Christmas and the animated story made for a perfect combination. Lionel was wise in securing licensing agreements with Warner Bros, but they apparently underestimated the demand that first season...I recall the sets sold out fast and consumers were looking far and wide - and probably some paid speculators prices. Lionel rushed a 2nd production run in time for Christmas Eve that year, but I don't recall if Santa was able to make delivery on time?!

Paul Kallus posted:

... The gold painted 10th anniversary PE Berkshire was reportedly limited to a run of 200 engines (from the 2013 catalog description). As a quasi Polar Express collector and operator it should've been a "must" for me, but I never cared for gold engines and couldn't justify the cost given I bought the black version.  

On top of the limited number of gold Berks offered, Lionel only offered one gold coach and one gold observation.  Unfortunately, a good number of folks didn't buy multiple gold coaches -- thinking Lionel would offer different coaches in gold during follow-on years.  They didn't... which meant folks needed to buy multiple gold coaches if they wanted anything close to a decent sized train.  At the end of the day, the price of gold coaches on the secondary market shot into the stratosphere... until Lionel catalog'd the lone regular gold coach again in 2017. 

So for folks who missed out on not ordering multiple gold coaches from the original production run, NOW is your chance to expand your gold PE train at a reasonable price.

IMO, I think Lionel thought most of the Gold Polar Express would sit on a mantle and wouldn't need a large consist of cars.  I'm sure that's true for some collectors but most I know run everything so they definitely under estimated the demand.  Perhaps if the new coach does well we will see additional cars for it.

towdog posted:

I have a love-hate relationship with Lionel and Polar Express.  Absolutely love the movie, what Lionel has produced, etc.  But the constant re-releases is agonizing.  This year they are adding Bluetooth, snow, and proper lettering.  Two years from now it will be something else begging me to upgrade.  Same for the Lionchief set.  The 10th anniversary set is now outdated with the introduction of snow on the cars and Bluetooth.

But, the good thing about PE is that you can sell whatever you have on the secondary market and not lose too much.  They really do hold their value well.

I'm also waiting for the re-release of the Gold PE at some point.  I'd prefer different colored lettering, but even if those were not changed, I think I'd order this time around.  I couldn't swing it the last time since I was also ordering the normal scale Berk and cars at the same time.  I hope I don't have to wait for the 20th anniversary for it.

There's one on Ebay.

I was trying to get permission, and yes I do mean permission, to get the scale PE since I missed out on the last run they had of them. As well as some cars for it. The only thing I was allowed to get was two of the Bluetooth Radio Towers, due to cost and other expenses that I need to take care of.

BLASPHEMY WARNING!

We saw the film and bought the regular set, as I said above.  And we love it.  But the funny thing is, I've never thought of this set as Christmasee.  Granted, it resembles the train in the film. But everything about the film drips Christmas. The set, away from the film is, by-and-large, just a drab black and muted bluish-gray set.  I'd never run it under the tree as there's nothing cheerful or festive about it, and the drab colors clash with the brightly colored presents and red, green and gold decorations that symbolize Christmas.  And, as big as O Gauge might be, it gets lost under the tree. We run a large G Scale LGB locomotive that's red and green (with some gold) with four incredibly well made Santa/Christmas passenger cars from American Trains that used to run on Charlie Ro's store layout.   Our tree looks like it came out of a 1950s Christmas ad.  Am I seriously the only one who thinks the PE set - without channeling the film - doesn't look Christmasee?  

PJB posted:

BLASPHEMY WARNING!

We saw the film and bought the regular set, as I said above.  And we love it.  But the funny thing is, I've never thought of this set as Christmasee.  Granted, it resembles the train in the film. But everything about the film drips Christmas. The set, away from the film is, by-and-large, just a drab black and muted bluish-gray set.  I'd never run it under the tree as there's nothing cheerful or festive about it, and the drab colors clash with the brightly colored presents and red, green and gold decorations that symbolize Christmas.  And, as big as O Gauge might be, it gets lost under the tree. We run a large G Scale LGB locomotive that's red and green (with some gold) with four incredibly well made Santa/Christmas passenger cars from American Trains that used to run on Charlie Ro's store layout.   Our tree looks like it came out of a 1950s Christmas ad.  Am I seriously the only one who thinks the PE set - without channeling the film - doesn't look Christmasee?  

I never gave it much thought on the Christmas feel effect, but I think you're right that red and green are the traditional colors for Christmas trains. I have a set of Railking passenger cars that are red and green with white roofs that goes nicely with my Polar RR K-4s.

Another interesting anecdote on the PE phenomenon is how many dedicated PE layouts have been built since the movie's debut. YouTube videos abound galore, with some real talent out there. Part of my rationale in layout expansion into the former utility room of my basement (by tunneling through the walls was due in no small part to wanting to make a North Pole scene using our collection of Dept. 56 houses. If I ever get it finished it'll be more of a Christmas in the City effect.

PJB posted:

BLASPHEMY WARNING!

 Am I seriously the only one who thinks the PE set - without channeling the film - doesn't look Christmasee?  

I think that if  someone has NEVER seen ANYTHING "Polar Express", they may not think "Christmas".

However, I think that the snow on the roof adds a LOT to the Christmas feel! 

Big Jim posted:

PJB posted:

BLASPHEMY WARNING!

 Am I seriously the only one who thinks the PE set - without channeling the film - doesn't look Christmasee?  

However, I think that the snow on the roof adds a LOT to the Christmas feel! 

Or the winter feel...

Paul Kallus posted:

PJB posted:

BLASPHEMY WARNING!

We saw the film and bought the regular set, as I said above.  And we love it.  But the funny thing is, I've never thought of this set as Christmasee.  Granted, it resembles the train in the film. But everything about the film drips Christmas. The set, away from the film is, by-and-large, just a drab black and muted bluish-gray set.  I'd never run it under the tree as there's nothing cheerful or festive about it, and the drab colors clash with the brightly colored presents and red, green and gold decorations that symbolize Christmas.  And, as big as O Gauge might be, it gets lost under the tree. We run a large G Scale LGB locomotive that's red and green (with some gold) with four incredibly well made Santa/Christmas passenger cars from American Trains that used to run on Charlie Ro's store layout.   Our tree looks like it came out of a 1950s Christmas ad.  Am I seriously the only one who thinks the PE set - without channeling the film - doesn't look Christmasee?  

I never gave it much thought on the Christmas feel effect, but I think you're right that red and green are the traditional colors for Christmas trains. I have a set of Railking passenger cars that are red and green with white roofs that goes nicely with my Polar RR K-4s.

Another interesting anecdote on the PE phenomenon is how many dedicated PE layouts have been built since the movie's debut. YouTube videos abound galore, with some real talent out there. Part of my rationale in layout expansion into the former utility room of my basement (by tunneling through the walls was due in no small part to wanting to make a North Pole scene using our collection of Dept. 56 houses. If I ever get it finished it'll be more of a Christmas in the City effect.

 

Paul,

Thats really cool. I hope you get it done as it sounds like something I'd love to do.  

Before we recently dismantled our ~ 60% done 33x16 layout, I had planned for a portion of the top half of our mountain range )where our upper line ran and went into a return loop) to have a big removable section.   Easy as our mountains were foam.  So a section of the mountain peaks would be removed, revealing a total PE film-like Santa town center with tree and all - with the 081 track return running through it all.  All hidden in the mountain until Christmas time when the peaks would get removed, turning the mountains into cliffs and revealing a wonderful Christmas village.  

Newsflash - my wife just told me that "we" donated the PE set to Goodwill a couple weeks back.  Good times...

PJB posted:

BLASPHEMY WARNING!

We saw the film and bought the regular set, as I said above.  And we love it.  But the funny thing is, I've never thought of this set as Christmasee.  Granted, it resembles the train in the film. But everything about the film drips Christmas. The set, away from the film is, by-and-large, just a drab black and muted bluish-gray set.  I'd never run it under the tree as there's nothing cheerful or festive about it, and the drab colors clash with the brightly colored presents and red, green and gold decorations that symbolize Christmas.  And, as big as O Gauge might be, it gets lost under the tree. We run a large G Scale LGB locomotive that's red and green (with some gold) with four incredibly well made Santa/Christmas passenger cars from American Trains that used to run on Charlie Ro's store layout.   Our tree looks like it came out of a 1950s Christmas ad.  Am I seriously the only one who thinks the PE set - without channeling the film - doesn't look Christmasee?  

It's a different kind of Christmas set that I think complements other red/green sets running alongside it.  Alone, I see it as a winter set.  Its blue and burgundy colors are very regal, very unique, and are soothing.

My main Christmas sets are red/green but I always have the Polar Express right next to it.  I have a love for the movie and train that's hard to describe.  So the train set for me is just something that makes me feel good to see and run.

PJB posted:

 

 

 

Newsflash - my wife just told me that "we" donated the PE set to Goodwill a couple weeks back.  Good times...

Yikes! My wife has said on more than one occasion that she would like to "donate" my trains, all of them!