My four year old grandson loves Thomas with the remote along with Harold the helicopter expansion pack and the Polar express.
PS: He thinks every black steam engine is a Polar Express. Who am I to argue with him? 
George
I noticed Lionel makes a Lionchief train in colors, Petshop theme or something else, presumably to interest little girls in the hobby. Has anyone picked up one of those sets and had positive experiences with a daughter or granddaughter?
we also like James and Percy!!!
It is not a Christmas train, it is the gondola with the red and green candy kisses and the hopper with the Christmas M&Ms.
Art
Gentlemen,
My daughter Vanessa's favorite train was the PRR Green GG1 with all the Christmas Box Cars pulled behind it, no daddy I do not want a Pink Train, I like the dark Green one, she is close to 40 now, I seldom if ever get to see her. Helping to raise her boy friends kids she asked about her trains this year, but did not have time to stop and pick them up before Christmas. You gentlemen are very lucky to have grand children, enjoy every minute of your family. Never take one day for granted.
PCRR/Dave
Grandkids???? Geez, I don't have any yet. Maybe in a few years I'll resurrect this thread to answer the OP's question! LOL
For our 7 year old grand daughter it's Thomas, followed by James for engines and just about any gondola that she can put her small people in and give them a ride around the layout.
I think our next "Thomas" related loco will be diesel.
The girls didn't have interest in my prototypical tiny trains.
Then Thomas came on television, and they loved Him.
I would still get her one. ( or them ) She will think you are nuts but the smiles
would be worth it. Of course you might have to set it up for her
and show her how to run it....
She could then pass it down to her kids
My kids are 10,5 and 3 so..... It will be a while.
