Lionel The Polar Express Ready-to-Play Set, Battery-Powered Berkshire-Style Model Train Set with Remote

I am editing my review because of how quickly the batteries run out. This is a good train at an unbeatable price. Although the price is low, the quality is impressive. I have owned two of these trains and I love them both. It's only been a few years, so I can't attest to how it will hold up in 10 years +, but I have to say I'm pretty confident it will last a long time. You can just tell it's a good quality set when you pick up the cars and feel their weight. The controls are very simple and they're perfect for either a kid or an adult. I know it's mostly for kids, but I'm an adult and I just love it. I couldn't really afford to invest $400+ for my first train, and this one looks wonderful around the tree. It's awesome to have the remote which lets you control the speed, direction and play sound effects. If you're looking for a nice gift which can be used every Christmas for years to come I highly recommend this train. Also just so you know before purchasing: this is the cheaper model, so you won't be able to add additional cars like in the more expensive models of the Polar Express, but you can extend the track as long as you want, just make sure you buy the Ready to Play track. I rated volume control 1 stars, because there is no volume control, but it's a train and I wasn't really expecting that anyway. Ideally there would be a volume control, but it's ok as trains are supposed to make noise. Unfortunately the batteries don't seem to last that long, so just be prepared that you'll need to have a massive amount of batteries if you want to run it during the whole holiday season.Update: I think I've figured out that what happens: I think the batteries inside the controller weaken because I can't use the sound FX right now, but it still controls the train. When I turn the train on it doesn't have the train sounds either, but it still runs. I'm certain this will be fixed replacing the batteries, but I'm mentioning this because it is kind of a cool unintentional feature, because now I have the train still running and it isn't as noisy. So I think the batteries on the train last a while, but you just may need to replace the controller ones. I definitely recommend the train!

This train set is a perfect addition to my Christmas decor. It works flawlessly. After reading quite a few reviews on it (both positive and negative), I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. It took me about 30 minutes to setup around my tree before I was off and running. Some of the problems cited in the negative reviews involved the train not staying on the track. That wasn't my experience at all. I have a skirt that goes around the bottom of my Christmas tree, and the train tracks go over the skirt on two sides. I snapped on the coupler extenders (which essentially make the couplers thicker), and the train cars stay coupled nicely as they go over the skirt - even at full speed. No derailing at all so far. You just need to make sure the cars are centered on the track before starting it up. The sound effects are not crystal clear, but they are effective. I also tested the remote's distance. I didn't move too far away, but I can safely say that the signal between the train and the remote is still strong at 20 feet. There were some who complained about the train's sturdiness. It seemed well-put together for the price I paid - better than expected, actually. There's nothing loose or that feels fragile. In the hands of a 4 year old, it might not last. Since I'm using it for my own enjoyment, it's perfect. I can't speak for its power consumption just yet, so I may be updating this review later to include that. So far, it's a decent purchase. The set was going for $68 or $69 two weeks ago and I was all set to buy it at that price, but then it dropped to $50 last weekend, so I snatched it up. I recommend purchasing as an addition to your Christmas (or other) display.NOTE: DO NOT PAY EXTRA FOR THE VERSION WITH SANTA'S SLEIGH BELL!!! For some reason, EVERY set comes with the bell, no matter how much you pay. I bought the version without the bell, and I got a bell. I read another review saying the same. I'm not even sure why there is the extra option on Amazon. Don't pay extra! It's a pretty nice ornament, but not worth the extra $30 - $50 by a long shot ($10 - $12 maybe).

We finally added a train around the tree and everyone loves it! The steam feature is so fun and works perfectly! Great price! Easy to control. I wish it had a bit more weight to it but we found that most we looked at were light weight unless you want to pay much more.

Good priced and decent quality train for the Christmas tree. Nice large size, stays on track well, as long as you put some time into making sure the track is correctly assembled and flat on the ground. It was relatively easy for me to buy additional LED lights to light up the coach cars and to buy Lionel figures to place onto the train. Has run well for about 2 weeks now and also stood up well to cats knocking it over. Would highly recommend, esp. if you are an experienced hobby or DIY person.