You don't need to notify me I've got the tender on backwards... I already realize it. 🙂 There were so many things going on in my mind when I was shooting this video that in a couple of scenes I failed to notice that I had the tender on backwards. I do actually know the proper way a tender should face! I just got caught up in all the other aspects of shooting this video that I didn't notice I had placed it on the tracks backwards.
Well Jim Zim, the RUclips video of the inexpensive Polar Express passenger train set from Lionel has finally passed the two million view mark! The steam locomotive has a road number of 1225 just like the real life full scale steam locomotive that is known as Pere Marquette #1225 which almost got scrapped! But it was restored for excursions for passengers at the Polar Express excursion!
They released the older one of these. Sets back in the day and it was way better. But the only difference was that the 6 sea batteries went inside the tender. And the switch to turn on the engine was just a button. And the remote it had an antenna. And the observation car. Had the hobo on top. And the silhouettes in the cars. We're much more easier to see.
I loved the polar express when I was a kid and when the animated movie came out several years ago.i saw this at Costco with the bell and the kid inside me cried a little.i picked it up for like $60.I plan on putting it to go around under the Christmas tree in December and give my daughter the bell on Christmas Eve.hoping it lasts several years for good memories.
I think it’s great for a Christmas tree setup. I have cats that like to chase my trains and knock them off the track. So something cheap is fantastic for pet owners
You made a video about the Polar Express ready to run train set years ago and The Polar Express movie is turning 20 this year since its release in 2004. Happy 20th anniversary, The Polar Express (2004)!
Lionel has definitely clarified since then that this is NOT G scale. They're now calling it "ready to play" scale. These are great for my 3-year-old son. So far above any other "toy" quality. I'm looking to get "us" a second train soon so we can both control a train and run them together. :)
I know nobody wants to buy a set "twice", but this might be worth a revisit. Some of the comments seem to point to a redesign the past couple years and the track width may in fact be proper sized now. That said, I bought this for my "I don't want to call myself middle aged yet" self from CostCo for $70 or something this year, or was it for my 3yr old? The world will never know ;) In any case, on medium pile carpet, I found that I needed the extra coupler helpers to keep the cars coupled. Getting the cars lined up in full circle configuration was a bit of a chore, but pretty easy on straight track. It's a fun toy to have run around the tree at Christmas, though the robotic vacuum has issues with it at times.
From what I can tell, the re-design happened about three or four years ago. For the ones prior to that, it was the same width as G-scale track... so you could run the locomotive on real G-scale track if you wanted to. But the sets that have been made for the last three or four years are just a slightly different width and are not compatible with G-scale track.
Lionel 711803 The Polar Express Ready to Play Train Set - Not to be confused with the Lionel The Polar Express G Scale Train Set - that looks the same (even the boxes). I made the same mistake by buying this at a thrift shop thinking it would run on my LGB g scale track. Thanks for this informative video!
Does anyone know when this train first came out? And when they redesigned it and why? Was there a change in manufacturer? I bought my Dad this train from Walmart in 2019 and found that the additional passenger cars I got off eBay for my set that I bought a few years earlier would not work on his. The track width had changed. Also the Batteries were now in the engine and not the tender. Originally the track matched up with the New Bright, Echo, Scientific Toys? But the new one??? Why did it change? From what I can tell the only way I can spot the "new" sets out of the box now is the silver ring around the engines drive wheels (The old sets did show the ring on the drive wheels painted in the box artwork. But were just one color on the actual engine.) Of course also the batteries moved and also the observation car no longer has the "footprints" in the snow or the flip up hobo.
I found one at a goodwill complete for $30 a couple of years ago. Since then, I’ve graduated to Bachmann g scale and other brands as well but take this one out for Christmas.
You should explain that this one is the 'ready to play' version; Lionel warns that these G gauge tracks are not the same as their Polar Express G scale set with disappearing hobo, figurines included and the batteries go into the tender, no need to unscrew the engine to put batteries in; of course, the one I'm describing is a lot more expensive but for a limited budget, it's a nice compromise; thanks for the video!
Lionel had two versions of this set. The first series was was advertised as "G Gauge." The G Gauge sets, which include the Polar Express, Harry Potter Hogwarts Express and several freight sets using a redecorated Polar Express locomotive. These earlier G Gauge sets will run on regular G Gauge track. In 2017, Lionel switched their battery powered sets to "Ready to Play" sets. The Ready to Play series uses the same undersized G Gauge molds for cars and locomotives, but uses slightly wider gauge track. My speculation as to why is Lionel's Thomas the Tank engine license. Bachmann currently holds the licence to produce HO and G Gauge Thomas sets while Lionel has the licence to make O gauge Thomas sets. For 2018 Lionel has a "Ready to Play" Thomas set in their catalog that does not technically violate Bachmann's exclusive rights to "G Gauge" Thomas products. And the A "large scale" Thomas product for under $100 is likely to be a good seller, especially around Christmas.
Hi John, reading your comment would i be correct in saying that an old 7-11022 G Gauge disapearing hobo car will be compatable with my 7-11824 ready to play carriages and track?
Regarding the complaint that it required a screwdriver to access the batteries... The screwdriver requirement is a standard safety feature to prevent kids from accessing the batteries in toys. Parents expect this, and it's about as simple as you can get. A more complex device to secure the batteries without tools would just confuse people (causing a manual lookup) and not be secure anyways due to a child's hyper focus and plenty of time to attack it.
Jim, as others have said this particular train is Lionel's special "Ready to Play Scale" which is actually comparable to those cheap generic battery-powered Christmas trains that proliferate the market. The Lionel track pieces can't actually connect to those Christmas train tracks cuz Lionel has reversed their connectors, but the gauge is the same and the trains can run on either tracks.
This set has 2 versions. This one has a wider gauge and wireless remote. I don’t know why they made two versions but if you get the one with the remote that has the antenna it does fit on the g-gauge track. I’ve found that g-scale and g-gauge are not always synonymous. In addition the other set takes batteries to its tender and requires no screw driver and you have the option to plug a 9v hobby battery instead. Cheers!
I disagree on the comment that this is only for children. I bot one of these three years ago for a song, C$50, and it goes underneath our Christmas tree every year and we all love it, including my 10 year old daughter and me - I bot it when I was 50! And yes, rechargeable batteries are a must!
The HO American Flyer version is certainly more expensive and is more of a collector piece, but I am really not that much into O or HO, LGB G scale is the way to go for me.
Bought one of these in.. lemme think, 2012? and it still works fine and the sound effects are nothing like the new ones are, and they changed the size mine DOES fit on the proper G Scale track. Also the batteries on mine go in the Tender, and there's a cord that you plug into the locomotive.
Dang, I’m glad you noted the track gauge difference, I was gonna get one of these sets, but now I don’t think I will. I wonder if the wheels can be changed to make it fit gG gauge track?
You'd want to look for what is known as "Lionel Ready To Play" track. Here in the USA, at Amazon, they sell twelve pieces of straight track for $10 and also $10 for twelve pieces of curved track.
I bought one at Costco tonight, Less then $60. I have one 027 Lionel, and the rest of my three are American Flyer S gauge. This will be fun under the tree! Thanks for the video!
I have the Hershey train of this type from around 5 years ago, my grandfather got it for me for Christmas. He has a whole set up in the backyard running all kinds of g scale trains and mine worked on his track, it appears they may be lowering in quality over the years.
I have the same thing, except it has no coaches, but a boxcar and a caboose, a different paint scheme in a red and green way, same paint scheme with the tender, different sound affects for when people board the train, the number 250 is on the cab, and the tender says “Merry Christmas.” The sound effects for when it is moving whistling, and ringing the bell are the same.
Just bought this train and it won’t go but about 2 inches and stops. We’ve changed batteries and nothing. It makes the sounds and everything, the wheels just won’t turn. Any suggestions??? Thanks
Hmm maybe either send it back for a new one depending where you got it but if not take it apart and look for gears down by the wheels and if that’s not the problem look at the connecting rods
Looks great Jim, I do like that for our Christmas tree. Ps, I was booking a trip on the seaside.... When we found a 12 day on the divina that goes to tremendous ports. So we booked it. Leaves in February. Take care
From modeler to modeler: Lionel recently revoked the G scale trains. They are now called “ready to play” and are wider than G scale. Look for the Coca Cola train.
In my next video, which I'll be posting this weekend, I'll show you an inexpensive model train set, similar to the Polar Express set, which actually does fit on regular G scale track. The price is incredibly low, so I think this set will be of interest to people who would normally be priced out of G scale. Of course, you get what you pay for! But if someone is on a super tight budget, a cheap train set beats no train set around the Christmas tree!
On the original G scale polar express from 2007, it did fit on original g scale track but what you have is the ready to play polar express set which is not compatible with any g scale product
My three year old son watched this video repeatedly for a month before we finally broke down and got it. He loves it and says Jim Zim got this train for him! Lol.
I found a polar express set similar to that one, but it actually fits on G scale track! It has a bell from the movie and has to little figure to it. If you are interested in finding that version. It’s made Lionel.
i got that G scale polar express as well and we set it up at Christmas time, still working on getting the HO scale one, BTW you put the tender on backwards, and your right, that things is puny compared to a actual G scale train EDIT also did lionel update the train? it sounds different the tracks are different and I don't see that wire going to the tender to the train, am I missing something here?
I have an earlier version of the set from 2009 and it runs a lot smoother than the newer version I see in this video. In the version I have the tender powers the locomotive. Also if I remember correctly it did actually run on official G scale train unless the Bachmann big haulers track is not considered true G scale.
8:35 *train crashes into presents* Santa: OH NO, THE POLAR EXPRESS CRASHED INTO THE PRESENTS. NOW WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO TO GET MORE PRESENTS! Rudolph the red nosed reindeer: I don't know santa. We can just go to toys r us and get some more Santa: That sounds like a great idea, let's go to toys r us now
I love the Polar express in my Bedroom and its Amazing I also Have The book by Chris Van Allsbarg and the Movie By Tom Hanks and thats not G Scale thats G Gauge.
I did I hate it when people do that. Well On the older version of the set. The tender Has a plug on it. Because you probably know that the batteries went in there before. And that plug is to tell you the right way it's supposed to go.
I have the electric version of the polar express set by Lionel and it costed about $400. Worth 100% of the price! It’s time really well and even has smoke coming out the engine in the front. Its O scale, but at least it’s true to scale. If you have the extra cash, I’d get the electric one.
I don't have room for G Scale track and trains. What I do have room for is something much smaller: 00 gauge track, two train set ovals on the wood-effect floor of my bedroom ballasted and covered in model railway snow. I call it The Cat Valley Steam Railway. I have made it look as much like the real thing as possible, with accessories. This Winter Wonderland is home to Hornby and Bachmann steam engines alike; both types share the track as the chassis on them is the same width. the only difference is Bachmann engines are slightly smaller than Hornby ones. Included in my steam engine collection are Thomas, Percy and Annie and Clarabel Hornby Style. The new Bachmann models are on my wishlist. I haven't been able to comment on any of your other videos, but here's what I love most in your collection: Thomas, James, Percy, Toby, Emily and Annie and Clarabel. I'm a child at heart. Who isn't? You can look at my model and real railway videos on Kelly Ashford Trains, my RUclips Channel. You can comment, like and subscribe if you'd like to.
I so wish Lionel would offer expansion cars for this particular set. 2 cars just doesn't feel like it's enough. I managed to snag an extra passenger car off of ebay to fill it out. However it would've been nice to be able to buy the Abandoned Toy car or the Hot Chocolate car for this set.
Hello Jim Hope all is well and you are having fun in life. I know you are. Hey have to tell you something about the Polar express clip here.I figured out why the train lurches forward. Its because it does it in the movie. Watch the movie. Does not lurch in reverse and other ready to play train sets don't lurch at all.All start smooth and slow like they should.
Jim, wondering if these ready to play sets might actually be an inexpensive revival of standard gauge (predates O gauge which was a size reduction that came about because of the Great Depression).
Man this set is better than the g-scale set I had as a kid. My set had even less track and only had an on/off switch on the underside of the train, so I had to reach under the engine to turn it on. Didn't have any sounds or anything, but I think it was able to make smoke if you put oil in it. There was also no extra track you could get. It wasn't polar express, just a generic old-timey american engine like The General. I did have a better set than that which had *tons* of tracks and I had two trains for it, but still had the same issue of only having on and off.
Hey Jim the one you bought is the one that is wider because Lionel lost the rights to make G-Scale Items if you want one that is G-scale i would recommend shopping on Ebay for one that is actually G-Scale.
The consensus seems to be that I did! I had a LOT on my mind when I was doing this. I was cameraman, director, producer, lighting operator, sound technician, train wrangler, and actor/host. Didn't notice the detail about the tender direction until many of you pointed it out! See, this is why I specifically asked you all to leave a comment... it's great feedback for me!
This one is the custom scale I know because the older version fits properly on g scale track and you can tell by seeing if the locomotives drive wheels don’t have the white tire on the drive wheel.
I would like to ride the real one... And have him for me too, hahaha! Imagine if u get The Polar Express in your own possession? That would be a GREAT Christmas present XD
Hi Jim.....Thanks for your videos! I have a question......I have a wonderful looking New Bright Holiday Express G scale Train. I tried to set it up outside for my grand-kids in a garden area this past Christmas. it was in a garden area and I even built a bridge for it but It would only go about 2 feet before the connection stopped. Part of its path was over bricks. Do I need secure the track to plywood to ensure it operates properly?
I'm assuming that this train is powered by electricity it gets through the rails, and that there is a transformer that supplies the power to the rails. In other words, that this is not a battery powered train. Almost always, these kinds of issues are related to the track and the connections between the track sections. I doubt it has anything to do with the bricks or whatever the rails were on top of. The first thing to check is that you are using the little track clips between each section of rail to physically hold the rail sections to each other tightly. This is very important to maintain a proper connection between each section of rail. Some guys go so far as to solder rail pieces together in permanent outdoor layouts to ensure a good connection between each section. The quality of the track is very important to how well an outdoor model train is going to run. If they've supplied really cheap quality track with that train set, this might be a big part of the issue you are experiencing. You might find this video very informative: ruclips.net/video/EUspGH7FYns/видео.html This shows two products that people sometimes use on outdoor model railroads to ensure a proper connection between each section of track. I don't know if this product would be compatible with your particular type of track, though. I use the super-expensive LGB brand track on my system and I very rarely have any connection issues. There is even a video on my channel where I was able to run a very long length of track all the way from my house to my neighbor's house and that electrical connection through the rails worked over that entire distance of track, which encompassed many individual rail sections. That kind of thing is only possible with very high quality track.
You don't need to notify me I've got the tender on backwards... I already realize it. 🙂
There were so many things going on in my mind when I was shooting this video that in a couple of scenes I failed to notice that I had the tender on backwards.
I do actually know the proper way a tender should face!
I just got caught up in all the other aspects of shooting this video that I didn't notice I had placed it on the tracks backwards.
Well Jim Zim, the RUclips video of the inexpensive Polar Express passenger train set from Lionel has finally passed the two million view mark!
The steam locomotive has a road number of 1225 just like the real life full scale steam locomotive that is known as Pere Marquette #1225 which almost got scrapped! But it was restored for excursions for passengers at the Polar Express excursion!
I think there are some Lionel polar express g gauge trains that actually fit on proper g gauge tracks
They released the older one of these. Sets back in the day and it was way better. But the only difference was that the 6 sea batteries went inside the tender. And the switch to turn on the engine was just a button. And the remote it had an antenna. And the observation car. Had the hobo on top. And the silhouettes in the cars. We're much more easier to see.
I think the older version of the set was regular g scale I think.
i would have not noticed about the tender if u or people brought it up
The reason it cannot fit on your LGB track. It’s because it is not a G scale train it’s actually just called a ready to play set
I loved the polar express when I was a kid and when the animated movie came out several years ago.i saw this at Costco with the bell and the kid inside me cried a little.i picked it up for like $60.I plan on putting it to go around under the Christmas tree in December and give my daughter the bell on Christmas Eve.hoping it lasts several years for good memories.
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AVM it lasts a long long time
I think it’s great for a Christmas tree setup. I have cats that like to chase my trains and knock them off the track. So something cheap is fantastic for pet owners
You made a video about the Polar Express ready to run train set years ago and The Polar Express movie is turning 20 this year since its release in 2004.
Happy 20th anniversary, The Polar Express (2004)!
The tender is backwards...
True
This Polar Express train is for kids. I wonder if the other version with magnetic tracks would be a better comparison.
Lionel has definitely clarified since then that this is NOT G scale. They're now calling it "ready to play" scale.
These are great for my 3-year-old son. So far above any other "toy" quality. I'm looking to get "us" a second train soon so we can both control a train and run them together. :)
That was one of the most informative and well-done videos I have ever seen. Great job!
I fully agree
I know nobody wants to buy a set "twice", but this might be worth a revisit. Some of the comments seem to point to a redesign the past couple years and the track width may in fact be proper sized now. That said, I bought this for my "I don't want to call myself middle aged yet" self from CostCo for $70 or something this year, or was it for my 3yr old? The world will never know ;) In any case, on medium pile carpet, I found that I needed the extra coupler helpers to keep the cars coupled. Getting the cars lined up in full circle configuration was a bit of a chore, but pretty easy on straight track. It's a fun toy to have run around the tree at Christmas, though the robotic vacuum has issues with it at times.
From what I can tell, the re-design happened about three or four years ago. For the ones prior to that, it was the same width as G-scale track... so you could run the locomotive on real G-scale track if you wanted to. But the sets that have been made for the last three or four years are just a slightly different width and are not compatible with G-scale track.
Believe it or not Lionel used to make G scale sets that conduct electricity from the track in the 1920s era.
What shocking if you touched it. you would get electric pulsed!!!!!
Lionel 711803 The Polar Express Ready to Play Train Set -
Not to be confused with the Lionel The Polar Express G Scale Train Set - that looks the same (even the boxes).
I made the same mistake by buying this at a thrift shop thinking it would run on my LGB g scale track.
Thanks for this informative video!
Lionel did make G Scale track and trains at one time . They shelved it and are producing these Christmas trains .
Great for kids , nice price too .
Does anyone know when this train first came out? And when they redesigned it and why? Was there a change in manufacturer? I bought my Dad this train from Walmart in 2019 and found that the additional passenger cars I got off eBay for my set that I bought a few years earlier would not work on his. The track width had changed. Also the Batteries were now in the engine and not the tender. Originally the track matched up with the New Bright, Echo, Scientific Toys? But the new one??? Why did it change? From what I can tell the only way I can spot the "new" sets out of the box now is the silver ring around the engines drive wheels (The old sets did show the ring on the drive wheels painted in the box artwork. But were just one color on the actual engine.) Of course also the batteries moved and also the observation car no longer has the "footprints" in the snow or the flip up hobo.
I found one at a goodwill complete for $30 a couple of years ago. Since then, I’ve graduated to Bachmann g scale and other brands as well but take this one out for Christmas.
Oopse! You got the coal tender behind the engine backwards.
You’re right! I noticed that too!
You should explain that this one is the 'ready to play' version; Lionel warns that these G gauge tracks are not the same as their Polar Express G scale set with disappearing hobo, figurines included and the batteries go into the tender, no need to unscrew the engine to put batteries in; of course, the one I'm describing is a lot more expensive but for a limited budget, it's a nice compromise; thanks for the video!
Thanks Jim, you are a great educator and passionate representative for model G trains. My four boys under 5 live your videos!
I think you put the tender on backwards. If I get one, I'll send you a picture of ALL my Holiday Trains
I love how his reaction is when it’s not lined up on the track of the LGB
As thorough and comprehensive and enjoyable as a Morley Safer 60 Minute investigative report about world wide topics and issues. Thank you!
Lionel had two versions of this set. The first series was was advertised as "G Gauge." The G Gauge sets, which include the Polar Express, Harry Potter Hogwarts Express and several freight sets using a redecorated Polar Express locomotive. These earlier G Gauge sets will run on regular G Gauge track. In 2017, Lionel switched their battery powered sets to "Ready to Play" sets. The Ready to Play series uses the same undersized G Gauge molds for cars and locomotives, but uses slightly wider gauge track. My speculation as to why is Lionel's Thomas the Tank engine license. Bachmann currently holds the licence to produce HO and G Gauge Thomas sets while Lionel has the licence to make O gauge Thomas sets. For 2018 Lionel has a "Ready to Play" Thomas set in their catalog that does not technically violate Bachmann's exclusive rights to "G Gauge" Thomas products. And the A "large scale" Thomas product for under $100 is likely to be a good seller, especially around Christmas.
Hi John, reading your comment would i be correct in saying that an old 7-11022 G Gauge disapearing hobo car will be compatable with my 7-11824 ready to play carriages and track?
Damn this guy is so wholesome. Thanks for the great review!
Regarding the complaint that it required a screwdriver to access the batteries...
The screwdriver requirement is a standard safety feature to prevent kids from accessing the batteries in toys. Parents expect this, and it's about as simple as you can get.
A more complex device to secure the batteries without tools would just confuse people (causing a manual lookup) and not be secure anyways due to a child's hyper focus and plenty of time to attack it.
Jim, as others have said this particular train is Lionel's special "Ready to Play Scale" which is actually comparable to those cheap generic battery-powered Christmas trains that proliferate the market. The Lionel track pieces can't actually connect to those Christmas train tracks cuz Lionel has reversed their connectors, but the gauge is the same and the trains can run on either tracks.
Ready to play is not compatible with regular g gauge trains, they are a different size altogether.
7:36
Move the throttle up slowly genesis
I have this same kit and that is how I start the train and it works just fine
You're terrific.
Your personality and voice are top notch!
This set has 2 versions. This one has a wider gauge and wireless remote. I don’t know why they made two versions but if you get the one with the remote that has the antenna it does fit on the g-gauge track. I’ve found that g-scale and g-gauge are not always synonymous. In addition the other set takes batteries to its tender and requires no screw driver and you have the option to plug a 9v hobby battery instead. Cheers!
You put the tender backwards
No thats how they get the coo
Zachary NIEMANN it IS on backwards
Merlin and Murdoch Fan 783 yep it is backwards
My 2yr old Grandson loves this . Has had Christmas Tree Duty for 3 years.
Best review of this one there is. Super disappointing to see it doesn't fit on normal G scale track!
I disagree on the comment that this is only for children. I bot one of these three years ago for a song, C$50, and it goes underneath our Christmas tree every year and we all love it, including my 10 year old daughter and me - I bot it when I was 50! And yes, rechargeable batteries are a must!
The HO American Flyer version is certainly more expensive and is more of a collector piece, but I am really not that much into O or HO, LGB G scale is the way to go for me.
Merry Christmas one and all! 🎅
Bought one of these in.. lemme think, 2012? and it still works fine and the sound effects are nothing like the new ones are, and they changed the size mine DOES fit on the proper G Scale track. Also the batteries on mine go in the Tender, and there's a cord that you plug into the locomotive.
Jim, how many curve tracks to make a circle
24
Amazingly, the voice of the "All aboard" announcement actually sounds like Tom Hanks!
I got this trains brother!Its really fun to play with but hard to play with to it take 5 curves to make a turn but still fun
you got the tender on backwards
Dang, I’m glad you noted the track gauge difference, I was gonna get one of these sets, but now I don’t think I will. I wonder if the wheels can be changed to make it fit gG gauge track?
Nice timing of the crashes with the cannon fire of the 1812 Overture.
What's the cost of extra track is it sold in bundles and what about turnouts, we call points?
You'd want to look for what is known as "Lionel Ready To Play" track.
Here in the USA, at Amazon, they sell twelve pieces of straight track for $10 and also $10 for twelve pieces of curved track.
I bought one at Costco tonight, Less then $60. I have one 027 Lionel, and the rest of my three are American Flyer S gauge. This will be fun under the tree! Thanks for the video!
I was laughing 😂😂😂😂 that locomotive is not playing around
Wham went the presents😂
Hey Jim zim I love you and your videos
Please tell me the old g gauge polar express is still in production
The tender is backwards
I have the Hershey train of this type from around 5 years ago, my grandfather got it for me for Christmas. He has a whole set up in the backyard running all kinds of g scale trains and mine worked on his track, it appears they may be lowering in quality over the years.
I have the same thing, except it has no coaches, but a boxcar and a caboose, a different paint scheme in a red and green way, same paint scheme with the tender, different sound affects for when people board the train, the number 250 is on the cab, and the tender says “Merry Christmas.” The sound effects for when it is moving whistling, and ringing the bell are the same.
Just bought this train and it won’t go but about 2 inches and stops. We’ve changed batteries and nothing. It makes the sounds and everything, the wheels just won’t turn. Any suggestions??? Thanks
Hmm maybe either send it back for a new one depending where you got it but if not take it apart and look for gears down by the wheels and if that’s not the problem look at the connecting rods
The tender is backwards please fix it
May I ask where did you get the polar express toy?
You can get one here: amzn.to/3Dbl3qo
Thx
Looks great Jim, I do like that for our Christmas tree.
Ps, I was booking a trip on the seaside.... When we found a 12 day on the divina that goes to tremendous ports. So we booked it. Leaves in February. Take care
From modeler to modeler: Lionel recently revoked the G scale trains. They are now called “ready to play” and are wider than G scale. Look for the Coca Cola train.
In my next video, which I'll be posting this weekend, I'll show you an inexpensive model train set, similar to the Polar Express set, which actually does fit on regular G scale track. The price is incredibly low, so I think this set will be of interest to people who would normally be priced out of G scale. Of course, you get what you pay for! But if someone is on a super tight budget, a cheap train set beats no train set around the Christmas tree!
On the original G scale polar express from 2007, it did fit on original g scale track but what you have is the ready to play polar express set which is not compatible with any g scale product
My three year old son watched this video repeatedly for a month before we finally broke down and got it. He loves it and says Jim Zim got this train for him! Lol.
I found a polar express set similar to that one, but it actually fits on G scale track! It has a bell from the movie and has to little figure to it. If you are interested in finding that version. It’s made Lionel.
i got that G scale polar express as well and we set it up at Christmas time, still working on getting the HO scale one, BTW you put the tender on backwards, and your right, that things is puny compared to a actual G scale train EDIT also did lionel update the train? it sounds different the tracks are different and I don't see that wire going to the tender to the train, am I missing something here?
My very first model train was a g gauge set made by new bright. I still have that set now.
Definitely NOT 1:24th scale as Lionel claims. it's not even 1:32.
Their O scale version is much more detailed
I have an earlier version of the set from 2009 and it runs a lot smoother than the newer version I see in this video. In the version I have the tender powers the locomotive. Also if I remember correctly it did actually run on official G scale train unless the Bachmann big haulers track is not considered true G scale.
8:35 *train crashes into presents*
Santa: OH NO, THE POLAR EXPRESS CRASHED INTO THE PRESENTS. NOW WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO TO GET MORE PRESENTS!
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer: I don't know santa. We can just go to toys r us and get some more
Santa: That sounds like a great idea, let's go to toys r us now
Aren't they out of business?
RIP Toys R Us
We miss you Toys R Us.
How about they just go to Target or Walmart at the toys section
I love the Polar express in my Bedroom and its Amazing I also Have The book by Chris Van Allsbarg and the Movie By Tom Hanks and thats not G Scale thats G Gauge.
how do you think of track plans do a layout tour or track plan tour of the one were there is 4 lines down the hallway and an outside one
Sam's Vlog's the end
We bought this set for my 7 year old! First real type set, and he LOVES it!
Already has talks of wanting the Harry Potter steam train set now!
Russell Albertson n
I remember these when i was just a 4 yrs old. It was a great experience
Did anyone notice that he put the tender back words?
Yes it’s backwards
I did
Yes
I did I hate it when people do that. Well On the older version of the set. The tender Has a plug on it. Because you probably know that the batteries went in there before. And that plug is to tell you the right way it's supposed to go.
I Have 1 & I’m the only 1 who put it facing the right side.
This is 2020 and i am who is 26 year old is watching a 50 year old man playing with his toy train on youtube.
That's very nice of you to think that I'm in my 50s! 😂
The G scale one is definitely a toy. But not the electric O scale version which is a model (minimum age 14+).
Thanks Jim, Very nice, you answered a lot of questions also.
Can you change the wheels of the locomotive so it can run on your normal tracks?
I have the electric version of the polar express set by Lionel and it costed about $400. Worth 100% of the price! It’s time really well and even has smoke coming out the engine in the front. Its O scale, but at least it’s true to scale. If you have the extra cash, I’d get the electric one.
Also I hate setting up my O gauge track and putting it back, so much work!!! This is really good set!!!
Same i hate doing it to
That’s an awesome toy train set
That track size there I believe is christmas train size for plastic track in general its a great looking model
I don't have room for G Scale track and trains. What I do have room for is something much smaller: 00 gauge track, two train set ovals on the wood-effect floor of my bedroom ballasted and covered in model railway snow. I call it The Cat Valley Steam Railway. I have made it look as much like the real thing as possible, with accessories. This Winter Wonderland is home to Hornby and Bachmann steam engines alike; both types share the track as the chassis on them is the same width. the only difference is Bachmann engines are slightly smaller than Hornby ones. Included in my steam engine collection are Thomas, Percy and Annie and Clarabel Hornby Style. The new Bachmann models are on my wishlist. I haven't been able to comment on any of your other videos, but here's what I love most in your collection: Thomas, James, Percy, Toby, Emily and Annie and Clarabel. I'm a child at heart. Who isn't? You can look at my model and real railway videos on Kelly Ashford Trains, my RUclips Channel. You can comment, like and subscribe if you'd like to.
I so wish Lionel would offer expansion cars for this particular set. 2 cars just doesn't feel like it's enough. I managed to snag an extra passenger car off of ebay to fill it out. However it would've been nice to be able to buy the Abandoned Toy car or the Hot Chocolate car for this set.
I agree but i want to know, have you been a good little boy this year?
@@santaclaus1019 LOL you're Santa! You should know!
Hello Sr. It is possible to mute the built in engine in case I want a quiet ambience?
Welp I got two now so should I put the new one around the Christmas tree or put it with the old one
3:30 mine was a little older than this and it fit on G scale track.
Maybe customize the wheels to fit g scale😉
Hello Jim Hope all is well and you are having fun in life. I know you are. Hey have to tell you something about the Polar express clip here.I figured out why the train lurches forward. Its because it does it in the movie. Watch the movie. Does not lurch in reverse and other ready to play train sets don't lurch at all.All start smooth and slow like they should.
That's interesting! OK, time for a confession... I've never seen the movie!
@@JimZim Lol that is funny. Now you have got to see it. Lots of Steam Locomotive action in it to.:)
There are more polar express train models like Lionel ho polar expres, Lionel o gauge polar express and more but why you got a g scale polar express
The tender is turn around😊
The American flyer is the best PE out there so you should get it for $449-510
Why al the propone put the tender backwards
Does the passengers coach has the interior light?
Jim, wondering if these ready to play sets might actually be an inexpensive revival of standard gauge (predates O gauge which was a size reduction that came about because of the Great Depression).
Man this set is better than the g-scale set I had as a kid. My set had even less track and only had an on/off switch on the underside of the train, so I had to reach under the engine to turn it on. Didn't have any sounds or anything, but I think it was able to make smoke if you put oil in it. There was also no extra track you could get. It wasn't polar express, just a generic old-timey american engine like The General. I did have a better set than that which had *tons* of tracks and I had two trains for it, but still had the same issue of only having on and off.
Tender is backward.
I showed my 5yr old son this video bc he wants it for a birthday present. Said he didn't want this one bc the tender was backwards lol
Hey Jim the one you bought is the one that is wider because Lionel lost the rights to make G-Scale Items if you want one that is G-scale i would recommend shopping on Ebay for one that is actually G-Scale.
That backwards tender was driving me crazy. I guess for the price, and turning radius, an actual Berkshire is too much to hope for.
I have that exact one!!! But why did you put the tender backwards?
The consensus seems to be that I did!
I had a LOT on my mind when I was doing this. I was cameraman, director, producer, lighting operator, sound technician, train wrangler, and actor/host. Didn't notice the detail about the tender direction until many of you pointed it out! See, this is why I specifically asked you all to leave a comment... it's great feedback for me!
This one is the custom scale I know because the older version fits properly on g scale track and you can tell by seeing if the locomotives drive wheels don’t have the white tire on the drive wheel.
thank you as its not true g scale i sure wont be bying it - but i am still looking for a 00 gauge polar express
I would like to ride the real one... And have him for me too, hahaha! Imagine if u get The Polar Express in your own possession? That would be a GREAT Christmas present XD
What program do you use to edit videos? I mainly use adobe premiere pro to edit mine.
Adobe is too expensive and complicated for me. I use Corel Video Studio
The fact that is a ready to play set that is noncompattable with g gauge track or trains.
Hi Jim.....Thanks for your videos! I have a question......I have a wonderful looking New Bright Holiday Express G scale Train. I tried to set it up outside for my grand-kids in a garden area this past Christmas. it was in a garden area and I even built a bridge for it but It would only go about 2 feet before the connection stopped. Part of its path was over bricks. Do I need secure the track to plywood to ensure it operates properly?
I'm assuming that this train is powered by electricity it gets through the rails, and that there is a transformer that supplies the power to the rails. In other words, that this is not a battery powered train.
Almost always, these kinds of issues are related to the track and the connections between the track sections. I doubt it has anything to do with the bricks or whatever the rails were on top of. The first thing to check is that you are using the little track clips between each section of rail to physically hold the rail sections to each other tightly. This is very important to maintain a proper connection between each section of rail. Some guys go so far as to solder rail pieces together in permanent outdoor layouts to ensure a good connection between each section.
The quality of the track is very important to how well an outdoor model train is going to run. If they've supplied really cheap quality track with that train set, this might be a big part of the issue you are experiencing.
You might find this video very informative: ruclips.net/video/EUspGH7FYns/видео.html
This shows two products that people sometimes use on outdoor model railroads to ensure a proper connection between each section of track. I don't know if this product would be compatible with your particular type of track, though.
I use the super-expensive LGB brand track on my system and I very rarely have any connection issues. There is even a video on my channel where I was able to run a very long length of track all the way from my house to my neighbor's house and that electrical connection through the rails worked over that entire distance of track, which encompassed many individual rail sections. That kind of thing is only possible with very high quality track.
The sounds are the same as their American Flyer S gage. Now you got me wondering if it will run on my 50's Flyer.
Wow! The ups guy got you that train for no reason because every one has told you about it! Please keep that train!