Product Description

Hop on the Hogwarts Express to transport your imagination into the bewitching world of wizardry. This five-piece O-gauge train set includes a die-cast steam locomotive, tender and three passenger coaches. Four figures as described in catalog not included. Kid-controlled features include working headlights, interior lighting, air whistle, puffing smoke and operating coupler on rear of tender. Comes with powerful Lionel transformer and patented oval Lionel FasTrack layout measuring 40" x 60". UL listed. Assembly required. Adult supervision recommended.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21144 in Toys & Games
• Brand: Lionel, L.L.C.
• Model: LNL711020
• Dimensions: 29.40" h x 22.00" w x 8.30" l, 25.60 pounds

Features

• Includes: 4-6-0 locomotive and tender, 2 passenger coaches, 1 combination car, 3 straight FasTrack t
• Die-cast metal body
• Powerful maintenance-free motor
• Separately applied metal handrails
• Transformer controlled forward, neutral and reverse operation

Customer Reviews

Do Not Buy This Train
We purchased this train to add to our large basement railroad display.

The engine piston design is unacceptable. There are plastic pieces which slide along plastic tracks to simulate the piston motion. The metal piece which is attached to the wheel and then to the plastic piston broke off with the lightest of handling. There is a metal piece on the back of the plastic piece which holds it all together -- this piece came off with the slightest bit of tension. Any child handling this train is going to break this piece off and then you are not going to be able to use it until you either detach the metal rail from the wheel or glue the metal piece to the back of the piston and hope that it doesn't pop off again.

This, however, isn't the biggest problem.

The front wheel carraige is composed of a four wheel truck. This truck will not stay on the track as the train goes around a standard O-31 curve. It also will not stay on the track as the train goes over a switch. We tried this train on our Lionel O-gauge three rail track - no good on turns and no good going over switches. We tried it on our elevated MTH Real Trax - no good on curves and no good over switches. Our track is "level" and our other MTH freight train and our Lionel Polar Express operate on both with no problems (the Polar express likes to jump its front pair of wheels on occasion as it goes over standard lionel three track switches, but if you have the speed right, it normally isn't a problem.)

Bottom line: Disappointed 8 year old boy and 44 year old dad. Train is on its way back to Etoys - not their fault - but this isn't a quality train, and I just can't believe that Lionel didn't take the time to do the least bit of testing with this train before sending it out to its loyal customer base -- it's MTH for us for now on - less expensive and better quality.

Big O Gauge Fun for fans of Harry Potter and or British trains
At long last, Lionel has produced a model of the Hogwarts Express(tm) that is big enough for small hands to operate. Fantasy lovers will owning a realistic model of the train that Harry Potter rides to Hogwarts. Train lovers will enjoy a truly historic event in the world of toy and model trains. This is Lionel's first ever model of an historic British train, which required completely new tooling and molds.

Railfans will notice the bumpers on the front, the fenders over the drivers, and the "missing" sand dome (the sand reservoirs are attached to the steam dome). All of these details give this die-cast 4-6-0 locomotive an appearance that is streamlined, classic, and uniquely British.
In fact, fans of English railroads will quickly recognize a Great Western Railway "Hall" class locomotive, one of the most successful steam locomotives ever built. The Olton Hall was built in 1937 and is one of about eleven Hall class locomotives to be preserved. Unlike its brethren, which tend to be painted deep green, the Olton Hall was painted a rich scarlet for the movie "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," and has not been green since.

The illuminated passenger cars also represent the kind of cars used on British railways for nearly a century, and also used in the film. They also required all new tooling.

Here's some more good news - this train runs on the same track as Lionel's other sets, including the Thomas and Friends(r) sets. In fact, James the Red Engine(tm) is based on a similar British engine. So if Thomas and James have given you an appreciation for British railroading, but you're ready for something a little more realistic, this is an ideal "step up" for your family.

Paul Race, editor Big Christmas Trains