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Lionel The Polar Express LionChief 2-8-4 HO Gauge Model Train Set

Based on 350 reviews
Condition: New
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$401.20
Holiday Deal · 13% off was $459.99

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Availability: Only 5 left in stock, order soon!
Fulfilled by Amazon

Arrives Monday, Nov 16
Order within 18 hours and 26 minutes

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At a glance

Condition
New
Size
Complete Set
Dimensions
18.5 x 17.37 x 9.5 in
Weight
8.9 lb
Color
Assorted
Material
Plastic
Age Range Description
14 years old and up
In the box
BellRemoteWall plugcoach carcurve track(12)locomotiveobservation carstraight track (3)tenderterminal section (1)toy car

Features 6

  • A HOLIDAY SHOWSTOPPER: Spread Christmas cheer this year with the iconic Polar Express LionChief 2-8-4 train set; It's equipped with Bluetooth technology, letting you glide the rails via a mobile device; Suitable for kids, hobbyists and holiday decorating
  • SET INCLUDES: 2-8-4 locomotive and tender, Coachbox, abandoned toy car and observation car, Twelve 20" Radius HO curves, three 9" HO straights; 9" HO terminal section, 12V DC power supply, Polar Express bell and LionChief remote
  • TRAIN FEATURES: Controlled by remote controller, Bluetooth, DCC or DC transformer; Switch for background, horn, bell, Polar Express PA announcements and steam sounds; RailSounds RC sound system; Maintenance-free motor; Knuckle couplers; LED lighting
  • PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: HO Gauge compatible; minimum curve is 18" radius; Set length is 44"; Bluetooth, DCC or DC transformer compatible

Specs 54

Brand Name Lionel
Model Name The Polar Express HO
Age Range Description 14 years old and up
Sub Brand The Polar Express
Model Number 871811010
Manufacturer Warranty Description 1 year warranty against manufacturer defects
Global Trade Identification Number 00023922018687
UPC 023922018687

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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Monday, Nov 16

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews


Great quality train. Not crazy about the track.
Size: HO Gauge
The only other train I have experience with is Bachman’s Chattanooga (HO) which I set up every xmas. This Polar Express train (HO) is every bit as good as that train. The locomotive is beautiful. Heavy, detailed, and the wheels on all the cars sit well in the track. The remote is easy to use. Syncs to locomotive immediately. Not a single flaw I can find on any of the cars. Plus, it’s the Polar Express, it’s like having the movie play out on your floor. That’s worth 5 stars right there. I had it set up and running within 10 minutes. The only issue I have is that I don’t like the track. It’s very quick and easy to set up, as it connects with magnets on the ends, but there can be issues with the rails not lining up perfectly, causing the train to derail a little bit. EZ track (HO) is much better in my opinion so I’m going to ditch the track that came with this train. It only comes with enough for a small oval anyway, and my layout goes all over the house, which takes a significant amount of good track. Engine sound and other sound effects are fantastic, but loud. I run it with the sound off unless everyone in the house is awake... ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2020 by Steven C

Awesome train!
Size: HO Gauge
Great train! Sadly I bought this for my kids ( 3 and 6 ) and they fight over it all the time and has broken one of the cars... But would be a great gift for older kids!
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2026 by Michael Starnes

Huge disappointment period!
Size: HO Gauge
Huge disappointment period! The unit apparently looses Bluetooth connectivity with the remote or the iPhone application, causing the train to stop (and the associated sound effects). Train will run, stop (and yet the lights on the passenger cars remain illuminated), then re-start running again at random intervals. If you put the unit on the "track" mode there is no issues with the train running, but you don't get the cool train sounds (and will derail if you have tight turns). Because it is so intermittent, it's hard to explain or isolate fault. The train not running while using the remote doesn't appear to be any particular spot on the track, and yes, the batteries in the remote unit were replaced and there are no batteries on the train unit. When using the iPhone app, when the train stops, it also looses connectivity with the iPhone app. If I were a betting person, I would suspect a faultily Bluetooth radio on the unit, but I"m not sure it's worth the time, effort and possible frustration to return the unit or send for repair. When/If the train runs, it very cool and fun. All in all, a very expensive Christmas decoration, sitting slightly, motionless with the passenger cars illuminated under the Christmas tree. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2025 by David White

Polar express HO train set
Size: HO Gauge
Got this for me and my little boy it is very cool definitely different than what I expected. I love it. The difference between this than the actual box is I bought two additional train cars separate sound speeds up as fast as you move. The train makes it more realistic. The only thing I do not like is the track does not lock together too well overall awesome toy for me and my little boy. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025 by Amazon Customer

Good and bad
Size: HO Gauge
The track is junk; consequently the power supply is useless. I recommend using Bachmann’s Snap Track and power supply instead. The heart of the system, the locomotive, takes some getting used to. I had several derailments the 1st day, pulling its 3 cars and running it on a figure 8 track with piers supporting part of the figure 8. Put all on level ground, still many derailments. Bend the extension out the back of the locomotive up to keep the loco attached to the tender. Otherwise you could damage the cords that connect it to the tender. Ran it the 2nd day with only the loco & the tender & on level ground, no derailments; I will try pulling just 2 cars and on level ground to see what happens. The tiny bell at the front of the loco was defective and was not even attached, too bad since the bell is a huge part of the sound effects. The sounds and voice coming out of the speaker in the tender were rather nice. I have not been able to get my phone to connect via Bluetooth for more than a few seconds, but connection with the handheld remote is rather good. All in all, if it weren’t for my grandchildrens’ love of the movie, I’d probably send it back. I suppose it’s OK overall, but steer clear of the track that comes with it, it’s worthless. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2023 by Western NC customer

Great working train
Size: HO Gauge
This was a gift for my husband. After reading the reviews I had mixed feelings about buying it. So glad I did. The trains runs perfectly. My husband loves it! We did use the track we already had.
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2026 by Elke Allen

Bang for your buck ratio is not quite there
Size: HO Gauge
The bang for your buck ratio on this Lionel HO Polar express train does not seem right. The magnetic track seems like it would be great on a flat surface. I have this train on a relatively flat rug and I ended up with a lot raised edges where the tracks meet. Which then leads to derailing. So, if you are having issues with derailing, run your finger across the entire track and feel for raised track edges where they meet. I think this is a great track for flat surfaces, otherwise the track is not that great. The locomotive needs something more at this price level. Appearance wise, the locomotive and passenger cars look great for a starter set. The negative? The sound quality is that of a mediocre fm radio. There are a lot scratchy noises, I am left wondering if this is a defect or if this is the way it is meant to be? The front plastic wheels on the front and rear of the locomotive drive me crazy. It is almost as if they are too light and any imperfection on the rail causes either of the two to derail. I think this product has a lot of potential as starter train set. What would lead to a five star review? How about some metal wheels on the rear and front wheels of the locomotive to add some resistance to dislodging? Also, some better sound quality would be great. The track, I can live width. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2020 by Giovanni G.

It’s Lionel
Size: HO Gauge
Very nice set. Unfortunately I haven’t run it yet. The oval is too big for our dining room table. I’m trusting the Lionel brand.
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2026 by Brian A. Vance
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