• Transformer controlled forward, neutral, and reverse operation.
• Locomotive has operating headlight and puffing smoke; air whistle in the tender.
• Locomotive features die-cast metal locomotive body and frame.
• Operating couplers on rolling stock and on rear of tender.
• Passenger cars feature interior lighting and silhouettes in windows.
• Powerful maintenance-free motor, two traction tires, and separately applied metal handrails.

.com ---- With beautiful craftsmanship and styling that evokes a bygone era, the Polar Express Train Set will appeal to everyone in your family. Designed for children ages eight and older, this train set is based on the Caldecott Award-winning book "Polar Express," and the movie that followed in 2004. The gorgeous train set is relatively easy to put together, although parents will probably need to supervise. Even kids younger than eight can enjoy the Polar Express, if parents help them with it. Superbly Crafted Toy with Easy Set Up The pieces of the train set are easily assembled, from the smooth linking of the cars, to setting up the track. The instructions are sometimes vague: for example, the train needs to charge before it runs, but we didn't understand that from the instructions and spent some frustrating minutes wondering why the train wouldn't move. Otherwise, the toy is a delight to set up and play with. Most of the parts are reassuringly heavy and durable, including the impressive transformer that powers the train. There is a small learning curve associated with learning to drive the train, especially for electric train novices, but kids will quickly catch on with their parents' help. The small figurines that can ride atop the cars are a nice entertaining feature. However, they are small and can get easily lost, as well as pose a choking hazard to younger kids. Attention to Detail Creates a Lifelike Experience The Polar Express has some especially nice features, like the smoke fluid that you can add to it so that it emits puffs of smoke as it chugs along. The realistic-sounding steam whistle is also a great touch. The transformer that powers the train is heavy and solid, with a big throttle that's easy for little hands to operate. Testers found the train easy to assemble, and once charged, it went smoothly around the oval track. At 60 inches long and 40 inches wide, the track is not particularly big, but you can extend it by purchasing more track pieces from Lionel (sold separately). In general, we enjoyed the old-fashioned quality in the train set's well-crafted parts, as well the numerous design details (such as interior lighting, retro styling, and a working headlight) that made the Polar Express come alive. What's in the Box 1 die-cast steam engine; 1 coal tender; 2 coach passenger cars; 1 observation car; 1 CW-80 transformer; Santa's Bell; 4 articulated movie characters; 1 bottle smoke fluid; 40- x 60-inch oval track (with 8 curved sections; 3 straight sections; 1 power terminal section); and instruction book. From the Manufacturer --------------------- Now, you can own the Polar Express train featured in both the best-selling book and the hit movie. Painstakingly designed to be true to the original, this exclusive Lionel train set features a die-cast metal Berkshire steam locomotive with a larger pilot, a headlight lens cap, and a unique whistle. Behind the locomotive and tender are two lighted coach cars and an observation car that features a rounded observation platform — just like in the movie. Silhouettes in the windows depict scenes from the movie. Four main characters are included as articulated figures with turning heads, movable arms, bendable waists, and jointed knees. They can be posed and placed on areas of the locomotive, tender, and passenger cars to replicate your favorite scenes from the movie. Ready to run out of the box, this set comes complete with a generous loop of Lionel’s patented FasTrack track system and a powerful CW-80 Transformer. The set includes: 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotive and tender; two passenger coaches; one passenger observation car with rounded platform; three straight FasTrack track sections; eight curved FasTrack track sections; one FasTrack terminal section; CW-80 Transformer; four articulated movie characters; smoke fluid. Train length is 63 3/8”; track layout is 40” x 60”. ™ & © and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.