Click the video to watch the Hogwarts Express in action!

Suggested Retail: $329.99

Trainz.com Price: $199.99

      Background: Like the Polar Express, the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express is based on a train from a popular movie.  Also like the Polar Express, this is a well-made set that provides a lot of bang for the buck.  The engine is all metal with headlight a smoke, and the smoke is synchronized with the wheels to provide one puff per wheel revolution. The smoke units in the Harry Potter engines are a bit stronger than those used in most other Lionel starter set engines, and many of these locomotives will actually blow smoke rings once they get going around the track.  The engine is a smooth runner and has nice detail throughout.

The tender has an air whistle and an operating coupler on the back. The whistle is activated by a button on the transformer.

The cars have plastic bodies, metal wheels and operating couplers, which can be operated by hand or by using a remote control uncoupling section (available separately).  All of the cars are lighted and have nice molded-in details like rivets and door handles. These cars are a bit longer than most traditional Lionel passenger cars.

The set includes the standard 40" by 60" loop of Fastrack, consisting of eight 36-inch diameter curved sections, three 10-inch straight sections, and a 10" terminal track section.  The transformer is the 80-watt CW-80 type.

   Overview:   The Harry Potter Hogwarts Express is a good-looking, well made set that is unique as being the only Lionel starter set not modeled after an American train.  The cars possess a level of detail not usually seen in starter sets, and the entire train gives a neat, smooth effect as it circles the track. 

    Despite its unique appearance, the set is completely compatible with other Lionel trains, but unlike the Polar Express there are not as many cars or accessories produced to specifically add on to the set.  Lionel did introduce a two-car add-on set in 2009, which is available at Trainz.com.

Also, be sure to check out these and other fun additions to the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train Set!

12030 Figure-8 Track Expansion Set	11142 Harry Potter 2 Car Add-on Passenger Set	12028 Short Siding Expansion Set	12031 Outer Passing Loop  Add-on Expansion Set