This is The Polar Express!

"The thing about trains... It doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on." - The Conductor

I had always hoped Lego would produce more classic steam engines like The Emerald Night. And lately my kids have been watching The Polar Express movie almost daily. The more I looked at the engine, I thought "Wouldn't that make a great Lego set?" A few weeks ago, I looked at some extra Lego pieces and started experimenting with forms. 

"Seeing is believing..."

I built this model of the Polar Express based on the scenes from the movie and photos of the Pere Marquette Berkshire 2-8-4 locomotive. 

"But sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."

This model is fully functional with Lego Power Functions. But you won't find the Battery or RF Receiver in the tender--they're carefully integrated into the engine! 

The black minifigure head by the cab is the power button. And while one of the two light bulbs lights the front lamp, the second light bulb is incredibly useful in lighting the fun surprise found in the cab, a glowing fire box!

After numerous tests and adjustments, the train handles Lego track curves very well without any stutter from the 8 coupled wheels. 

My kids and I absolutely love this project. And I hope you will too. Please support it and show Lego you believe in the Lego Polar Express!

All aboard!

P.S. I am developing the passenger/observation car. Just waiting for some reds and blues to arrive in the mail! Stay tuned...