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Written by Paul D. Race for Family Garden Trains(tm)
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| Written by Paul D. Race for Family Garden Trains(tm)
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A Nostalgic Treat Updated for the New Millenium! Back when model trains began, most trains were pretty big. So-called standard-gauge trains ran on track that was two inches wide, and trains were so big, you couldn't help noticing them as soon as you entered the room. Every once in a while, Lionel reintroduces a classic from that era (usually costing in the thousands). But for Christmas, 2006, Lionel introduced a brand-new classic (and promptly ran out, but it's back in stock now.) It runs on 1.75" track (the kind used for garden railroads, and it's made from materials that are not prone to rust. But it has all of the heirloom-quality charm of those early train sets and more. In fact, I think this train will be in such a high demand that I've started a new page just for this train and for the add-on products that Lionel plans to introduce in the future. In the meantime, if you want any accessories for this train, look for products made to go with garden trains - this train is too big to look right with most stuff made for indoor trains.
Note about Availability and Pricing: This train set is still a best seller. If you you want one of these under your Christmas tree this year, get your order in now. Update: As of December 8, 2007, TrainDiscounts still has several in stock, which they are offering at a special discount to our readers. I don't know how long this stock will hold up. Please see the bottom of the page for more information.
Note about Name Confusion: The box for this train (Lionel #7-11000) says "Holiday Tradition Express" on the lid. Unfortunately Lionel also makes a O-gauge train set (#6-31966) called the "Holiday Tradition Special." (That train is shown on our O Gauge Christmas Train page.)
To avoid confusion, the links on this page take you only to the train that is shown and described on this page.
 
Classic Lionel Holiday Train SetThis is the manufacturer's description: This is the classic heirloom-quality animated holiday train set manufactured by Lionel, the foremost name in electric toy trains since 1900, when Joshua Lionel Cowen established the Lionel Manufacturing Company and designed his first model for a toy store display. This meticulously detailed set includes a locomotive that "chuffs" and whistles, as well as a coal tender, bell car, and caboose, each of which is manned by animated elves that shovel coal, turn a crank and swing a mallet to play bells, and pack presents. An animated Santa stands at the end of the caboose and waves. The included infrared remote control operates the train and plays Santa's holiday greeting, rings the bells, sounds the whistle, and plays Jingle Bells and Here Comes Santa Claus. Each piece is decorated with holiday garland and bright white lights. Cars are connected using fixed-knuckle couplers and the wheels are die-cast metal. Includes 12 curved and four straight pieces of G-gauge track that can be configured as a 52" diameter circle or a 65" diameter oval. Includes transformer that plugs into AC. (25 lbs.)
Here are some more product details. If you click on them, you will see a "blowup." Note: The blowup photos are shown much larger than the real product - these are just to give you a better idea of the quality of this set.
How Can I Find A Set Now?The suppliers listed below had the best stock when supplies were short last winter, and they both offer great customer service, so I have kept them on my list. Two other suppliers who advertise these trains have been taken off the list because they don't seem to stock enough to supply my readers when the demand is the highest. Still, you should order now to avoid disappointment! To check on price and availability from Hammacher Schlemmer, an internationally recognized supplier of unique gifts, click on the product name below: To check on price and availability from TrainDiscounts, click the product name below (Remember you won't see your final price until it is added to your shopping cart): Note: Last year, TrainDiscounts had the best supply of these of any of our recommended suppliers. They are offering these trains at a discount to our readers, but due to agreements with our other recommended suppliers, you only see the total discount if you add the train to your shopping cart. (You can always remove it from your shopping cart, if you want to, after you've checked the price, but at the rate these are selling, I'm not sure you'll want to.) If you would rather contact TrainDiscounts directly, call 1-800-404-4414 Mon-Fri 9a-6p EST. Tell them you got this number from Store #115 to get the best discount.
Announcement: The Lionel Calliope Car which was supposed to be the "add-on" car for 2007 arrived in very limited quantities and sold out almost immediately from all Lionel dealers we could track down. If we come across any legitimate dealers with stock, I will provide links to them. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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Note: Family Garden Trains(tm), Garden Train Store(tm), and Big Christmas Trains(tm) are trademarks of Breakthrough Communications (www.btcomm.com). All information, data, text, and illustrations on this web site are
Copyright (c) 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 by Paul D. Race.
Reuse or republication without prior written permission is specifically
forbidden.
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