Back to Hogwarts: Lionel Hogwarts Express Set #7-1198 (2022) - Pt 1

As a Harry Potter Fan, I've always wanted a Hogwarts Express train and there are a bunch to choose from in the marketplace. One can have a static, non-operating display of the engine, or a train that runs from at least a couple of manufacturers. LEGO has its version pf a battery operated operating train, but they're big and I have no room for one (except maybe a display version of the engine). Lionel makes a 3-rail O-gauge electric version which is awesome, but costs about $400. (I should've bought one years ago before I retired but...).

Lionel also has a version in their 'Ready-to-play' line. It's larger than O-gauge - almost as big as G-gauge but not quite. It's a gauge Lionel uses just for its 'Ready-to-play' line-up of trains which feature battery operation with remote control technology (vs. electricity going to the track). I like it but the oval of track which comes in the set is too large to fit on my 4'x'6' board - the same problem I would have with LEGO's large version.

My last option - and most affordable - is Lionel's cheap-as-they-come (in more ways than one), bargain basement, battery operated Hogwarts Express set #7-1198. The box says it was copywrite 2003, but one YouTube reviewer stated their video was made in late 2022. If you can find these in stores they'll run around $3-$35, but as I refuse to run all over this town, I went on fleaBay and got mine for $60 shipped. Yeah, a bit pricier but still not the $400 for the set I really want!

The set comes with:

-Engine and Tender

-Two coaches

- 65" x 41" oval of track

The set is all plastic and reminds me of something from EZTECH (the trains often sold in Walmart) and the engine runs off of 2 'AA' batteries. There's a switch on the side to turn it on and an option to hear sound or no sound. The sound set is Harry speaking a couple of phrases from the movie over-&-over-&-over again. Sometimes I run mine with the sound on, but mostly it's turned off. While it runs on O-gauge track the engine and cars are closer to S-gauge in size. The engine is a disappointment though in that it is NOT the real Hogwarts Express as the engine and tender are NOT correct for the Hogwart's Express. The real one is a Mills Class 4-6-0 engine but the toy is an A1/A3 class 2-6-2. The toy tender only has two axles and four wheels, while the real one has three axles and six wheels.

I do not like using the plastic track which comes with these sets so I use either tubular track or Lionel's Fastrack. Besides, they run waaay better on normal O-gauge track than they do on the included plastic track. Enjoy! Opa Fritz