Yesterday we took our 4 year-old son to see Santa Claus. He told Santa that he wants "a red train" for christmas. Later I asked if he meant a red train like James from Thomas and Friends. He said "no, I don't want a face on it."
I have looked at eBay, but all I can really find are Marx Commodore Vanderbilts. Im not against Marx but i wonder if anyone here has any ideas? Santa needs a little help.
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MTH made quite a few tin plate trains in red including christmas trains. Lionel made the Peanuts Christmas set that had a red loco. Otherwise Lionel made the reindeer train i think its called the North Pole Central that was all red but may be quite hard to find now
Not sure what your budget is but The Red Comet has been made in various versions through the years.
Also check out the red CP (Canadian Pacific) locos. Lionel's made a Lion Chief Plus CP GP-38 recently.
Edit: Mario's Trains -- a forum sponsor -- has the LC+ CP Geep 38 for $288. A great price.
There are SooLine diesels in red. I have a Lionel SD60M
A good number of red trains have been made by MTH and Lionel in recent years. Many or most are with Christmas livery, but a some are not. I have several red trains in my collection, including the ever-popular Red Comet. Unpacking an tinplatetrain (red) this evening for use around the Christmas tree this year since MTH has failed to deliver the motive power for the CP Christmas Train (I have the cars already).
Hallmark.com has a Lionel Santa Express available, but for the life of me I can’t get the link to copy here. Sorry. A screen shot looks like this. May not be what you are looking for. The HP Hogwarts train is red too.
Janitor John posted:
Oh man. That would be perfect!
You may be able to find an older Lionel Dockside 6-28660 . Some on Ebay once in a while
The newer version, 82545 CHRISTMAS NORTH POLE LIONCHIEF DOCKSIDE is available. Some are available as set breakups.
Tom,
Here is our original Conventional K-Line Red & White Coca Cola Work Train, that the kids just love. However I recommend the Lionel/Hallmark Toy Maker Santa Express pictured below it maybe easier to find.
The ultimate O Gauge Red Christmas Train! Remote controlled with Talking Santa Sounds.
With a few added Custom Cars
Tom M,
The Lionel/Hallmark Toy Maker Santa Express is what you want to get him. Great colors and a simple remote control that is very child friendly to operate. My wonderful wife got me one to add to our Christmas layout last Christmas, your boy will love it!
PCRR/Dave
You may want to consider the MTH Railking First Responders Set. Based on a real Norfolk Southern train. I know Lionel has a First Responders set coming out as well; however I don’t think they will be in before Christmas.
Scott Smith
I remember one year Mason asked Santa for a Blue Comet! Thankfully he ment the O gauge one
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I don't thing you can beat tinplate at Christmas
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How about this set?
https://www.grzyboskitrains.co...omet-passenger-set-2
Nick
I have the lionel santas helper ready to run set on sale if u r interested. Engines red.. kids love it! I actually have it running under my own tree. 
I don’t blame him. I’m partial to red trains myself!
Thought I would mention the "Lionel Classics" standard gauge Fireball Express set from the early 90's. The 390E loco is RED with a black Frame and the three passenger cars are RED with MAROON roofs. They can be had NEW in the shipping cartons for as low as $750! That is what I paid for mine from Gryzboski's! Shipping was about $50 due the size and weight of the box, and it is a HUGE carton and set box! :-)
At least you have lots of choices! :-)
Yes, a red train can come in many variations........ There is a total of 10 cars in my GS streamline set, and the Rock Island E8s are good runners pulling the GS.
Or you can go the Lionel Classics series.
Jesse TCA
I have to wonder if he spotted a Super Chief on tv ?
A Lion Chief?
I think you should sit down and browse a catalog with him to see what he seems to like best...." If Santa doesn't bring one, maybe we can get one later....which do you like?"
If you want to more or less guarantee it's survival, go with cast metal; maybe even post war. (where if nothing else, PW type smoke units can be run dry if they have the ceramic element.)
...or a tin Marx but there are turnout issues if you choose a fat wheel model.
Here's one!
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/362169389694
Texas special!
how about some Santa Fe..
this was my first train...
or some Rock Island....
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