New Polar Express Heavyweight Diner Car

you child hater

 

You might look at the series of MTH passenger car figures, they are way under scale for O scale, probably closer to S scale, but they might work good repainted to look like  children?

 

Also, try your hand at putting gold leaf on the hot chocolate machine, it may look more like polished brass then? Based on what I have seen you post before you are pretty darn good so I'm sure what ever you do will look sharp.

 

I wonder if it is possible to animate the waiters to walk up and down the aisles like a operating brakeman or something????

Is it me or is the HOt chocolate machine chrome or stainless steel rather than gold and copper?

 

That's what I was thinking but I am not about to split hairs with the P.E. customization master.  What would be cool to add would be soup bowl sized cups for the hot chocolate...

Makes me want to collect the polar express set.  If you can make the waiters dance on the table tops then you will be called "MASTER"   Thanks for posting.  Nick   

That Could be 1:32 or 1:24 Dollhouse cups & saucers!

 

In regards to the Machine... the video shows gold/copper.  [57 Minutes in]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Uuw3JKLO1g

Goto Michaels for Gold Leaf Copper leaf kits!

 

I thought I remember it being gold. Keith your work on your polar express set is one of my favorite projects to follow. I think you should put all your work on this project under 1 thread so it's easy to follow all your work. Looking forward to what you accomplish on this car!

Knowing Keith skill..he will have a working hot chocolate machine, dancing waiters and music/ sounds installed in this car very quickly...

 

Again a little extra-effort from Lionel would have been welcome in the original setting..

 

Keith, knowing you very well, I am sure that this is your new challenge to make this as realistic as possible. The potential of what you describe would be totally awesome.

 

I recognize there is a limit as to what the manufacturer will do in terms of interior detail at this price point, and I am very happy they did this car, but that does not stop such a qualified individual such as you to make this something very special.

 

I know you will document this project from start to finish and we can all enjoy your progress.

I believe you're right

 

LOL

 

I have some of the unpainted MTH figures so I'll check them out and see if they could serve as children.

 

 

Your idea of gold leaf foil is a good one...and I think I still have some on hand.  I also like the idea of possibly using walking brakeman parts.  I will look into that.  Thank you!

I was going to post a clip from the movie, but I see Jake has done that.  Thanks Jake.

Thank you.  If I don't find the foil in my workroom, I'll check Michaels out.  Great idea about using dollhouse cups and saucers.

I could put together a story and send in some pics and see if it makes next December's issue.

No problem.  Forgot to say when I posted the clip, your modifications will definitely improve the car.  That's a favorite scene of mine in that movie.

 

 

Thank you.

 

Assuming that I am able to attach something to move back and forth, like the walking brakeman the Tim suggested, I have a few ideas flying around my head.   One came to me while looking at the movie clip that Jake posted.  I'm thinking of having the hot chocolate machine move with a couple waiters sitting on it.  This might not be to difficult...we'll see.  There is plenty of room overhead for the waiters to not hit anything.  I'm sure I can figure out some type of gear to make this move front to back in the car.

Thanks Brian.  I know Lionel can only do so much without raising the price and I am very thrilled to have the dining car for the set of heavyweights.  Yes, I will document whatever I do to this car.

Well, I am a big fan of the Polar Express and the figures of the children are a real disappointment for me.  I do a huge Polar Express event at my school and I am seriously considering chasing down the scale cars.  Seeing the interior of this car is a bit of a downer.  Though to be clear, the cost is the primary factor that will prevent the chase not these poorly detailed figures. 

 

The quality of the interior is poor especially considering the premium Lionel charges for the Polar Express cars.  They are significantly more expensive than any other heavyweight cars.  The figures on all of my other passenger cars look better than those in this dining car. 

Todd, thank you!

Kevin,  I agree with you.

Keith, it sounds like you've got a lot of great ideas rolling around in your head for the PE. Keep us posted on your progress. We're all looking forward to seeing your creativity come to life!

Thanks Paul.  I'll keep the forum posted.  I have a few painting/customizing projects that I want to finish first.  Things should start happening with this car soon though.