There are many different types of Lionel trains, but what’s the most rare? The Brute is one of the most popular, but here are a few others to consider. In this article, I’ll cover Brute, Polar Express II, and Polar Express V. You might be surprised to know that there are many more models available. And the most valuable train may not be the most expensive. But it’s definitely worth looking for.
Brute
The Brute was Lionel’s first pre-production electric locomotive, running at a rate of six miles per hour. At over 28 inches long, Brute is one foot longer than the production 381E. Unlike the 381E, however, Brute duplicated the articulated body of the real engine. In fact, the Brute is the rarest Lionel train on the market today.
The original Lionel trains were operated by a wet cell battery, but a transformer made them safer. After WWII, Lionel improved their realistic trains, introducing the Fundimensions brand. Although Fundimensions had a successful start, Lionel’s quality fell over time. When Lionel changed hands in the late 1980s, they became RailSounds. Despite the decline in quality, many collectors are still able to find a nice train set.
Another Lionel train that has a very rare price tag is the “Brute” prototype. It cost nearly $250,000 and was originally intended to be a toy train for kids. Unfortunately, the “Brute” was deemed too large for children and downsized to a size appropriate for adults. Interestingly enough, the only other known example of the Brute is a No. 1 gauge German locomotive, which was owned by President Ronald Reagan. However, this train was deemed to be too expensive for children to use and ended up in the General Services Administration’s loaning program.
Polar Express
If you want to add a touch of Christmas cheer to your model railroad, then you should buy one of the Lionel Polar Express model trains. Modeltrainstuff carries the entire train set as well as individual cars. The website also sells extra buildings and accessories, including the famous Polar Express Conductor’s Hat. These train sets are available in three different scales – O, S, and HO.
The locomotive used for the Polar Express is an unusual model. It does not have a number, but the actual locomotive was built in 1931. It is a Baldwin 2-8-4 S-3 Berkshire type locomotive, weighing 456,100 pounds. It was originally used for a movie, but after the film license expired, it was given the name “Polar Express.”
A few years later, the company sold its company to Warner Bros. Studios. In the years that followed, Lionel continued to innovate and increase the quality of their products. The company began developing new models in the mid-2000s, including a replica of the famous “Polar Express” movie. Lionel also created a model train set based on the movie. The Polar Express model train set has a coveted position among collectors.
Another rare train set is the 24k Gold Hudson set. This model, produced in commemoration of Lionel’s 100th anniversary, features a Santa Fe Alco diesel engine, a red boxcar, a caboose, and a tank car. This model was originally sold for $15,000 to $20,000 and is now valued at more than $250,000. If you’re a collector, this is an excellent opportunity to invest in this model train set.
In 1967, Lionel filed for bankruptcy. Its rights were purchased by General Mills, who sold it to a Detroit real estate developer and model railroad enthusiast. After the bankruptcy, Lionel sold its Lionel trains to General Mills, a company that produced cheap, mass-produced products. However, quality declined in the years afterward. And despite the company’s recent revival, there’s still a strong demand for high-grade items, especially those produced before the post-War era.
Polar Express II
Known as one of the most sought-after and popular trains from Lionel, the Polar Express train set comes with all the charm of the original film. The train set comes with 38 pieces, including a Berkshire-inspired locomotive and coal tender. The set also comes with a whistle, bell, and marked buttons. The Polar Express is a must-have Christmas gift for any young boy or girl.
The train runs on a FasTrack rail loop and includes a PowerMax transformer. The train features a streamlined engine with an orange cab, an animated gondola with a mummy, and a terminal with a smoke fluid. The train also comes with a battery-operated remote and features movie sounds. Its track measures approximately 73.2 x 50 inches.
Although Lionel’s business hit its peak in the mid-1950s, the company saw its fortunes begin to fall. Television and other forms of entertainment began to replace the interest in Lionel trains. Eventually, Lionel filed for bankruptcy in 1967 and sold its rights to General Mills. General Mills, an American food and beverage manufacturer, purchased the rights to Lionel trains in 1969.
The first incarnation of the Polar Express was operated by a wet cell battery. But the new models were much safer to operate with a 110-volt transformer. The Polar Express II was the first train to carry the Fundimensions brand, but the company saw a decline in quality. After the end of the 1980s, Lionel was acquired by the Martin Davis Investment Group. In the early 1990s, it became RailSounds and went on to become one of the most popular Lionel trains.
In a 2015 auction, a Polar Express II set was sold for $250,000. The set included a 400E Locomotive and two State passenger cars. Although it was made in the 1930s, it sold for $250,000. Over the years, Lionel has passed through several companies. It was originally founded by Joshua Lionel Cowen and Harry C. Grant. The company was eventually purchased by General Mills Model Products Corporation in 1969.
Polar Express V
The Polar Express model is one of the most popular Christmas trains. It has been a holiday staple for years, thanks to its whimsical look and Christmas-themed characters. This train’s unique shape allows for multiple display options, including different cars, additional buildings, and an optional Conductor’s Hat. Whether you’re building a model train layout for your family or just for fun, you’re sure to find something unique and beautiful to complement the season.
While it is true that the Polar Express V is the rarest Lionengel train, there are many others worth considering for collectors. A 4-4-0 diesel engine with an A.A.R. tender and orange cab is a rare find. The set also includes a Western Atlantic Passenger Car and Mail Baggage Car. The ghostly sounds in this train make it even more unusual, making it one of the most popular Lionel trains.
Collectors of Lionel trains refer to the era from 1969 to 1995 as the “Fundimensions” or “MPC” era. In 1969, Lionel was sold to General Mills, which merged the company with the Lionel brand. In the early 1970s, General Mills acquired the Lionel model train business and renamed it “Fundimensions”. This period was plagued with bankruptcy, and Fundimensions’ toy division was forced to use cheap manufacturing techniques. Many parts were made of plastic and couplers to cut costs. The quality of these trains was greatly reduced during the Fundimensions era.
The Polar Express V is one of the rarest Lionel trains available. Its production was discontinued in the mid-80s after General Mills tried to move the production to Mexico. However, in 1986, Lionel was revived under the leadership of Richard Kughn, a real estate developer and model railroad enthusiast. In 2017, Pace & Hong Auctions sold Kughn’s collection of Lionel trains to a new company.
