The Lionel Polar Express No. 6-31960 is the original conventional-control O Gauge train set Lionel introduced in 2004 in connection with The Polar Express movie. Built around a black No. 1225 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotive, the ready-to-run set included three illuminated passenger cars, FasTrack and a CW-80 transformer.
The TrainReference photographs show the boxed 6-31960 set, including the locomotive, passenger cars, track and original packaging.
At a Glance
- Manufacturer: Lionel
- Set number: 6-31960
- Introduced: 2004
- Gauge: Traditional O Gauge
- Locomotive: No. 1225 2-8-4 Berkshire
- Control: Conventional transformer control
- Transformer: CW-80
- Passenger cars: Two coaches and one observation car
- Track: FasTrack
- Minimum curve: O-27
The Original Lionel Polar Express O Gauge Set
Lionel introduced set 6-31960 in its 2004 catalog as a ready-to-run O Gauge version of the train depicted in The Polar Express. The set remained in Lionel catalogs for a number of years and became the basis for a growing line of Polar Express trains, add-on cars and accessories.
This version predates Lionel’s later LionChief-controlled Polar Express sets. The 6-31960 uses conventional transformer control, with the supplied CW-80 controlling locomotive speed and direction.
What’s Included in Set 6-31960?
Lionel cataloged the set with the following components:
- 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotive No. 1225 and tender
- Two illuminated passenger coaches
- One illuminated observation car with rounded platform
- Eight O-36 curved FasTrack sections
- Three straight FasTrack sections
- One FasTrack terminal section
- CW-80 transformer
- Four articulated movie-character figures
- Smoke fluid
Lionel specified a set length of approximately 63 3/8 inches and a typical track layout of about 40 by 60 inches.
No. 1225 Berkshire Locomotive
The black steam locomotive is numbered 1225 and represents a 2-8-4 Berkshire. Lionel cataloged the locomotive itself as No. 6-28649 as part of the 6-31960 train set.
Features include transformer-controlled forward, neutral and reverse operation, an operating headlight, puffing smoke and a whistle located in the tender. The locomotive uses a die-cast metal body and frame with separately applied metal handrails, a maintenance-free motor and two traction tires.
An operating coupler is fitted to the rear of the tender.
Polar Express Passenger Cars
The set contains two coaches and an observation car. Lionel equipped all three with interior lighting, while silhouettes in the windows reproduce scenes and characters associated with the movie.
The observation car is distinguished by its rounded rear platform and decorated Polar Express drumhead. Lionel later offered additional Polar Express passenger equipment, including separate diner and baggage cars, but those add-on cars were not part of the standard 6-31960 set.
Identifying the 6-31960 Version
The product number is important when identifying a Lionel Polar Express set because Lionel has produced numerous versions since 2004. The 6-31960 is the conventional transformer-controlled O Gauge set rather than a later LionChief version.
Original packaging, the CW-80 transformer, No. 1225 locomotive, three-car passenger consist and FasTrack are useful identifying features. Sets found secondhand may be missing figures, track, transformer or other original components, while additional Polar Express cars may have been added by previous owners.
Original Photos
The photographs below show the Lionel Polar Express 6-31960 set originally documented for TrainReference, including the boxed locomotive, passenger cars, FasTrack and original packaging.
References and Further Reading
- Lionel – Ready-to-Run Catalog: Polar Express 6-31960
- Lionel Collectors Club of America – 2005 Lionel Catalog Documentation
Related Lionel References
- Lionel 1587S Girls’ Train Set – 1957
- Lionel 2367 Wabash F3 – 1955
- Browse all Lionel model train references
Current Lionel Polar Express Listings
Current eBay listings related to Lionel Polar Express set 6-31960 are shown below. Lionel has produced many different Polar Express sets, so check the product number, control system and included components when comparing listings.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.
 Lionel 6-31960 Polar Express Train Set(2005) O Gauge Complete In Box. Free Ship! |  Lionel 6-31960 O Gauge Polar Express Steam Train Set (No Track/Transformer) |
Lionel O Gauge The Polar Express Steam Locomotive 6-31960 w/ Cars - Lionel Train
Lionel 6-31960 O Polar Express Steam Train Set (No Track/Transformer/bells)/Box
Lionel Polar Express Complete Set 6-31960 O-Gauge
Lionel Polar Express O Gauge Train Set 6-31960 Berkshire #1225 Smoke Whistle
looking for more track for our Polar Express train