The Lionel Disney Frozen II train set is a great way to make new memories. But let’s look at some old ones first. When you think back, what was the impetus that got you into this hobby of model trains?
Usually, those stories begin with a family member, perhaps grandparent, dad, uncle, or brother that was into the hobby before you. Typically, it’s followed by your own first train set. Back in the day those outfits were probably still metal trains that were built to last.
Today, things are a bit different.
Lionel Disney Frozen II train set
Over the last few decades Lionel has leveraged its licensing with Disney to produce a line of Ready-to-Run (RTR) sets which have become the “first train set” for many of our younger hobbyists. I know my children pointed out these character sets when they saw them in the stores we would be visiting.
Keeping the perspective of the child, it’s much easier to relate to Elsa, Anna, or Woody (from Toy Story) than to a standard-looking diesel engine with boxcars. If engagement in the hobby is our goal than Lionel has given us an easy way to make it happen.
These sets come in two versions, battery operated, that to the eye, appears to be a hybrid scale between O and G, and an O gauge set. Both types include an engine, two freight cars, and a caboose.
For some sets there are also add-on cars.
Recent releases include Toy Story, Mickey Mouse, and this one, Frozen II, based on the series that started in 2013 and saw its most recent release in 2019.
These sets have adapted, just like Lionel’s technology over the past few years with the more recent renditions featuring Bluetooth 5.0, LionChief controls, a smoke unit, and lighting. With the latest LionChief software on board users can employ voice streaming and recording, as well as voice control!
In the Frozen outfit
This set features a flatcar with popular movie characters Olaf and Sven chasing each other as the train moves around the track. The locomotive for this set is a classic 4-4-0 “General” type with tender. The magic of the Frozen-themed train is the glowing “ice blue” tender! The sounds from this set feature a bell and whistle, as well as some taken from the movie.
One of the benefits of these sets is that they come with everything you’ll need to run them except the AAA batteries for the LionChief remote. Inside the box you’ll find eight pieces of O36 FasTrack curves, two 10-inch straights, a Plug-Expand Power Lock On section, and a Terminal section. Lionel also provides you with the “wall wart” power cord and plug, which allows the user to have this train running in no time at all.
No need to worry about derailments; with the LionChief sets, if an engine or car derails the power to the track is immediately cut. Simply re-rail the engine or car and you’re back in business.
These LionChief sets come in at various price points. The Frozen II set comes in with an MSRP of $429.99; they can commonly be found for less at a Lionel dealer.
Get more O gauge action on the Chris’s Trains & Things channel on YouTube.
