Set Review ➟ LEGO® 10361 Holiday Express Train
And to add a little more freshness to the blog, what could be better than building a special winter set? A winter train with lots of beautiful and fun constructions and a blue locomotive made in 3D, which is undoubtedly a big surprise. The set is the 10361 Holiday Express Train with 956 pieces and a cost of €119.99.
The contents: six bags, two manuals, and the surprise box. This is the piece I mentioned, and I say piece because it cannot be disassembled. It is very special for several reasons. Even its packaging is totally exclusive, as it comes isolated from the rest of the pieces in a box decorated like a gift.
The first reason is that it is the third piece that LEGO has 3D printed and that you can easily obtain, for example, by purchasing this set. Well, only this third one, since the first two pieces are 92898c01 Minifigure, Utensil Pull-Along Duck (3D Printed) and 79507 Minifigure, Utensil Pogo Stick (3D Printed), which are quite expensive on Bricklink. The second reason is because it's really fun and playable. When you pull it, the wheels move like a real one and the little tube sticking out of the chimney moves vertically in an oscillating motion. Placing a piece to simulate smoke makes it even more fun. Need more reasons?
Next, we will build a couple of minifigures, a bench and a Christmas lamppost. Then we will have to build some very small objects that are truly delightful. The digger and the helicopter are... speechless.
The driver has a good character... but he must be cold...
As you can see, the base of the locomotive is nothing more than a rectangular cube filled with studs to give it a rounded shape. The lit boiler and controls are also a nice touch.
With its rounded front and sides, it now really looks like a little locomotive. Despite its simplicity, it is very well designed, leaving space for the driver and making it easy to play with.
Now we will begin to build the bogie. The first part is essential, as it will allow us to complete the mechanism that makes the chimney swing up and down and vice versa. This creates the sensation that the smoke is moving. Wonderful! It is simply an axle with a piece that is centred and irregular in shape. It works perfectly.
After that, we will decorate the locomotive with printed tiles, flowers, the smoke I mentioned, and of course, the snowy roof.
On to the next carriage! There's not much to say about it, it's very simple but it fits well. Here you can see what parts it consists of and the assembled version.
From here, we build the bear's wagon. It's a marvel of simplicity and functionality. Here you can see the pieces that make up the base of the wagon, the internal mechanism, and the bear's trunk, which will remind you of a brickhead as it is made in a similar way.
Here you can see the external parts of the bear and its final assembly. It is simple and wonderful to see it move to the rhythm of the train. It moves the bell, its head and also its left arm. It invites you to play!
We're almost finished with the set and we've received this beautiful minifigure. What do you think of the waistcoat? I think it's fantastic!
The last and coldest carriage is very simple and, of course, playable... but we do hope that diners are well wrapped up, as the carriage is not covered at either end. Yes, this is to make it easily accessible :)
The gift bow definitely makes it beautiful. I love how it's made.
Bonus! This beautiful Christmas train also comes with instructions on how to motorise it, but it doesn't include the necessary parts, so if you want to do this, you'll have to get some or look in your stock! It's definitely a very funny train because of the movement it gives the bear and the locomotive's chimney. A new addition to the winter world that will delight young and old alike, even though it's an 18+ set! Build it with your little ones and become the child you once were :). We thank LEGO for providing the set for this article, although LEGO does not endorse or support the opinions expressed herein.
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