This is a review of the new 2022 LEGO City Express Passenger Train 60337 not to be confused with the previous LEGO City Passenger Train 60197 (note the “Express” part). Why is it an express train? Well, according to the stickers on the set, it can travel at 303 km/h! But, does that also make it worth 25% more than the previous model?
At the time of writing this review, the previous – and excellent – set 60197 is still available to buy. If you’d like to find out more, then be sure to check out my review of the LEGO City Passenger Train 60197.
Let’s start with the basics. The previous train had 677 pieces. This one has 764 pieces. That’s about 12% more. So it’s not the sheer number of bricks.
But what there is in the set is bigger. The previous train carriages were 24 studs long. This time the train carriages are 32 studs long – perhaps that’s to help with the express part of the train. That’s almost 35% longer! It’s a good start.
It gets better though! As it also includes lights for the powered-up system. This is not something we’ve seen from LEGO since probably the 90s when that system sometimes included lights. I like seeing this as it gives another dynamic to the playability of the set.
Let’s at this point in the review remember that this is a playset for kids 7+. And the LEGO city express passenger train has a lot to play with! The set includes 6 minifigures, one of them comes in a translucent green wheelchair and another includes a bike with paneers (saddle bags).
The train itself is an eye-catching green and white brick build which definitely looks like a high-speed bullet train from China or Japan. Personally, I love the fact the nose is brick built and not one of the large moulded pieces we’ve seen in the last few years. One thing I’m not so keen on is that the roof is very plain – but that can be easily fixed.
There’s a side build of a station which is really just a small country-style platform – but it’s what LEGO trains have had for years and it works well. This one has the added bonus of a tree on the platform as well as brick-built bench (You usually just get the 2×2 chairs).
Inside the train cars includes the usual passenger seats and a canteen. But – and it’s good but – the LEGO designers have included some nice features. For example, there’s a bike rack in one car that perfectly holds the bike. The other has ample space for the wheelchair minifigure. There is a downside though that I’m not so keen on which is the stepped pieces they’ve used inside means there’s a large 2 brick high step that means the canteen and seats are an impossible step up for a minifigure and look quite awkward.
Otherwise though, I think this is a great set! I will confess that I wasn’t sold on it when I first saw it, but in building and playing with it, I’ve concluded that it is a really good addition to the LEGO Train line-up! One that will be enjoyed by everyone.
And is it worth 25% more? Actually, I think it is! The size, parts, build and playability add up to one of the best trains in years! The only downside is that you’ll need 2 of them to have a complete train! Oh well…
I hope to answer that question for you! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
If you’re interested in buying this set and want to support my channel, you can use my affiliate links to purchase this set from LEGO: https://bit.ly/LEGO-60337
Or from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NcSeyp
LEGO City Express Passenger Train (60337) Images
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