Train sets
Lionel Navy Freight Train Set Review
Quick answer
The Lionel Navy Freight Electric O Gauge Train Set with Remote at $399.99 is a remote controlled O gauge freight set built around a compact included oval sized for the cars in the box, a strong pick for a first Lionel layout as long as future expansion is planned for from day one.
The Lionel Navy Freight Electric O Gauge Train Set with Remote is a Navy themed freight train set with a physical remote rather than a phone app, which sets it apart from Lionel's Bluetooth controlled sets. It includes a locomotive, freight cars, an oval of track and the remote and power supply needed to run it, all in one box.
This review looks at what the remote system does and does not offer compared to Lionel's higher command control tiers, what the included oval actually supports, and where a buyer's money is better spent if the goal is a permanent, growing O gauge layout rather than a themed display set.
On this page
What control system does the Lionel Navy Freight set use?
The manufacturer states this set uses a dedicated physical remote rather than a phone app, which removes the Bluetooth pairing and phone battery dependency that Lionel's app controlled sets carry. That remote is built for this entry tier of set specifically, and it sits below Lionel's TMCC and Legacy command control lines, which support multiple simultaneous locomotives, walk around throttles and deeper consisting on a permanent layout.
For a single train circling a single loop, the included remote does the job it is built for. It is not a path into a multi train, multi throttle Lionel system without a separate command control purchase later.
What track comes in the box and what does it support later?
Like most O gauge starter sets, the included oval is sized to the cars in the box rather than to whatever a buyer might add next year.
The included oval runs the boxed freight set well but is not sized for longer postwar or scale equipment added later.
| Consideration | What it means for this set |
|---|---|
| Included track | A compact oval sized to the freight cars in the box |
| Adding longer cars later | May need a wider curve than the included oval provides |
| Adding a second loop or siding | Requires additional O gauge track purchased separately |
| Upgrading to TMCC or Legacy control | A separate command control purchase, not an upgrade to the included remote |
What is the limitation of the included remote system?
The honest limitation here is scope, not range. The remote runs the one included locomotive well, but it is built for a single train on a single loop, the way most O gauge starter sets are. A buyer who catches the hobby and wants to run two or three trains at once, with independent walk around control of each, is looking at Lionel's TMCC or Legacy command control tiers as a separate purchase, not an expansion of the remote that ships in this box.
The second real limitation is the oval itself. It runs the included cars correctly, but a buyer adding longer postwar or scale sized equipment later should check that equipment's own minimum curve requirement against the oval already on the floor before assuming it will fit.
Alternatives to the Lionel Navy Freight set
For a buyer who wants app based Bluetooth control instead of a physical remote, Lionel Union Pacific Flyer LionChief 5.0 Electric O Gauge Train Set runs on LionChief 5.0 control, reviewed at the Lionel Union Pacific Flyer review. For a themed holiday display instead of a year round freight set, Lionel The Polar Express Electric O Gauge Bluetooth Train Set is the instead option, reviewed at the Lionel Polar Express review.
Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer Battery O Gauge Train Set with Remote and Lights is a budget pick alternative that runs on battery power rather than track power, worth a look for a buyer who wants to skip track wiring entirely on a first set. The broader Lionel versus Bachmann tradeoff, including scale and space differences, is covered at Lionel vs Bachmann train sets.
Is O gauge or HO a better first scale for a freight themed layout?
O gauge trains like this set are larger, more durable in younger hands and easier to rerail than HO, at the cost of needing more floor space for the same length of railroad. The full comparison, including the space and detail tradeoffs, is at O gauge vs HO for kids, and roundups of complete O gauge options are at best O gauge train sets.
Sources
- Lionel published product description and feature list for the Navy Freight set
- Lionel published product tier information distinguishing entry remotes from TMCC and Legacy
- Amazon product listing features and current pricing
Frequently asked questions
Does the Lionel Navy Freight set use a phone app or a physical remote?
It uses a dedicated physical remote included in the box, not a phone app. That removes the Bluetooth pairing and phone battery dependency that some other Lionel starter sets carry, at the cost of not folding into a smartphone based control ecosystem.
Can I add more track to the Lionel Navy Freight set later?
Yes, Lionel O gauge track is sold separately and generally compatible across the current line, so the included oval can be expanded. Check the minimum curve requirement of any additional equipment against the existing oval before assuming it will run without modification.
Does the remote work with Lionel TMCC or Legacy systems?
The included remote is built for this entry tier set specifically and is not the same control system as TMCC or Legacy, which are separate, more advanced Lionel command control tiers built for multiple locomotives and walk around throttles on a permanent layout.
Is the Lionel Navy Freight set good for a beginner?
Yes, it is built as a complete, self contained starter set with everything needed to run a train out of the box, which makes it a straightforward choice for someone new to O gauge. Plan for future track and equipment purchases separately as the layout grows.
How much track is included with the Lionel Navy Freight set?
The set includes an oval of O gauge track sized to run the included locomotive and cars. Check the current product listing for the exact piece count and diameter, since Lionel starter sets vary the specific oval size across releases.
What is the difference between the Navy Freight set and the Polar Express set?
Both are complete O gauge starter sets, but the Navy Freight set uses a physical remote and a general freight theme suited to year round display, while the Polar Express set uses Bluetooth app control and a film theme better suited to seasonal display.
Researched, not professional advice. This page is compiled from published manufacturer specifications, instruction manuals, published NMRA standards and recommended practices, and owner-review consensus, not hands-on testing. Figures described as a rule of thumb are hobby convention rather than a standard, and they are labelled that way wherever they appear. Always check a radius, a clearance or a grade against your own equipment before you cut wood or lay rail, because manufacturers vary and so does what your specific models will tolerate. Any permanent mains wiring in a layout room is work for a licensed electrician to your local code.