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The motor is the priority, and the kit is tuned for smooth, reliable running on a loop of track before any light is added. The headlamp and car lights are wired so they never strain the drive or the wheels, keeping the train moving steadily through a long evening. A lit train that stalls is worse than a plain one that runs.
The engine's headlamp gets a warm, focused glow that reads as a real locomotive cutting through the winter night. It is the most important light on the train, the one that makes the whole thing feel like it is going somewhere rather than circling a table. Everything else is atmosphere.
The flatcar with the ringing bell and the polar bear deserves a soft accent, just enough to make the charming cargo visible as the train passes. It keeps the eye moving along the whole consist and gives the rear of the train its own small moment. The bell and the bear are the set's personality, and the light makes sure they are seen.
On a moving train, any loose cable is a derailment waiting to happen, so the harness is routed through the chassis and the coupling gaps, clear of the wheels and the track. The train keeps its clean profile and its reliability, lap after lap. That engineering care is what lets you set it running and trust it through the night.
| Product | Holiday Express Train |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 956 |
| Release Date | October 2025 |
| Theme | Icons - Winter Village |
| Set Number | 10361 |
The 10361 Holiday Express Train is the Winter Village train for a new era: 956 pieces that build a steam engine, a tender, and a flatcar carrying a ringing bell and a polar bear, all designed to run on a winter layout. Released in 2025, it is the first set in the line to include 3D-printed train parts, and it was built to move. The motorized kit exists for one reason: to send that train rolling through the snow, headlamp on, exactly the way it should.
Power and light have to work together here, because a train that glows but does not run is only half a set. The kit pairs the drive with a warm headlamp and a soft glow on the cars, so the train reads as a working locomotive threading its way through a snowy landscape. That combination is what makes the 10361 feel complete.
The LEGO Holiday Express Train #10361 is also considered to be very good-looking among Lego trains. The bright colors of the New Christmas series can always quickly catch our attention. For a more soulful experience, the train is equipped with a low-latency?ZENE PF motor kit remote control of the operating handle is highly compatible with Lego trains, and the installation is smooth. Along the way, white polar bears beat drums and happily pack toys and gifts, giving you full emotional value. On the small platform, there are waiting benches and streetlights. After stopping to pick up passengers, give everyone the long-awaited Christmas gift. In particular, the newly upgraded rechargeable lithium battery in 2026 supports more than 1 hour of operation.
| Feature | ZENE? Bricks Remote | Basic Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Speed control | Adjust the train”¯s speed with the joystick. | Runs at a fixed speed. |
| Speed hold | Hold the joystick at your chosen speed, then press the matching channel button to lock it. | No speed-hold function. |
| Continuous running | Release the joystick after locking the speed; the train keeps running at the selected setting. | Cannot hold a selected speed. |
| Unlocking | Press the same channel button again to release speed hold. | Not applicable. |
Comparison refers to basic remotes without a speed-hold function. Features vary by remote model.

Unlike the previous Power Functions system, the powered up system offers improved reliability and signal strength, making it a superior choice for motorizing LEGO models.
After some minor modifications to accommodate the motor and battery box, the train was ready to roll. I tested its performance, and I must say, the results were impressive! The train ran smoothly without any signal loss or technical glitches, thanks to the robust design of the powered up components.
[Customization and Enhancement]
But why stop at just motorizing the train when you can take it a step further? I decided to customize the tender to conceal the battery box and create a more streamlined look. By extending the tender and elevating its height, I was able to seamlessly integrate the battery box without compromising the aesthetics of the train. Additionally, I added some finishing touches to tidy up the cable arrangement and enhance the overall appearance of the model.
Especially when paired with ZENE lighting, there is a better effect during operation, and the music version can be implanted with your favorite music files, allowing joy to surround you
With these modifications, the Winter Holiday Train not only boasts enhanced functionality but also a personalized touch that sets it apart from the standard build. Whether it's racing around the track or proudly displayed on a shelf, this motorized and customized train is sure to delight LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.
[Conclusion]
In conclusion, motorizing and customizing the Winter Holiday Train set has been a rewarding experience. From the thrill of seeing the train come to life with the powered up motor to the satisfaction of adding my own creative flair to the model, every step of the process has been enjoyable.
I encourage fellow LEGO fans to explore the possibilities of motorization and customization with their sets. With the right tools and a dash of creativity, you can transform ordinary LEGO models into extraordinary creations that bring joy and excitement to your building adventures.