The coolest Star Wars collectible of the year is probably not what you’d expect. It’s neither a fancy replica lightsaber nor that record-breaking LEGO UCS Death Star. It’s a train set. Specifically, Lionel’s Star Wars RS-3 LionChief freight sets, available in both Empire and Rebel versions retailing for $575 (though they’re currently marked down to $499.) And yes, it makes the ultimate gift for any Star Wars fan this season.
Lionel’s LionChief line is designed for modern collectors who want plug-and-play simplicity without sacrificing old-school charm. In the case of the Star Wars RS-3 sets, it’s also perfect for those who have zero model train experience but will splurge for pretty much anything from their favorite fandom … myself included.
The sets revolved around an O-gauge RS-3 diesel locomotive, which is big, weighty and full of detail. The locomotive has working lights, an illuminated cab and a throaty diesel hum, laying the backdrop for the rest of the Star Wars-inspired sound effects. The actual sounds and livery depend on whether you choose to comply with the Empire or join the Rebellion, each treatment nodding to its side of the saga.
In addition to the locomotive, you get a lineup of themed freight cars (including a tank car) and enough FasTrack pieces to build a full O36 oval. You also get a wall-pack power supply and Lionel’s LionChief handheld remote, AAA batteries not included.
Once I got my Empire RS-3 set unpacked, the setup took just a few minutes. FasTrack pieces snapped together with a satisfying click, and once the oval was locked in, I dropped the locomotive onto the rails, connected power and switched on the remote.
The engine instantly woke up with lights on, sounds rumbling the whole thing ready to roll. Again, as someone who hasn’t really tinkered with model trains before, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to get started.
I stepped it up by pairing my set to the LionChief app over Bluetooth 5.0 to enable the voice commands, but there’s something satisfying about using the physical remote to adjust the speed, trigger the sound effects and basically play Emperor over my Dark Side transport.
The showstopper for me is the Mustafar-inspired magma tank car. It’s a liquid-filled tank car featuring molten-lava styling and the unmistakable “Take the High Ground” tagline, a cheeky nod to "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith." Watching that car glide around the track, glowing and sloshing, makes the entire set feel like it’s carrying volatile cargo straight from the edge of a volcanic Star Wars battle.
Calling this the best Star Wars collector’s gift of 2025 doesn’t feel like a stretch. It’s substantial, nostalgic, tech-enabled, tastefully over-the-top and somehow does both brands justice. Whether you’re team Empire or team Rebel, the joy is the same: it’s Star Wars with weight, light, sound, and motion brought to life on a track you can set up in virtually no time at all.
But perhaps the best part? You can grow your train tracks and vehicles, with additional Star Wars SKUs available at Lionel now.
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