Zooming into LEGO City: The 60051 High-Speed Passenger Train

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If you’ve ever wanted to turn your living room floor into a bustling metropolitan transit hub, the LEGO City High-Speed Passenger Train (60051) is arguably one of the coolest ways to do it. Released in 2014 and now a classic in the LEGO Trains subtheme, this set captures the sleek, aerodynamic look of modern bullet trains like the German ICE or French TGV.

Here is a deep dive into why this 610-piece set remains a fan favorite for both young conductors and adult collectors.

LEGO City High-Speed Passenger Train (60051)
LEGO City High-Speed Passenger Train (60051)

The Build: Modern, Sleek, and Aerodynamic

The first thing you notice about set 60051 is its profile. Unlike the more traditional, “boxy” locomotives of the past, this train features a specialized aerodynamic front nose piece. While some “purists” prefer brick-built noses, there’s no denying that this mold gives the train a polished, high-speed look that stays intact even when it’s flying around corners.

What’s in the box?

  • The Locomotive: The motorized heart of the train, featuring the driver’s cabin and the “Power Functions” battery box.
  • Middle Passenger Car: A carriage with a removable roof, revealing seating and tables for your minifigures.
  • Rear Passenger Car: A mirrored end-piece that balances the look of the train.
  • The Way Station: A small platform with a map, warning signs, and a crossing for the included cyclist.
  • The Track: A full circular loop consisting of 16 curved and 4 straight tracks.

Key Features and Playability

The “magic” of this set lies in its electronics. It utilizes the LEGO Power Functions system, which, while replaced by Powered Up in newer sets, is still highly regarded for its reliability.

  • 7-Speed Remote Control: The 8-channel, 7-speed infrared remote allows you to control the speed precisely. You can have it crawl into the station or zip around the track at impressive speeds.
  • Removable Roofs: LEGO designed this for play. The roofs of all three cars pop off easily, allowing you to place the driver in the cockpit or arrange passengers at their tables.
  • The Crossing Interaction: The inclusion of a cyclist and a small crossing adds a layer of “real-world” storytelling. Will the cyclist beat the train, or will they wait safely at the signal?
LEGO City High-Speed Passenger Train (60051)
LEGO City High-Speed Passenger Train (60051)

At a Glance: Set Specifications

FeatureDetails
Set Number60051
Piece Count610
Minifigures3 (Train Driver, Traveler, Cyclist)
DimensionsOver 30” (77cm) long
Release Year2014 (Retired in 2018)
Control SystemInfrared Power Functions

Pro-Tips for Train Enthusiasts

If you are lucky enough to own this set or are looking to pick it up on the secondary market, here are a few ways to level up the experience:

  1. Expand the Track: The included loop is a bit small. Adding the 7499 Flexible Tracks or 7895 Switching Tracks transforms a simple circle into a complex rail network.
  2. Light It Up: While not included, the Power Functions system is compatible with LEGO LED lights. Adding headlights to the front nose makes night-time “high-speed runs” look incredible.
  3. Battery Management: Since the train uses AAA batteries, consider using high-quality rechargeables. High-speed runs can drain power quickly!

The 60051 is a “speed over detail” set. While the interior is simple, the exterior design and the sheer joy of the remote-control functionality make it a centerpiece for any LEGO City layout.