LEGO trains are changing course this summer

LEGO City's next batch of train models represents a change in the course for the range, eschewing full loops of track in favour of lower prices.

The summer 2026 wave of LEGO City includes everything from a Power Miners roller coaster to a sizable beach scene and even two new train models. Both 60509 Harbor Freight Train and 60511 Vintage Steam Train offer something unusual for the theme, whether that's a shunter or a more traditional train creation. More than these, though, they are both lacking a full loop of track.

It's a fairly drastic change for the theme, which has become known for its more expensive train models, thanks in no small part to including the larger track elements that ultimately drive up the price. Both 60508 Police Train Heist and 60470 Explorer Train are good examples of this. They have no licence attached to them and feature 1,517 and 1,313 pieces respectively, yet cost £179.99 / $199.99 / €199.99 each.

That's an undoubtedly high price based on the pieces and the overall contents of the set. In fact, it's an overall value you'd expect from the likes of LEGO Star Wars rather than City. Ultimately, the increased cost comes down to the inclusion of track pieces, but that's not all.

There's another aspect of both 60508 Police Train Heist and 60470 Explorer Train that is not present in either of the summer 2026 sets. There's a distinct lack of electronic components. You can certainly upgrade 60509 Harbor Freight Train and 60511 Vintage Steam Train with the necessary pieces, available for purchase separately, but they're not included as standard.

These facts combined help explain why 60511 Vintage Steam Train costs £79.99 / $89.99 / €89.99 and 60509 Harbour Freight Train costs £89.99 / $109.99 / €99.99. However, the electronic elements and track pieces don't raise prices quite as much as you would think. 60511 Vintage Steam Train has only 575 pieces, and 60509 Harbour Freight Train features 809 pieces. That's far fewer than either of the previous train sets, which have an accordingly higher price tag.

Eschewing electronic components and a full loop of track ultimately helps to keep the prices of the summer 2026 train models more affordable, but the effort isn't solely responsible for this. The new sets genuinely feature fewer pieces, even without the additional track. Whether they still feel satisfactory in-person has yet to be seen, but it's good to see more affordable LEGO trains on the market that are still playable thanks to the included ramps.

While this might seem innovative for the theme, it's not a new concept. Last year's 60423 Downtown Streetcar and Station did precisely the same. This tactic has never been done on quite the same scale as it is during summer 2026, though.

LEGO fans picking up either 60509 Harbor Freight Train and 60511 Vintage Steam Train won't be able to run the trains around in a loop, even without the optional Powered UP upgrade. Instead, you'll either need to purchase additional track pieces or already have track in your collection. The former remains an option with either of 60205 Tracks or 60238 Switch Tracks, but the latter may already be the case for existing train enthusiasts.

It's a smart move from the LEGO Group to keep the options open for fans. Either you already have tracks and can just pick up a new train without amassing more larger elements, or you can pick up a small expansion pack.

Both 60509 Harbor Freight Train and 60511 Vintage Steam Train will be released on June 1 as part of this year's summer wave for LEGO City. Here's a look at what else you can expect to find on shelves next month.

LEGO City 2026 sets

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