If you're considering this for a child and/or expect it to actually run on the tracks, I wouldn't recommend it. Although the train cars look decent and have some nice details, they are obviously very cheap and come apart quite easily. With the exception of the engine, the wheels are made of light, flimsy plastic, and they're impossible to get on the tracks. It's terrible value for the price, and I deeply regret buying it. That being said, my son does enjoy playing with the cars (off the tracks, of course), which is why I gave it two stars.

It's my first electric train set, which I got more for my 7 year old who loves trains. It has a tendency to derail when all the cars are connected and it's going around bends, even with reduced speed. However, I think that issue can be remedied by getting additional track and hence creating a longer track in general. Good detail on the trains, and I'm glad the rods move like an actual train. It's a good starter train set, and one that has an engine that most closely resembles the famous Union Pacific 'Big Boy' in this price range. For the price I would highly recommend it. Just purchase extra tracks if you can.

My son absolutely loves it. I had H.O. trains as a kid and got this for my son at Christmas. Be is fascinated with it. The set has been in place for 2 months now and he won't let me put it up. GREAT set to start with as it has a lot included. I'll be purchasing more track options soon, but love it. I didn't even realize the train would make smoke until almost a month after I set it up. Good stuff.

I received this yesterday and to make sure I set it up right since this was the first time I set up any train, it took about an hour and a half. The size wasn't an issue since I set it up on the floor, but when I set it up for good I will make sure it has more room. The smoke was a little disappointing but for the money it's understandable. I was hoping it would puff out of the stack at the same time the wheels would turn but it just comes out at a constant stream. The train itself is not easy to get on the track with the amount of wheels there are. The engin itself has 16 wheels and I'm used to a different set where the engin has 8 wheels. The instructions do show the easiest way to get it on the track and I do recomend you do it that way so you save yourself a head ach or two. All in all, for the price for the package and keeping in mind it's a great starter set, I would deffenatly recomend it.(FYI the cheapest train that does puff smoke out with the rythim of the wheels starts at 600 just for the engin) A+ for the product and I will be buying from Bachman again for other things

I bought this set as a Christmas present for my 10-year old son. I chose it because of the large number of cars included in the set. The package was delivered quickly, and the set was in perfect condition. The engine appears to be of good quality while the cars are all plastic as you would expect at this price point. Setup was quick and easy. Just follow the directions, and make sure to run your fingers around the tracks to ensure that the joints are smooth. We have been running the set for several weeks and have yet to have a derailment.

Although I do not think this set would stand up to the rough handling of little kids using it as a toy, I expect my 10-year old will be able to use it for years to come with a little adult supervision.