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Bachmann Trains - Rail Chief Ready To Run 130 Piece Electric Train Set - HO Scale

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,258 ratings
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Purchase options and add-ons

  • Complete Ready To Run 130 Piece Freight Train Set
  • Powered by a EMD GP40 Diesel Locomotive with Operating Headlight
  • Includes; Open Quad Hopper Car, Gondola Car, Steel Reefer Car, Off-Set Cupola Caboose, Signal Bridge, Miniature Figures, Railroad Signs, Street Signs, and Telephone Poles
  • 47" x 38" Oval of Snap-Fit E-Z Track, Power Pack and Speed Controller
  • HO Scale 1:87

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WARNING:

CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

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Bachmann Trains - Rail Chief Ready To Run 130 Piece Electric Train Set - HO Scale


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Product Description

Product Description

5-Car "HO scale" Train - EMD GP40 diesel locomotive (with operating headlight) - open quad hopper- gondola- steel Reefer- off-center caboose body-mounted E-Z Mate couplers 47" X 38” oval track sets up in minutes includes signal bridge, 36 people figures, 24 telephone poles and 48 railroad and street signs includes Power pack, speed controller and plug-in terminal rerailer plugs into an AC outlet ages 14+

From the Manufacturer

You will command the rails with our striking Rail Chief set. Complete with miniature people and a signal bridge, this 130-piece set will let you oversee your own detailed railroading empire. This ready-to-run train set includes: EMD GP40 diesel locomotive with operating headlight, open quad hopper car, gondola car, steel reefer car, off-center caboose, 47" x 38" oval of snap-fit E-Z Track, including 12 pieces curved track, 1 piece straight track, and 1 plug-in terminal rerailer, signal bridge, 36 miniature people, 24 telephone poles, 48 railroad and street signs, power pack and speed controller.

Important information

Safety Information

As Labeled


From the manufacturer

Bachmann Logo

Discover Everything Bachmann Trains Offers to Get Started in Model Railroading

Since 1833, Bachmann has been known for providing innovative design at a good value. We are now one of the world's largest distributor, by volume, of ready-to-run train sets, locomotives, track, and accessories. Bachmann is also the only train company to offer products in all five of the most popular scales: N, HO, On30, O, and Large Scale.

As a distributor of beloved Thomas & Friends products, Bachmann brings the adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine to life with a growing line of complete train sets, separate sale items, and accessories for children from 8 to 80-just add your imagination. Thomas & Friends is available in both HO and Large Scale.

Bachmann's exclusive snap-together E-Z Track System makes track setup quick, easy, and fun. Plasticville U.S.A. and SceneScapes buildings and accessories let you add the finishing touches for the perfect layout.

Start

Assembly

Power

Train

If You Are Purchasing a Train Set, It Will Include

  1. Locomotive
  2. Cars (Rolling Stock)
  3. E-Z Track – available in either black roadbed with steel alloy rail or gray roadbed with nickel silver rail
  4. Terminal/Rerailer
  5. Terminal Wire
  6. Speed Controller
  7. Power Supply
  8. List of Components

Track Assembly

  1. Decide where to set up your train – a dry, firm, flat surface works best!
  2. To make sure you have enough working room, make a test track layout by loosely placing track in desired configuration.
  3. The terminal/rerailer section will later be connected to a power pack and power supply, so place it near an outlet or power strip.
  4. Install under-track magnet, if your set comes with one. If your set does not come with one, magnets are available separately (HO Item No. 78999; N Scale Item No. 78998).
  5. Assemble the track by pushing together. Make sure the rail and joiners are seated properly. Be careful that the rail joiners do not slip under the rail without properly connecting. This can cause train derailments and electrical circuit interruptions.
  6. After track is assembled, double-check for joint connection and fit by lightly running your fingers over the top of the rails in both directions.
  7. If you detect bumps or distortion on the track surface, recheck the rail joiner fit.

Power Connections

  1. Power supply and speed control are plug and play; no tools are needed.
  2. Power is supplied to the track and the locomotive by the power supply, speed controller, terminal wire, and E-Z Track terminal/rerailer.
  3. First – turn knob on the speed controller counterclockwise until it stops (all the way to the left).
  4. Next – attach terminal wire to the speed controller by plugging it in where it says 'To Track'.
  5. Then – plug terminal wire into the E-Z Track terminal rerailer. Firmly push connector onto the track terminals.
  6. Finally – plug the connecting wire from the power supply into jack on the speed controller labeled 'In'. Then plug power supply into a live wall outlet.
  7. Some sets may come with a speed controller with two push button connectors. These are used to supply AC power to accessories.
  8. To make positive and secure connections to these, push in buttons and insert each of the bare ends of the connection wire from your accessory.
  9. The speed controller is capable of powering one accessory at a time.

Putting the Train on the Track

  1. Put the locomotive on the track and run the wheels back and forth over the terminal rerailer track.
  2. When the wheels glide smoothly over the track, you know the wheels are all on the track. If your set comes with a tender, attach it to the locomotive.
  3. Add the rest of the cars that come with your set by placing them on the track and running them back and forth over the terminal rerailer until they glide smoothly. Then gently push the cars together – they will engage automatically.
  4. Do not try to connect cars when positioned over an under-track magnet.

Couplers

Run

Cl

Clean

How to Use E-Z Mate Couplers (HO and On30 Scale)

  1. Your set may be equipped with E-Z Mate magnetically operated knuckle couplers that let you perform real railroad switching and yard operations.
  2. Coupling two cars with E-Z Mate couplers is as easy as pushing them together when they are not over an under-track magnet.
  3. Uncoupling occurs only when over an under-track magnet and when there is no tension between the cars.
  4. To uncouple E-Z Mate couplers, stop two couplers directly over the under-track magnet. With no tension between the cars, the couplers will open automatically.
  5. If cars will not couple, check to be sure cars are not positioned over the uncoupling magnet or parked on a curve.
  6. If cars will not uncouple, check to be sure the couplers are positioned directly adjacent to the magnet position indicator and that the indicator is placed in line with the center line of the under-track magnet.
  7. Check that the magnet is secured to the underside of the track and fitted with the steel plate provided.

How to Run Your Train

  1. Your set may be equipped with E-Z Mate magnetically operated knuckle couplers that let you perform real railroad switching and yard operations.
  2. Coupling two cars with E-Z Mate couplers is as easy as pushing them together when they are not over an under-track magnet.
  3. Uncoupling occurs only when over an under-track magnet and when there is no tension between the cars.
  4. To uncouple E-Z Mate couplers, stop two couplers directly over the under-track magnet. With no tension between the cars, the couplers will open automatically.
  5. If cars will not couple, check to be sure cars are not positioned over the uncoupling magnet or parked on a curve.
  6. If cars will not uncouple, check to be sure the couplers are positioned directly adjacent to the magnet position indicator and that the indicator is placed in line with the center line of the under-track magnet.
  7. Check that the magnet is secured to the underside of the track and fitted with the steel plate provided.

Action Checklist (Troubleshooting If Your Train Doesn’t Run or Stops Running)

  1. Is the power supply plugged in to a live receptacle?
  2. Are the wheels on the track?
  3. Is the wiring secure?
  4. Is the track properly assembled?
  5. Is the track properly seated in the rail joiner?
  6. If your train stops or fails to start, a short circuit may be indicated. If this is the case, Unplug The Power Supply Immediately.
  7. Common reasons for a short circuit: derailed wheels may cause a short. Check to make sure all wheels are on the track. Also check all connections and make sure there is no metal of any sort across the rails.
  8. After checking everything carefully, resume operation.
  9. Please note, your power supply is protected by a circuit breaker that automatically resets after a short circuit is corrected.
  10. Allow up to 5 minutes for the circuit breaker to reset before resuming operation.

Keep Your Train in Top Operating Condition

  1. Works better after couple hours of break-in time.
  2. Train performs best under clean operating conditions.
  3. Clean wheels and a clean track ensure good electrical contact.
  4. After about every 8 hours of operation, wipe the track rails and exposed wheels with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  5. Removal of black residue is normal.
  6. Do Not Use Steel Wool To Clean Your Track.
  7. Do not use common solvents, they may damage plastics - use track cleaner.
  8. After 24 hours of use, light lubrication is required to keep train in top operating condition. Bachmann E-Z Lube or other hobby-grade lubricants are recommended.

Bachmann hopes you enjoy your train for many years to come!

What's in the box

  • Open Quad Hopper Car, Gondola Car, Steel Reefer Car, Off-Set Cupola Caboose, Signal Bridge, Miniature Figures, Railroad Signs, Street Signs, and Telephone Poles
  • Product guides and documents

    Looking for specific info?

    Customer reviews

    4.5 out of 5 stars
    4.5 out of 5
    1,258 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the ease of assembly of the toy vehicle set. For example, they mention it's very easy to assemble and connect the tracks. Customers are also impresseded with the appearance, saying the trains and cars are realistic looking. That said, some complain about the stability of the set. Opinions are mixed on quality and performance.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    46 customers mention34 positive12 negative

    Customers like the ease of assembly of the toy vehicle set. They mention that it's simple enough that their 10 year old son was able to assemble the tracks himself after being shown how to correctly. The tracks come together easily with a set of guides, and they have no problem getting the cars properly onto the track.

    "The tracks are easy to connect and overall set up was easy." Read more

    "...I have to say that this set is simply flawless. The set up was super simple even for him to set up compared to the sets from years past...." Read more

    "Everything about this is high quality. It was easy to set up and start enjoying." Read more

    "...HO Scale Signal Bridge Kit is a pain to assemble. Excess flash must be trimmed off and pieces do not all snap together, but do hold up in the end...." Read more

    25 customers mention20 positive5 negative

    Customers like the appearance of the toy vehicle set. They mention that the trains and cars are realistic looking, and astonished at how nice the set is. The good-looking black and orange engine has headlights that grow brighter with each pull of the cord. The signal bridge and engine are a very nice touch, and the train looks like an actual replica of a real train.

    "...The box car looks very attractive otherwise. The cars are nicely weighted and have a low center of gravity which keeps them on the track...." Read more

    "The set is expected and looks great. I also ordered an expansion set of track with 4 switches and extra straights...." Read more

    "...The train worked well. We're still learning about HO gauge. Beautiful molding work." Read more

    "...The trains and cars are realistic looking and I’ve had zero problems. The locomotive even has a light." Read more

    20 customers mention20 positive0 negative

    Customers find the toy vehicle set well worth the price, with good quality for the money. They also say it's a great product and a good purchase.

    "...Altogether, this train set provides a lot of value...." Read more

    "Good product. Worth the money." Read more

    "...Well made for price. People may complain about the product being cheaply made, but, if you want more quality, you must spend more money...." Read more

    "...Dcc Is a much better value for the money...." Read more

    13 customers mention13 positive0 negative

    Customers find the toy vehicle set versatile and perfect for beginners. They say it's a great starter train, kit, and set for kids. Customers also say Bachman is a good startup train company for first time railroaders.

    "...But sturdy and great starter kit!" Read more

    "A good starter/basic train set. It doesn't have sound but seems to work well so far. My son loves it and enjoys playing with it...." Read more

    "Perfect for starters who want to get started with Model Railroading! If your a big fan of BNSF this set is perfect for you or your kid or grand kids!..." Read more

    "...I think this set is great for starting with model trains. I would recommend this set to the recommended age of 14, the cars are very delicate...." Read more

    110 customers mention65 positive45 negative

    Customers are mixed about the quality of the toy vehicle set. Some mention that it's a good product, consistently built, and good enough to last for years. However, others say that the accessories are very flimsy and made of thin plastic. They also mention that the train will eventually derail if the carts don't separate.

    "Bought as a gift; they were quite pleased..good quality" Read more

    "...The accessories are not good quality and very small. Was disappointed in the quality of accessories. I think a good first electric train...." Read more

    "...Power pack and wiring seem to be of high qualitySpeed controller feels substantial and of high quality and works very well..." Read more

    "...The quality is very good and while I like metal trucks more it really is a no big deal due to the fact this works so well and our little guy is so..." Read more

    46 customers mention29 positive17 negative

    Customers are mixed about the performance of the toy vehicle set. Some mention that it runs great, while others say that it didn't work properly.

    "...The connections should be smooth. Misjoined sections should catch on your finger. Just pull apart the track and try joining them together again...." Read more

    "They are smaller and cupllers don't work on some cars namely the coal cars. I had to repaire one engine...." Read more

    "...metal trucks more it really is a no big deal due to the fact this works so well and our little guy is so happy...." Read more

    "Everything was perfect" Read more

    21 customers mention0 positive21 negative

    Customers are dissatisfied with the stability of the toy vehicle set. They mention that the train doesn't stay on the track, the wheels don't stick very well, and the connecters don''t keep attached around the track. Some say that the connecter pieces are cheap and poorly designed, causing the trains to fall off the track and never move.

    "His train will not move anymore even though the wheels are aligned and it is receiving power...." Read more

    "...Nice train set, but issues with keeping trains attached. He has since bought 2 more larger sets(0) to add to this collection...." Read more

    "Car connecters will attach but do not stay attached around the track. Very cheap and poor design." Read more

    "...the train is difficult to put on the rails correctly and it jumps the track often (very frustrating)...." Read more

    16 customers mention0 positive16 negative

    Customers are dissatisfied with the connector. They mention that every single coupler was broken upon arrival, the connectors broke immediately, and 4 of the tracks were broke. The links didn't stay together and one broke off as they tried to connect it. Some say that the connector is the most flimsy things they've ever seen.

    "...back in December of 2017 and 2018 we move to a house and the set has broken part and missing pieces to the Canadian National steps gondola car and..." Read more

    "...to come he was so excited completely over the moon just to find out its broken and the links won't connect asked about replacement parts as it..." Read more

    "...I would not suggest it for children as the track and train are both delicate, not through poor construction, but simply BECAUSE they are models...." Read more

    "...Might straighten out 3 of them but they may break in doing so. One of them was crushed beyond straighting it...." Read more

    A Great Starter Set for A Child or For An Affordable Introduction to Model Railroading
    5 Stars
    A Great Starter Set for A Child or For An Affordable Introduction to Model Railroading
    This is a very pleasing starter train set for a child or anyone interested in an affordable introduction to model railroading. A serious model railroader with higher standards for details (e.g. sliding doors on box car) or quality may not be fully satisfied. The set comes packaged in a sturdy, informative, and easy-to-open box. I will include pictures in this review, as the stock pictures did not provide me with enough detail prior to the purchase. The engine is one of the best-looking train-pieces in the set, and has functioning (LED, I think) taillights in addition to headlights. Some might be disappointed that the brightness of the lights increases only with increasing the speed of the train. Still, the lights make the engine more attractive and realistic. The engine seems very substantial in build and quality. The remaining cars are varied in type and color, and add to the overall attractiveness of the set. For a five-piece set, the manufacturer chose a very good assortment of colors and car-types. The box car does not have sliding doors that open and close at this price point. The box car looks very attractive otherwise. The cars are nicely weighted and have a low center of gravity which keeps them on the track. Some cheaper sets have such light-weight cars that keeping them on the track becomes difficult. A serious model railroader may not be satisfied with the weight of the cars or quality of wheels and axels, but they are just fine for this starter set, and most people will be satisfied. The engine and cars are fitted with EZ-couplers that work very well. Please note that you must couple the cars on the two pieces of straight-track provided in the kit. If you attempt to couple the cars on the curved pieces, even the EZ-couplers are difficult to work with. The EZ-track provided is enough to make an oval. Only two straight pieces (sections) are provided. Without the two straight sections, your track would be a circle, and not an oval. You can buy separate EZ-track sets to make more complicated layouts. One of the straight pieces functions both as rerailer and terminal plugin for the speed controller. The speed controller plug can plugin to either side of the rerailer which is very handy. If you are new to HO-scale trains, you MUST USE THE RERAILER to get each of the cars - including the engine - on the track. You do this by placing the engine or car on top of the rerailer section, and then moving the engine or car back and forth completely over the rerailer section, which ALIGNS THE WHEELS FOR YOU. You could try to align all the wheels using only your eyes and hands, but it will drive you nuts. Use the rerailer section, it makes life so much easier. Although the EZ-track system easily connects, you still have to be careful not to misjoin any sections of track. Doing so will cause the train to derail. If you cannot easily see that the track sections are connected correctly, just run your fingers back and forth over the connected sections (turn power off prior to doing this). The connections should be smooth. Misjoined sections should catch on your finger. Just pull apart the track and try joining them together again. The back of the box displays several track layouts that are NOT POSSIBLE, unless you buy extra pieces of track. A signal bridge kit is included. It looks wonderful, but is a PAIN IN THE NECK to assemble. The plastic is flimsy, and only some sections snap together. Other plastic pieces just lay together or hook-over one another. I found that I had to file off some of the excess plastic flash to get the pieces to lay just right for assembly. Note: using your wife's fingernail file works well, but requires a lot of explanation after the fact! The tiny plastic rail-traffic lights need trimming and can be pushed into place using the eraser on the end of a pencil. The rail-traffic lights are merely translucent plastic, so they give a slight illusion of lighting up in a well-lit room. These are not electric lights. The signal bridge kit is a nice-looking piece when assembled. It can be purchased separately for about $13.00, but I have to believe that they are better kits that actually do light up for not too many dollars more. The road, rail, and other signs are easily snapped off their plastic piping, but also require some filing of excess flash before they can stand up straight. All signs rest on pedestals that have two indentations for nailing or tacking down to a base board (nice for building a more permanent layout). You might be able to use plastic model enamel paint to give the signs a more realistic color, as they are all black lettering on yellow signs, poles, and pedestals. The HO-scale people are entirely pink - like pigs. As noted for the signs, you might be able to pain them with enamel modeling paint. Otherwise there is a variety of small-town and rural characters that seem like they stepped out of the early 20th century. The figures are nicely detailed. Other than the color, the bad think about the figurines is that they cannot be easily broken off the plastic piping they come attached to. You have to use a pair of nippers (wire cutters). If you try to break off the figurines by hand, you will snap them in two at their ankles, leaving feet attached to the pedestal, attached to the piping. Luckily the figurines are duplicated so that you have two of each kind. There are lots of telephone poles, and they are the right color (brown), and do not need to be snapped off of any piping. No telephone wires or power lines - just the poles. Still, it’s a nice feature. Altogether, this train set provides a lot of value. The little extras - telephone poles, signs, people, and signal bridge - are a very nice touch and can provide the basis for a great starter-layout. If you just want to make a child happy for a few years, or drop as little money as possible to get a first taste of model railroading you could do a lot worse than this kit (I have). I would give the set two thumbs up, but my wife broke one of my thumbs for using her nail file to trim the flash off the signal bridge kit. I do, however, give the kit five stars. Here are some pros and cons, although the cons deserve a lot less weight than the pros.  Pros - Good-looking black and orange engineEngine has headlights that grow brighter with increased speedEngine has taillights that grow brighter with increased speedLots of brown, telephone poles with slim pedestals that allow easy tacking/nailing down to board (no wires for poles)Lots of pink, HO-scale people figurines.Lots of yellow, HO-scale road, rail, and other signsPower pack and wiring seem to be of high qualitySpeed controller feels substantial and of high quality and works very wellA detailed HO Scale Signal Bridge Kit (can be purchased separately for about $13.00)  Cons - Rerailer track section causes train to rise up slightly (section is bowed upward a little) which can cause decoupling of the engine from the cars (does not happen often)Engine makes no sound (whistle or horn)Engine makes no simulated exhaust or steamBox car has no slighting doors, but is nice-lookingEZ-track bed looks a little fake, and may not please every eyeAll signs have yellow poles and sign-boards with black print (e.g. stop signs are yellow and black, not red and white).People figures are all pink - arms, hands, faces, legs, clothing (uncertain if they can be painted with enamel paints used for plastic models)People figures cannot easily be broken off their plastic piping, you must use nippers (i.e. wire cutters).Excess flash on bottom of sign-pedestals and people-pedestals must be gently filed off to get signs and people to stand up straight. The people figurines need the most filing.HO Scale Signal Bridge Kit is a pain to assemble. Excess flash must be trimmed off and pieces do not all snap together, but do hold up in the end. Think plastic-origami.Note: Not all of my pictures were uploaded by the Amazon review system. Will work on that later.
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    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2017
    Customer image
    CS
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Starter Set for A Child or For An Affordable Introduction to Model Railroading
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2017
    This is a very pleasing starter train set for a child or anyone interested in an affordable introduction to model railroading. A serious model railroader with higher standards for details (e.g. sliding doors on box car) or quality may not be fully satisfied. The set comes packaged in a sturdy, informative, and easy-to-open box. I will include pictures in this review, as the stock pictures did not provide me with enough detail prior to the purchase.
     
    The engine is one of the best-looking train-pieces in the set, and has functioning (LED, I think) taillights in addition to headlights. Some might be disappointed that the brightness of the lights increases only with increasing the speed of the train. Still, the lights make the engine more attractive and realistic. The engine seems very substantial in build and quality. The remaining cars are varied in type and color, and add to the overall attractiveness of the set. For a five-piece set, the manufacturer chose a very good assortment of colors and car-types. The box car does not have sliding doors that open and close at this price point. The box car looks very attractive otherwise. The cars are nicely weighted and have a low center of gravity which keeps them on the track. Some cheaper sets have such light-weight cars that keeping them on the track becomes difficult. A serious model railroader may not be satisfied with the weight of the cars or quality of wheels and axels, but they are just fine for this starter set, and most people will be satisfied. The engine and cars are fitted with EZ-couplers that work very well. Please note that you must couple the cars on the two pieces of straight-track provided in the kit. If you attempt to couple the cars on the curved pieces, even the EZ-couplers are difficult to work with.
     
    The EZ-track provided is enough to make an oval. Only two straight pieces (sections) are provided. Without the two straight sections, your track would be a circle, and not an oval. You can buy separate EZ-track sets to make more complicated layouts. One of the straight pieces functions both as rerailer and terminal plugin for the speed controller. The speed controller plug can plugin to either side of the rerailer which is very handy. If you are new to HO-scale trains, you MUST USE THE RERAILER to get each of the cars - including the engine - on the track. You do this by placing the engine or car on top of the rerailer section, and then moving the engine or car back and forth completely over the rerailer section, which ALIGNS THE WHEELS FOR YOU. You could try to align all the wheels using only your eyes and hands, but it will drive you nuts. Use the rerailer section, it makes life so much easier. Although the EZ-track system easily connects, you still have to be careful not to misjoin any sections of track. Doing so will cause the train to derail. If you cannot easily see that the track sections are connected correctly, just run your fingers back and forth over the connected sections (turn power off prior to doing this). The connections should be smooth. Misjoined sections should catch on your finger. Just pull apart the track and try joining them together again. The back of the box displays several track layouts that are NOT POSSIBLE, unless you buy extra pieces of track.
     
    A signal bridge kit is included. It looks wonderful, but is a PAIN IN THE NECK to assemble. The plastic is flimsy, and only some sections snap together. Other plastic pieces just lay together or hook-over one another. I found that I had to file off some of the excess plastic flash to get the pieces to lay just right for assembly. Note: using your wife's fingernail file works well, but requires a lot of explanation after the fact! The tiny plastic rail-traffic lights need trimming and can be pushed into place using the eraser on the end of a pencil. The rail-traffic lights are merely translucent plastic, so they give a slight illusion of lighting up in a well-lit room. These are not electric lights. The signal bridge kit is a nice-looking piece when assembled. It can be purchased separately for about $13.00, but I have to believe that they are better kits that actually do light up for not too many dollars more.
     
    The road, rail, and other signs are easily snapped off their plastic piping, but also require some filing of excess flash before they can stand up straight. All signs rest on pedestals that have two indentations for nailing or tacking down to a base board (nice for building a more permanent layout). You might be able to use plastic model enamel paint to give the signs a more realistic color, as they are all black lettering on yellow signs, poles, and pedestals.
     
    The HO-scale people are entirely pink - like pigs. As noted for the signs, you might be able to pain them with enamel modeling paint. Otherwise there is a variety of small-town and rural characters that seem like they stepped out of the early 20th century. The figures are nicely detailed. Other than the color, the bad think about the figurines is that they cannot be easily broken off the plastic piping they come attached to. You have to use a pair of nippers (wire cutters). If you try to break off the figurines by hand, you will snap them in two at their ankles, leaving feet attached to the pedestal, attached to the piping. Luckily the figurines are duplicated so that you have two of each kind.
     
    There are lots of telephone poles, and they are the right color (brown), and do not need to be snapped off of any piping. No telephone wires or power lines - just the poles. Still, it’s a nice feature.
     
    Altogether, this train set provides a lot of value. The little extras - telephone poles, signs, people, and signal bridge - are a very nice touch and can provide the basis for a great starter-layout. If you just want to make a child happy for a few years, or drop as little money as possible to get a first taste of model railroading you could do a lot worse than this kit (I have). I would give the set two thumbs up, but my wife broke one of my thumbs for using her nail file to trim the flash off the signal bridge kit. I do, however, give the kit five stars. Here are some pros and cons, although the cons deserve a lot less weight than the pros.
     
     
    Pros -
     
    Good-looking black and orange engine
    Engine has headlights that grow brighter with increased speed
    Engine has taillights that grow brighter with increased speed
    Lots of brown, telephone poles with slim pedestals that allow easy tacking/nailing down to board (no wires for poles)
    Lots of pink, HO-scale people figurines.
    Lots of yellow, HO-scale road, rail, and other signs
    Power pack and wiring seem to be of high quality
    Speed controller feels substantial and of high quality and works very well
    A detailed HO Scale Signal Bridge Kit (can be purchased separately for about $13.00)
     
     
    Cons -
     
    Rerailer track section causes train to rise up slightly (section is bowed upward a little) which can cause decoupling of the engine from the cars (does not happen often)
    Engine makes no sound (whistle or horn)
    Engine makes no simulated exhaust or steam
    Box car has no slighting doors, but is nice-looking
    EZ-track bed looks a little fake, and may not please every eye
    All signs have yellow poles and sign-boards with black print (e.g. stop signs are yellow and black, not red and white).
    People figures are all pink - arms, hands, faces, legs, clothing (uncertain if they can be painted with enamel paints used for plastic models)
    People figures cannot easily be broken off their plastic piping, you must use nippers (i.e. wire cutters).
    Excess flash on bottom of sign-pedestals and people-pedestals must be gently filed off to get signs and people to stand up straight. The people figurines need the most filing.
    HO Scale Signal Bridge Kit is a pain to assemble. Excess flash must be trimmed off and pieces do not all snap together, but do hold up in the end. Think plastic-origami.

    Note: Not all of my pictures were uploaded by the Amazon review system. Will work on that later.
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    Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2023
    Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2021
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    4.0 out of 5 stars Good for first train
    Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2021
    The train is good quality. It’s easy to set up and use. Coupling train cars takes practice but my 7 year old is fine with it. The accessories are not good quality and very small. Was disappointed in the quality of accessories. I think a good first electric train. I will have to buy more tracks for him soon.
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    One person found this helpful
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    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2024
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2020
    11 people found this helpful
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    Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2023
    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2023

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