BachmannTrains - Echo Valley Express DCC Sound Value Ready To Run Electric Train Set - HO Scale

For the price, this is a really good starter set. After playing with my own HO trains from time to time, and going with me to operating sessions on bigger model railroad layouts in our area, my daughter requested her own HO train set nearly two years ago. So we got her this set to give to her for her 10th birthday. Now she's had it over a year and still enjoys getting it out from time-to-time (she had her own little Christmas tree in her room this last Christmas, with the train around it) and looks forward to when we build a model railroad.Bachmann models seem to have increased in quality since I was her age. The freight cars and caboose all look prototypical in detail and operation, no operating problems or visible defects.As far as the locomotive, the sound decoder is very basic, but does have some programmable features on it to change the type of whistle, volume levels, chuff rate, etc.Locomotive details and quality are just about the same level as a Bachmann Spectrum model that I have. With the sound system muted, the locomotive runs fairly quiet and smoothly in both directions, even at slow speeds. Runs very well on Code 83 track as well.The E-Z Command controller is easy to use for basic control of the locomotive and its sound/lighting functions, and has the ability to address and control up to 10 different appropriately programmed Digital Command Control (DCC) equipped locomotives—although probably not at the same time—and 10 individual functions for each locomotive. The power supply is appropriate for a small layout running one or two trains simultaneously, like on a 4'x8' table or similar. A bigger layout or running several locomotives, accessories, etc. would require a bigger or more advanced system, but because this set uses a standards-compliant DCC decoder, the locomotive can be operated out-of-the-box with *any* of the popular DCC control systems. (We have programmed and operated her locomotive on my Digitrax system with no problems.)Like I said, good starter set for a mature child. Make sure they are mature enough to know that HO-sized models are delicate and should be taken care of. My daughter has done an excellent job taking car of hers, and she stresses out when her younger brothers and sister are around. If you're considering an electric train for your kid but concerned about how he/she will treat it, this set isn't for you. There are small parts that will break off if handled roughly, so either find something more robust with less detail, or wait until they are older or more mature.The only thing about this set that concerns me is the way the train was packaged. The freight cars snap into molded plastic carriers, but there were no plastic "windows" on the box over the hopper and the locomotive meaning those items were a little less protected from damage than I'm comfortable with. Fortunately nothing happened in shipment, and thanks to Amazon, the train box was well-packaged in a bigger box anyway.

This train set is excellent. I run a large layout of DC locomotives and decided to get this train set to dip my toes into the DCC water.So simple to set up - I was even able to use my existing track (life like power loc track) to run this on. The sound is amazing and the whistle really is a blast :-) Has lights on/off/dim/high. Bell, short whistle, long whistle, steam release. This train will run slowly and looks and sounds really realistic, then you can throttle it up to full power and let that whistle howl :-))I would recommend this to anyone wanting to try DCC or for a Christmas/Birthday gift. The value is amazing - if you bought all of the parts supplied separately then it would cost you $400-$500. I bought this for $200 on amazon - big saving. The MSRP is about $350.I am now considering buying the "Thunder Chief" diesel version of this train set due to the amount of fun I had with the steam version.

My son saved up a long time and bought this train. He was very careful with it, and loved the sounds it made. After a week, the train stopped working (maybe too hard for him to figure out). Then, after derailing from the original track many times, the wires under the engine started breaking. The coupler that should have been permanent between the engine and coal car was not permanent. The coal car kept coming unhooked. This could be a nice train with better wires, and a better coupler. Returning this for a less complicated train that works all the time.

very very nice. a lot of details on the locomotive, which also has cool sound effects. the power pack/controler is so well designed and easy to use. The only thing negtive happens to me is that the locomotive isn't heavy enough so it can no pull more than 3 cars on a slople. otherwise it slides. I am trying to coat the driving wheels with liquid tire. But overall the package is worth more than just 5 stars. I really like to sound effects, including chuff (synchronized with speed), bell, long horn, short whistle, steam release sound, and if you prefer, silence. the price is also unbeatable. it will cause much more if you buy the locomotive, power pack, and the cars separately.