Bachmann Trains - Thunder Chief DCC Sound Value Ready To Run Electric Train Set - HO Scale Black 0.5 Liters

The Bachmann Train Set is amazing and my grandson is obsessed. It runs beautifully and I am so impressed with the fine detail. We needed customer support and the staff were so kind and helpful. I highly recommend this company for your train and accessories.

Great way to get into DCC trains! The sounds (bell, long horn blast, short horn blast, diesel motor) are very realistic, the engine starts out very slowly as in real life. I bought another DCC loco separately, and can run two at the same time on the same track, with completely separate control of each with the same controller. Note that in the manual it says you may operate one older style DC loco on your track powered with the controller that comes with the set, but I found this not to be so--my old locos got very bright and made a humming noise, so I quickly removed them. I phoned Bachmann and they confirmed that it's best not to try to run your old stock with this set (if you want to run your old trains on this track, you can always buy a DC controller, unplug the DCC controller and plug the DC controller into your rerailer instead--in fact, if you buy switches, as I did separately, an old style DC controller is very handy to be able to control the switches electrically). Apparently you can mix the DC and DCC on the same track sometimes, but not with my old stock--only one type at a time. By the way, the track that comes with this set is nickel-silver, which stays cleaner than steel and therefore should be less troublesome. This track works very nicely on a carpeted floor.

I would give this 5 stars if the sound worked. This actually a pretty good set for the money. You get a larger track layout. The track is the better nickel silver type. The engine is heavy with some nice detail. The headlight is bright and the sound is loud. This is much better than a regular dc beginner set. Now for the Con. After doing some research, I’ve found out that the sound on newer Bachmann engines all fail after time. I get it, it’s made in China, quality is not a priority. It would be nice to have a product last for at least a few years. I’m not asking for 40-50 years the way it used to be be, but come on. Really.

Seems very well made especially the engine nice and heavy with metal wheels of course. The cars all have plastic wheels but seem to work well. I love the automatic couplers and the re-railing track works perfectly. Track went together easily however care must be taken to make sure the joints go together properly because it's easy to misalign if not paying attention. The sound is awesome and I love that my 2 year old son can run it without worrying about it flying off the track at full speed. Nice design feature that the train can run at full power without de-railing. Could not be more pleased just hope that it lasts for many years to come.

Let’s start out with this set is what you’d expect from a starter set only a little better. Bachmann EZ Track obviously has its place. It goes together quickly. I just wish it was more than an oval. The rolling stock is where the quality takes a bit of a hit. The cars are actually decent. The locomotive is where the real disappointment comes in. Yes, it’s DCC with sound. That’s great, but the number of functions takes a hit and they’re spread out over the three function pages on the controller. Can’t say much for sound quality as this is the only DCC/sound loco I’ve ever had or have heard in person. The locomotive lacks detail parts such as MU hoses which seems to be a Bachmann thing as many other models lack those details as well. All in all, it’s a great way to get started in either the hobby or DCC. I bought this to get back into it and have something to play with until I can get a bigger better layout started.

This the neatest F7a plus three car train set ever. I say this because basic American Train Sets since the 1950s/60s have always featured this formation. Bachmann's Thunder Chief has an F7 that has close coupling at the rear - something never found in F7 train sets for so many years; sound function and a crisp, beautiful rendition of the Santa Fe Cigar Band Livery.Yes, it's true, the cars have plastic wheels, and it only has an oval of track - but it is, without doubtTHE COOLEST F7 TRAIN SET AVAILABLE EVER!The quality and appearance of the F7 Diesel included here is immensly superior than the more recent Blue Lightining EZ App Set.A more technically advanced digital offering with FT loco ( a horrible 1970's shell and a rear coupler that sticks out a mile ), The Blue Lightening set is an example of Bachmann slipping up in the 'aesthetics' quality control departmentGet the Thunder Chief with this beautiful F7a while you can!

The set is definitely entry level; however having DCC/ sound is a must if you are an enthusiast.Will not disappoint as the sounds are so neat when playing with the set. Definitely not for younger kids as you have to be meticulous when assembling the track and it’s electronic DCC/sounds. Saw reviews with complaints and most likely operator errors when they claim that it does not work. Be careful, the hobby is addictive as you will want to expand.

Getting back into a childhood hobby as an adult...started doing my homework and discovered that while model railroading tech hasn't changed much, DCC has been a really big change. Needed a starter set, this one seemed nice...had DCC plus sound on board...and the other reviews were positive (thanks all). I'm very pleased with this as a basic DCC starter set...does everything I was looking for. Having control over the light and sound effects is cool...but my favorite is definitely the EZ Command Controller...very user friendly, responsive and with 10 channels (9 DCC/1 DC) should be a part of the layout I'm building for a long time to come!