Lionel New York Central Waterlevel Limited, Electric HO Gauge Model Train Set w/ Remote and Bluetooth Capability + 4 Additional Pieces of 20" Radius Straight MagneLock Track

We used this train set with our Charles dickens village. When we received it there was something wrong with back wheels on the engine, it wouldn’t stay on the track. You could look at it and tell there was a problem with it. I think it just got through the product control line before being boxed up. We called Amazon told them the problem and we had a new one in two or three days and we sent the damaged one back. Amazon was great at taking care of the problem. This type of track is sometimes new and I wasn’t sure how well it was going to work. I was afraid it might come apart when train went around the curves, but it didn’t. If you was to have problems with that, Lionel has predrilled holes in each end of track, so you can nail or screw the track down if you have to. Very pleased with this set.

Really, I can't believe how poorly manufactured the track for this product is. I've used all sorts of snap together track for N-scale and HO and never had the connectivity and derailment issues I witnessed (on both a flat table and my hard wood floor) when I first assembled this product. I'm sorry I didn't review the other related Lionel HO products from this line (like the Polar Express version) before I purchased this one. Returned!Additional notes: The proprietary power system means you can't use other track without also buying a separate transformer. The locomotive and cars were great and my remote and sound worked fine, so if you're looking for a Berkshire and NYC passenger livery for your line, this might still be an OK buy for you.)

To enjoy my beautiful day and relaxing

It should be obvious that for the price, you aren't going to get a Legacy quality train set, especially for a sub-$300 set. You get what you pay for, but in this case, I must say that this is a great deal. Consider the fact that you are getting a steam locomotive with DCC, an operational headlight, and Bluetooth capability, 3 lit cars, 4 straight pieces of track, and 12 pieces of curved track for around $200. It is a repaint of the Polar Express, but for someone who wants a change of pace, and possibly something, not Christmas themed, I'd say this is a nice option. I mainly chose this set because it radiates a very classic model train feeling, especially with the lit cars that have shadowed figures in the windows. Although the magnelock track has its issues (see the other reviews), I believe it is a very neat and simplistic idea. I do wish that Lionel would sell the tracks in bulk like Bachmann does with their EZ Track, because it makes buying track for a layout much more convenient. The great thing about this train is that it will still operate on a standard DCC layout if you don't want to use the maglock track. With the LionChief remote and BT app, you can walk around and follow your train, without having to stand next to a standard DC or DCC controller. Personally, I feel that this set is an amazing deal, and I would recommend to anyone who is wanting a starter set or looking for a simplistic layout.

The trains are very beautiful and the detail is nice, but the train constantly Comes off the track, especially in reverse. Very frustrating, I would not recommend this train, ordered an O scale Lionell train set instead , much better for young kids.

Looks great out of the package but started falling apart, squeaking and jumping the track after a few days of use.

LIKE

Lasted two years and only used it for Christmas. Never stays on the tracks and metal push pull rods on the engine came lose.

Excelente compra. Este tren cuenta con sonido, se puede controlar mediante el teléfono móvil, las vías son muy fáciles de colocar aunque una de ellas salió defectuosa causando descarrilamiento. Aun así el tren tiene un excelente precio y una extraordinaria calidad.