Customer Reviews

HO True-Track Starter Set (18)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Although I sympathize with the previous reviewer's problems, I think this product is certainly worth more than one star. I have found it easier to work with and quieter in operation than its Bachmann counterpart. It's true that this is really not a toy train product, but is more for model enthusiasts who want to create a layout which will be at least semi-permanent. I have mine set up on a flat, solid surface and I have run my trains on it for many hours at a time without any problems. I didn't find it hard to assemble (although like any similar model it is rather a painstaking process to make sure it is all properly joined together, not recommended for young children) and I've had no difficulties with breaking or twisted pieces.

All-in-all, not a bad product if it is used in the right situation.

I supposed the idea of this "roadbed" type of track is that you (or even your child) can set it up on the floor without securing everything to a table. It didn't work out that way for me!

The track itself is not secured to the roadbed, and it tends to pop out, especially where the floor is not perfectly level. The roadbed pieces themselves did not always mate true--there was a slight twist that caused the train to jump the track. And I found it difficult to join the pieces on a flat floor without bending and twisting--and even more difficult to separate them.

The track itself is "code 83" designed for "scale" railroads and is a bit flimsy for frequent assembly/disassembly. In the process of trying to take sections apart I managed to break the rail out of some of the miniscule plastic "spikes" that secure the rail to the ties--requiring purchase of replacement track. One of the rails on the short curve at the end of the turnout broke completely off!

The hookup wires that come with the set are soldered across rail joiners and must be bent down and still don't line up with the grooves provided to thread them through--and the cut-out wire holes in the roadbed didn't snap out clean, leaving unsightly tears. And if you put the roadbed directly on the floor, there's no way to run wires under the track without pinching them.

Overall, I was disappointed. It does look great--which may important if you're building a permanent layout (but then why not do your own roadbed?), but I wouldn't recommend it for children or a temporary setup.