Need Advice on an Electric Train Set for a 4-Year Old

[aflyer]

Rich,

Hi, glad to see I had some support on the Flyer Idea. I think you have a couple years on me, but not many. As near as I can figure out I got my first trains at 4 years old in 1952. Mine also spent the better part of 40 years in the attic and I got re-aquinted with them about 10 years ago.

I am building a new layout now as I grew tired of the 4X8, went to a 5X10, same story got tired of that too.  So new layout is U shaped about 1X16.

Some of my old flyer stuff is from 1949 - 1957 and still runs great, a little lubrication some gresh brushes and they are off & running.

Aflyer

[richhotrain]

Aflyer, you raise an excellent point.

I am an old American Flyer guy myself, having received a steam engine at age 5 in 1948 and a diesel switcher in 1957.

I still have both engines, freight cars, track, transformer, and switches.  With a lot of help from this forum back in 2010, I rehabbed these locos after more than 40 years in storage.

So, I could gift these trains to my grandson.  I did replace the reversing unit on the steam engine with a Dallee electronic reversing unit, although the loco still has the original motor.  I might need to replace the motor because it is not performing all that well.

Something to think about.

Rich

[aflyer]

Rich,

It just wouldn't be right if I didn't jump in hear and suggest some fine S gauge trains for your gift giving.  Forget the new stuff, check out ebay for a nice old train set or buy a locomotive some rolling stock that you like, soem track and a small transformer.

My father gave me some A/F trains when I was 2 years old, and I am still playing with them.  They seem to last forever, don't get me wrong, I do buy some new stuff, I have S Helper Service cars, and some new Flyer by Lionel locomotives and rolling stock.

I am guessing your 4 year old Grandson my like them as much as I did.

Good luck with your decision and Merry Christmas,

Aflyer

[Buckeye Riveter]

laz 57

  Granted there was bugs with Legacy as I and everyone else had to send the first batch of controllers back to Lionel to get fixed.  

laz57

Laz.... You have made my point.  These train companies have in the last five years put locomotives and control systems on the market without enough testing.  From my discussions with engineers that design products such as cars, trucks, mowers, plows, chain saws, etc.  they test these things until something breaks, burns or blows up.  MTH and Lionel need to break, burn and blow more stuff up.  There are several of us here on this forum that could accomplish one of the three given a chance. 

[laz 57]

BUCKEYE,

  I have not run the Lionchief Set but it was running both days at YORK.  I watch kids using this unit as well as older guys.  It seems to run pretty well and I did not see any hickups there.  Granted there was bugs with Legacy as I and everyone else had to send the first batch of controllers back to Lionel to get fixed.  Here is a video from Lionel with the Polar Express and the remote.

http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/ProductInstructionalVideos/video.cfm?documentID=6568

laz57

[lionelsoni]

At the voltages used for (modern) toy  trains, I know of no reason to prefer AC or DC as more or less threatening.

[lion88roar]

Last year for Christmas I purchased this set for my then 16 month old daughter. http://www.lionel.com/Products/Finder/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductNumber=6-30190&expandBranch=0&Keywords=6%2D30190&CategoryID=0&RailLineID=&CatalogId=

She was able to master the remote very quickly, the set does not come with a traditional transformer, but a special lockon track with a port similar to the round power connectors found on small electronic devices and a wall plug power supply. We ran it Christmas morning for about an hour, put it away for when guests came over, then she wanted to show everyone her train so we put it back together for another hour or so, then it got put away again. We have put it together at least once per month since and I can tell you it is running today like it did last Christmas.

I was so impressed with the set that when a co-worker asked what she should get for her 2yo nephew I recommended this very set. She couldn't wait to give it to him so they set his set up a few weeks ago and he loves it! Her family was so impressed with it they are getting him more track, an add-on set, and more for Christmas this year.

The remote in this set is similar to the regular LionChief remote, but smaller for smaller hands.

Oh - and my daughter loves to see 'her Thomas' run on my layout too!

[Buckeye Riveter]

Rich,

If you look though my videos on my website below you will see my Garden RR.  G Scale has some really good products from LGB,  USA Trains, Bachman and others, but Lionel really did not make the grade.  G Scale does use DC current like HO and so it is not as threatening.  My prize LGB Mogul was purchased used and can run in the snow, rain, heat, etc.  It is tough.  It pulls a big circus train. 

[richhotrain]

Buckeye Riveter

Rich, what ever you do test it before you give any kid a train gift.  It is best to test it at the store if possible. 

Buckeye Riveter, I appreciate the advice and I will follow it.  When I posted this thread, I was less concerned about the issue of battery power than I was about the negative reviews of that Lionel G scale loco.  A lot of people were saying that the loco stoppe running after a few hours.  I want to avoid that at all costs.

Rich

[Buckeye Riveter]

Sir James and Laz .....Which one of you have a LionChief set and has run it such that you know it will be working for more than a couple hours?  I agree that the concept of LionChief for a small kid sounds enticing, but the durability and functionality history of toy train technology is not stellar. Remember when Laz and the Chief tested Legacy Control System for CTT.  That's what I'm looking for in terms of use.  And even then Legacy had to be upgraded.  Also remember the "new" CW-80 transformers that came with train sets that didn't work correctly and had to be returned and refurbished.  If you really want to see a downer, just open that new train set and watch it not work in front of a little kid.  Been there and will not do it again!  

Rich, what ever you do test it before you give any kid a train gift.  It is best to test it at the store if possible. 

[richhotrain]

laz 57

I agree with SIR JAMES.  Get him the LIONCHIEF Set and he will have an electric train that has a remote and will be able to master this in about an hour.  He and you will have tons o fun with this.  Good luck and keep those trains a rollin.

laz57

Thanks, guys, I really like that idea too.  Good idea, Sir James, thank you very much.

Rich

[laz 57]

I agree with SIR JAMES.  Get him the LIONCHIEF Set and he will have an electric train that has a remote and will be able to master this in about an hour.  He and you will have tons o fun with this.  Good luck and keep those trains a rollin.

laz57

[sir james I]

If finance's allow, buy him one of the new Lionel sets that has a remote. They are so easy to use even an adult can learn to run the train. Look for a set that says Lionchief.

[stebbycentral]

While I understand your skepticism about battery trains, if you buy a 4 year old a train set with a transformer you are effectively buying yourself the train.  Because for at least  several years he will not/should not be able to play with it without adult supervision.  The risk in that case is that he may loose interest in it because he never gets to play with it when he wants to.

I would focus more on the quality of the set itself, rather than the power source.  The Lego company makes train sets as part of their Duplo brand for younger children.  They are high quality, come with all sorts of  fun accessories, and some are battery powered. 

[Buckeye Riveter]

My grandson has a new Williams engine and two used used Lionels running with plenty of used and a few new cars.  Used cars are terrific for kids.  Buy a good sturdy engine (the posters on this site can tell you their experiences with various engines, but don't get me started on Lionel's ALCO AB set 6-38221 where the gear was broken and the paint was peeling off.  They are still selling these, too!!)  and a caboose then have fun picking out cars of all types.  

[mikeberry]

Hi Rich,

I had a similar lionel G scale Christmas train.  My then 3 year old boy figured it out pretty quickly and enjoyed using the remote and watching the train.  The only thing I would think about is the battery operated part.  If he really likes it you might be going through a lot of batteries.  The one I had was AC powered.  In my opinion the bigger the better when they are young.  It makes it easier to handle.  This is just my experience and .02. 

Mike

[richhotrain]

I have a 4-year old grandson who has decided that he wants this battery operated G-scale Lionel train for Christmas.

http://www.amazon.com/Lionel-Pennsylvania-Flyer-Train-Set/dp/B002GWW2ME

But, the reviews are less than favorable. 

The battery power, as opposed to an AC or DC power pack, is the attraction given his young age, but there is no point in buying junk.

Any suggestions for a reliable electric train set for a young kid such as a 4-year old?

Thanks.

Rich