Introduction
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale. This complete holiday passenger train set comes powered by a 0-6-0 steam era locomotive with a tender and includes a holiday decorated old-time combine car, and two old-time coach cars. It also includes a 34″ x 24″ oval of nickel silver E-Z track, power pack, and speed controller. Recommended for ages 14 and up, it’s a great first-time set for those new to model trains.
Reviews
Reading through some of the reviews, we found that many people enjoyed this train set for its size and price. Its small size makes it perfect to run underneath a miniature Christmas tree. However, the car couplings seem to be a consistent issue that many users have encountered. The train cars are difficult to keep connected while running, and the couplers are a bit tricky to connect as many models have smaller couplers. Some received a bag of couplers to change out, yet it still proves frustrating for some to make them connect properly. Others have mentioned that they will probably change the couplers on the cars to make it work better.
One user also pointed out that the rolling stock is smaller than the typical N scale, but it still runs on N scale track. This is something to keep in mind when purchasing additional cars. The engine itself seems to be solid, but some users have reported it being temperamental in how it runs, with inconsistent speeds. However, others have reported that as they followed the engine’s break-in recommendation, there have been no issues.
Another point to consider is the small size of the engine and its required care and maintenance. The engine and gears need oiling, and the track needs cleaning and oiling to keep it working properly, making it more sensitive to dirt, debris, or neglect. If you’re not prepared to care for it properly, it may not work flawlessly year after year.
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Overview of Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale
Product Description
If you’re looking for a complete and ready-to-run train set to celebrate the holidays, then the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set in N Scale is a great choice. This set includes a 0-6-0 steam era locomotive with a tender as well as a holiday-themed combine car and two coach cars. The 34″ x 24″ oval track is made of nickel-silver with E-Z track and includes a power pack and speed controller. It’s easy to set up and use, making it great for first-time train collectors.
Packaging
According to reviews, the package is secure and well-packed to prevent any damages. Everything included in the package comes well-organized, so you don’t have to worry about parts getting mixed up or lost.
Price
The Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale is reasonably priced and offers great value for your money. Compared to other train sets on the market, this set is more affordable and comes with high-quality features such as the locomotive and passenger cars.
the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale is a great addition to any holiday celebration. While it may have its challenges, such as keeping the cars coupled and ensuring proper electrical connections, it’s a great first-time set with a fantastic price point.
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Assembly and Setup
One of the most exciting things about buying the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale is setting it up and watching it come to life. However, proper assembly and setup are key to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
E-Z track setup tips
The E-Z track system included in the set provides a stable platform for the tracks, but some skill is necessary to put it together. It’s essential to ensure that the surface where the tracks meet is even, or the train could derail. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that each section of track is correctly connected – one reviewer mentioned that they had experienced uncoupling and derailing problems because they hadn’t set the track correctly into the little crimp connector.
Coupler challenges
The couplers on the cars are very delicate and require finesse when connecting them to each other vertically – a horizontal snap connection is iffy. Some users have expressed frustration with the couplers, so it’s essential to handle them with care.
Once the train is set up and running smoothly, it provides an enjoyable and festive experience for individuals of all ages. It’s worth noting that some users have reported issues with the train’s power and suggest cleaning the track and adding weight to the tender if it’s not working correctly.
the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale is a great starter train set with intricate and beautiful detailing. While some assembly and setup skill may be necessary, the experience of watching the train run smoothly is well worth it.
Performance and Design
Smooth running for extended periods
One of the most positive aspects of the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set is its smooth running for extended periods of time. Users have reported running the train for days without issue, with one user building a three-scale train layout for Christmas that would run for weeks. The train has proven to be reliable enough for long-term use and enjoyment.
Small footprint and prototypical speed
The Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set is designed with a small footprint, making it a great option for those who want a train set but don’t have a lot of space. The train set also runs at a prototypical speed, providing a realistic experience for train enthusiasts.
Coupler and power issues
While the train set has many positive features, there are also some issues to consider. Many users have reported problems with the couplers, with some having to manually connect the cars rather than relying on the engine to do so. Additionally, some users have reported issues with power and the engine not starting up consistently. These issues may require troubleshooting and maintenance to keep the train running smoothly.
Despite some issues, overall, the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set in N scale is a great value for the price. It’s a perfect size for Christmas tree decoration or building a mini train table. While it requires care and maintenance, it delivers a realistic and enjoyable train experience.
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Pros and Cons
Pros
At first glance, the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale is a great value for the cost of the set. The set includes a 0-6-0 steam locomotive, a tender, an old-time combine car, and two old-time coach cars, which make for a perfect holiday display. It also includes an oval of nickel silver E-Z track, power pack, and speed controller, making this an all-in-one package.
The small size of the train set is great for fitting under a Christmas tree, and it will add to the holiday theme. Additionally, the train set’s steam locomotive is well detailed and decorated to complement the Christmas spirit. The train’s track is easy to assemble and disassemble, which is great for storage.
Cons
The train cars’ biggest issue is that they are difficult to keep connected while running or when connecting them. This means that passengers need to connect them manually, which is frustrating for some. Other minor issues with the train set are that the wheels may come off, and certain parts may come loose during shipping.
Additionally, the engine requires some care and maintenance due to its smaller size. Maintenance includes oiling the engine and gears, cleaning and oiling the track. Troubleshooting issues, such as inconsistent speed and a temperamental engine, may require wheel reseating before running correctly.
There are some build issues as well; for example, the caboose included in the set is of poorer quality compared to other cars in the set. The couplers on the cars also don’t stay together, which leads to frustration while operating the train. Overall, don’t expect the set to work faultlessly without proper seasonal maintenance.
Verdict
Although the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale has its fair share of problems, it’s still a great option for beginners in the world of electric model trains. The train set is easy to assemble and disassemble, which is great for storage and use. The set’s small size makes it great for fitting under a Christmas tree and adds to the holiday theme. If handled with care during seasonal use, it will surely be featured in your Christmas scenery for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the train set require any additional parts to run?
No, the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale is a complete ready to run train set. It includes a power pack and speed controller, nickel silver roadbed track, an 0-6-0 steam locomotive and tender, and holiday decorated old-time combine car and two old-time coach cars.
What is the recommended age range for using this train set?
The Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale is recommended for ages 14 and up.
Can this train set be used with other N Scale track systems?
Yes, the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale can be used with other N Scale track systems. However, it is recommended to use the nickel silver roadbed track that comes with the train set for best results.
the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale is an excellent train set for those who are looking to start their collection or want to add a festive touch to their holiday displays. Though there were some issues with the couplers, these can be easily fixed with the extra couplers included in the set. With proper care and maintenance, this train set can run smoothly for many hours of enjoyment.
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Conclusion
Overall, the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale is a great first-time set for Christmas. However, it’s not without its flaws. The car couplings can be a bit tricky and frustrating to change, and some customers have reported difficulties in keeping the train cars connected while running. Additionally, some customers have experienced wheel or track connector issues.
That being said, the set is powered by a 0-6-0 steam era locomotive with tender and includes a holiday decorated old-time combine car and two old-time coach cars. The set also comes with a 34″ x 24″ oval of nickel silver E-Z track, power pack, and speed controller. It’s recommended for ages 14 and up and is in N scale.
Despite the potential flaws, the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale is a fun train when it works. As some customers have noted, it’s great for running under miniature Christmas trees. If you do encounter issues with the set, make sure to contact Bachmann for possible replacement parts. Keep in mind that the car connectors are delicate and work best when fed vertically.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a holiday train set, the Bachmann Trains – Spirit Of Christmas Ready To Run Electric Train Set – N Scale is a strong contender. Just be aware of the potential issues and handle the delicate parts with care.