A solid start to model trains.
935800
I love the lights, horn, and sound.  This train is one of the more durable sets available from Lionel.  The starter loop is a tad small.  I would purchase about 10 more feet of track to prevent dizziness while watching it spin around in a small loop.

For smaller kids, I would recommend the G-scale Polar Express by Lionel for about $60.  The Polar express has some problems such as coming with dead batteries and needing to permanently attach the locomotive to the tender.  But, the Polar Express is much cheaper and easier to operate.
3909895
I really like this DVD. While it doesn't have as much train footage as some enthusiasts like, it does give the same feeling you get while traveling on an Amtrak train.
I've done the western coast as well as the  eastern corridor and this DVD accurately represents what happens - you stop  off to see the various cities, towns and sights, then sit on the train for  a while and wait for the next stop.
My favourite part of the disc is  that it indexes the scenes by city so that you can go back and watch  something you're interested in. I've learned some things about Pennsylvania  that I didn't know before.
The narration is clear and the photography  above average which make this production interesting. I also like that he  gives the names of the various people that work on the trains because this  is part of what makes travel via train enjoyable.
In short, if you like  travel, trains and photography, get this DVD! It's a steal.
84182
I purchased this model for my O Scale model railroad layout. The model is detailed and well made. I am very pleased with my purchase.
3681826
I am not an advanced modeler but was able to do this model with a fair amount of ease. The plastic is already colored and the model would look good as is; however, with a little bit of "weathering" this model would be even better. Although a fairly durable model, one must be VERY careful in removing the parts from their molds, as there are mainly tiny detailed pieces that could easily break. Overall, I would recommend this model kit.
1695530
The Thomas Wooden Railway is a really nice starter set to get your children interested in trains.  Almost all of the components are made of wood and only the specific pieces that would be extremely difficult to make from wood are made of other materials.  The track can be assembled in the format in the picture or it can be put together with other add-on sets to make a different configuration.  There are other brands of tracks which work with this system.  We plan to purchase some additional sets in the future to build a fun train system to play with our grandchildren.  My husband has dibs on our game room for Hot Wheels and will have to share it with the Fisher-Price trains sets.  He's busy trying to figure out how to make them work together (that should keep him busy for a while.)

I think it is a quality toy and would make a great gift gift for any child who is interested in trains and Thomas.
4386450
I have to say that the Stirling single-wheel-driver locomotive is one of my favourites, but that has not led me to over-praise this book. This short book is an interesting read. It is heavily illustrated with many period photographs. Although printed in black & white, green ink is used for borders and occasional shading, plus some drawings. The only drawback for me was a number of `modern' photos of close-ups of the preserved 8-foot-sibgle wheeler, locomotive No. 1. These seem to be more arty than useful - a full page photo of the `No. 1' from the cabside, printed in green, for example, and full page photos of the chimney,  a lamp, and the boss of the driving wheel. However, that aside, there are enough photos of the original locomotives to make up for the fault.

The text by L.T.C. Rolt is as always informative and readable. "A legendary fame that time cannot tarnish" is from his introductory paragraphs. Although a short book, the author is able to describe the career of Patrick Stirling and describes the development of his various classes of locomotives in sufficient detail, as well as explaining his dedication to the single-wheeler; he didn't think very highly of coupled driving-wheels, and absolutely despised the `Atlantic' class of locomotives, though they were destined to replace his single-wheelers as train weights increased.

If you can find a cheap copy or borrow it from a library, it is worth the read.
4758259
I am a beginner and this is well worth the money. I wanted this for weathering G scale trains, and structrues and this is a great starting point. Yes this is for the beginner but that is what they want to do is to help the beginner. I would give this 5 STARS for sure.
4315507
The aim of this book is to show the average modeler how to build a high class model from a commercial kit.
It is well written in clear and concise language, and is to be highly recommended if you intend making any  of the kits detailed below. Alternatively, if you are looking for a kit to  make, and want to browse and get an idea or feel for the model, then again  consider getting a copy.
The author starts the book off with three short  chapters. The first is a sensible discussion on the basic tools required,  the second provides advice on choosing a kit, while the third gives some  hints on making a start. A final chapter is also included that provides a  summary of useful techniques - many of which will prove invaluable,  especially to the beginner.
The main body of the book consists of  Chapters each dealing with a specific kit. They are well illustrated with  numerous photos and line drawings, and cover the various stages of  construction in full detail.  Additionally, numerous hints and tips are  provided, as well as advice in relation to the trickier operations.
All  of this is practical in nature, as the author has built each kit - the  photos illustrate the processes involved, as well specific details of the  vessels. The author also provides numerous suggestions, as well as  mentioning any specific pitfalls that builders may face.
Finally, because  of the nature of the book, readers may want to know what manufacturer's  kits are covered in the book. So, the ships covered are the Euro Model  First Rate Royal William; Billing's Thames Barge Will Everard and their  Faeroes Yawl FD10; Corel's Frigate Berlin;  Panart's  Square Sterned  Whaleboat; Amati's New Bedford Whaleboat; and lastly all by Artesania  Latina - the American Raider Hannah, the French Goelette La Toulonnaise,  the Man-of-War San Juan Nepomuceno, the U.S.S. Constitution, and the  Whaling Ship Charles W Morgan.
1629048
I bought this for my father in-law who was wanting to start building and collecting train sets as a hobby.  Its a great set to start with.  It comes with a book with great ideas and suggestions on how to start your hobby and what you could build to in the future.  Its easy to understand and build as well.  Within an hour he had it out of the box, built and start using it.  I suggest if you get this set to also get the Life-Like Trains Power-Loc Track Expander Set - Double Oval as well.  It helps to expand the set and increase the fun and collection and overall experience.
2989808
nice addition to my g scale model train layout.  paired these two up with two others from Preiser.  I wish the four were offered together at a better price.
1012835
Nice model that slips some details, like the mess, the heads, the ballast, the outer vs inner hull. But for  small model, a nice project.
537477
There is sufficient power here to run model trains. This transformer is solidly built. My only problem is that the red reverse button tends to stick and must be encouraged to reset to its original position.
2491140
The tanks and halftracks are nicely detailed with no additional painting. They were fun to assemble, though in one spot we had to shave off some errant plastic with an exacto knife to get a clean fit between two parts. Though slightly undersized at 1:32 for my ~ 1:24 garden railroad, they still look great on a couple of repainted Bachmann flat cars from 10' away.  :-)
2738616
I ordered this kit from Amazon. The model is easy to assemble and the part fit is excellent. The step-by-step instruction booklet is printed large enough to see and understand which is not always the case with other model ship manufacturers. I painted each subassembly before gluing and the results were very good. The finished model is a good addition to my collection. Ideally, I would have liked to see the model with full hull, but this waterline version is ready for a diorama. In conclusion, the kit is priced right and easy to build.
3679083
Good solid pieces that gives more options on how or what you can do with your wooden train track sets.
4130350
A fairly well detailed kit, so don't be thrown by the "easy assembly" label.  Not up to Tamiya or new Airfix standard, but a good beginner's kit.  Cockpit detail offers a decent seat and control stick, but no instrument panel.  This can be painted in, sufficient for a closed canopy display.  Two canopies are offered, one-piece closed and multi-piece for open style.  This kit is made for gear-down only, with no strut doors.  But a bit of putty work gave me a good gear up look.  Filling is also needed where the wing attaches to the fuselage.  But it's okay enough to omit this for a beginning young modeler.  No belly tank or bomb is supplied.  I may add a tank from another kit's spares.
Two decal and paint schemes, one is the typical Nationalist Chinese Flying Tigers, second is British desert scheme for mediteranean and North Africa.  I did the Flying Tigers scheme.
Biggest problem is, this plastic seems to not like acrylic paint, beading up.  Enamels work, but may need a second coat over thin areas.
Overall, a good inexpensive kit, excellent for younger modelers, and those wanting to hone extra-detailing skills.
1703994
Although the pop-ups in this book (mostly slide outs) are not terribly exciting, anyone who loves trains will enjoy this book.  It has lots of information about different types of trains and I although I'm a "Thomas the Tank Engine" grandma, I enjoyed looking through this book.  My family (male side) has a passion for trains, so I appreciate this book and the dedication that went into creating it.