Bachmann Trains - Thunder Chief DCC Sound Value Ready To Run Electric Train Set - HO Scale

Great way to get into DCC trains! The sounds (bell, long horn blast, short horn blast, diesel motor) are very realistic, the engine starts out very slowly as in real life. I bought another DCC loco separately, and can run two at the same time on the same track, with completely separate control of each with the same controller. Note that in the manual it says you may operate one older style DC loco on your track powered with the controller that comes with the set, but I found this not to be so--my old locos got very bright and made a humming noise, so I quickly removed them. I phoned Bachmann and they confirmed that it's best not to try to run your old stock with this set (if you want to run your old trains on this track, you can always buy a DC controller, unplug the DCC controller and plug the DC controller into your rerailer instead--in fact, if you buy switches, as I did separately, an old style DC controller is very handy to be able to control the switches electrically). Apparently you can mix the DC and DCC on the same track sometimes, but not with my old stock--only one type at a time. By the way, the track that comes with this set is nickel-silver, which stays cleaner than steel and therefore should be less troublesome. This track works very nicely on a carpeted floor.

This is the best starter set. The engine has dual flywheels and worm gears. Very strong motor. Excellent sound and the finest detail I've seen yet.

Me encantó el sonido realista.

This the neatest F7a plus three car train set ever. I say this because basic American Train Sets since the 1950s/60s have always featured this formation. Bachmann's Thunder Chief has an F7 that has close coupling at the rear - something never found in F7 train sets for so many years; sound function and a crisp, beautiful rendition of the Santa Fe Cigar Band Livery. Yes, it's true, the cars have plastic wheels, and it only has an oval of track - but it is, without doubt THE COOLEST F7 TRAIN SET AVAILABLE EVER! The quality and appearance of the F7 Diesel included here is immensly superior than the more recent Blue Lightining EZ App Set. A more technically advanced digital offering with FT loco ( a horrible 1970's shell and a rear coupler that sticks out a mile ), The Blue Lightening set is an example of Bachmann slipping up in the 'aesthetics' quality control department Get the Thunder Chief with this beautiful F7a while you can!

Hi I finally got my train and it's awesome 👌 well worth the wait runs great everything works as it should I am very pleased with it.