CSX C44-9w Toy Train -Battery Powered Review

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(More customer reviews)After years of searching for a C44-9W CSX style I came across this N scale train set. The engine is die-cast with plastic trim and boogies. The first boogie is fully suspended, the rear boogie is a bit more restricted as it is motorized. The tankers are die-cast with plastic trim, trucks, and wheels. Both the tankers and engine are nicely detailed for the size/price.
On the box it states Charge 1 minute, play 3 minutes. I done a test using the stopwatch on my cell phone. I charged it for exactly 1 mintue 6 seconds before the light turned off. I flipped the switch which acts as a brake too. The switch is operated by a small flipper that raises the track up that stops and charges the train; as well as lowering the track to let the train pass freely. After disengaging the charging port the train ran for roughly 10 mintues 24 seconds and then suffered a dramatic loss of power. It didn't completely die... So by the test, you can see it performed better than advertised.
The train has two metal circles on the bottom of the engine. These circles can be pressed up to stop the train. The train doesn't have an off/on switch and instead has a plug that pushes the circles up and locks them; to conserve battery. The charger once raised (this special port is metal track) and the track touches the circles stopping and charging the locomotive.
The train is N scale and is compatible on N scale tracks. The couplers are awkward and are a snap and lock method. No fancy knuckler couplers. So any extra cars you want to use need some slight modification. The whole train when running (locomotive, two tankers) runs at a decent speed and lasts up to 10 mintues stated above. The engine itself could run longer with no strain, although I have yet to test it.
The track piece number is great. New Ray was very generous with their track. It comes with a 4-way intersection piece, two switches, and plenty of curved and straight track pieces to create 4 different layouts (actually around 8 different layouts). Including ovals with a rail yard, and a figure 8, and a plain circle and more.
The box itself is also unique. It is nicely decorated, and can open up to reveal some nice CSX engines the SD40, C30-7, and the C44-9W. The whole box is done in the CSX color scheme.
The charger is sensitive and requires the engine to be placed delicately on the port. Once on the engine will charge and take off. It will set itself back on correctly. Just the first intial start is sensitive. The charger takes 4 AA batteries. The set is diecast and seems durable. The track is double layered and has a nice sturdy feel to it.
Overall it is a nice set, not only is it in the CSX scheme, It is also in the Sante Fe, Union Pacific, and Amtrak schemes as well. I myself, recommend this set and think it was a bargain for only 25 dollars.

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