Radio Control North Pole Express Holiday Train Set Review

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(More customer reviews)I have to 100% disagree with this first reviewer, sorry. Although I didn't buy this on Amazon, my mother in law gave it to my son for an early Christmas present and it has been nothing short of magical. My son, of course, loves trains. I'm sure he's not alone! This set is the perfect, and I mean PERFECT, "level" of train set for a 5 year old. Yes, the tracks are plastic but they are sturdy enough not to warp and they snap together with a definitive sound. If the train does not roll smoothly over the connection, you know for sure that it is not connected all the way. It takes a little bit of time to get them all correct, but it is WELL worth it to see the eyes of your child(ren) light up as they are in control of the train! Very easy 4 button control comes with the set as well. Forward, backward, stop and the music (which, truth be told IS a little loud but the train sound effects are really good). And the control has great range. When we took a break from the train, my son really enjoyed turning it on for a little run from the other room where he could still see the track. The directions show 4 configurations from a simple circle to a larger oval that uses all the track pieces. This is the one we used to go around our tree. The cars do need to be correctly on the track which may cause some initial frustration, but I used it as a learning point and talked with my boy about the fact that real trains requiring maintenance; to get down to eye level and make sure the wheels were right on the track. Once this was done, you then can feel the car glide smoothly. Connect the next one, make sure it's smooth and then you can give it a gentle push and it will attach itself to the car in front of it just as real train cars do. If any of the cars rumble it's because they are not 100% on the track. This is what keeps the child interested, that they are vested in keeping the train running smoothly. The sense of pride and accomplishment was something I did not anticipate and is what has me actually give a toy that was not meant to be educational 4 of 5 stars for educational value. We've improved upon the "coolness" of the set by putting various additions over the tracks as well such as building a tall tunnel out of those giant lego blocks. Even putting a simple piano bench over the track - anything that the train can go under. In fact, I am going to be looking to add track to this set up. If not this year, then certainly for next. I'm not sure how long this track will hold my 5 year old's attention, but if I had to guess, I'd say at least through next Christmas. Maybe beyond.
12/20/2010 Adjunct: Thinking further about this set, I stand by what I previously wrote 100% as far as interest, neatness and fun for a 5 year old (and his dad) However, $129 IS a bit much perhaps for the set. As the review said, my mother-in-law bought it so that piece of the review puzzle is not really a part here. And I'm sure she got it "on sale" 'cause that's what she does! If I were to put a good price on it, knowing what I know now, I would have liked to see it priced between $80 and $90. That being said, if the price doesn't bother you too much, rest assured that the 5 year old you buy this for will absolutely LOVE it.

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