Thanks, All great Input. For the record, I am not trying to put the blame on Bachmann, but Hamish does have a point. I just went out and spent over $300.00 on the set, additional track, and the pier set (only $20.00). Not a whole bunch of money per say. But I certainly was disappointed when I set up 48 pcs of track, assembled and installed the pier set, called my 2-1/2 year old son (Also a train lover). Only to watch the poor thing choke just as it starts up the grade. My son said, "daddy you broke it" 
. This is my first purchase of Bachmann, and I like the train set. It goes great with my Dept 56 Village. I do own several Lionel, MTH, K-Line, and Artisto Craft trains. Mostly O gauge, and the Aristo is new on a small setup in my yard. The Bachmann runs very smoothly and is perfectly fit in my village, but after spending an hour or so on the setup, how do you explain to a 2-1/2 year old, that daddy didnt break it, so kudo's to Hamish, and shame on Bachmann.
. This is my first purchase of Bachmann, and I like the train set. It goes great with my Dept 56 Village. I do own several Lionel, MTH, K-Line, and Artisto Craft trains. Mostly O gauge, and the Aristo is new on a small setup in my yard. The Bachmann runs very smoothly and is perfectly fit in my village, but after spending an hour or so on the setup, how do you explain to a 2-1/2 year old, that daddy didnt break it, so kudo's to Hamish, and shame on Bachmann.