Thomas & Friends TrackMaster, 3 Speed RC Spencer Engine

I bought this train for my son since it runs on the trackmaster track sets. The train set makes chugging noises and even talks. The faster the train is set to the faster the chugging noises are produced. The sound comes from the hand held controller and not the train itself like other trackmaster talking trains. When placed on the track and turned on to its highest speed setting, the train really takes off. The train can also go in reverse which is a big plus when using on the bare ground. My son no longer has to move the train when it is up against something. He simply pulls the handle on his remote all the way back and Spencer begins to move in reverse. Since it has a caboose and the engine is actually in Spencer, it will turn in an angle.Spencer uses 3 AA batteries, one in Spencer and two in the caboose and the remote uses 3 AAA batteries. This toy packs power and moves a lot faster than the other trains. The only downside to this toy is that the remote has to be facing Spencer in order for it to work correctly. Also, when the batteries begin to die from the train it doesn't read the infared sensor instructions from the remote. You would have to be in very close proximity (6 feet or less) in order for the train to pickup the instructions from the remote. The batteries from the train will be depleted a lot faster than the batteries for the remote. Even with this slight downside it is still a very "useful engine" as it will last for hours of play. I suggest you purchase rechargeable batteries which will save you loads of money in the long run. I will update my review after the test of time to see if it can handle the abuse my son puts on these trains.

My grandson is a train nut, and loves to play with all his Thomas Trains. I purchased this RC train because he had seen a commercial and he was excited about getting one. Bought one, it lasted about one day and then just died and we tried everything to get it to run - no luck. So I ordered another one thinking that I couldnt disappoint my grandson and the new one lasted a day and a half. Sent that one back too. My son, was with my grandson when he was playing with the train and said that he wasnt rough with the train, it just stopped. Just out of curiosity I looked up Fisher Price and saw that their toys are made in China, what more can I say.

My grandchildren ages 2 and 3 love to play with this train. Usually the first thing they want to do when they come over is play with the trains. We have two train and two connected oval tracks for both our grandchildren can play at the same time and not have to "share" the same one. They can use the controller well and love to see who can get to the crossing first. They may run the train too fast around the corners and derail, but they can easily put it back on track. It was a BIG HIT with them

Stopped working and was so expensive that I decided not to replace it as it was originally a gift for a 5-year-old. It was closely supervised by parents but they said it stopped working and they tried replacing all batteries and looking for loose connections. That being said, Amazon returns worked perfectly and money was returned to our account.

Love this train. It was purchased for my grandson(ha) to go with his other 50 or so. By far the fastest one on the track.Very easy to use the remote with Spencer . The silver color fits him perfectly.