LEGO City Vintage Steam Train Set - Building Toy for Boys & Girls, Ages 7+ - Toy Train for Kids - Gift Idea for Birthdays - 60511

Love the rich colors. Added the power up and it works beautifully; will be perfect for our new tradition - annual set up during the holidays, to go around our tree and living room!

A modest-sized train set, full of useful pieces. Easy to modify and add the motor and hub. Second only to the previous Emerald Night train set, which was another one that was useful to buy in multiple for the pieces and modification possibilities. 60511 fits well on the smallest layout as an introductory train. It has the complete package with loco, tender, carriage and platform. The platform is easily extendable with multiple sets. In adding the motor and hub (sold separately, best from another train set), I only wish the Powered-Up hub could have a LEGO LiPo battery like 8878 as it takes too many rechargeable AAA cells and chargers to keep a PU train going all day. I don't like depending on 3rd-party electric products to make my LEGO train do what I need. So a PU version of 8878 as a swappable insert for the battery carrier would be welcome. The cab has room for the older PF IR Receiver for those who stick with the more versatile PF system. I'm glad the train motor is a good motor. The main problem with the set is the high price but I waited, found a good deal and bought several sets; I even went round the shop twice! I'll build the coaches from each set as they make a good rake. A second 0-6-0T loco is useful because sometimes they might be double-headed for a long goods train or steam gala. A smaller problem is no coupling on the front of the loco. This may save £3 on the set price but is a snag for double-heading. The other loco and tender pieces can make larger MOC locos. Another small issue is the need for at least one axle on the loco to set the wheels at quadrature, with the right side a quarter turn further advanced than the left side. The set already includes two 6-axles in the tender. The Tender axles tend to bind a bit on the motor trim frames so it's not always free-rolling if you place it in the box and tilt the box. The box makes a good tray, useful for building, sorting and storage; great that so many set boxes think of re-use before recycling. As a set designed for multiple purchase I look at how swappable to minifig parts are - how easy is it to make another 5 realistic characters from the pieces. The receding-hair needs an older face. I'm glad the child legs are adjustable now. For a "Vintage" train, the coffee mug is right up to date! So the Vintage Steam Train is highly recommended if you can get a good deal; happy modifying! The next challenge is to see how well the parts fit for upscaling to 1:38, starting with an 8-wide base.