The Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer is a favorite to a lot of train lovers. Even though it is not as well known as the Polar Express or some other models, it is still noteworthy if you are considering getting a new model train set.
Like most other good train sets, this one comes with a working Transformer. This has three different settings for movement- forward, neutral, or reverse. As you probably already know, the forward operation is typically the best if you are running the train on a track. The reverse operation works okay, but generally forward works better. Meanwhile neutral is good for those times that you don't want it going anywhere or simple want to roll it around manually.
To make this train set more realistic than just a standing display, there are several features Lionel built into it. Probably the most loved feature is the air whistle in the tender. Most train lovers get excited any time they hear a good air whistle, and you might be surprised at how realistic this one sounds.
Another feature that makes the locomotive more realistic is the operating headlight. This is great for when you are running the train at night throughout the house. If you have never tried just sitting back with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and enjoying watching your train run around the tracks at night, you're definitely missing out!
The locomotive also has a puffing smoke unit. This does not output enough smoke to set off the smoke alarm, but it is enough smoke to get a kick out of the train. That said, I highly recommend keeping the smoke fluid away from the train when your little one is playing with it! That may seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised at what people do sometimes.
There are operating couplers on the rolling stock and on the rear of the tender. This allows you to very easily detach or attach the train to make it one complete unit. One of the best uses for this is if you have several little ones playing, you can simple detach the train and give different pieces to each child.
Finally there is a searchlight that you can adjust to observe different directions. It illuminates much to the enjoyment of little ones that you might have around!
As far as customer reviews go, this train set has a 5/5 star average rating from 13 reviews. One of those reviews is a 3/5 star rating, but all of the rest are 5/5.
The only negative review said that what was shipped was not correct, as it had several wrong pieces and the tank car was broken. However, most other reviews love the set and said that it's a great starter set for little ones.
Overall this is a good set if you are purchasing one for a child. It's pretty easy to set up and is not an extremely expensive train set. If you decide that the Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer set is a good one for you, consider getting it from Amazon.com to save about $15 from the original list price.
