Introduced in 2001 (I think), the set comprises an American style cabin into which is plugged the transformer and also provides screw outputs for track power. Inside this is the speaker for train sounds.
The handset has 4 buttons, faster, slower, stop and sound. It's a plastic box containing a 9V PP3 battery.
I picked my set up for £12 second hand - they still command reasonable money but I'm far too stingy for this, even if I do have a real use in mind.
For this sort of cash, there were a few issues. The battery connector in the handset failed almost immediately, but a replacement was easy to fit even with soldering required.
Inside the hut, the aerial screws needed to be tightened up.
Wired up to a H&M rolling road, I tried it out with a Bachmann Junior loco that we must never say looks a lot like Thomas.
The results were disappointing. The range for the 26mHz system seems to be measured in inches - about 3, possibly 6 with a fresh PP3.
The loco runs in one direction only and takes an age to wind up speed.
The sound is quite fun though. I don't think the DCC guys are going to be worried about this! Looking on-line, there are 2 versions of this set. The one I have was sold as a separate unit for finescale modellers, there is also a Thomas version that plays the TV theme tune.
I'll admit that some of the issues might be related to this being a second-hand unit and not working properly - surely the range should be better and we ought to get reverse?
Never mind, it's a bit of fun - and that's what this sort of thing is all about.
