Can you mix with HO products from other manufacturers (Bachmann)? I'm guessing you cannot mix the tracks but what about the freight cars, etc.?
1334300
Yes, you can mix freight cars from any brands as long as they are HO scale. No tracks are not interchangeable. You will need to know what type of lock (snap) system they have. Have fun shopping. Dan
1334301
They sell a track adapter here on amazon.com: "Life-Like Trains Power-Link HO Scale Track - Adapter, Steel." So you can connect your Bachmann EZ tracks to this set.
1334302
Yes, you can mix different freight cars. I have some older Tyco cars that work perfectly. Even different locomotives can be used; I have since moved up in my model railroading tastes and now use higher-quality locomotives from Walthers TrainLine and Proto 1000 (along with a Mantua loco.) They run smoother than the included locomotive, and is worth considering when you are upgrading/expanding this set.A worth of note: this set uses the old-style "horn-hook" couplers. Life-Like is the only company that makes train sets with those couplers; all the others upgraded to knuckle couplers. You may want to eventually replace the "horn-hook" couplers with newer knuckle ones: Kadee makes some great couplers. Yes, you can mix different freight cars. I have some older Tyco cars that work perfectly. Even different locomotives can be used; I have since moved up in my model railroading tastes and now use higher-quality locomotives from Walthers TrainLine and Proto 1000 (along with a Mantua loco.) They run smoother than the included locomotive, and is worth considering when you are upgrading/expanding this set.A worth of note: this set uses the old-style "horn-hook" couplers. Life-Like is the only company that makes train sets with those couplers; all the others upgraded to knuckle... » Read More Yes, you can mix different freight cars. I have some older Tyco cars that work perfectly. Even different locomotives can be used; I have since moved up in my model railroading tastes and now use higher-quality locomotives from Walthers TrainLine and Proto 1000 (along with a Mantua loco.) They run smoother than the included locomotive, and is worth considering when you are upgrading/expanding this set.A worth of note: this set uses the old-style "horn-hook" couplers. Life-Like is the only company that makes train sets with those couplers; all the others upgraded to knuckle couplers. You may want to eventually replace the "horn-hook" couplers with newer knuckle ones: Kadee makes some great couplers. « Show Less
1334303
I wouldn't buy this..ordered it last year for christmas as we were assembling it on Christmas Day we soon realized that lots of pieces were missing. We contacted seller and nothing was done about it...imagine the disappointment on my sons face....
1885951
There are three types of tracks available in the Thomas range. We have specifically bought the Take n Play range so I do not know if they are interchangeable. Sorry.
1032540
I asked my son if he thought that another track set could be connected and he told me that it was posible (not so sure, though). I cannot give you a direct assessment of this possibility as I live in Costa Rica and the track was sent to my grandson in New York!
1327942
The problem might be that the track is oxidized and the engine has oxidation on the electrical contacts. I used an electrical contact treatment on an HO scale engine with great results. Try something like lifelike brand track cleaner or Caig labs Deoxit or Progold The engine also needs lubricating with a light weight oil like 3 in one.
1686876
Yes, you can use these wheel sets for your HO train set. These are good option for upgrade on your freight cars.
424954
For HO trains, Nickel Silver track (don't buy the cheap stuff), Nickel Silver Power Terminals about every 10" and Power Extension Wire.By using those items, my train has now run flawlessly for over four years. I love it. If you go cheap, you will not enjoy. I used Bachman, but there are others out there.
1635632
I use two rail track - all American Flyer - so I don't know for sure. I would contact the company.
1275554
Yes to HO, no to O. The unit will run 2-3 HO trains simultaneously but doesn't put out enough power to run O scale locoss. For that, you need to add a power booster Bachmann sells that combines with this unit to run larger scales.
1547997
Look at the on-line photos at first. Set the track out in some kind of configuration (we like the figure eight); then snap it together. You'll get it! We just got a second set and still haven't figured put how we are going to combine the two. Use your imagination and have fun!
1412914
I can't say for sure. If you already have a wooden track set you should probably stick with wooden trains.
1275553
I an running ON30 scale, that is O scale train on HO rail. The E-Z command is sufficient to run four locomotives. So, there is no problem running HO trains. I imagine you may need a larger transformer to run O scale if you have a number of trains.
383102
The two tracks look very, very similar, but I would not guarantee that they are compatible. Companies often create different types of connectors for their products to make them unique.
1851197
I could not. I had a older unit and the track was different. The old one was a T like track. This one is a flat like track and could not use the older track.
1298259
I would be consistent with with tracks if you can. Joints may not present good connections to your trains and some locomotives will stall out.
288369
yes, they do. The newer tracks come with a supplementary piece that allows you to connect them with the old ones. Teh trains work just fine on both.
1807605
This is HO gauge. This type of track I believe is not compatible with 30 plus year old HO track.
656414
Hello Kristie, Yes. You can get more track for these sets. There are several different kinds so you will need to be specific as to what kind you have/want. Thank you for your interest. Have a Merry Christmas! Model Empire Inc.