"DO NOT use Duracell, for some reason they just don't work. It's an odd thing to have to say, but, I got this item brand new off the website, plugged in brand new batteries, Duracell, and, Nothing, Nada, Zip, Zilch. Hit the controls and the green light didn't so much as flicker. (Batteries were brand new)
Went to the store, grabbed some Rayovac Batteries, plugged them in, and works great!
No clue why... It's just a thing... get other batteries and you'll be fine!"
"I've been collecting them since I was 16, I had one of the original freight trains with the 9v tracks. I REALLY miss the 9v tracks and really think the power functions are a poor substitute.
The build was very quick, it came together in a couple of hours. And then, I had to substitute one of my old school 9v motors into the build. The engine car is well designed to conceal the battery box, and the design relies on the battery box to be in the car, so, I just left it in place, and pulled the power functions motor off and placed the 9v motor on.
Check out the quick video I did of this train in action on the original 9v powered rails!"