I've been reading about the Lionel Polar Express. It seems the three main drawbacks are 1) No flywheel, 2) No RailSounds/TrainSounds, 3) CW-80 transformer not very highly regarded.
Regarding 1 and 2, what about replacing the engine and tender with the least expensive Bershire 2-8-4 that has flywheel and TrainSounds? I believe that would be the Virginian at just over $200? Is there THAT much difference in the details between the two besides the words 'Polar Express' instead of 'Virginian' on the side. Could probably E-bay the Polar Express engine and to help finance the Virginian. (To bad you can't just buy the Polar Express Passenger cars?) Couldn't you just repaint the tender to say 'Polar Express' Does anyone think this is a good idea / worth doing?
Regard 3, it seems reviews on the CW-80 are mixed. Seems like it works fine for the casual enthusiast if you don't plan on expanding the set and really getting into it?
Regarding 1 and 2, what about replacing the engine and tender with the least expensive Bershire 2-8-4 that has flywheel and TrainSounds? I believe that would be the Virginian at just over $200? Is there THAT much difference in the details between the two besides the words 'Polar Express' instead of 'Virginian' on the side. Could probably E-bay the Polar Express engine and to help finance the Virginian. (To bad you can't just buy the Polar Express Passenger cars?) Couldn't you just repaint the tender to say 'Polar Express' Does anyone think this is a good idea / worth doing?
Regard 3, it seems reviews on the CW-80 are mixed. Seems like it works fine for the casual enthusiast if you don't plan on expanding the set and really getting into it?