Should I buy 7898?

[Moose]

Toys R Us had a sale for 7898 Cargo Train Deluxe for $119.00 but it wasn't available in the store or online. I got a raincheck and the guy said it would be available Monday or Wednesday. Should I pick it up? I'm kinda split on whether or not i want it. It seems like a nice set and it is a train set, but the idea of batteries and remote control kinda turns me off. The only other train i have is the holiday train so id like an "everyday" train. is the remote control not as terrible as i feel? should i get it? id appreciate any advice

[Dennimator]

I have it and I like it, it´s a nice set. The remote doesn´t bother me at all, I like it too. It´s especially good in brickfilms, where you can put a cam on a vagon and let a locomotive with this motor drive it. This way you can be a bit away from it and minimalize the risk to be filmed.

[Getsome]

I have 2 of this set, and have found it to be a very nice addition to my train collection. It comes with a nice assortment of the plastic track which is supposed to work with the new system, as well as a bunch of train cars that would also work with the new system. The remote is really not that bad, other then the horn which is a little cheesy... If you have 9V track it will run on it as well, so for me it was really a no brainer to buy 1 or 2. You can always convert it to 9V if you wish as well... I would recommend it for sure!

[Badsneaker]

I have this set and if you can get it for $119 go for it. You will want more track though. If you can get my own train in green you can make a nice matching rear loco which is what I did. The freight trains around here all have one front and one rear loco.

The remote works good until you need to slow the train down but its behind a building and the remote IR doesn't reach.

The assortment of train cars is good as well as sports car, flatbed truck and forklift. Just the vehicles make a good addition to any city.

The motors are fairly strong but I don't have 9V LEGO to compare. I've pulled the max reccomendation plus my crocodile hobby train with no problem.

[Marcus Aurelius Antoninus]

I picked one up when it first came out, I got it for the rolling stock, I really don't care much for the electric trains (ergo I only have this and the hobby train), I prefer the steam engines era, ( I have the Sante Fe, BNSF, Hogwarts motorized, 2 My Own Trains (large black with tender and small grey tank), Holiday train, and the 9v Cargo train. All this with about 150 feet of track, and over 25 feet of other rolling stock. I believe it's still a good train for the money. I still would convert it to the 9v format if my 4yr old nephew didn't like the idea of remote control.

[Moose]

Thanks guys i appreciate your input. another turnoff though were a couple of the minfig heads. one was peppers head and another one looked kinda stupid, but i the rest of the set appears to be excellent so i can get over a few stupid heads. does anyone know how long the remote lasts and power will last before i need to replace the batteries?

[Badsneaker]

does anyone know how long the remote lasts and power will last before i need to replace the batteries?

This all depends on how often its used and the payload. I have the RC passenger train too and the batteries last pretty long My 1st was about 3 months, with a lot of heavy use when we 1st got the train. The remote seems to be durable, a few drops by the kids but still work great. Typical LEGO high quality.

Where may I ask are you seeing this sale? Is it local to you?

[Dragonator]

Hey mate, I have this set, and I have to say, it is a great train. The wagons are great, with some nice details, and the main engine is really well designed. You should go for it, especially if it's on sale. The great thing about it is that it can run on 9V track as well, so it can be easily converted. Also, the wagons are fine to fit in with any of the earlier train sets. If you like the look of it, then go for it.

[Moose]

I wanna convert it to 9V but the only problem is i only have the starter 9v track, 8 curved and 2 straight. so the rc track is actually bigger than my 9v. can 9v and rc tracks join together?

[frogstudio]

I wouldn't miss it. I own one, and, to me, it's really great. Has a really nice design and a lot of playability.

[Badsneaker]

I wanna convert it to 9V but the only problem is i only have the starter 9v track, 8 curved and 2 straight. so the rc track is actually bigger than my 9v. can 9v and rc tracks join together?

The 9V tracks will work with R/C tracks. Slightly diferent shade of grey though.

[WesternOutlaw]

Moose: I really like the design of this train, and am a big train fan. I did NOT buy it though because of the new RC battery control system. I also didn't want more track that I will not use in the future with my existing 9v track in grey and bley. This and the ICE (or passenger train) are two trains that will have a short life with Lego's next train using a new system. Not much opportunity to expand the system.

Alex did a nice review of this set back in 2006. Here's the link if you have not seen it: 7898 Cargo Train Deluxe.

If you do decide to buy this set and upgrade the engine to a 9V, I'd really like to see it.

Good luck making your decision.

[Captain Zuloo]

NO YOU SHOULD NOT BUY THIS CRAP EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These RC trains are crap. Stick with 9v. The RC is really loud, non power efficient, and terrible fot train shows. 9v forever!

[Zorro]

I would also NEVER buy this set, I don't like batteries. And my current system is 12V so...

[Captain Zuloo]

9v is better because it looks realistic - no huge powerrails in the middle.

[Captain Green Hair]

9v is better because it looks realistic - no huge powerrails in the middle.

Just because you think it's better, doesn't mean it is...

The 12 volt system had a load more options like remote switches, signal lights, stronger and more silent engines....

I like the way the cargo train set looks, but i'm not a fan of the RC system.

[Captain Zuloo]

Just because you think it's better, doesn't mean it is...

The 12 volt system had a load more options like remote switches, signal lights, stronger and more silent engines....

I like the way the cargo train set looks, but i'm not a fan of the RC system.

True - it is a shame the signals etc. weren't part of the 9v line. Hopefully the PF line will have cool stuff that I can wire up to a cord and run it off that with my 9v layout.

[Cameron_Talley]

9v is better because it looks realistic - no huge powerrails in the middle.

By that mode of thinking, the RC system is the most realistic, as the source of the locomotive's power is contained in the locomotive itself (no external power source), and you control the locomotive directly, rather than simply altering current in the rails.

[Moose]

Thanks for all the input. i should probably have mentioned that im not the one buying it. its going to be a gift for me, but i wanted to know if it was worth it. i didnt want someone to buy me something that would wind up being a waste. i mean i can change it to 9v which i prefer so its not too bad. that being said, its hard to come by 9v trains and accessories for cheap, so its hard to collect the 9v trains.

[legotrainfan]

Indeed, a difficult decision. 9V stuff is out of production, but you can still get 9V motors on shop.lego.com for a low and good price right now. 9V track is not as expensive as you may think as long as it is used. There's a lot of used rail stuff on ebay. On the other hand, there's going to be a new railway line in 2009: power functions. You'll still be able to run your RC freight train 7898 on the tracks for the new line. Actually I believe that the rails for the new line will be the same as the ones for the RC trains. And I have heard RC trains are not as powerful as a 9V motor and thus cannot pull as many waggons as a 9V motor could, but the set itself is nice. The locomotive looks great, and the rest - all the waggons - is nice-looking stuff, too.

Anyway, I can only advise you to make up your mind quickly, especially if you want to convert 7898 to a 9V train. Who knows how long you can still get the 9V motor 10153 for such a good price. They might be sold out very soon, and then you can only get them on ebay and bricklink for a dear price.