Bachmann Trains 14 PC. E-Z TRACK GRADUATED PIER SET - HO Scale

We just added the 14 pc pier set to our Bachmann EZ Track set and LOVE it!!! We are set up on thick carpet, and had no problem at all integrating the piers - our 8 and 5 year old helped assemble them, and the 8 year old helped put them under the track. The trick is to spread the piers out evenly through the elevations. This way the train has a gentle incline. The engine had no problem pulling four cars up and down the hill. If you are having trouble, make sure you haven't inclined too quickly while neglecting to support a connection between two track pieces - this will create a gap or jump in the track and will derail yor train. I was surprised how long a bridge we could make as well...it is possible to have over one whole piece of track without piers under it suspended between two that do - the track will dip a little as the train runs over it, but is steady and strong enough to take it. This is our first train set ever and this mom is very pleased - we made the figure 8 with the track running back under the bridge...and now we want to buy more piers because it made the track about 10 times more exciting for the kids! Thanks, Bachmann!

RECOMENDADISIMO,. GRACIAS TODO SUPER GENIAL, UN ABRAZO AL EQUIPO DE AMAZON, EXCELENTE

Package arrived in a box nicely shrink wrapped. A little time consuming but turned out great. I see others having trouble assembling, read the instructions and take your time. The swilvel piece that goes on top is a very hard press fit by hand only, don't hammer it. Slide the bottom plate onto the vertical until it clicks. layout the verticals at each track connection point. Each vertical must straddle where the track connects to the next track. Bachmann engine will pull three cars comfortably, but struggles with a fourth car. Engine needs full power for at least 6 sections of track to climb with four cars but will slowly make it.

What you get:The graduated pier set is designed to allow you to elevate a portion of your track. It is advertised toward the creation of an over-under figure eight which works, but with some creativity and planning, you can also use the elevation for other over/under pass designs as well. This particular set comes with 7 pairs of piers for an even incline/decline (total 14 piers), all but the lowest piers has a swivel top attachment (total 12 swivel tops). There is also a base that each pier can be attached to for increased stability on carpet and uneven surfaces (total 14 bases), or you can nail the piers in place permanently on your setup if you choose to do so (there are holes in the piers exactly for that). Finally, there is a brief instruction page that shows assembly of the piers and how to set them up.What it does:You gain exactly what the product says you gain. If you set up the piers going from lowest to tallest (you don't have to go all the way to the tallest, but you do need to reach at least the 5th or 6th pier for an HO train to be able to pass underneath the elevated track) then tallest to lowest you get a decent gradual ascent and descent that should allow your train to pull or push its load up and down the hill while being able to run beneath it elsewhere on your setup.Criticisms:The slope of the incline/decline is a little steeper than I'd like making the engine work harder on the way up and making it really zip on the way down, but it is manageable as long as you pay attention to your speed control. This set only promises a basic figure eight, but as mentioned above, it can be used in other ways, just realize that you must build in enough room for the piers so that you don't end up getting them situated in the same spot as the lower track is supposed to run. Lastly, be sure that you place the piers at the track junctions or else the weight of the train will stress the joints and possibly separate the track. As long as the junctions are supported, I've had no problems with track separating or worse.Bottom line:I like the set, it adds interest to the layout and allows you to do more with your available space by giving you two levels of operation. Multiple sets would be nice if you have the room as you can reduce the steepness of the slope and extend the upper level further, but at over $20 per set, that can get pricey in a hurry. With just this one set, I have been able to make an elevated circle with 2 underpasses (out and back). I have the Bachmann Santa Fe Flyer and Rail Chief engines, both are capable of pulling/pushing at least 7 cars up the incline. My reasons for 4 stars instead of 5 include the price (it sure seems like a lot for what this is) and the slope (more gradual would be easier on the engines, but this does work). My furry friend in the picture agrees with me and would recommend this product as it allows you to accomplish what it claims it will (make sure you have enough track as this does NOT come with any).

The media could not be loaded. Amazing bridge!!!

only use 1/2 of them, not enough room for all of them.