The fluorescent lights hummed in the hobby shop, a sound I’d known since I was knee-high to a boxcar. The air, thick with the scent of plastic and solvent, practically thrummed with possibility. My hands, though, were itchy for something…different. Something that didn’t involve painstakingly weathering a vintage caboose. Enter: the Bachmann E-Z App Smart Phone Controlled Train Set. This wasn’t your grandpa’s layout, that’s for sure.

I’ve seen a lot of “smart” train sets over the years. Most of them were gimmicks, honestly. Clunky interfaces, unreliable connections, and the soul of a toaster oven. But this Bachmann set… well, it’s different. Right off the bat, the unboxing was smooth. The Blue Lightning engine and its accompanying rolling stock felt substantial, not flimsy. The HO scale, of course, is the bread and butter for a reason, offering a fantastic balance between detail and space requirements.

The real test, however, was the app. And I admit, I approached it with skepticism. But the Bluetooth connection? Rock solid. No dropped signals. None of the frustrating disconnects that can drive a model railroader to drink. Control is intuitive, with realistic throttle and lighting controls. The sound effects are surprisingly decent too, considering it’s all digital. You can even control multiple trains simultaneously, which opens up some serious possibilities for staging complex operations.

A crucial detail: this system employs DCC (Digital Command Control) technology. That means you’re not limited to just the included engine. You can, in theory, add DCC-equipped locomotives from other manufacturers to your layout. But - and here’s a slight caveat – you might need a bit of a learning curve to properly configure them. No biggie, though. Online forums are packed with helpful folks who’ve been there, done that.

For a beginner, the included oval of track is perfect for learning the ropes. However, the layout possibilities are, frankly, limited. You’ll soon crave more, as every railroad enthusiast does. A good solution is to expand with Bachmann’s E-Z Track system. It’s easy to snap together and offers a wide range of curves, straights, and even turnouts, allowing for gradual but easy expansion. Just be sure to plan your layout meticulously; nothing is more frustrating than realizing you’ve built yourself into a corner.

Compared to, say, Lionel’s pre-war offerings (that my father collected), this Bachmann set is an entirely different beast. No need for delicate handling or intricate wiring. Just tap and go. And the fact that the app interface is so well designed? Brilliant!

So, here’s the deal. If you are a complete beginner looking for an easy, tech-forward introduction to the hobby, or a more experienced modeler looking for a convenient and expandable mobile control system, the Bachmann E-Z App set is a winner. You’re not going to replicate a master class layout right away, but it will definitely set the wheels in motion. Now, go on, build yourself a railroad. You’ll be glad you did.