I spotted a dealer selling the SP Docksider set for under $150 so I finally bit the bullet and ordered one. It came today and I think it's a cute little set. I'd been wanting to try FasTrack and this seemed like a bargain way to sample it. I must say, it is nicer than I'd expected. Though it's still fairly expensive (relative to the stacks of original AF track in my collection), I'd certainly consider it for a moderately sized operating layout.
One curiosity about my set: There were no setup instructions included. Clearly, this was no problem as I've been operating American Flyer trains for 60 years. Still, it seemed strange, since I'm pretty sure all my other Flyonel stuff has come with a small instruction booklet. The set appeared to be sealed and showed no evidence of having been opened. Even the plastic sheet over the locomotive was still taped in place.
Did other purchasers get an instruction booklet with their set? Just curious. It seems that basic setup instructions would be included for what's clearly intended as a "starter" set.
In any event, I'm pleased with my purchase. A quick test run indicated that everything is fine. The SP Docksider is a prodigious smoker, seemingly better than some of my other examples. Not sure why this would be. As mentioned, FasTrack appears to be a winner.
Craig
