I picked up an Acela for my son as he really wanted a "Fast Train". In other words this is more like the passenger trains he sees everyday. Such as our Class 43 HST or Class 91 Intercity 225, Eurostar and the Virgin Pendolino.
Luckly I got a very good deal from a forum member otherwise we would have never afforded one.
It's most definitely not a starter set. In regards the IR sensors they are a weak link, the train works best in my experience if you have a straight section of track the full length of the train after a curve. Then it behaves itself for the most part.
Changing the traction tires can be "fun" 
but otherwise it's not to bad to work on.
It's one of those trains you set up on your layout and leave on the track for a few weeks! Not something you want to be taking on and off the track often!
Nick
