Banbao trains:

I found pictures on the web of some VERY interesting and motorized Radio Controlled train sets.

The two larger sets 8221 and 8228 were available for just under 60US$ each.

Being curious, I ordered one of each.

This is not a promotion of BanBao trains or bricks,
but just a lego train fan wanting to see what else is available,
mainly because Lego produce one or two trainsets a year,
and discontinuing sets once the produced lot is sold out.

LEGO REALLY SHOULD HAVE A MORE PERMANENT AND LARGER SELECTION OF TRAINS AVAILABLE !!!




8221


pros:

Very unique train, not a copy of any previously released lego set.
Cool opening gullwing doors on locomotive(s) and passenger car.
Excellent train front, not a copy of any lego product.
Smart little station platform, but much too short for the passengertrain.
7 minifigs, 4 road/traffic signs, a piece of chain.
Excellent track and swiches/points, a fine layout included in the set. (compatible with Lego and Enlighten tracks)
3 RC channels 27MHz, Banbao trains will not interfere with Lego IR transmissions.
Price: You get a LOT of train for your money.

cons:

Radio transmitter/reciever too weak, reach is only a couple og meters, 
then transmission is lost, and the train stops.
Only one speed in each direction, the "speed up" button is only an extra "forward" button.
Train only runs as long as the forward or reverse button is held down. 
This will use more batteries in transmitter.
The "music" button starts a long, noisy and annoying train soundtrack.
Banbao technic axles fit very loosely in train wheels on motor. (change to ORIGINAL Lego technic axles)
Battery change is timeconsuming and troublesome.
Battery and motor connections to controller seems flimsy and fragile.
No headlights on trainfront, just a pair of black "painted eyes" (headlights ??).
White locomotive baseplate is bent, however it straightens out once you build bricks on top of it.
Lots of stickers (too many).




8228:


pros:

Very unique train, not a copy of any previously released lego set.
Cool opening doors on locomotive and freight car.
S.N.O.T building tech used on the locomotive front.
Cool opening sides on hopper car.
Cute but ugly dumptruck.
6 minifigs and lots og animals and freight accessories.
Excellent track and swiches/points, a fine layout included in the set. (compatible with Lego and Enlighten tracks)
3 RC channels 27MHz, Banbao trains will not interfere with Lego IR transmissions.
Price: You get a LOT of train for your money.

cons:

Radio transmitter/reciever too weak, reach is only a couple og meters, 
then transmission is lost, and the train stops.
Only one speed in each direction, the "speed up" button is only an extra "forward" button.
Train only runs as long as the forward or reverse button is held down. 
This will use more batteries in transmitter.
The "music" button starts a long, noisy and annoying train soundtrack.
Banbao technic axles fit very loosely in train wheels on motor. (change to ORIGINAL Lego technic axles)
Pivot point stud broken on motorhousing.
Technic axles fit very loosely in train wheels on motor.
Wagon wheels do not roll freely.
Battery change is timeconsuming and troublesome.
Battery and motor connections to controller seems flimsy and fragile.
Lots of stickers (too many).

The last issues are probably just in my 8228 set:
Broken pivot point on train motor, it works fine, but motor falls off when locomotive is lifted.
1 badly molded 1 x 1 x 1/3 white plate.
(lots of) Bricks and parts missing, blue and white freight car cannot be built.
Some bricks do not clutch well, they fall off.



Conclusion:

Very cool looking trains, however the quality of bricks is poor, the count of bricks in one set was TERRIBLE.
The electronics are not well made, transmitter and reciever are much too weak.
Battery replacement in locomotives is difficult and time consuming, 
and require 3 screws to be removed and reinstalled each time a battery change is due.
The sets are cheap to buy, and the building process is entertaining, building instructions are good.
If you like the looks and design of the trains, buy them, if you want quality and reliability, DON'T !!
If you look at the price, you get a lot of train and building fun for you hard earned cash.

Banbao bricks have a different hight from Lego:
6 Banbao bricks = 7 Lego bricks (roughly, but close enough).
4 Banbao bricks = 4 and 2/3 Lego bricks.
2 Banbao bricks = 2 and 1/3 Lego bricks.
because of this, Banbao plates are also thicker than Lego plates.
Banbao knobs are taller than Lego knobs, therefore Lego plates stacked on top of Banbao plates or bricks, will have a gap.
Banbao train wheels and train motors are also taller than their Lego equivalents, and therefore not really interchangeable.

DON'T MIX BANBAO BRICKS IN YOUR LEGO BOX, THIS WILL REALLY SCREW UP YOUR BUILDING PROJECTS, STORE IN SEPARATE BOXES !!!!!

I.M.O. These trains look fantastic, 
Considering the price and how much train you get for your money,
it's well worth getting, if you can live with the flaws in the system.
Also, Banbao will hopefully improve quality in the future.
a QUICK FIX might be necessary by using some original lego parts.

ENJOY !!