Parents testers were unanimous in their opinion that train lovers will go bonkers for this real steaming engine! BRIO is no stranger to most parents. They have won numerous Seals for their consistently high quality and undeniable appeal, and this new engine delivers all that and more. It comes packaged nicely, with an open front window showing the actual item. The steam engine features excellent attention to design and detail. It takes 2 AA batteries, and once inserted, it is ready to start chugging and steaming down the track! The steam engine comes with an additional car attached that carries a plastic container for water refills. It actually looks like it is a part of the engine. It does require a steady hand to squeeze the dropper into the hole at the top of the engine. This is most likely where parents are going to need to step in. There are buttons to press to start the train, release the steam, and light the lights. Press them again, and all the actions stop. This is a simple stop-and-go process that is very easy for children to do without parental supervision. The train fits well through tunnels and bridges that you probably have from either BRIO or other brands. It is surprisingly powerful and easily makes it up hills without falling off the track. It can pull about 3 other cars behind it. The magnet is strong, and the cars don’t come apart. BRIO’s claim that the train has “safe to touch” steam stood up to parental scrutiny; the steam is neither hot nor even warm. The high quality of BRIO toys ensures that they could last for generations. As such, the price is not insignificant for a small “toy train,” but this didn’t seem to phase any of our testers.