I have put this little train up at work on a much expanded figure 8 track, as seen in the picture every year between Halloween and Thanksgiving 4 years in a row. It runs 9 hours every day, at a slow prototypical speed (faster would run better) 5 days a week for at least 5 weeks. That's over 1000 hours of smooth running. Putting up the track, I run the train at various speeds for testing puposes, and invariably I find some uncupling or derailing problems. Every time it is because when connecting a section of track, I've not set the track correctly into the little crimp connector on one rail or the other. Usually, i've slipped the rail on top of the connector, and that leaves a little bump, or heigth difference that causes the derailment. It's so slight that casual observance doesn't show it, but running my finger over the joint, lets me feel the problem. I make the correct connection and look for the next problem area. Once it runs smoothly for 15 minutes at speed, we're good for the rest of the season. The students (High School) love it, as most haven't seen a "toy" train set, especially not one so small. The only problems I've had, is sometimes the kids bump it, or because I've got it running so slowly, it may stop at the track cross over, as there are some unpowered parts of the track there, necessary to keep the track from shorting out. A small bump with my finger to get it going, and adjusting the speed a little higher (so that it will coast through the crossing) and we're good for the reat of the day. I feel this is not the fault of the set, but rather design constraints for running the system. At night we "park" it near the back and turn it off. Our running speed is with the dail at about the 11:00 position. There is only one connection to the track from the power pack, even with all that extra track. I've ordered an extra set, in case this one goes out and I think I will use it this year so I can take the "old" engine apart to clean and lube it for another 1000 hours of use. Again, I can't emphasize enough, with cars so small and light, you need a well laid out and maintained roadbed, with out any bumps and good electrical connection. Also, yes the cars don't auto couple when they come together, but they do look and hold together better than the older "Rapido" style couplers. As I just leave it running all day, I appreciate the look and reliability of the newer "knuckle" connetors, even though they are harder to connect and rerail. As for engines that don't work, it gets it's power from the tender, which doesn't weigh much; mayby adding a little weight would help. I know I clean our track every year, and that seems to help with the power issues that might arise. We also live in Colorado, so the dry air may be a factor.