My son loves Chuggington & we bought Puffer Pete as a trial engine to see if it was worth getting him some more for his 2nd birthday. The engine is very well made and 'lifelike', my son now has to have it next to him everytime we watch the programme and most nights it has to go to bed with him as well. We have since bought the Brewster, Wilson & Koko models and a pack of the track for his birthday (i notice on amazon the track is showing as not available until June but we purchased this from a local toystore last week)these havn't been used yet so I can't comment on the ease of the coupling system or the track system. The only downside so far is the price it does quickly add up, and the fact the models are being drip released - especially when according to amazon the 'starter set' is one of the last to be released?!?
Overall if you count the reaction of a nearly 2 year old I would recommend this for anyone with children who love the series.