Grown Up Geek's Review
Nelson 1865 Rain Train Traveling Water Sprinkler
Reviewed by: Ralph Becker (GrownUpGeek associate)
Purchase date: Summer 2001
Purchased from: Home Depot
Price paid: $50
Overall grade/comments: Great sprinkler, has lasted years. Sometimes comes off the 'track' or digs a hole.
Every summer I would have to run to the store for a new sprinkler. I would then have to install it, run it, move it to a new spot and repeat. One day I saw the Nelson 1865 Rain Train sitting on the shelf and decided to purchase the pricey item.
The Rain Train: A heavyweight
The Rain Train is heavy, weighing in just over 20 pounds. It is very yellow, with plastic white wheels that have
points on them. The points help the Train [It looks more like an old fashioned tractor] to dig into the grass and move forward.
Rain Train: Waters your entire lawn
How to use it. Just lay out your 5/8" up to 200 feet long hose on the lawn you wish to water. It can spray water from 15 to 50 feet in a circle while traveling along the hose. Make sure any turns are gradual as the RainTrain may "jump" off the track. Select the speed you wish for it to run. Hi speed will allow it to travel up to 60 feet per hour. The 1865 Rain Train has a neutral gear which will let the train just stay in one spot. Next place the ramp at the other end of the run and turn the water on and let it run. The ramp will hit a shut off button on the bottom of the train to stop it from running.
During my years [yes I finally found a sprinkler that lasted more than a year!] of using the train, I had only one problem with it. Sometimes it will get stuck and just sit there, digging a hole and making a lake of water. But for the majority of the time the Rain Train runs great.
I use the Rain Train on fresh cut to grass that is 2 to 3 inches tall. I have used it on inclines and flat lawn.
About me:
I like to use gadgets, and tell people which ones are worth getting and which ones to avoid. I also like to
read about nearly anything.
Lawn Sprinkler review: water pressure
What water pressure does it work best at and will it work at 10 pounds pressure?