when you put them on a track and press the button, they say their names, whistle and start chuffing around the track. as they go along they say other phrases every 10 seconds or so. thankfully, they dont play the thomas theme song as they go. it will be interesting to see how their axle cogs hold up. the tomy ones are notorious for cracking and needing to be replaced.
for some reason james doesnt roll so i will be taking him back. cant afford $35 for something that i will have to try and repair right out the box.
photos are down the bottom of the talking engines page, and instructions will be posted shortly.