10Best.Guide

Train Set

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Great quality for the price
  • Easy to assemble
  • Dual-purpose tunnel
  • Entertaining for kids
  • Matches with other train sets
Cons
  • Some pieces may break easily
  • Train may not stay on the tracks
Bottom Line
The Orbrium Wooden Train Set is a great value for its quality and affordability. While some pieces may break easily and the train may not stay on the tracks, it is still entertaining for kids and matches with other train sets. The weak magnets that hold cars in line and the height of train cars may be minor issues, but overall, it is a durable and easy-to-assemble train set that can provide hours of fun for children.
Pros
  • Great quality
  • Easy to put together and take apart
  • Durable
  • Lots of differently shaped pieces
  • Good price
Cons
  • Inconsistent sizing of connecting parts
  • Not compatible with Thomas tracks without adapter pieces
Bottom Line
The Play 22 Wooden Train Set is a great quality and durable toy that is easy to put together and take apart. However, it may not be compatible with other train sets and has some inconsistencies in sizing of connecting parts. Overall, it is a good value for the price.
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Colorful and attractive
  • Magnets are strong
  • Compatible with other wooden train sets
  • Comes with a storage tray
Cons
  • Inconsistent quality
  • Magnets don't hold more than 3 cars
Bottom Line
This wooden train set is a colorful and durable option for young children who love trains. However, the magnets may not hold more than 3 cars and some pieces may fall apart easily. It is compatible with other wooden train sets and comes with a storage tray.
Pros
  • Smooth and beautiful pieces
  • Easy to put together and customize
  • Comes with multiple train cars, figurines, and bridge
  • Well-made and sturdy
  • Comes in a nice and thick box
Cons
  • Loose fitting track
  • Train falls off the track easily
Bottom Line
This train set is a great value for the price and provides hours of entertainment for young children. However, the loose fitting track and fragile accessories may be frustrating for some children and parents. Overall, it is a good starting set for young train enthusiasts.
Pros
  • Portable and easy to store.
  • Well-made and sturdy.
  • Great for travel and keeping kids entertained.
  • Can be used with other train sets.
  • Cute and attractive design.
Cons
  • Some pieces may arrive broken.
  • Limited play value for some children.
Bottom Line
The Melissa & Doug Take-Along Railroad is a well-made and portable toy that is great for travel and keeping kids entertained. While some buyers may find the price to be too high for the limited play value, the toy's sturdy design and attractive layout make it a good choice for parents and educators. However, buyers should be aware that some pieces may arrive broken and should inspect the toy upon arrival.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Train Set: Types, Features, Prices and Tips

Overview

Train sets are a classic toy that have been popular for generations. They are not only fun to play with, but can also be a great hobby for all ages. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right train set. This guide will help you navigate the different types of train sets, key considerations, features, prices, and tips to help you make the right purchase.

Types

1. Electric Train Sets: These train sets run on electricity and are the most popular type. They come in different scales, including HO, N, and G, and can be used for both indoor and outdoor layouts.

2. Battery-Operated Train Sets: These train sets are powered by batteries and are a good option for younger children or for those who don't want to deal with electricity. They are typically smaller and less expensive than electric train sets.

3. Wooden Train Sets: These train sets are made of wood and are a good option for young children. They are durable and can be used for imaginative play.

Key Considerations

1. Scale: The scale of the train set is important as it determines the size of the train and the track. The most popular scales are HO, N, and G.

2. Layout: Consider the size and shape of the layout you want to create. Do you want a simple oval or a more complex layout with multiple tracks and scenery?

3. Age: Consider the age of the person who will be using the train set. Some train sets are better suited for young children, while others are more advanced and better for older hobbyists.

Features

1. Train Cars: Look for train sets that come with a variety of train cars, including locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars.

2. Tracks: Look for train sets that come with a good selection of tracks, including straight, curved, and switch tracks.

3. Accessories: Look for train sets that come with accessories like buildings, trees, and other scenery to enhance the layout.

Prices

Train sets can range in price from less than $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the type and features. Electric train sets are typically more expensive than battery-operated or wooden train sets.

Tips

1. Research: Do your research before making a purchase. Read reviews and compare prices to find the best train set for your needs.

2. Quality: Look for train sets made from high-quality materials that will last for years.

3. Safety: Make sure the train set is safe for the age of the person who will be using it. Look for sets that meet safety standards and have no small parts that could be a choking hazard.

FAQs

Q: What is the most popular scale for train sets?

A: HO scale is the most popular scale for train sets.

Q: Can train sets be used outdoors?

A: Yes, electric train sets can be used outdoors, but they should be covered and protected from the elements.

Q: What age range are train sets suitable for?

A: Train sets are suitable for all ages, but some sets are better for young children, while others are more advanced and better for older hobbyists.

Q: Are train sets easy to set up?

A: Most train sets are easy to set up, but more complex layouts may require some time and effort to assemble.

Conclusion:

A train set is a fun and timeless toy that can provide hours of entertainment for all ages. By considering the type, key considerations, features, prices, and tips outlined in this guide, you can find the perfect train set for your needs.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • High quality set
  • Keeps children entertained for hours
  • Magnetized cars and cargo tops
  • Easy to assemble
  • Compatible with other wooden train sets
Cons
  • Buildings come in multiple pieces
  • No instructions included
Bottom Line
This wooden train set is a high quality, durable toy that will keep children entertained for hours. It is easy to assemble and compatible with other wooden train sets. However, some pieces may come in multiple parts and there are no instructions included. The train may not stay in the tracks on turns and the bridge may have a tough time staying up.
Pros
  • Great toy for toddlers
  • Easy to assemble
  • Allows for creativity and challenges
  • Compact and portable
  • Good for hand-eye coordination and learning
Cons
  • Tracks don't fit together smoothly
  • Weak magnets on train cars
Bottom Line
This train set is a great starter toy for toddlers, but may have some issues with track fitting and rough edges. The set allows for creativity and challenges, and is easy to assemble and portable. Customer service is good and responsive.
Pros
  • Great quality
  • Sturdy tracks
  • Supports imaginary and STEM-based play
  • Nice wooden pieces
  • Fun and interactive
Cons
  • Loose pieces and misaligned tracks
  • Poor quality plastic pieces
Bottom Line
This train set is a great choice for parents looking for a sturdy and interactive toy for their kids. While some sets may have missing or incomplete pieces, the quality of the wooden pieces and the ability to foster creative and imaginative play make it a worthwhile purchase. However, buyers should be aware of potential issues with loose pieces and misaligned tracks.
Pros
  • Provides hours of open-ended play
  • Easy to assemble
  • Includes fun and cute pieces
  • Nice amount of accessories included
  • Great customer service
Cons
  • Bridge is hard to connect
  • Electronic train may not have enough power
Bottom Line
This train set provides hours of open-ended play and includes fun and cute pieces, but has some flaws such as a hard-to-connect bridge, weak electronic train, and flimsy pieces. However, the great customer service makes up for some of these issues.
Pros
  • Fun starter train set with steam function and lights.
  • Durable and well-built train and tracks.
  • Great gift for kids who love trains.
  • Realistic steam and sound effects.
  • Cool detailing on locomotive and carriages.
Cons
  • Split switches require all switches to be flipped.
  • Accessories are flimsy and fall over on carpet.
Bottom Line
This train set is a great starter set for kids who love trains. It has fun steam and sound effects, is durable and well-built, and has a realistic delayed start and speed up. However, the split switches require all switches to be flipped, the accessories are flimsy, and the thin track rails are difficult to align.
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