How to Buy the Perfect Toy Train

Your Guide to buying the best toy trains

Overview

This buying guide provides an overview of the different types of toy trains available on the market, and offers advice on how to select the best toy train for you or your child. It covers the different types of materials, sizes, features, and accessories available, as well as tips for getting the best value for your money. We’ll also provide information on the common safety and quality standards, and how to choose a toy train that meets them. Finally, the buying guide will offer some recommendations for the best picks within each category of toy trains.

Key features

  1. Motor Type: Toy train motors range from electric to battery-powered, so consider the type of motor that would best suit the user’s needs.
  2. Scale: The scale of the toy train affects both its size and the track it can be used with. Smaller scales are generally easier for younger children to handle, while larger scales offer more detail in design.
  3. Track Type: Consider whether the desired toy train will work with existing track pieces or if new track pieces need to be purchased.
  4. Features: Toy trains come with a variety of features, such as remote control, built-in sound effects, lighting, and other interactive features. Look for features that will add to the experience for the user.
  5. Reliability: Check the toy train’s manufacturer to determine the quality and reliability of the product. Read customer reviews to find out how the product holds up over time.
  6. Cost: Make sure to take into account the cost of the toy train and any associated accessories. Compare prices to make sure you are getting the best value for your money.

See the most popular toy trains on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Variety: Toy trains come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to suit different ages and interests.
  • Durability: Toy trains are generally made of sturdy materials that can withstand the wear-and-tear of children playing with them.
  • Educational: Toy trains can help children learn and develop various skills such as coordination, problem-solving, critical thinking, and more.
  • Interactive: Toy trains promote interactive play, allowing children to set up tracks and create various scenarios with their trains.
  • Affordable: Toy trains can be purchased for a relatively low cost, meaning parents can easily find something to fit their budget.

Cons

  • Cost: Toy trains can be expensive, depending on the type and quality of the model.
  • Storage: Toy trains take up a lot of space and require a special area devoted to their storage.
  • Maintenance: Toy trains require regular maintenance and cleaning in order to continue running properly.
  • Accessories: Toy trains are often sold with a variety of accessories such as tracks, buildings, and figures, all of which can add to the cost of the purchase.
  • Durability: Toy trains are not as durable as traditional model trains and can break easily.

Best alternatives

  1. Slot Cars - miniature cars with the ability to be raced on a track
  2. Remote Control Cars - miniature cars with the ability to be controlled wirelessly via a handheld controller
  3. Model Airplanes - replicas of real airplanes that are able to be flown as a hobby
  4. Model Boats - replicas of real boats that are able to be sailed as a hobby
  5. Stuffed Animals - soft plush animals that can be used as toys or collected as decorations
  6. Rockets - model rockets that are powered by a motor and can be launched for a launch experience
  7. Dolls - figurines that are usually representative of a person or creature
  8. Building Sets - sets of various pieces that can be used to build a structure or object

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Track - Pieces of plastic or metal used to construct train routes.
  • Train Cars - Small cars that attach to each other and are pushed around a track by the engine.
  • Engine - The main locomotive that powers the train.
  • Scenery/Buildings - Items such as trees, bridges, buildings, and tunnels that are added to the track to create a realistic setting.
  • Power Supply - An electronic device used to provide power to the engine.
  • Controls - Devices used to regulate the speed and direction of the train.
  • Accessories - Items such as people, animals, and signs that can be added to the track for extra fun.

Common questions

  1. What age range is best for toy trains? Toy trains are suitable for children of all ages, however most are geared toward children aged 3 and older.
  2. What safety precautions should I take when buying a toy train? When buying any toy for a child, you should always check for potential choking hazards and other safety warnings on the packaging. Additionally, check that the train is securely connected and won't easily come apart to avoid any accidents.
  3. Are toy trains gender specific? Toy trains are suitable for both boys and girls, however some designs and colors may be more traditionally gender specific.
  4. What kind of accessories can I buy for a toy train? Accessories for toy trains vary widely, but may include tracks, bridges, tunnels, train stations, figures, trees, and much more.
  5. How do I decide which type of toy train to buy? When deciding which type of toy train to buy, consider the age of the child, their interests, the size of the train set, and any additional accessories you may want to buy.

Trivia

A funny fact about toy trains is that the British used miniature model railways to help plan their real life railway system. The first model railway ever built was designed in the 1830s by a British civil engineer named George Stephenson. He used it to demonstrate how steam locomotives worked and to plan the route of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. This model railway still exists today and is known as the “Stephenson Rail Plane”. It's now kept at the National Railway Museum in York, England. Source: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/george-stephenson-model-railway

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.