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What train set should I buy for Christmas?



Choosing the right train set

(click here to discuss this article) 

 

When choosing a train set you first need to take into account the age of the person you are buying it for. For this reason I have split my advice into children and adults.

 

With the massive number of entertainment devices in the modern home there are many distractions from pursuing a model railway hobby.

 

Before you read this advice remember that the right set is not always the set they want nor is it the set I recommend. You should balance what the person wants against what would be more entertaining for them. This is the difficulty of buying presents for others.


Children (under 14)

 

Well for children the key words are operating interest and ability to expand the railway. With that in mind, I would always get a set that includes at least one point and preferably two. Watching a train go round and round a loop of track (or stopping it and watching it go the other way round and round the loop) gets very boring very quickly. Sidings = Interest.
 

To get the most out of the sidings I would advise you to buy a freight set which has an assortment of different wagons. This allows you to shunt wagons from one siding to another, drop wagons off to be loaded and pick up loaded wagons. With trucks or flat bed wagons your children have the option of loading them with toy cars, soldiers, lego bricks, etc.

 

Passenger train sets have limited entertainment value for children (I was a child once). You can leave a carriage or two in the sidings but it's not that exciting or different, particularly when the carriages all look the same and they can't carry a load.

 

If possible I would also recommend you buy a few track packs and/or extra wagons. Hornby's trakmat system allows you to build a model railway layout step by step. Each packs adds some more track to your layout without you having to figure out which pieces of track to buy. These items can be bought after Christmas if their interest holds. Remember there is no point spending hundreds of pounds/dollars on a model train set if they are going to lose interest in only a few weeks.


For this reason I would recommend the following sets:


1. Hornby "Devon Flyer"


Model Railway Shop - Hornby Devon Flyer Train Set - R1121

Product Code: R1121

 

Price: £59.99 RRP Online Price: £58

 

Production Details: The romance of the railways in Britain was at its best when hundreds of minor cross country lines traversed the counties of Britain. In those days drivers on these rural routes such as those found in Devon would encounter unscheduled stops along the line picking up or dropping of goods as they went from village to village. These trains were often subjects of local humour and given nicknames similar to the Devon Flyer!

 

This set includes a Hornby Midi TrakMat and an oval of track which can be enlarged to a simple but effective layout with the addition of Hornby Track and Accessory Packs.

 

Contents: Blue Dimond 0-4-0T Locomotive, Two assorted open wagons (may vary from those illistrated), 20 Ton Brake Van, Track; Basic Oval (1178mm X 1010mm), Wall Mounted Power unit for operation from AC mains 220-240V AC 50Hz, Train Controller, Power Track, Trakmat: Midimat (1600mm X 1280mm)


2. Hornby "Goods Master Diesel Freight"


Hornby Goods Master Freight Train Set Model Railway Train Set - R1070

Product Code: R1070

 

Price: £79.99 RRP Online Price: £74

 

Production Details: This excellent starter set boasts a feisty little shunting locomotive which is more than capable of moving the assortment of wagons around the oval of track included with this set. The locomotive is based on a Class 06 locomotive which saw most of is working life in the shunting yards of Scotland. This set also includes a Hornby Midi TrakMat plus an oval of track and with the addition of Hornby Track and Accessory Packs, can be enlarged to a simple layout with two ovals and two sidings.

 

Contents: BR 0-4-0 Class 06 Diesel Electric Shunter, Three assorted open wagons (may vary from those illustrated), Brake van, Track; Basic Oval (1178mm X 1010mm), Wall Mounted Power unit for operation from AC mains 220-240V AC 50Hz, Train Controller, Power Track, Trakmat: Midimat (1600mm X 1280mm)


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Fantasy Model Railway Sets


For younger children a Fantasy set is a great way into this hobby. The set to buy this year is the Disney Pixar Toy Story 3 train set which features the train from the very popular toy story 3 movie.


Hornby Toy Story 3 Train Set

 

Hornby Model Railway Trains - R1149 Toy Story 3 Electric Train Set

Hornby Model Railway Trains - R1149 Toy Story 3 Electric Train Set Mat

Product Code: R1149

RRP Price: £69.99  Online Price: £64.99

Production Details: This Toy Story 3 train set sees Woody and Buzz riding on top of the train in this adventure filled set. Based on the Disney Toy Story 3 film.

The set includes a Western style locomotive, 3 carriages and a desert scene track mat measuring approximately 1150 mm x 820mm.

Set also includes a controller and wall mounted transformer.


Thomas the tank engine train set is always a great buy especially if your young ones love the TV programs.


Hornby Thomas The tank Engine Train Set

Model Railway Shop - Hornby Thomas & The Great Discovery Train Set - R9260

Product Code: R9260

RRP Price: £109.99 Online Price: £99.50

Production Details: Thomas the Tank Engine Locomotive (Weathered), Annie and Clarabel Coach, Open Wagon with brick load, Blue Open Wagon with plans load, Open Wagon, R965 Train Controller, C990 Wall Plug Transformer, Oval of Track with siding, point and buffer stop.


Boys should enjoy playing with the codename strike force train set. It combines the fun of a train set with playing with soldiers.


Hornby Codename Strike Force Train Set

Hornby Model Railway Trains - R1147 Code Name Strike Force Train Set

Product Code: R1147

RRP Price: £89.99 Online Price: £86

Production Details: Its the Good Guys versus the Bad Guys in this all action train set. Who is Good and who is Bad - only you can decide! The camoflaged train must travel around the track circuit carrying much needed supplies to the troops. The BattleMat included allows for the track circuit to be extended using the Hornby Track Packs, providing plenty of scope for an all action railway layout.

Contents: TrackMat 1600mm x 1280mm, Starter Oval + Track Pack A


Recommended Sets For Adults (aged 14+)

 

Adults are a bit different as they are more likely to appreciate the high level of detail on modern model railway products. For this reason I would recommend a more expensive high quality set. I would still recommend a freight set for interest but this is less important for adults. They can always expand the set at a later time. I would personally advise you to buy a quality historic express train set. Something like the Flying Scotsman or the Royal Scot would be good options. These models are often of sufficient detail that they can be displayed as ornaments if the model railway interest fades.

 

For the reasons above I would recommend the following sets: 

 

1.   Hornby Flying Scotsman - This is one of the most popular train sets for Christmas. This set comes with 4 LNER teak coaches and includes track pack A and B which gives you two sidings to enjoy. The newest version of this set has uses the new track packs and building packs. The track packs that are included in this set gives you one long siding which will hold most of the coaches and comes.

 

You may want to buy at least another track pack (track pack C) to give you another loop of track to run on. If the hobby takes off I would suspect the next purchase will be a freight loco and wagons.


1.   Hornby Flying Scotsman

 

 Hornby Flying Scotsman model railway train set - R1072

Product Code: R1072

RRP Price: £139.99 Online Price: £136

Production Details: The most famous locomotive and train in the World features in this high range Hornby train set. The striking LNER apple green liveried Class A1 Flying Scotsman helps to recreate those wonderful days of train travel in the 1930s when the two great rivals, London North Eastern Railway and the London, Midland and Scottish Railway vied for the lucrative passenger traffic between London and Scotland. Included with this set is the Hornby TrakMat which accommodates with ease the large oval of track and two sidings.The larger of the sidings which sits inside the oval can comfortably handle the full train when operations have finished for the day. By using additional Hornby Track and Accessory Packs a complete layout can be constructed on the 6 x 4 TrakMat.

 

Contents: LNER Class A1 4-6-2 "Flying Scotsman" locomotive, Two LNER composite coaches, LNER brake coach, Track: 3rd Radius Starter Oval, Track Packs A and B (with two points and two buffer stops), C990 Wall Plug Transformer, R965 Train Controller, R8206 Power Track, R8217 Hornby TrakMat (1575 x 1143mm)


2.  Virgin Trains Pendolino Train Set
 

Hornby Model Railway Train Sets - Hornby Pendolino Set (DCC Ready Version) - R1134

Hornby Model Railway Train Set Trakmat A This Model Railway Locomotive is DCC Ready

Product Code: R1134

RRP Price: £129.99 Online Price: £120

Production Details: Virgin Pendolino Train Set (DCC Ready). This stunning four car Pendolino set is representative of Virgin Trains' latest 'state of the art' passenger rolling stock. The new Hornby four car model is ready to use straight out of the box. The large oval with one siding ensures that there is plenty of track for the Pendolino to show off its accurate tilting mechanism especially when the train travels at speed around the bends. Each drive unit has lights that illuminates in the direction of travel. The set includes a new Hornby MidiMat which allows for the staged expansion of your layout.

Contents: Virgin Trains Class 390 Power Car (motorised), Virgin Trains Class 390 Power Car (non-motorised), Standard Buffet Coach (non operating pantograph), Standard Open Coach, Track: Oval of track with one siding, one point and one buffer stop, Hornby MidiMat, C990 Wall Plug Transformer, R965 Train Controller, R8206 Power Track

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 DC or DCC?  What is DCC?

 

Both DC and DCC refer to the method of powering and controlling the movement of the model locomotive. DC stands for Directional Current. DCC stands for Digital Command Control.

 

DCC control has almost done away with the need for isolation sections. With DCC you can have a single siding full of locos and only the one you want to move will move.

In the past to run more than one train you needed a second controller and a second loop of track. If you wanted to cross from one loop to the other it involved moving the first train in to an area where it could be isolated for example in a siding before you could move the second train on the first trains loop. If you then wanted to move the first train on to the second trains loop you would have to put the second train in an isolated section and then move the first train out and on to the second loop.

Confused? I know I am

Remembering which switches to move to do this and having enough isolated sections of track big enough to hold both of you trains on one loop of track is very unlikely unless you previously thought of this.

DCC takes away all the complex point work involved with operating more than one train on your model railway layout. You also wont get the problem of crossing the circuits (sort circuits) by changing the points, or accidentally running two trains at the same time because you didn’t isolate one of the trains or you switched the wrong point.

The only problem with DCC is leaning how to use it and the fact that it is very possible to run two train’s head on into each other, but then it wouldn’t be fun without a hint of risk. There is also the problem of modifying old locos to run with DCC and fitting DCC chips to DCC ready locos. It would also be difficult to return non DCC locos that have been modified to run on DCC back to DC control.

 

The above problems are easy overcome with some time spent learning the control and paying your local model shop to install DCC chips in to any old locos you have. All New DCC sets come with DCC chips fitted to the locos and are the best way of introducing someone to DCC control. If you have never had a model railway set I would probably recommend you go straight for a DDC set if price is not an option.

 

If you think that DCC is right for you then I would recommend the following DCC Train sets:


1 Hornby Mixed Goods DCC Set

 

Hornby Mixed Goods DCC Model Railway Train Set - R1126
 

 

Product Code: R1126

 

RRP Price: £149 Online Price: £140

Production Details: You can really see the benefits of Digital Control once this set is assembled. Each of the two locomotives has a decoder factory fitted and are immediately ready for operation. Independent control is guaranteed for each loco even though they may both be on the same track. When the powerful diesel locomotive is coupled to the four wagons included with the set, the Class 08 diesel can then pull them round the circuit just stopping in front of the little BR 0-6-0 J83'. The BR 0-6-0 J83 can then be reversed carefully so that it couples to the front of the 08. Then by programming the engines to work in unison the double headed train can move off down the track. The set includes a new design Hornby TrakMat.

Contents: BR 0-6-0 Class 08 Diesel, BR 0-6-0 J83 Steam Locomotive, BR Ore Wagon, 7 Plank Open Wagon, BR 12 Ton Vent Wagon, Tank Wagon, Oval of Track With Single Siding (track pack A), DCC Select Unit Controller and Transformer


2 Hornby East Coast Pullman DCC Train Set
 

Hornby East Coast Western Pullman DCC Model Railway Train Set - R1097

 

Product Code: R1097

 

RRP Price: £274.99 Online Price: £270

 

Production Details:  The ultimate in train sets! A LNER B/12 Class locomotive, 3 Pullman coaches, a J52 Class Locomotive plus wagons, add in the Hornby Digital Select Control and you have more than a set, you have the makings of a really impressive model railway layout! The track configuration will allow the operator, using the Select digital unit the ability to have the Pullman train running around the looped circuit while the 0-6-0 J52 locomotive can be busy shunting the wagons around either of the two sidings. Of course there can also be interaction between the two trains with the locomotives double heading and pulling all the Pullman Cars and wagons in one long train.

Contents: LNER B12 Class locomotive, Two Pullman 1st Class Parlour Cars, One Pullman Parlour Brake Car, LNER 0-6-0 Class J52 locomotive, Tanker Wagon, 7 plank wagon, LNER 12 ton Vent Van. (wagons may vary from those illustrated)

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Suggestions

 

If you have any suggested changes to the model railway sets recommended on this page please email me with your suggestion and comments. This page will be under constant review as new model railway train sets and associated products become available

email: info@newrailwaymodellers.co.uk

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Model Railway Shop

 

Hornby Model Railway Train Set - Caledonian Belle Train Set - R1151

Hornby Caledonian Belle Train Set

Train Set

£56

Hornby Model Railway Train Set - Goods Master Train Set - R1070

Hornby Goods Master Train Set

£74

 
 

 

 

 

Hornby Model Railway Extension Track Pack A - R8221

Hornby Extension Track Pack A

£13.70

Hornby Model Railway Extension Track Pack B - R8222

Hornby Extension Track Pack B

£22.70

Hornby Model Railway Extension Track Pack C - R8223

Hornby Extension Track Pack C

£22.00

Hornby Model Railway Extension Track Pack D - R8224

Hornby Extension Track Pack D

£35.00

Hornby Model Railway Extension Track Pack E - R8225

Hornby Extension Track Pack E

£18.60

Hornby Model Railway Extension Track Pack F - R8226

Hornby Extension Track Pack F

£22.80