Are you trying to find model train sets among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling model train sets on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 21 hours of research and did 52 model train sets tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best model train sets you can buy today
- Complete Ready To Run 130 Piece Freight Train Set
- Powered by a EMD GP40 Diesel Locomotive with Operating Headlight
- Includes; Open Quad Hopper Car, Gondola Car, Steel Reefer Car, Off-Set Cupola Caboose, Signal Bridge, Miniature Figures, Railroad Signs, Street Signs, and Telephone Poles
- 47" x 38" Oval of Snap-Fit E-Z Track, Power Pack and Speed Controller
- HO Scale 1:87
- 🚂【CLASSIC MODEL TRAIN TRACK PLAY SET】: The exquisite train set for Christmas tree comes with a locomotive steam engine, a passenger coach, a coal car, a cargo vehicle, 8 curved tracks and 2 straight tracks. Turn on the Christmas train to start the fun train games. Your kids and family will definitely enjoy watching the toy train sets for boys 2-4 move around. Not only can you keep your kids having fun for hours but also improve their intelligence and exercise hand-eye coordination.
- 🚂【REALISTIC SOUND,ODORLESS SMOKE, COOL HEADLIGHT】: When the Christmas train set run, it produces authentic train sounds, working headlights and realistic smoke to make the game process more exciting and funny. Also the train sets for boys 4-7 comes with a bonus-empty water bottle, you have to put water into it and will emit harmless smoke, not like others emit an odorous smell by putting oil, which is safer for your kids. A fun train toy for boys is perfect for 3 4 5 6 7 year old boys.
- 🚂【EASY TO SET UP , PLAY AND KID FRIENDLY DESIGN】: Children can assemble the upgraded rail track parts into their own railroad layout firmly and easily (circular and oval layout), then place the boy train toys hooked on the tracks precisely, finally turn on the switch, the Christmas tree train will progress steadily on the train tracks. DIY this kids train set , this hands-on process can actively mobilize your kids' creativity. As a big surprise for train lovers! The track width: 6cm (2.36in).
- 🚂【SAFE, DURABLE & HIGH QUALITY】: This toddler train set is made of durable ABS, non-toxic materials. And each component is subject to strict quality control to ensure impact resistance and durability. Make sure your family deserves a fun and safe experience. You can set the track around the bottom of the Christmas tree or other spots. During the festival, you can also put the Christmas train sets for under the tree to add a festive atmosphere and make your Christmas more joyful.
- 🚂【A MEANINGFUL GIFT FOR EVERY LITTLE KIDS】: Every parent or grandparent may have the experiences of playing the model train set when were a kid,so for every child, the train toy is a fun and educational holiday, birthday and kids Christmas gifts and keep them away from electronic products.The perfect toddler train for Christmas tree suit for decoration under the Christmas tree.The toy trains models are perfect for 3 4 5 6 7 8 years old boys/girls/kids as birthday and Christmas gifts.
- 🚂【One -Year Warranty After Sale Service】: Kind tips: received the goods, it is recommended to play with new AA battery (not included), which is more effective. Storage method: It is recommended that after using it,remove the AA battery and wipe the engine water clean to increase its life,and avoid damage to battery boxes and engine motors. When you encounter any problems, please don't hesitate to ask the after-sales team for help immediately, our after-sales team is waiting for you for 24h.
- A CHRISTMAS SPIRIT SHOWSTOPPER – Showcase your Christmas spirit with The North Pole Central Ready-to-Play Freight set; Create a circle, rectangle or oval with this exclusive track system; Great for kids, hobbyists and holiday decorating
- SET INCLUDES – Battery-powered general-style locomotive and tender; Gondola with crate load; Center-cupola caboose, 24 curved and 8 straight plastic track pieces; Remote control
- TRAIN SET FEATURES – Battery-powered locomotive with authentic train sounds and announcements, including bell and whistle; Working headlight; Fixed knuckle couplers, removable crate load in the gondola; User-friendly remote
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS – 50” x 73” Ready-to-Play track; This set is not compatible with Lionel G Gauge or any other G Gauge track systems. 24 curved and eight straight plastic track pieces
- BATTERY REQUIREMENTS - Requires six C cell batteries to operate train; Requires three AAA batteries to operate remote control; Batteries are not included with purchase of train set
- 🚂USB RECHARGEABLE ELECTRIC TRAIN SET🎄：This train set includes 1 steam locomotive, 1 coal carriage, 1 fuel tank car and 1 cargo transport vehicle, 8pcs curved tracks and 4pcs straight tracks to start the fun train games. The locomotive train is made of high quality metal materials and equipped with a 1000mAh/3.7V rechargeable battery and USB charging cable. After being fully charged, your kids can enjoy a pleasant travel for hours. H:7.3cm(2.87in),W:4.5cm(1.77in),total L:72cm(28.35in).
- 🚂ALLOY MATERIALS, SAFE & DURABLE🎄: The locomotive and carriage wheels of the model train are made of alloy materials, which are stronger and more resistant to collisions than ordinary toy trains, and drive safer and more stable. The smooth body of electric trains feels good to the touch and won't hurt children's hands. We strictly abide by safety standards, and our products meet various tests of American toys, so you can play with your children with confidence.
- 🚂REALISTIC SOUNDS, LIGHTS AND SMOKE🎄：When the train toy run, the whistle will sound, the lights on the front of the railway engine will also be turned on, and smoke will emerge from the chimney on the roof, just like real trains are moving, giving you more realistic and fun experience.Also the train set for boys comes with an bonus-empty water bottle, you have to put water into it and will emit harmless smoke,which makes our train sets for boys 4-7 more realistic and fun than others.
- 🚂EASY TO INSTALL, SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN 🎄: The trains set only needs to assemble the railway into various shapes (circular and oval layouts), and each electric train track is locked firmly, then turn on the switch, the train sets will move steadily on the toy track. DIY the kids train set can improve children's hands-on and thinking skills. If the parents accompany the children to DIY this train together, which also will improve the parent-child relationship.
- 🚂IDEAL CHRISTMAS TOYS GIFTS FOR KIDS🎄：For every child, the toy train is a fun and educational holiday, birthday and Christmas gifts. The model trains bring children back to the age of industrialization without electronic products, and children can experience the tremendous changes that industry and technology have brought to the world. This train model is suitable for 3,4,5,6,7,8+ years old boys/girls.
- Complete Ready To Run Freight Train Set
- Powered by a EMD FT Diesel Locomotive with Operating Headlight
- Includes; Open Quad Hopper Car, Gondola Car, and Off-Set Cupola Caboose
- 36" Circle of Snap-Fit E-Z Track, Power Pack and Speed Controller
- HO Scale 1:87
- A CHRISTMAS SPIRIT SHOWSTOPPER – All aboard The Polar Express Ready-to-Play train set; This set comes with an exclusive track system allowing you to create a circle, rectangle or oval track; Great for kids, hobbyists and holiday decorating
- SET INCLUDES – Battery-powered steam locomotive and tender; Passenger-coach; Observation car, 24 curved and 8 straight plastic track pieces; Remote control
- TRAIN SET FEATURES – Battery-powered Berkshire-style locomotive; Authentic train sounds and announcements, including a whistle; Working headlight; Detailed passenger coach, fixed knuckle couplers; User-friendly remote control
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS – 50” x 73” Ready-to-Play track; This set is not compatible with Lionel G Gauge or any other G Gauge track systems
- BATTERY REQUIREMENTS - Requires six C cell batteries to operate train; Requires three AAA batteries to operate remote control; Batteries are not included with purchase of train set. Handsomely detailed passenger coach
- PRODUCT: Step through Platform 9 ¾ and take a ride on the Hogwarts Express Ready-to-Play Battery-Powered Model Train Set with Remote by Lionel.
- SET INCLUDES: (1) Battery-powered 4-6-0 Steam Locomotive / (1) Tender / (2) Passenger Coach Cars / (24) Curved Plastic Track Pieces / (8) Straight Plastic Track Pieces / (1) Remote Control
- DETAILS: These large-scale trains operate in both forward & reverse directions and are power-driven by an easy to operate RC controller. Includes an exclusive 50 x 73-inch track system that allows you to create (3) different track layouts.
- FEATURES: A battery-powered locomotive controlled by a wireless remote control, operating headlight, easy to use hook couplers, Harry Potter character movie sound clip announcements, authentic train sounds, including bell and whistle.
- NOTIFICATIONS: Train Set requires (6) C Cell Batteries AND (3) AAA Alkaline Batteries for operation (not included). Phillip screwdriver required to access battery compartment on remote control (not included). Wipe with a soft cloth after use to keep track and wheels free from dirt. Remove all batteries when the train will not be used for an extended period of time. Recommended for ages 4 years and up. Adult assembly is required.
- Complete Ready To Run Holiday Passenger Train Set
- Powered by a 0-6-0 Steam Era Locomotive with Tender
- Includes Holiday Decorated; Old-Time Combine Car, and Two Old-Time Coach Cars
- 34" x 24" Oval of Nickel Silver E-Z Track , Power Pack and Speed Controller
- N Scale 1:160
- Recommended For Ages 14 & Up
- Complete ready to run train set
- Powered by an 0-6-0 steam locomotive and tender
- N Scale
- Includes nickel silver roadbed track
- Great first time set
- A LOCOMOTIVE SHOWSTOPPER – Checkout the Pennsylvania Flyer LionChief 0-8-0 train set; This set is equipped with Bluetooth technology, letting you glide the rails via a mobile device; Great for kids, hobbyists and holiday decorating
- SET INCLUDES – 0-8-0 locomotive and tender, three-dome tank car, boxcar and caboose; FasTrack include: 8 curved 036 tracks, two 10” straight tracks, terminal, 10” straight Plug-Expand-Play power lock section; 54W power supply; LionChief remote
- TRAIN SET FEATURES – Train controlled by remote controller, or with a mobile device via Bluetooth; On/Off switch for smoke and sounds; RailSounds RC sound system; Powerful, maintenance-free motor; Operating couplers, opening doors on boxcar, metal handrails and ladders on tank car
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS – 40” x 60” oval track; O Gauge compatible; minimum curve is 031; Bluetooth compatible
- BATTERY REQUIREMENTS - Requires three AAA batteries to operate the LionChief remote control; Batteries are not included with purchase of train set
- ✅Metal Made - Our building toys set includes 340 parts and pieces, such as nuts, bolts, small screwdriver, and wrench, etc., Made of metal, which can stand rough play without worrying about easy collapse. A great careful crafting STEM building set, worth paying a little more compared to full plastic versions.
- ✅Bigger Size - This model train measures over 3.5” high, 16" long, and 2" wide, making it a beautiful display piece to show off with pride. I believe it will be bigger than you expect. Really suitable for model train fans and DIY enthusiasts.
- ✅Clear Instructions & Easy To Follow - We have prepared clear instructions for the children, showing the diagrams of each step, and everything is clearly marked. This teaches them to follow directions and ensures they won’t become overwhelmed or frustrated while they play. Wrenches and screwdrivers are also prepared for children to assemble parts easily.
- ✅Support STEM Education For Children Aged 8-16 -The children think carefully and patiently assemble the train from the screws and gears. They are learning STEM skills during this about 5 hours assembling process! At STEM Master, we believe in empowering children to promote their creative learning and brain development.
- ✅Great Collection - Our design concept is based on the Scottish Flying Scotsman steam locomotive that appeared in real history in 1928. As you can see, it is well imitated and the exquisite detail design retains the complicated structures of the original. For history lovers, it is a good collection and souvenir.
How to choose a good model train sets
Does the idea of finding a fantastic model train sets make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in model train sets. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top model train sets products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top model train sets on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top model train sets brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top model train sets based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the model train sets were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good model train sets, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your model train sets.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting model train sets for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our model train sets. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what model train sets should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on model train sets.
