First model railway

[Manks]

Hi All

What model railway should we buy for a 5-year old child? Steam engine is preferred. Needs to be a set - track, engine, rolling stock and electrical gubbins.

Many thanks

[miniman]

Depends on budget. If I was doing it again, I'd buy a digital set - e.g.

http://www.hattons.co.uk/products/category-hornby-...

Several other non-digital options here

http://www.hattons.co.uk/products/category-hornby-...

All the Hornby sets come with a track mat. Would definitely recommend making up a baseboard but don't use Sundeala Hobbyboard - mine warped very quickly.

Some bargains to be had a local model shows, the type that run at sports centres / school halls etc.

[Manks]

miniman said:

Depends on budget. If I was doing it again, I'd buy a digital set - e.g.

http://www.hattons.co.uk/products/category-hornby-...

Several other non-digital options here

http://www.hattons.co.uk/products/category-hornby-...

All the Hornby sets come with a track mat. Would definitely recommend making up a baseboard but don't use Sundeala Hobbyboard - mine warped very quickly.

Some bargains to be had a local model shows, the type that run at sports centres / school halls etc.

What is a digital set? And what is the alternative, analogue?

[miniman]

Analogue - you apply power to the track, the train moves.

Digital - the track is constantly powered, the controller sends a signal to each train to move it so you can run multiple trains on the same layout independently. Not much benfefit with one train on a simple oval of track, but future proofs it nicely by getting the digital controller upfront.

[Gareth1974]

For a basic set, Modelzone have some decent offers for £50-60, which can be the basis for something larger if required.

[Kneetrembler]

The very best that I have found is www.gaugemaster.com or for a visit go to Gaugemaster House,Ford Road, Arundel,West Sussex,BN18 0BN.

Probably the biggest store in the U.K. and they have every gauge that you will wish to see,layouts,trains,everything in connection for trains + they also sell all styles of slot cars.

You can spend a very long time in their showroom.

[HoHoHo]

Kneetrembler said:

The very best that I have found is www.gaugemaster.com or for a visit go to Gaugemaster House,Ford Road, Arundel,West Sussex,BN18 0BN.

Probably the biggest store in the U.K. and they have every gauge that you will wish to see,layouts,trains,everything in connection for trains + they also sell all styles of slot cars.

You can spend a very long time in their showroom.

I'm not a train fan currently (but that will change when my youngest is slightly older!)

I visited gaugemaster to buy some paint recently and it's a very impressive shop , well worth a visit if you're in the area.