Recommendations for 1st train

[PH5121]

This morning my youngest lad (who will be 6 in a few weeks) piped up that he knew what he was getting for his birthday, a train set. This was news to me as I thought he wanted a stunt scooter!

I had a Hornby set as a kid, is Hornby the default choice still? I would be grateful for any recommendations of a child friendly starter set and where to buy it from. I don't know where the idea of a train set has come from, so don't want to spend a fortune in case it is just a whim (like these things are with kids), but would spend perhaps £80 - £90.

Thanks

[Red Firecracker]

I would think this would be a good first toe in the water;

http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/p-4370-hornby-se...

(run by PH'er russy01)

[johnS2000]

Do Hornby still do Thomas the Tank Engine ?

I loved it when we bought this for my son 20 odd years ago .

[Monster26]

I'd buy a secondhand set so you get track, controller and some trucks. Then go to http://www.thedieselworks.co.uk/thomas-tank-range-... to buy a Bachmann Thomas or Percy.

Gearing on Bachmann models is so much better than Hornby, plus the eyes move. IMO they blow Hornby out out of the water!

[PH5121]

It was my lads birthday yesterday and he got the Hornby Lowland Carrier set. He loves it, he was asking me at 5.55am this morning if he could go downstairs and play with it. His 8 year old brother now wants a train set too!

Edited by PH5121 on Tuesday 9th June 11:54

[MysteryLemon]

Good on ya. Hornby stuff is great fun. Bought "the kids" a little set to run around the Xmas tree last year and it's developed into a box full of track and various locos and rolling stock I just don't have anywhere to keep it set up. I keep running over plans in my head for a large garden oval.

[PH5121]

It certainly a hit in my house. I have promised to go in my parents loft and dig out what ever I can find of my childhood railway set and accessories to add to the layout.