Train set for a 9 year old?

[NDA]

My son would like a train set for his birthday and is fixated on the Flying Scotsman. I know nothing about train sets, zero.

I don't want to spend a fortune (as it may be just a passing fad) and it should be fairly robust, ideally I can put it on a mat of some description so it can go under his bed.

Some clues and pointers from those that know would be very welcome.

[SystemParanoia]

[W124Bob]

Hornby Flying Scotsman set

http://www.hornby.com/sets-and-train-packs-88/r107...
Then go into WH Smiths and pick up anyone of the railway modelling magazines for a good choice of suppliers,Hornby's own magazine is as good as any.You'll almost certainly get the set for less than £139 from a good model railway shop.Get a bit of extra track and a point or 2 to make it more interesting.Ebay for extra bits always loads of Hornby there!Rails of Sheffield Scotsman set £129


http://www.hornby.com/sets-and-train-packs-88/r107...
Beware this is how I started ,I've been driving trains 32 years and have an American based layout in the loft.You Have been warned!

Edited by W124Bob on Monday 12th April 15:48

[NDA]

Great, good info Bob, many thanks.

Is there a decent online shop you'd recommend to buy Hornby?

[Curry Burns]

I'd recommend this one, good prices and the guy that owns it is quite passionate about models, so expect it to arrive very well packed!!

http://www.megamodelshop.co.uk/r1072-hornby-flying...

[miniman]

NDA said:

Great, good info Bob, many thanks.

Is there a decent online shop you'd recommend to buy Hornby?

Have bought plenty of Scalextric stuff from Jadlam Racing on eBay: http://is.gd/br9wY

[NDA]

Curry Burns said:

I'd recommend this one, good prices and the guy that owns it is quite passionate about models, so expect it to arrive very well packed!!

http://www.megamodelshop.co.uk/r1072-hornby-flying...

That looks just the ticket and the kind of price range I was looking at.... Many thanks.