My six–year-old son is heavily into model trains. He has a Bachmann large scale set and he’s getting a Bachmann HO scale set from his grandfather. He also wants a train that has smoke, whistle, lights, motion, etc. Pardon the pun but all the bells and whistles. The set that I’ve found that best fits the bill (except for motion) is the Lionel Polar Express set (the O-scale set, not the cheaper G-scale version. Are there any other suggestions? (yes, I read the FAQ).
Thanks in advance
[#welcome]
The first consideration is budget. Lionel and MTH make some nice entry level sets that will meet your needs. Of the two, for a ready to run set, I would say that MTH is a little bit better for the bells & whistles but they are also a little bit more expensive. For a 6yo I would give Lionel the edge for their Fastrack system, much easier to assemble and dis-assemble. The Polar Express, if memory is correct, only comes with bell/whistle function.
Are there any clubs or hobby shops in your area where you could see some of these in use?
When getting a child a set the first thing to consider is play value. That usually eliminates passenger sets. I recommend a freight set that has one or two open cars that can haul those toy soldiers, or trucks. If chuffing sounds are desired, drive Mom batty, keep that in mind as a feature you want. The basic Lionel set that meets most of my criteria, I think the name the NYC Flier
Check this one out:
While your at check out basicly the whole catalog as heres the same set minus one car and its about $70 less
. Yes this has different cars than the one above . Theres even sets that have 4-4-2 engines for the same price area and they smoke , ring bells, and blow the whistle.
As one who had a display layout aimed at kids, went to a good many shows and has talked with many families, I can offer some suggestions.
For one thing, what adults consider necessary for fun and what kids consider are two different matters. While many adults find it essential to have digital sound packages in every locomotive, that make accurate sounds to that particular unit, most kids will actually enjoy the blast of the old fashioned air whistle that Lionel still uses in the PRR Flyer Train Set.
Kids will use their imaginations far more than adults and want “play value.” Cars that can be loaded up, like gondolas and flat cars are top on the list. Action cars too, like the dump cars and some of the animated cars. K-Line (now made by Lionel) has a neat gear operated searchlight car that works very well and is entertaining for kids, especially at night in a darkened room running the trains.
Today, Lionel is putting their FasTrack system into all starter sets. While the track is nice, and has its advantages, it also limited what can be done in a small layout space. If you are planning to eventually make the typical 4’x8’ layout, FasTrack does have an advantage that the track doesn’t necessarily have to be totally screwed down in place. so that you can gradually add on to the layout.
But there are still plenty of new older sets (both Lionel and K-Line) that come with 027 track. 027 track will not withstand repeated putting together/pulling apart as will FasTrack, but 027 is far more affordable. Something to consider if you are watching your dollars. There are deals to be had on some of the Lionel items made during the MPC period, which can allow you to expand at a reasonable cost.
As mentioned above, the new PRR Flyer set from Lionel is a decent value for the money. For around $50 you can purchase from a company called MRC, a sound unit called the #312 Sound Station. It comes w
First off —> [#welcome].
I have bought a couple friends of mine Lionel Pennsy Flyer sets. Both have families, and both were instantly hooked. Reliable and easy to get up and running.
P.S. Just read Bob Keller’s review of the new 0-8-0 that comes with the Pennsy Flyer, making me like that set even more. (No bell though)