If you are shopping for toy train sets for the first time, especially for a child, you probably have a lot of questions. Which brand, scale and style should you buy? Is your child old enough for one and is it safe to operate if little fingers get in the way? These are all things you are probably asking yourself. Below are a few things you should definitely take into consideration.
• Age – Children of nearly all ages can appreciate a toy train. If you feel your child is too young, you could purchase one that they can watch you operate. This way, when they are a little older, you already have one ready for them to enjoy. Choosing a classic like the Lionel 6-30124 Thunder Valley Quarry Mine Set will spark an appreciated for timeless pieces at a young age.
• Safety – When shopping for a toy train for a child, safety is one of the most important things to consider. Are there small pieces that could become a choking hazard? Is the transformer tested and proven safe? Buying brands like Williams and Lionel offer peace-of-mind knowing that safety is one of their top concerns.
• Size – You will notice the word scale used a lot in train descriptions. O scale is a common size for children because it’s small enough for little hands to hold and easy to maneuver indoors yet it’s still large enough to not miss out on any detail.
• Easy to Assemble – Ideally, the toy train you choose will have a track that’s easy to assemble and wire. A recommended pick is the Williams Santa Fe Flyer that comes with a snap-fit roadbed track. The set also provides a 80-watt AC transformer so you basically have everything you need to get up and running.
• Quality – When you purchase quality trains, you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth out of them. These are toys that should be able to be appreciated and then passed down through generations. In fact ,there are Lionel trains from 1900 still running more than a century later!
• Durable – Children are rarely gentle when handling toys. The train you purchase should not be sharp, heavy or delicate. It needs to be just right! Choose a product that is thoughtfully created to avoid injury yet take a little abuse.
• Realistic – Children prefer trains that offer a realistic look. Illuminated headlights, smoke, live-action crossing gates, bells, horns and direction buttons are extras they will appreciate. It’s also a good idea to choose a brand with plenty of accessories that your child can put on their wish list for future holidays and birthdays!
There are plenty of options when it comes to toy train sets. Is a classic-looking model more your child’s style or would they appreciate something a little more fierce like the Williams 00306 Virginian Tidewater Express Freight Set? These are the ones you can just imagine blasting through your city at high speeds.
Don’t overlook the opportunity to buy one for your daughter either! There are plenty of girl varieties available as well like the super popular Williams GG-1 Electric Girls Freight Set in pretty colors like blue, yellow and pink.
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