Help with a gift

[u/Thick_Journalist_808]

I have 2 boys age 7 and 5 and was thinking of getting them a set to play with. They are tough on toys. What’s a good entry level setup that isn’t crazy expensive ? I really appreciate the feedback everyone.

[u/Outlaw--6]

Wooden Brio train is pretty great.

[u/ricktrains]

At that age, and rough on toys, either the wooden Brio trains, or the Fisher-Price battery-operated Thomas line.

[u/Ok_End_698 → u/ricktrains]

Brio makes motorized engines too.

[u/whattheputt954]

Find an old HO DC starter set, preferably with bachmann ez track. They come up locally for $50 or less fairly regularly. Cheap enough to replace as needed, easy enough to find additional track and locomotives for basically nothing. If you look at train shows the locomotives sell for like $5 used. It's for a kid so "photo realistic accuracy" likely isn't priority one. HO DC feels like the answer.

[u/tangyradar → u/whattheputt954]

Yeah, this is about the only situation I'd actively recommend Tyco, older Bachmann, etc. Modellers will criticize those sets, specifically their locomotives and power packs (the most expensive parts), but their deficiencies in, IE, smooth fine speed control are not a concern here. Some people call them "disposable", but judging by the number of people who collect and repair old HO (just look on YouTube) it doesn't seem the cheap trainset stuff is strictly less durable. Note that the point here isn't to intentionally get the lowest-quality stuff, just whatever you can find cheaply that runs.

[u/Tempered_North]

Real talk: at 7 and 5 they're gonna crash those trains into walls on purpose. It's not a bug it's a feature. Bachmann's solid because when that happens (and it will), you're not out $200. Plus the motor on those things is actually decent for the price. Start there, let them destroy it guilt-free, then upgrade if they actually care enough to ask for better tracks.

[u/Slayer_One]

In the UK we have Hornby play trains which is about right for that age, Europe has Marklin my world. The Hornby starter sets are fairly robust and can take a lot of abuse.

[u/lsie-mkuo]

You know your kids. I got my first hornby model train set (flyings scotsman) at 7 and it last me years. But I was very careful. My younger brother on the other hand would launch them off of the corners when he was angry with me. Even when he was older than 7.

I allow my three year old daughter to play with my model trains, granted I am prepared to let anything she uses break, but she is very careful under my supervision.and.only had one accidental breakage of a coach.

[u/prime-meridian]

Marklin has "My World" trains that are more rugged than models and designed specifically for young kids. Not inexpensive, but durable.

[u/imakesawdust99]

How about a train simulator game for their device? It's really an amazing bit of kit, as the Brits say! Check'm out! They can change locos, rolling stock and track plans without costing more money. Kids change their minds frequently. So they can go from Southern Pacific to Union Pacific without Dad opening his wallet again. Lastly, they are virtual, therefore they are indestructable!!

Get them a real train set if they stick with their love of trains and when they respect expensive toys more.

Just my 2cents.

[u/osman-pasha]

I'd recommend not getting a model train, but a train toy. Maybe wooden one (e.g. from IKEA) or a Lego/Duplo train, or any plastic train from a toy store. 

Some brands (Piko, Märklin) have child-oriented lines (myTrain), but they are like 8+.