Image: MomJunction Design Team
Miniature electric train sets can be a classic gift for train enthusiasts, both young and old. The model train sets are popular among children and help develop their motor, problem-solving, and logical thinking skills while also providing them with endless fun and satisfaction. Building an electric train set is time-consuming, but it’s all worth it as it makes the experience realistic.
There are several varieties of tried-and-tested electric train sets available online, and it’s necessary to choose the right one that fits your budget, electric supply, and room size. The best-selling options and the buying guide below highlight all the information you need to buy the best electric train sets for your children.
Top Picks
19 Electric Train Sets For Kids
1. Best Easy-To-Assemble:Hot Bee Train Set
Hot Bee’s electric toy train features a cargo vehicle, coal wagon, locomotive steam engine, and a passenger car. The hooked train set runs on a ten-piece track, which you can arrange in a circular or oval shape. Additionally, the train set includes some cool features such as chugging sounds, a fully functional headlight, and a smokestack that releases odorless steam. This battery-powered train runs on a 3.7V lithium battery that lasts for more than three hours after recharging. You can buy this electric train set for kids aged three to eight.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Sturdy train set made of ABS material
- Releases harmless smoke
- Does not fall off the track
- Rechargeable batteries
Cons
- No mute feature
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 6,842 reviews on Amazon.
Trivia2. Best Eco-Friendly:Temi Train Set
Temi’s battery-powered train set is ideal for children aged three and up. This expert-approved model train set comes with a steam locomotive, two passenger cars, and 12 track pieces. You can set up a 69.3×41.7-inch oval layout or use fewer track pieces to form a layout of your choice. With realistic features, you can activate the LED headlight, whistle sound, and liquid smoke and make the train journey more authentic. Complete your mini electric train set with European architecture and figurines and enjoy the journey. If you need further convincing, check this YouTuber’s review out.
Pros
- Features a long train track
- Easy to set up and dismantle
- Made of eco-friendly materials
- Uses four rechargeable AA batteries
- Suitable for Christmas decorations
- Passed ASTM and CPSIA safety tests
Cons
- Train may derail frequently
"I love that this train doubles as my festive decor and my little one's favorite play item. It's a durable and cherished collection for my home. While its assembly is quite simple, you need to be careful when disassembling it. Overall, it's been a satisfactory choice."
3. Best Lightweight:iHaHa Electric Train Set
The electric model train set from iHaha includes four straight tracks and six curved tracks to let you form any layout of your choice. The safety-tested set also includes a freight car, locomotive engine, and two passenger cars. This battery-operated train set is ready to run after you insert two AA batteries at the back of its locomotive engine. Available at a reasonable price, you can arrange the electric train set around your Christmas tree and switch on the chuffing sounds for an authentic train journey.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Includes headlight for a realistic experience
- Lightweight and space-saving design
- Easy to store
- Chuffing sounds are not too loud
- Made of safe materials
Cons
- Tracks may not be sturdy
4. Best Stable:Lionel The Polar Express LionChief
The Polar Express from Lionel is a 2-8-4 set that includes a locomotive and tender, an observation car, four movie characters, two passenger cars, and several track pieces. This model electric train set uses Bluetooth, cellphone, and remote for smooth operation. You can use the remote to activate the bell and whistle sounds and the official announcements from the movie. Besides, the chuffing and rail sounds, puffing smoke, operational headlights, and silhouettes in the windows make the set more true-to-life. Check out a tester’s experience in the review video to know why it is one of the best out there.
Pros
- Sturdy engine made of heavy metal
- Cars include internal lights
- Easy to set up
- Compatible with Bluetooth
- Does not fall off the track
Cons
- Switch to turn off smoke and chuff sounds may not work well
"As a solid fan of The Polar Express, my daughter has a special affection for this train set. She loves its locomotive system with realistic smoke and sounds."
Point to consider5. Best Realistic:Bachmann Trains Jingle Bell Express Ready To Run Electric Train
Bachmann Trains 0-6-0 electric train set features a single dome tank car, boxcar, quad hopper vehicle, and an offset cupola caboose. The train runs on power supplied to the track through a plug, and the speed controller allows you to start and stop the train, thereby ensuring safety. Additionally, the train is equipped with EZ tracks for easy setup and EZ mate couplers for railroad switching and yard operations.
Pros
- Real-life experience with headlights, chugging sounds, and smoke
- Easy to install
- Does not decouple or derail
- Comes with clear instructions
- Cute Christmas-themed designs on the cars
- Engine made of diecast metal
Cons
- Plastic tender and coaches may not be durable
"I got this train for my Christmas village, and it has exceeded my expectations with its classic appearance. My little one also enjoys its smooth and easy-to-operate functions. The only drawback is its time-consuming assembly."
6. Best Retro:Aotipol Train Set
Aotipol’s classic train model comes with a steam locomotive, a coal car, and passenger coaches in a retro design that will bring back memories for parents. The train set features realistic sounds and lights and water-activated smoke that will transport your child to a real railway station. Additionally, the straight and curved tracks can be arranged to form various circuits, and the LED flashing lights inside the cabins add an authentic touch.
Pros
- Made of non-toxic ABS material
- Non-toxic and scentless smoke
- Easy to assemble
- Connecting hooks, tracks, and linked wheels
Cons
- Tracks may not stay well-attached
- May be a bit loud
"This train is a unique addition to my son's toy collection; he thoroughly enjoys its realistic smoke and sound features. While the set requires a gentle touch to avoid derailments, it is worth considering for the overall experience it offers."
Caution7. Best Bluetooth-Enabled:Lionel Union Pacific Flyer electric Train Set
The Union Pacific Flyer is a Bluetooth-enabled train set that you can smoothly operate using your phone. This 0-8-0 train set includes a boxcar, caboose, coal car, locomotive, and a tank car. After connecting the cars and engine, you can place the train on the tracks and start it by plugging the terminal wire into the electric socket. This O scale train set can also change direction and is ideal for children, hobbyists, and as Christmas decoration.
Pros
- Announcements, headlights, and smoke for a realistic experience
- Simple remote control system
- Forward and reverse directions
- Good sound system
- Engine made of solid metal
Cons
- May not be easy to assemble
"This classic train is an exciting addition to my kids' toy collection. Its unique Bluetooth control feature impressed me as well. The sound could be improved, but it has my approval for its overall detailing and the entertainment it offers."
8. Best Engaging: Bachmann Trains Electric Train Set
The train set by Bachmann Trains is a fun-packed electric train toy set for children containing 130 pieces. It is powered by a robust EMD GP40 diesel locomotive and features working headlights for a more realistic experience. The pack includes an open quad hopper car, a gondola car, a steel reefer car, an off-set cupola caboose, a signal bridge, 36 scaled-down figures, 48 railroad and street signs, and 24 telephone poles, making it a comprehensive train toy set. Additionally, the HO scale trains contain 12 curved and one straight black railway tracks that snap together to form an oval-shaped continuous train track that measures 47 x 38 inches.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Detailed parts
- Includes an elaborate instructions manual
- Made from durable plastic material
- HO scale 1:87
Cons
- Car connectors might be a bit flimsy
- Locomotive might jump off the track at times
"The locomotive mechanism of this train is well-received by my kids, and I like its easy assembly and overall smooth function. It has my approval for the fun experience it offers my children and its ability to keep them away from screens."
9. Best Compatible: Wood City Electric Train Set
The Wood City train set could be a suitable choice to promote your child’s growing interest in trains. This set features a unique design with magnetic connectors to join the car and engine with minimum effort. The engine of this train set is powered by two AAA batteries and is compatible with the wooden train tracks of most mainstream brands. In addition, the set includes an operator figure that can be adjusted to various poses improving fine motor skills and enhancing pretend play sessions. The safety-tested set includes an engine, a magnetic train car, an operator, and a screwdriver for easy assembly.
Pros
- Makes locomotive sound effects
- Encourages creativity and learning
- Can climb bridges and hills
- Child-safe design
- Moves forward and backward
- Easy to operate
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Sound volume may not be adjustable
10. Best With Lights And Sounds: Play Moon Electric Train Set
The train set by Play Moon is battery-operated and features flashing lights and sound effects for an immersive experience. It is a Christmas-themed train toy set containing one locomotive, five carriages, ten curved tracks, 12 straight tracks of different lengths, one cross track, four Y tracks, two trees, and four signposts, allowing you to customize the track in multiple ways. The train toy set features a realistic design with intricate details, making it a suitable gift option for anyone aged three years and above.
Pros
- Made of superior-quality plastic
- Encourages creativity
- Easy to clean
- Doubles up as Christmas decor
- Meets CPSIA and ASTM safety standards
- Easy to operate
Cons
- May not feature a sound on/off option
- May be a bit challenging to connect the tracks
"My daughter is delighted to have this train in her Christmas collection. While some hiccups were there, the festive spirit it brought to our home is worth the buy. The design is also quite remarkable."
11.Best Battery-Operated:Atlasonix USA Train Set For Kids
Atlasonix’s USA train set has all the features to keep your children busy for hours. This battery-operated train set has a military theme and comes packed in a beautiful box. It includes wide tracks, train engines, helicopters, and toy soldiers to create an immersive play experience for your child. It is the perfect train set to enhance your little one’s imagination and help reduce the time they spend before the screen.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Suitable for gifting
- Makes authentic train sounds
- Three track layouts
Cons
- Might not be easy to assemble for younger children
- Some might find the material a bit flimsy
"My kids love playing with this train set, especially for its engaging features. Although I observed that it's not suitable for rough play, the overall joyful experience it brought made it a worthy choice."
12.Best Versatile:Catta Electric Train Set
The electric train set from Catta is ideal for children’s pastimes or even as a Christmas decoration. This black-colored train set comes with ten-track pieces, which can be snapped together to form a railroad layout of your choice, a locomotive engine, coal carriage, passenger car, and freight. It runs on four AA batteries, and the model offers functional headlights and produces puffing steam and rail sounds to make the train set more realistic.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Suitable for beginners
- Runs smoothly on the track
- Made with good-quality materials
Cons
- Wheels and couplers may be flimsy
"This train set has been a great addition to my child's toy collection. Every time it blows the sound and smoke gets out, he gets so excited. Despite minor issues, we love how good it looks around our Christmas tree."
13.Best For Creativity Skills:iPlay, iLearn Train Set
iPlay, iLearn’s train block set for toddlers includes a locomotive, two cars, railroad pieces, and building blocks that help boost their shape coordination and creativity skills. The locomotive engine comes with a music and light feature to stimulate your baby’s senses and physical movements. Children can also make different combinations and shapes using the building blocks.
Pros
- Improves cognitive skills
- Easy to put together
- Engaging and fun for toddlers
- Cute colors and sounds
Cons
- Pieces may be small for toddlers
"This train has made my toddler's playtime more imaginative and enjoyable, from its charming color combination to musical sounds. Just be careful with the small parts to prevent accidents. I am glad that it keeps my child engaged and away from screens."
14.Best Toy Story Fan Delight:Lionel Disney Pixar’s Toy Story Battery-Powered Model Train Set
Lionel Disney Pixar’s Toy Story model train set is perfect for Toy Story series fans. This ready-to-play train set is remote-controlled, making it easy to operate from any corner of the room. Indulge your children in an immersive play with this authentic train set that features realistic train sounds and movements.
Pros
- Includes 32 plastic track pieces
- Working headlight and opening doors
- Fixed knuckle couplers
- Detailed boxcar with graphics
- Easy to use
Cons
- Tracks may not be easy to attach
- Batteries may not last long
"My little one loves this charming Toy Story-themed train set, especially for its easy-to-control features. She can operate it however she wants without any effort. I'd suggest keeping some extra batteries handy for uninterrupted fun. I'm pretty satisfied with this purchase."
15.Best Snap-Together:Joyin Holiday Train Set
Joyin’s classic Christmas electric train set features a cargo car, locomotive engine, oil car, passenger car, and conveyance. The instructions provided allow you to snap the track pieces together to form a railroad layout. Insert the AA batteries into the locomotive engine, link the carriages, and place them on the tracks. You can use the remote to start, stop, and control the speeds of the train.
Pros
- Made of non-toxic materials
- Easy to assemble
- Easy-to-operate remote
- Realistic engine and whistle sounds
- Red headlight
Cons
- Does not include batteries
16.Best High Quality:FiGoal Electric Train Set
The electric train set from FiGoal is suitable for Christmas decorations and children’s playtime. This high-quality train set includes an engine, a passenger car, a cargo, a tank, and 15 track pieces that can be assembled to form a railroad layout of your choice. Once you power the train with AA batteries, it starts moving and produces chugging sounds and steam.
Pros
- Made with non-toxic materials
- Visually appealing
- Attracts and engages children
Cons
- Wheels may not connect well to the tracks
"While my kids cherished every moment of playing with the charming train toy, I enjoyed having it as the perfect centerpiece for my Christmas home decoration. However, it may not withstand rough play. Overall, a decent buy."
17.Best User-Friendly:Wood City Battery Operated Train
Bring home the Wood City battery-operated train to engage your children in immersive role-play. The train set includes a locomotive engine, a train car, and a train operator figure. With three easy-to-use buttons, children can control the train’s forward, backward, and stop movements. Additionally, the coaches are connected using high-end magnetic strength, eliminating the need to fiddle with loops and connectors, and the train’s realistic sounds and engine light provide an authentic feel.
Pros
- Compatible with wooden train tracks of several brands
- Made of child-safe materials
- Powerful engine
- Improves fine motor skills
Cons
- Battery tray may be a bit narrow
- Might be a bit loud
18.Best Durable:ArtCreativity Deluxe Train Set For Kids
Bring joy into the lives of your little ones with ArtCreativity’s deluxe train set. This set includes four train cars and tracks that can be arranged in any way your child desires. Made of high-quality plastic, this train set can withstand hours of rough play by children. Moreover, the battery-powered train set is available at an affordable price and makes a great birthday or Christmas present for children of all ages.
Pros
- Realistic design
- Durable
- Can be used as a decor piece
- Improves fine motor skills
Cons
- Parts might be smaller than expected
- Might make a rattling sound
"My children adore this train's authentic design and appealing features despite the time it takes to assemble all the pieces. I also used it as a Christmas decoration last year, and everyone loved it."
19.Best Enthusiast:Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer Freight Ready-To-Play Train Set
Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer Freight train set is a must-have for both children and train enthusiasts. It features a battery-powered Berkshire-style locomotive, authentic train sounds, a working headlight, and fixed knuckle couplers. The set also includes 32 track pieces and a remote control for an immersive play experience.
Pros
- Three customizable track layouts
- Includes a user manual
- Sturdy design
- Easy to connect
Cons
- Sounds may be a bit loud to some
"My 3-year-old loves this train set for the intriguing sound and versatile track design. She often requires a helping hand with assembling the set. It's been a solid choice, and the durability seems promising on first impressions."
How To Choose The Right Electric Train Set?
Here are some features you should look for when buying an electric train set.
- Scale or size: Model trains are measured in scale or gauges, which is nothing but a measure of their size reduced from their real-life counterparts. Small scale, such as N, allows for complex layouts in small spaces, whereas large G or O gauge train sets are beginner-friendly and require a lot of room and flat surfaces. HO is ideal, as it requires moderate complexity and space.
- Space: Before choosing the scale or size, determine how much space you have at home to place the track.
- Tracks: Conventional and roadbed are the two major track styles. If you’re looking for a customized layout, a conventional style would be ideal, but it may take longer to set up. A roadbed track is easy to connect but does not offer much customization.
- Power supply: To run these electric train sets, you need to supply power by either plugging it into an electric socket or inserting batteries into the car. Direct power is ideal for enthusiasts, while batteries are suitable for younger children.
- Operation: There are two ways to operate the train: using a speed controller included in the set or using a smartphone app that connects via Bluetooth and lets you access it up to 30ft.
- Accessories: If you want a realistic train experience, ensure the model you buy has accessories such as a smokestack, headlight, rail or bell sounds, and figurines safe and suitable for children.
- User: It doesn’t make sense to buy a complex layout for someone setting up their first train set, nor does it make sense to give an advanced user a beginner-level train project. So, choose the model of the electric train set based on the user’s experience or age. You can also look for trains with easy-to-operate switches or buttons so children can use them more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are electric train sets safe?
Electric train sets may include parts that are small and sharp, which are not safe for toddlers and young children to play by themselves. They require parental supervision no matter the kind of power supply they use.
2. How fast does an electric toy train travel?
Electric toy sets operate at different speeds depending on the motor capacity and design. Some of these electric trains operate at adjustable speeds and can be controlled either by using a speed controller or a smartphone.
3. What’s the best way to set up toy train tracks?
It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on installation because the train track’s design and setup may vary with each model.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose, our in-house writer, reviewer, and game and toy enthusiast, has compiled a list of some of the best electric train sets that will fascinate children and adults alike. Priti has a keen interest in researching, analyzing, and suggesting the right products to her readers. Through this article, Priti guides you on buying the finest tried-and-tested electric train set that suits your budget, size of the room, and electric supply. She also highlights the pros and cons of each train set to help buyers make the right choice.
Model electric train sets are an amazing way to keep your child engaged and entertained. They also help develop their motor, cognitive, and logical thinking skills. The products were shortlisted after thorough research and evaluating numerous customer reviews at different online platforms. These model train sets are suitable for all age groups and come in various sizes and designs. So go for the one that suits your preferences, and pick the right track style and operational features to make the most of your model trains.
Infographic: How To Use Electric Train Sets Properly?
Electric train sets provide hours of engaging play for young train enthusiasts with their motorized trains, realistic sounds, steam emission, and easy-to-use controls. However, being electric toys, these train sets need to be appropriately used to prevent short circuits and shocks. Refer to the infographic below to learn how to use electric train sets safely and enjoy hassle-free playtime.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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