Train Sets

The train sets listed on this page are in stock in our store and ready for purchase or layaway. For layaway information click here.

Getting Started; Train Sets Are Ideal!

If you are looking to get started in this interesting hobby or just want a train for under the Christmas tree, train sets are a great value. Sets include track, power pack, locomotive, rolling stock (cars), and can include a few scenery items or buildings.

They are a great value for starting because you get everything that you need to begin for one price and in the box. And if you like, you can add additional track, locomotive, rolling stock, scenery, and buildings to expand your layout.

If you are thinking about getting a set for a child there are some important points that you should consider:

The age of the child:

All train sets are recommended for children ages 8 and up.

Adult supervision:

All train sets are electrically powered, and many sets include small parts. An adult should always supervise and help set-up any train set.

Instructions and other important information:

All train sets include instructions on setting-up and operating the train set. It may include additional information regarding safe operation. Always read the instructions and any additional information before set-up and operation. If a warranty card is included with the train set, please complete it and mail it to the manufacturer.

Notes on Train Scale/Gauge:

Train sets are available in a variety of different sizes called scales or gauges. Each is given an alphabetical letter to identify the scale. The scales are listed from largest to smallest and are: G Gauge or Garden Railroad gauge is the largest. Its numeric scale is 1/22. O Gauge is smaller than G. Its numeric scale is 1/48. S Gauge is smaller than O. Its numeric scale is 1/64. HO Gauge is smaller than S and is half the size of O. Its numeric scale is 1/87. N Gauge is smaller than HO. Its numeric scale is 1/160. Z Gauge is the smallest, smaller than N. Its numeric scale is 1/220. To help you understand the numeric size of the scale, we need an example. We’ll use G gauge as the example. G gauge has a numeric scale of 1/22. This means that if you placed 22 G gauge locomotives inline front to back they would equal the length of the real locomotive. The numeric scale also indicates the amount of scale feet per 12 inches. For G gauge it is 22 scale feet per 12 inches. Also to help you understand scale, the smaller the scale number, the larger the train is. G gauge is 1/22 while Z gauge is 1/220. G gauge is 10 times larger than Z gauge. It is important to consider the size of the gauge, planning where it will be set-up in your home. It is also important to consider the child’s age when selecting the scale. A good rule of thumb is for a young child a larger scale is best for the child to handle.

Locomotives:

A locomotive, steam or diesel, pulls the train. Most locomotives will come with an operating headlight. Some steam locomotives will even make smoke by using a special liquid smoke fluid or smoke pellets. Some of the large-scale locomotives in G and O gauge include a chug, chug sound and operating whistle. Some of the diesel locomotives in the large scales include the sound of a real diesel locomotive and operating horn.

Track:

All train sets come with track for the train to run on. Separate straight and curved track sections are included. Many sets include a rerailer track section. This track section has a special insert between the rails that aligns the wheels of the locomotive and car, making it easier to place them on the track. Some sets may include metal clips called rail joiners. These are small, formed metal pieces that connect track sections together. Other sets have track systems that snap together for easy snap-together assembly. Track expansion sets and individual track sections are available to increase the size of the train set.

Couplers:

Couplers are mounted on the ends of each car and locomotive, and keep the train connected, coupled together. A standard style of coupler is used on the cars and locomotives of each scale. You don’t have to worry about mixing and matching cars and locomotives made by different manufacturers. If they are the same scale they will work together. Many of the sets include knuckle couplers, which look like clasped hands. Knuckle couplers hold more securely and are usually mounted on the bottom of the car or locomotive to help keep the wheels on the track.

Power Packs:

Power packs are electric control units. These plug into the wall outlets in your home and they take common household current and convert it to the voltage needed to operate the train. It is used to regulate the speed of the train, making it run faster or slower, and direction running forward or in reverse. Most power packs will also provide power for any accessories that are used with the train set. Power connections for the train and accessories are usually located on the back of the power pack. Virtually all power packs are UL listed, and have passed tests to meet specific safety requirements for the operation of electric train sets. Most power packs come with a built-in protective device that shuts off the power pack if there is an electrical problem. Plugging the power pack into the wall outlet should be performed by an adult or under adult supervision. Specific instructions for operating the power pack are included with the sets.