The Best Train Sets

Wooden Sets

• For the really little guys, the perfect train set will be those primarily constructed out of wood. A 37-piece wooden train set should do just fine and doesn't break the bank at around $30. The general setup of wooden sets like this includes three or more magnetized connecting cars and a wooden track for them to roll on that is in the formation of a figure 8. It is also compatible with most train sets if the need for an addition to the original wooden train tracks should arise.

Lego Sets

• As soon as those toddlers reach the age of 6, they tend to lose some interest in the wooden sets. Thus, a more complicated and amusing set is required to capture and maintain their interest. For that day, the Lego sets will suffice. They provide all the major aspects of a real train in a miniaturized form. This means the train is equipped with its own running motor. This gives the train that realistic kick that children love. Of course, with a child's excitement comes a steep price, usually around $100 to $200. The good thing about these Lego sets is that most of the Legos can be broken down to make a completely different idea, such as a car.

Electric Sets

• When children reach into double-digit ages, they tend to gain more interest in tangible, metallic and electric train sets. For this, companies such as Lionel are the one stop needed to purchase a quality and lasting electric train set. For example, the Lionel Lines Classic Freight train set is the perfect way to fuel older kids' interest. The locomotives exhibit features such as an air whistle, fake puffing smoke, operating headlights, forward/neutral/reverse operation, die-cast metallic body and a powerful motor.

Pre-Assembled Sets

• Lionel also offers its trademark Ready-to-Run sets, which provides the user with mere minutes of assembly time and increased simplicity. These also offer the lifetime warranty that all Lionel's sets provide.