A train set is often bought for a little boy by his father, not always because the father genuinely believes his little boy really wanted a train set, but because the father really wanted a train set. However, there are many occasions when children, not just boys, are interested in train sets, and have a great deal of fun with them. Of course, like any other toy, they come in a variety of types, and if you are considering buying a train set, whether for you, for your child, or for your child to start with until they get bored and you 'reluctantly' have to take it over, then there are a few things to consider and bear in mind when looking to choose a suitable set.

For very young children it would clearly be inappropriate to buy a scale model of the Flying Scotsman and half a mile of track. Instead there are a number of fantasy train sets, from Thomas the Tank Engine, who has remained popular through the books, television series and other related toys, to Harry Potter, with the Hogwarts Express featuring amongst various other models and features. These can be an easy to understand and use introduction to train sets, and can foster an interest in model trains.

Should the child grow out of these sets, but remain interested in trains, or if simply your child expresses an interest and is too old for such fantasy sets, then you will need to start looking at the higher quality, 'proper' train sets from manufacturers such as Hornby. However, you need to bear in mind that train sets are very expensive, and develop over time. There is no way of knowing with a child whether their new found interest will last a few days, a few weeks, or a lifetime, and so it is important to keep to the basics, which should be enough to satisfy their initial enthusiasm, but then look to expand the set later if they remain interested.

Having said that, a single loop of track is unlikely to keep their interest for very long, and so buying either a double loop, or at least a few sidings and points, they will be able to vary the movement, direction and loop that the train is on, which will add to their interest. Track is relatively inexpensive compared to the trains themselves, and can be expanded and added to over many years quite easily. It slots together as a temporary construction, but if you're building a more permanent train set, and using a base board, then you can nail the track to the board using small tacks, which help to keep everything firmly in place.

If you're planning on having more than one train on the track, then you might look at a DCC system rather than a DC one. DC systems just used an electric circuit, and any trains on the track would be moved simultaneously by using the controller, unless they were isolated off into a siding. DCC systems using computer technology to identify and control each train individually even if on the same track.

Of course, if the hobby persists, then adding landscapes, buildings, and many other features can create a very realistic and fascinating model town, and become a project that lasts many years.