Before adding any electric train set to your cart and calling it a day, there are a few things that you need to consider. The following are some key considerations that must be kept in mind when you’re browsing for an electric-powered train set.
Scale
Scale or size is one of the most important things to look for when you’re buying a train set. There are different scales for model trains on the market and it is vital that you choose the right one. For instance, the HO scale means that the model train set is 1/87 times smaller than the original train. Generally, it is the most ideal size as it can easily fit inside a compact room.
For children below 5, the electric train sets with an HO scale are ideal as they are too big for them to put in their mouths.
Similarly, the N scale represents that the model train is 1/160th times smaller than the real thing. It is ideal for toddlers aged above 6. Likewise, the O scale and G scale are quite gigantic in size and are only suitable for outdoor use.
Indoor Space
Before deciding on the size of the electric train set, measure the dimensions of the room where you want to install the train set. If you have a massive indoor space, you can get the train sets that come with more than 200 pieces and enable you to tweak the tracks and add more curves.
On the other hand, if you don’t have much space, it is recommended to get an electric train set with fewer pieces. Since you won’t have enough room to install all the additional pieces of the track and its environment, it makes much more sense to buy one with fewer pieces and a short track.
Layout
You can set up the layout of the track and tweak it as you see fit. For the common circular track, you won’t have to hassle much. However, to make a complicated track with lots of curves and loops, you will need an electric train set that comes with many track pieces. For children, the standard track would surely work but, if you’re just stepping into the trainverse, remember that more track pieces would mean an awesome track.
Noise
Most top-notch electric model trains are quite noisy and it is a factor that you seriously need to consider before getting your hands on one. If it is too noisy, you can enjoy all the horns and the announcements at the beginning but, later on, these tones can get quite noisy and starts to get on your nerves. Especially for kids, it is best to find a train set that isn’t too loud since it can cause a great deal of damage to their ears.