If you need to buy a present for a young boy then the option of choosing a train set is always one that you should consider. It's always a popular and well received gift - just ask any adult male if they can remember getting their first train set and you'll soon see what I mean.

It's probably fair to say that the days when every young boy wanted to be either a train driver or a fireman are gone now. Nevertheless, there is still a certain magic about trains. They have an enduring appeal that endears them to us even in these modern times. And whether you have a fancy for the age of steam or more up to date rolling stock, you can be sure that your needs will be well catered for.

Probably the best known model railway manufacturer is Hornby Trains. One of the good things about the Hornby range is that it is standardised. The now famous oo gauge system means that you can start off with a fairly basic train set and then gradually add to it and expand over a period of time. So, if you do decide to give a Hornby train set as a gift, then the lucky recipient could add more track, more trains and a whole variety of accessories over time.

There's a wide variety of different sets on offer from Hornby. Younger children might find the "Thomas The Tank Engine" range entertaining. You can also get the "Hogwarts Express" - as featured in Harry Potter - for older children. Then there are the replicas of real locomotives - though whether these are toys or model trains is debatable.

If you are interested in the glory days of steam then there's plenty to choose from. The Mallard and the Flying Scotsman are always popular choices and there are many more options available. Some of them are "superstars" such as the City of York. Others are more down to earth workhorse - but with their own utilitarian beauty nonetheless.

You could, if you wish, go for a more modern and slightly more utilitarian approach and choose a diesel electric set up. In its day, the class 52 diesel was every bit as iconic as many of the more famous steam locos - though admittedly a good deal less pleasing to the eye.

The trains currently ploughing up and down the country are the Virgin Pendolinos. As you would expect, Hornby also offer a train set based on these train - and it really does tilt when it goes around the bends (something which the real thing wasn't always that good at).

Whether your intended gift recipient would prefer steam locos, grubby diesels of ultra modern electric trains, there's a Hornby model to suit. If they subsequently change their mind then the fact that the Hornby system is standardised means that they can change the theme of their train set very easily.

A train set by Hornby Trains is always a great gift idea - it'll give years of fun and enjoyment. Check out the Hogwarts Express - it's a superb starter set.

categories: hobbies,toys,games,kids,model trains,entertainment,gifts

Posted under Toys