Best Beginner Model Train Sets of 2022 – A Helpful Guide!

This post has been updated in July of 2022 to include the most up to date information and new train sets about beginner model trains for 2022. 

So you’re thinking about getting into model trains, but have no idea where to start with as a beginner? Well, there’s a number of awesome beginner model train sets out there, and each one does something a little different.

Or, love train sets, or have someone in your family that does? Electric train sets are the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!

Model train sets are an awesome beginner hobby to help you relax after work, or even to help you socialize more in local clubs if that’s your thing.

The problem is, where do you start? There are hundreds of different models, sizes and brands out there, so it can be a bit overwhelming sometimes.

Well, that all depends on what you’re after! Do you already have a small model train set that you were given, or is this your first foray into the hobby?

First, start with size – If you’ve got a big layout, you can opt for an O or HO (half O) scale size train. if you’re in an apartment, or just don’t have a lot of room, consider an HO, N or even a Z scale train.

Once you’ve picked a model train scale, you’re kind of locked into it, as much like a puzzle, these pieces will only fit with each other.

So this is our list of the top 6 best beginner train sets for adults or young children, beginner or advanced.

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Bachmann Chief Ready-to-Run Electric Train

Best Starter Train Set

[amazon box=” B004NHDW1K “]

The Bachmann Chief Ready-to-Run Electric Train is the standard in model trains. Bachmann is known for being one of the best model train manufacturer’s in the world, and this could be considered their best train set.

This set includes a number of different products to help you get started, or add flair to an existing set:

• EMD GP40 diesel locomotive with operating headlight
• An open quad hopper car
• Gondola car
• Steel reefer car
• Off-centre caboose
• 47″ x 38″ oval of snap-fit E-Z Track, including 12 pieces curved track, 1 piece straight track, and 1 plug-in terminal rerailer, signal bridge
• 36 miniature people, 24 telephone poles, 48 railroad and street signs
• Power pack and speed controller.

It’s the perfect set for someone looking to get started. Veteran modellers might not be as satisfied with some of the pieces as they’re primarily made of plastic, despite their high-quality look. Apart from that, the people themselves are a single pink colour. So it’s a good excuse to bust out some paint and have a go at adding some clothes to them!

Overall, this is our best pick for the price!

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Bachmann Super Chief Ready to Run Train

[amazon box=” B007923CU2″]

Another really nice Bachmann set that is cheaper than it should be. The Super Chief Ready-to-Run set comes with a variety of N scale products that will interlink with other Bachmann or N scale train kits. This model train set includes:

• A complete Ready-to-Run Freight Train Set
• an F7-A Diesel Locomotive with functioning headlight
• Inlcudes a box car, a steel gondola car and an offset cupola caboose
• Comes with 24″ of circle E-Z track
• A power pack and a speed controller for the locomotive

This is a slightly cheaper option than other trains on this list, so it’s really aimed at teenagers or adults getting dipping their toes into model railroading. The best part about it, however, is because of this it comes Ready-to-Run. That means there’s nearly no set up and you can have a train heading around your track in 5 minutes or less.

The only thing to note about this train is the couplers can be a bit tricky to get aligned correctly, so making sure your track is flat and aligned correctly is a must! 

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Lionel Polar Express Remote Train

Best Beginner Holiday Themed Train Set

[amazon box=” B01N3D2VTC “]

The Polar Express Remote by Lionel trains is a classic train that any and all adults will find joy in. Especially when they show it off to younger to nieces, nephews or their own kids!

Modeled after the Polar Express train from the classic movie of the same name, it’s not an overly “ ” looking train, so it’ll still run nicely on a layout with a normal looking layout.

Lionel is renown for making high-quality trains, and this is no exception. This train set includes:

• 2-8-4 Berkshire-style locomotive and tender
• 2 coach cars and 1 observation car
• Polar Express decorative bell
• 4 Polar Express character figures
• 8 curved O36 FasTrack sections, 1 straight track section, and 1 terminal wall pack section
• LionChief Remote Control
• Wall pack power supply

There are no real cons to this train set, although some people have noted that if left unattended, it might need to be unplugged/plugged back in at the wall to get it to start turning over again.

An awesome Lionel train that is perfect for any time of year, but is also one of the best Christmas train sets around. 

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Kato USA New York Central Model Train

[amazon box=” B087XGSFLS”]

There’s something about a Kato model train that just makes people gaze in wonder. They’re meticulously crafted, and in the USA New York Central 20th Century Limited model train it’s no exception. Kato is one of the biggest names in the industry, and have been making trains for years! This train kit comes with the following:

• Kato USA N scale New York Central 20th Century 9-car model train set
• Power Supply unit

This is a little more expensive than something like the Bachmann sets that come with the track as well, but you definitely get what you pay for with this locomotive. It’s going to be a train you run for years to come with very little problems or maintenance. We genuinely can’t come up with a single negative for this locomotive.

The only thing you may want to take into consideration is the fact that its an N scale train, so it is a bit smaller that your traditional model train kits! (although that just means you’ll have more space for more layout!)

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Lionel Santa Fe Diesel Diesel Passenger model train

[amazon box=” B07BF2KJKB”]

There’s a reason this Lionel train is a 4.7 out of 5-star! The Lionel Santa Fe Diesel Passenger model train set is a complete Ready-to-Run model that is perfect if you want to really bring something special to your railroad. 

It comes complete with a number of different features that can also be controlled from your phone, including things like lights, smoke and sounds. This set includes:

• Battery powerered locomotive
• Coach passenger car
• Observation passenger car
• 24 cuved and 8 straight pieces of Ready-to-Run track
• Remote control for whistle and bell

This is a super cool and iconic model train of a super cool real life train! If you’re just getting into model trains, this is a really neat one to start off with that wont break the bank! 

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Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer Battery Powered Ready-to-Play Model

Best Beginner Train Sets for Young Children

[amazon box=” B01C35QI50″]

This Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer is great because it comes in a couple different models. This one we’re recommending is the battery powered option, because it’s a little cheaper and will give you an idea if this is a hobby for you! If you do like it, you can upgrade to the O scale version that’s a pure electric operated one to save yourself on battery costs. This cool little model train set includes:

• A steam locomotive and tender
• Gondola with crate load
• Center cupola caboose
• 24 curved and 8 straight pieces of track
• an RC remote control

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What else to consider when buying a model train?

When considering buying a model train set, there are a few different things you should take into account. Firstly, what scale train do you want to run? This will determine what you can buy.

If you’re already running an HO scale train set, there is no point buying an N scale train, because it won’t fit. (unless you want to start a new layout).
Alternatively, if this is your first purchase, work out what size scale you want to run. You can read more about the best beginner scales in this post.

Next, it’s mostly a matter of working out what kind of train you want to run. These 5 are our top picks, but there are hundreds of both good and bad trains out there to buy. So make sure you do some proper research on the best model brands before buying, so you end up with a quality train.

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We hope that helped, and if you have a recommendation, please leave a comment below with your favorite train!

And if this is your first time reading about the best model trains, have a look at our Ultimate Model Train Guide to learn more about the hobby!