8 best electric trains

Electric trains, particularly in the context of train sets, play trains, railway sets, and toys and games, are miniature models of real trains that are designed for both entertainment and educational purposes. These toys are popular among children and hobbyists, allowing them to create their own miniature train worlds and engage in imaginative play. Here are some key aspects related to electric trains in the context of playsets and toys:

  1. Electric Power: Many toy train sets are powered by electricity. They often use low-voltage electric currents to run the trains on miniature tracks. The electricity is typically supplied through a power pack or controller that connects to the track.

  2. Track Layout: Electric train sets come with various pieces of track that can be assembled in different layouts. This allows children and hobbyists to create custom tracks with loops, turns, bridges, and other features to make the train journey more interesting.

  3. Train Models: Toy electric trains come in various models, such as steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, and modern electric trains.They can also be themed around popular franchises or historical periods, adding an element of fun and storytelling to the play experience.

  4. Accessories: Many electric train sets come with a range of accessories, including miniature buildings, trees, signs, and even figurines. These accessories help create a realistic environment for the trains to travel through and enhance the play experience.

  5. Remote Control: Some advanced electric train sets come with remote control capabilities, allowing users to control the speed and direction of the trains. This adds an element of interactivity and control to the play.

  6. Educational Value: Electric train sets can have educational benefits. They can teach children about basic principles of electricity, engineering, and problem-solving as they design and construct their own railway layouts.

  7. Collectibility: For hobbyists and collectors, electric train sets can be a passion. Collecting vintage train sets and accessories can be a rewarding hobby, and these items can hold significant value over time.

  8. Safety: Safety is paramount when dealing with electric train sets. Parents should ensure that children understand the importance of safe play around electricity and small parts. Adult supervision may be required for younger children.

  9. Maintenance: Like any mechanical device, electric trains may require occasional maintenance, such as cleaning the tracks, lubricating moving parts, or replacing worn-out components. This maintenance can be a valuable learning experience.

In summary, electric trains in the context of train sets and toys provide an engaging and educational way for children and hobbyists to explore the world of trains, electricity, and creativity. These sets offer a wide range of options for customization and imaginative play, making them a timeless favorite among enthusiasts of all ages.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best electric trains on the market
  

E-Collar Training for Dogs: The Complete Guide that You Need on How to Train Your Dog with the Aid an Electric Collar

E-Collar Training for Pet Dogs: The Only Resource You’ll Need to Train Your Dog with the Aid of an Electric Training Collar (Dog Training for Pet Dogs, Book 2)

Based on 600 reviews Check latest price

Instant Pot Cookbook: The Ultimate Cookbook to Prepare Fast & Healthy Meals with Your Electric Pressure Cooker

Kaibibi Luxury Train Sets Electric, Classical Simulation Train with Lights and Sounds,Cargo Cars & Tracks,Railway Kits, Big Train Sets for Boys & Girls 3 4 5 6 7 8+ Years Old Christmas Birthday Gifts

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price
  • [REMINDS YOU OF YOUR CHILDHOOD, FOREVER CLASSICAL TRAIN SET]: This Classical simulation train set is so adorable for kids (adults), reminds memories of the ones that go under xmas trees like childhood time. But it’s update train set, you also can put it next to your Christmas tree, it will make Christmas more beautiful!
  • [ATTRACTIVE “CHOO-CHOO” SOUND TO KIDS & HEADLIGHT]: Every child loves choo-choo trains. While running around on the railway track,our Christmas toy train produces authentic train sounds(the train toy set has 4 sound effect) and headlight on.Kids will love it when it move on with that realistic sound. It is great fun to watch kids playing busy and the train going round and round. 
  • [EASY TO ASSEMBLE & MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY]: Our Christmas train set comes with a nice gift box, a beautiful head of train, a coal tank, a cargo trunk, a passenger compartment with "Merry Christmas", 8 straight tracks, and 12 curve tracks. With so many train accessories, It can set to a circle, oval or parallelogram shape. It’s super easy to set up and play!
  • [HIGH QUALITY AND STURDY]: Our train set is not the cheap ones, we can 100% promise our quality is A class, 100% safe non-toxic material for children(specially designed for ages 3 and up) and pass many certification. Really strong and sturdy. A perfect train for the Christmas tree & A best Christmas gift for kids!
  • [THE TRAIN IS LARGE, HUGE TRAIN ROAD]: Our electric train sets for kids is high quality and big. All racks looks good and strong. The head of train is appax 35X10X18cm(13.8X3.9X7.1in). Other trunk also large, not small one. The toy trains set requires 6 x1.5V “AA” batteries(not included).

Product features

LUXURIOUS CLASSICAL SIMULATION TRAIN

ROMANTIC JOURNEY

BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR KIDS

Our christmas train set is designed for christmas gift, birthday gift.

With a beautiful head of train, a coal tank, a cargo trunk, a passenger compartment.

ENJOY MORE FUN WITH KIDS

With 8 straight tracks, and 12 curve tracks.

It can set to a circle, oval or parallelogram shape. It’s super easy to set up and play!

HIGH QUALITY AND STURDY TRAIN SET

The head of train is appax 35X10X18cm(13.8X3.9X7.1in)

It's LUXURIOUS and High quality.

Hot Bee Electric Toy Train Set, Battery-Powered Train Toys Set w/ Smoke, Realistic Lights & Sounds Railway 4 Cars and Tracks Kits, Gifts for 3 4 5 6 7 8+ Year Old Boys Girls

Hot Bee

Based on 613 reviews Check latest price
  • 🚂【WONDERFUL TOY TRAIN FOR KIDS】 Christmas train toy set includes a classic steam and tender, a giving carriage, a Santa sleigh, a passenger coach, 8 pcs curved tracks and 4 straight tracks. Train locomotive Engine requires 4x1.5V AA batteries, not included. Turn on the railway set and get ready to embark on a pleasant journey. Kids will enter the retro atmosphere to play with their endless imagination.
  • 🛤【REALISTIC HEADLIGHT, SOUNDS & SMOKE】 When train is coming with flashing headlights, all aboard for brand New adventures on rails! Real train sounds, authentic engine sounds, horns and whistles while running around on the railway track. Fill in some water,the train will make real harmless smokes. Place your train engine and favorite cars on the tracks. Blow the whistle ! The real steam smoke will blow out of locomotive. It been a really exciting experience!
  • ⚙【EASY TO SET AND PLAY】The modular train tracks slot into each other easily by connection clasp.(Accurate placement into the track to prevent derailment). Mini size is fit for most family, not occupy too much space. Put down kids hand electronic goods, watching the train set races along, not only helps children to understand and learn about their environment in a fun way, but also improve their creativity and concentration.
  • ✅【SAFE&DURABLE, KID FRIENDLY DESIGN】This electric train set is made of highest quality, non-toxic materials. Every parts under strict quality safety tests to ensure that our products conform to all safety standards.Designed for ages 3 and up,the smooth surface allow children to enjoy playing without worrying about hurting small hands or breaking the train.
  • 😍🎁【BEST GIFT IDEA FOR BOYS&GIRLS】Hot Bee train set is ready to party, celebrate all the special moments with this festive golden engine. Enjoy wondefor time with the kids or encourage them to play independently and make that birthday or holiday one to remember. Extra Gift ! ! ! Two sets of snow cottage puzzles. On this special day, the recipient will get the double happiness from you. Any issues or problems with your item, please contact us anytime ! !

User questions & answers

Question: Does the package come with an extra puzzle
Answer: Thanks for your attention! The train dimensions is 9.25 x 4. 13 x 2.48 inches and the package dimensions is 10.82 x 2.95 x 5.9 inches. Hope the answer can help you.
Question: Does it only play around the tree
Answer: Thanks for your attention! Yes, it can go forward on wheels without rails. Hope the answer can help you.
Question: Where can you buy extra tracks
Answer: Yes, There is a button to turn on the train, it make a sound after turn on, my grand daughter does, whooo whoo
Question: Is this made of metal or plastic
Answer: Hi, thanks for your question. All train tracks are not the same and only work with a special track, the track size for this locomotive is 2.36in. You can refer to this link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087TQC21Y

Product features

Hot Bee train set is the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions. Boys and girls will quickly make this their favorite toy.

Decorate kids party with Hot Bee classic train set! Start your budding train engineer on the right track or expand your collection with an classical steam engine. Push the train forward to recreate the piston action just like they did on the real steam train engines back in the day !

Installation Of The Tracks

The locomotive and the carriages can be easily connected by hooks so that they can keep together and not easily detached in the course of train-running.

Battery Installed

This electric train set is powered by 4×1. 5V AA batteries (not included). Loosen the screw and open the cover to install batteries.

Power Supply

After the battery is installed, connect the cable and hooks between the battery box (giving carriage) and locomotive engine.

Carrige Connection

The locomotive and the carriages can be easily connected by hooks so that they can keep together and not easily detached in the course of train-running.

Place The Train

Please make sure all the wheels are on the track to prevent running off its track. The train and the track will fit together tightly.

Extra Gift !!

Snow cottage puzzles is full of fun and challenging.It has 27pcs inside the box, just after about 10-20minutes, you will do a great work without any glue or tools.

CHOO CHOO’ MODE

Press the ‘Ⅰ’ button, the train will start with authentic sounds of ’choo-choo’, then move forward including bell whistle and LED light, the experience really exciting.

SILENT MODE

Press the ‘Ⅱ’ button, the train will start in silence(the whistle turn off), then picks up speed with harmless, realistic smoke and vintage headlight after three seconds. It's not so loud as to cause disturbing.

PACKAGE CONTENT

  • Steam Locomotive Engine x 1
  • Giving Carriage x 1
  • Santa Sleigh x 1
  • Passenger Carriage x 1
  • Straight Track x 4
  • Curved Track x 8
  • Track Locking Pieces x 24
  • Empty Bottlex1
  • Snow Cottage Puzzles x 2
  • Instructions Manual x 1

Train Set - Electric Train Toy for Boys Girls w/ Smokes, Lights & Sound, Railway Kits w/ Steam Locomotive Engine, Cargo Cars & Tracks, Christmas Gifts for 3 4 5 6 7 8+ year old Kids

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
  • 🚂CLASSIC MODEL TRAIN TRACK PLAY SET: comes with a exquisite locomotive steam engine, a passenger coach, a coal car, a cargo vehicle, 8 pcs curved tracks and 2 straight tracks to start the fun train games. Your kids and family members will definately enjoy watching the trains moving around. Not only can keep your kids to have fun for hours but also improve their intelligence and exercise hand-eye coordination.
  • 🚂 REALISTIC SOUND,ODORLESS SMOKE, COOL HEADLIGHT: When the trains runs, it produces authentic train sounds, working headlights and realistic smoke to make the game process more exciting and funny. Also the train set for boys comes with an bonus-empty water bottle, you have to put water into it and will emit harmless smoke, not like others emit odorous smell by put oil, which is more safer for your kids.
  • 🚂EASY FOR KIDS TO SET UP AND PLAY: Childrens can assemble the upgraded modular rail track parts into their own railroad layout firmly and easily(circular and oval layout), then place the hooked train sets on the tracks precisely, finally turn on the switch, the kids train set will move on the track steadily, smoothly. This hands-on process can actively mobilize your kids’ creative.
  • 🚂A MEANINGFUL GIFT FOR EVERY LITTLE KIDS: every parents or grandparents may have the experiences of playing the toy trains when were a kid, so this is a special holiday, birthday, christmas gift for your kids, which can let them experience what you've experienced, bring them to that glorious age and also keep them away from electronic products. Great gifts toys for 3,4,5,6,7,8 year old boys
  • 🚂 SAFE,HIGH QUALITY AND KID FRIENDLY DESIGN: This electric train sets are made of durable ABS material, with highest quality, non-toxic materials and every parts under strict quality control. Make sure your family deserves a fun and safe experience. You can set the track around the bottom of the Christmas tree or other spots. Locomotive Engine requires 4x1.5V AA batteries, not included.

User questions & answers

Question: Isn’t this kind of stupid if you can’t even get extra tracks for it
Answer: The truck has 2 3/4" wheels and a die-cast body. The detail of the truck is very nice. Hope this helps.
Question: What are the measurements of the box
Answer: No the hood does not open. It is made very well. Very sturdy as it has gone gone flights of stairs many times! My child loves his bigger monster trucks. They are always his go to toy.
Question: What kind of battery requires
Answer: There are some sellers with this item in stock
Question: Would you like tell me what the size of the track after assembled
Answer: Sorry but I ended up returning it because my nephew already had it. But he is 2 and loves it.

Product features

How to Connnect the Carriages

Please make sure the hook has well-connected, which can keep the trains and cars together in the course of train-running

How to Place The Trains

Please make sure all the wheels of the train set fit well on the tracks so it can run smoothly.

How to Install the Battery

Please open the cover by the screwdriver, then put 4*1.5v AA Batteries (not included) inside the engine locomotive train to start the game.

What You Get In the Package

1 x Steam Locomotive

1 x Passenger Coach

1 x Coal Car

1 x Cargo Vehicle,

1 x Empty Bottle

1 x Instruction Manual

2 x Christmas Cardboard

2 x Straight Tracks

8 x Curved Tracks

Perfect Gifts for Your Kids

Your little one will be entertained for hours to distribute the various simulation of the rail car scene and watch the moving trains, let the kids participate in the role transformation, also can increase parent-child interaction fun.

Great gift idea for your boys,girls,children to enjoy the funny train game.

Bachmann Trains - Overland Limited Ready To Run Electric Train Set - HO Scale

Bachmann Trains

Based on 169 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Overland Limited Ready To Run Electric Train Set - HO Scale. The biggest and the best for serious railroad enthusiasts. From a powerful 4-8-4 steam locomotive, to an impressive consist of nine cars, this set has it all! The Overland Limited comes complete with Bachmann‘s exclusive E-Z Track snap-fit track and roadbed system. This Ready To Run Electric Train Set Includes: Union Pacific 4-8-4 steam locomotive and tender with operating smoke and headlight, grain car, three-dome tank car, flat car with logs, center-flow hopper, open quad offset hopper, two plug-door box cars, wood stock car, wide-vision caboose, body-mounted E-Z Mate couplers, 63" x 54" oval of snap-fit E-Z Track with 16 pieces of 22" radius curved track, 5 pieces of straight track, and 1 plug-in terminal rerailer, power pack and speed controller, illustrated instruction manual.

From the Manufacturer

The biggest and the best for serious railroad enthusiasts. From a powerful 4-8-4 steam locomotive, to an impressive consist of nine cars, this set has it all! The Overland Limited comes complete with Bachmann’s exclusive E-Z Track snap-fit track and roadbed system.

  • Complete Ready To Run Freight Train Set
  • Powered by a Union Pacific 4-8-4 Steam Era Locomotive and Tender with Operating Smoke and Headlight
  • Includes; Grain Car, Three-Dome Tank Car, Flat Car with Logs, Center-Flow Hopper Car, Open Quad Hopper Car, Two Plug Door Box Cars, Wood Stock Car, and Wide-Vision Caboose
  • 63" x 45" Oval of Snap-Fit E-Z Track, Power Pack and Speed Controller
  • HO Scale 1:87
  • Union Pacific 4-8-4 steam locomotive and tender with operating smoke and headlight
  • 8 Freight cars and wide-vision caboose

User questions & answers

Question: Hi i have a question, i have one of these 806 models that smokes just like this one, how much smoke oil do i put in?" i dont want to overfill it
Answer: The scale doesn't seem to be listed, and I haven't seen the item in person but sent it to my 9-year-old nephew. I received a picture of him holding it, and I was pleasantly surprised at how large it is. I thought it might be very small, but it was a good size. Hope this helps!
Question: Is this loco the smaller version of the big boy? can this pull half the cars the big boy can pull
Answer: No. There is no base. Just the airplane is all that is in the box.
Question: does it come with smoke
Answer: If the 7 year old is used to building Legos it would take as long as the same size small Lego set.
Question: Is this remote controlled? What would I need to mount it around a wall? Thanks
Answer: Took my 11yo granddaughter less than an hour to build

Product features

Discover Everything Bachmann Trains Offers to Get Started in Model Railroading

Since 1833, Bachmann has been known for providing innovative design at a good value. We are now one of the world's largest distributor, by volume, of ready-to-run train sets, locomotives, track, and accessories. Bachmann is also the only train company to offer products in all five of the most popular scales: N, HO, On30, O, and Large Scale.

As a distributor of beloved Thomas & Friends products, Bachmann brings the adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine to life with a growing line of complete train sets, separate sale items, and accessories for children from 8 to 80-just add your imagination. Thomas & Friends is available in both HO and Large Scale.

Bachmann's exclusive snap-together E-Z Track System makes track setup quick, easy, and fun. Plasticville U.S.A. and SceneScapes buildings and accessories let you add the finishing touches for the perfect layout.

If You Are Purchasing a Train Set, It Will Include

  1. Locomotive
  2. Cars (Rolling Stock)
  3. E-Z Track – available in either black roadbed with steel alloy rail or gray roadbed with nickel silver rail
  4. Terminal/Rerailer
  5. Terminal Wire
  6. Speed Controller
  7. Power Supply
  8. List of Components

Track Assembly

  1. Decide where to set up your train – a dry, firm, flat surface works best!
  2. To make sure you have enough working room, make a test track layout by loosely placing track in desired configuration.
  3. The terminal/rerailer section will later be connected to a power pack and power supply, so place it near an outlet or power strip.
  4. Install under-track magnet, if your set comes with one. If your set does not come with one, magnets are available separately (HO Item No. 78999; N Scale Item No. 78998).
  5. Assemble the track by pushing together. Make sure the rail and joiners are seated properly. Be careful that the rail joiners do not slip under the rail without properly connecting. This can cause train derailments and electrical circuit interruptions.
  6. After track is assembled, double-check for joint connection and fit by lightly running your fingers over the top of the rails in both directions.
  7. If you detect bumps or distortion on the track surface, recheck the rail joiner fit.

Power Connections

  1. Power supply and speed control are plug and play; no tools are needed.
  2. Power is supplied to the track and the locomotive by the power supply, speed controller, terminal wire, and E-Z Track terminal/rerailer.
  3. First – turn knob on the speed controller counterclockwise until it stops (all the way to the left).
  4. Next – attach terminal wire to the speed controller by plugging it in where it says 'To Track.'
  5. Then – plug terminal wire into the E-Z Track terminal rerailer. Firmly push connector onto the track terminals.
  6. Finally – plug the connecting wire from the power supply into jack on the speed controller labeled 'In.' Then plug power supply into a live wall outlet.
  7. Some sets may come with a speed controller with two push button connectors. These are used to supply AC power to accessories.
  8. To make positive and secure connections to these, push in buttons and insert each of the bare ends of the connection wire from your accessory.
  9. The speed controller is capable of powering one accessory at a time.

Putting the Train on the Track

  1. Put the locomotive on the track and run the wheels back and forth over the terminal rerailer track.
  2. When the wheels glide smoothly over the track, you know the wheels are all on the track. If your set comes with a tender, attach it to the locomotive.
  3. Add the rest of the cars that come with your set by placing them on the track and running them back and forth over the terminal rerailer until they glide smoothly. Then gently push the cars together – they will engage automatically.
  4. Do not try to connect cars when positioned over an under-track magnet.

How to Use E-Z Mate Couplers (HO and On30 Scale)

  1. Your set may be equipped with E-Z Mate magnetically operated knuckle couplers that let you perform real railroad switching and yard operations.
  2. Coupling two cars with E-Z Mate couplers is as easy as pushing them together when they are not over an under-track magnet.
  3. Uncoupling occurs only when over an under-track magnet and when there is no tension between the cars.
  4. To uncouple E-Z Mate couplers, stop two couplers directly over the under-track magnet. With no tension between the cars, the couplers will open automatically.
  5. If cars will not couple, check to be sure cars are not positioned over the uncoupling magnet or parked on a curve.
  6. If cars will not uncouple, check to be sure the couplers are positioned directly adjacent to the magnet position indicator and that the indicator is placed in line with the center line of the under-track magnet.
  7. Check that the magnet is secured to the underside of the track and fitted with the steel plate provided.

How to Run Your Train

  1. Turn the knob on the speed controller clockwise until it stops (all the way to the left).
  2. Plug in the power supply.
  3. Begin feeding power to the track by slowly turning the knob on the speed controller clockwise.
  4. Observe the direction of your train.
  5. If it moves backwards when the controls indicate forward, stop the train.
  6. Then simply disconnect, flip, and reconnect the terminal wire to the terminal rerailer track.
  7. Remember – never leave your train running unattended!

Action Checklist (Troubleshooting If Your Train Doesn’t Run or Stops Running)

  1. Is the power supply plugged in to a live receptacle?
  2. Are the wheels on the track?
  3. Is the wiring secure?
  4. Is the track properly assembled?
  5. Is the track properly seated in the rail joiner?
  6. If your train stops or fails to start, a short circuit may be indicated. If this is the case, Unplug The Power Supply Immediately.
  7. Common reasons for a short circuit: derailed wheels may cause a short. Check to make sure all wheels are on the track. Also check all connections and make sure there is no metal of any sort across the rails.
  8. After checking everything carefully, resume operation.
  9. Please note, your power supply is protected by a circuit breaker that automatically resets after a short circuit is corrected.
  10. Allow up to 5 minutes for the circuit breaker to reset before resuming operation.

Keep Your Train in Top Operating Condition

  1. Works better after couple hours of break-in time.
  2. Train performs best under clean operating conditions.
  3. Clean wheels and a clean track ensure good electrical contact.
  4. After about every 8 hours of operation, wipe the track rails and exposed wheels with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  5. Removal of black residue is normal.
  6. Do Not Use Steel Wool To Clean Your Track.
  7. Do not use common solvents, they may damage plastics - use track cleaner.
  8. After 24 hours of use, light lubrication is required to keep train in top operating condition. Bachmann E-Z Lube or other hobby-grade lubricants are recommended.

Bachmann hopes you enjoy your train for many years to come!

Lionel Union Pacific Flyer Electric O Gauge Model Train Set w/ Remote and Bluetooth Capability, Multi (1923040)

Lionel

Based on 179 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This powerful 0-8-0 steam locomotive pulling a string of great Union Pacific trains cars is a great way to get starting in the model railroad hobby! This ready-to-run set has everything needed to get started and will have you ruling the rails in no time!

  • Set Includes: 0-8-0 Steam Locomotive and tender, Union Pacific boxcar, Union Pacific tank car, Union Pacific caboose, Eight pieces of O36 curved FasTrack, Two FasTrack 10"" straight track sections, One LionChief FasTrack Terminal section, One Plug-Expand-Play Power Lock-on section, Wall-pack power supply, LionChief remote for locomotive
  • Locomotive Features: Electric locomotive controlled by included LionChief remote, LionChief Universal Remote (sold separately) or Bluetooth LionChief app, On/Off switch for sound, RailSounds RC sound system with steam chuffing and background sounds, whistle, bell, and useractivated announcements, Operating headlight, Powerful maintenance-free motor, Operating couplers, Puffing smoke
  • Freight Car Features: Operating couplers, Opening doors on boxcar
  • LionChief Remote Features: Forward and reverse speed control knob, Three buttons to whistle sound, bell, and special announcements, Requires three AAA alkaline batteries (not included)
  • Minimum Curve: O31 | Set Length: 45" | Recommended Age: 10 years +

User questions & answers

Question: How heavy is the engine
Answer: Train cars vary in length, largest car is 20cm and smallest is 13cm long, and all about 1.5" wide. Hope this helps.
Question: Are the cars metal or plastic
Answer: Well, my 5 year old can assemble it, play with it, maintain it, loves it, and cares for it. Wish I had this at 5.... 14 must be for the challenged....
Question: Does it work with added on walthers train cars
Answer: Plastic
Question: Can you run a second engine at the same time on the same track (after installing additional track) using a second LionChief remote
Answer: Yes but I would not leave the train outside Track is all plastic

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