Starting a model railway can be a thrilling adventure for both children and adults alike. With so many train sets available, it’s easy to get lost in the options, but few brands offer the quality and heritage of Hornby. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best Hornby train sets for beginners, highlighting what makes each one unique and beginner-friendly.
Why Choose a Hornby Train Set?
Hornby is known for its realistic designs, durability, and ease of use—qualities that make their train sets ideal for those just beginning their journey into the world of model railways. Each set includes everything you need to start straight out of the box: a locomotive, track pieces, and a controller, making setup straightforward. Whether you’re gifting a train set to a young enthusiast or diving into a new hobby yourself, these sets offer both quality and charm.
Top Hornby Train Sets for Beginners
1. Hornby R1255M Flying Scotsman Train Set
- Perfect For: Classic train enthusiasts and beginners looking for an iconic setup.
- Description: The Flying Scotsman is one of Hornby’s most popular train sets and for good reason! It features a stunning model of the classic Flying Scotsman locomotive and two passenger coaches. This OO gauge set includes an oval track and the reliable Hornby R7229 analogue controller, giving beginners a simple but engaging layout.
- Why Beginners Love It: This set is easy to set up and captures the spirit of classic British railways, making it a nostalgic choice for adults and a fascinating start for children.
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2. Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set
- Perfect For: Seasonal fun and holiday-themed layouts.
- Description: The Santa’s Express train set brings festive cheer to any layout. This charming set includes a red Christmas-themed locomotive, a covered wagon, and a closed van—all beautifully decorated for the season. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to create a holiday display, as it runs perfectly around the base of a Christmas tree!
- Why Beginners Love It: The Santa’s Express is easy to set up, affordable, and adds a seasonal touch to any model railway collection. This set also makes a fantastic gift for children and collectors alike.
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3. Hornby iTraveller 6000 Train Set
- Why Beginners Love It: The iTraveller 6000 is straightforward to set up and introduces a tech-savvy control system that appeals to both younger users and those looking for an intuitive start. It’s a fantastic blend of classic model railroading with modern controls.
- Perfect For: Beginners looking for a modern, tech-friendly model railway experience.
- Description: The iTraveller 6000 Train Set brings a contemporary touch to the world of model railways. This set includes a sleek 0-4-0 diesel locomotive and three wagons, paired with an oval track with a siding. What makes this set stand out is the inclusion of Hornby’s HM6000 control system, allowing you to control the train using a mobile app. With the app-based controls, beginners can enjoy a more interactive and accessible experience.
- The Hornby iTraveller 6000 Train Set is an excellent choice for beginners venturing into the world of model railways. This set features a modern 0-4-0 diesel locomotive, three wagons, and an oval track with a siding, providing a comprehensive starting point for your railway journey. A standout feature is Hornby’s HM6000 control system, which allows you to operate the locomotive using a mobile device via a downloadable app, offering a contemporary and user-friendly experience.
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You can purchase the iTraveller 6000 Train Set directly from Hornby’s official website:
4. Hornby R1230M High Speed Train Set
- Perfect For: Beginners interested in a modern, high-speed railway setup.
- Description: The Hornby High Speed Train Set is a fantastic choice for those looking to start with a modern, sleek train layout. This set includes a GWR Class 43 High-Speed Train (HST) power car, a dummy power car, and a Mk3 TSO coach, all in a stylish GWR green livery. The set comes with a 3rd radius starter oval track with a siding, a train controller, and a wall plug transformer, providing everything needed to start running. Notably, this set is DCC-ready, allowing for future upgrades to digital control for more advanced handling.
- Why Beginners Love It: This set combines ease of setup with a contemporary high-speed theme, making it a thrilling choice for new enthusiasts. The potential for DCC upgrades also means it’s a set that can grow with the user’s skills and interest.
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Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Hornby Train Set
- Start with a Simple Layout: Use the oval track that comes with the set to practise handling the train and navigating corners. As you grow more comfortable, expand your layout with additional track pieces.
- Keep Your Set Clean: Dust and debris can affect performance, so regular cleaning will keep everything running smoothly. Hornby offers cleaning kits perfect for beginners.
- Experiment with Scenery: Adding a few trees, buildings, or figures can transform your set and make the layout more immersive. Look for budget-friendly accessories to start building your model railway world.
Where to Buy Your Hornby Train Set
These sets are available on popular sites like Hornby, hobbies.co.uk, and Amazon UK. If you’re ready to start your model railway adventure, check out the links below for more details on each set and see which one is right for you!
- [Hornby R1255M Flying Scotsman Train Set on Amazon]
- [Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set on Hobbies.co.uk]
- [Hornby iTraveller 6000 Train Set on Hornby]
- [Hornby R1230M High Speed Train Set on Hornby]
With any of these beginner-friendly sets, you’ll be ready to start a model railway that’s both fun and fulfilling. Enjoy building your railway world!