If you have a toddler obsessed with trains, this is the go-to starter set, motorized, durable, and designed specifically for small hands and short attention spans.
What holds up
Motorized Thomas engine runs on its own, no pushing required
18 feet of track included with bridge, bell, and tunnels
Designed for preschoolers ages 3+
Made by Fisher-Price, a trusted brand for young children
What to know
Designed for younger kids only, older children will outgrow it quickly
Limited expandability compared to dedicated model train systems
Track layout options may be limited with included pieces
Expert verdict
This keeps my 3-year-old entertained for hours.
Good Housekeeping parent testerView sourceExpert verdict
Train sets never go out of style, and this motorized Thomas can chug along 18 feet of track. Made by Fisher-Price, this is designed for preschoolers to use, and has fun elements like a bridge, bell, and tunnels.
Lionel's name comes up constantly in train hobbyist communities as the default recommendation, reliable, expandable, and backed by a massive ecosystem of accessories.
What holds up
Industry-leading brand with decades of reliability
Broad compatibility with O-gauge track ecosystem
Wide range of sets from beginner to collector grade
Strong resale value and parts availability
What to know
Premium pricing compared to toy-grade alternatives
O-gauge track requires significant floor space
Entry-level sets can feel underpowered compared to higher-end models
Expert verdict
Train sets never go out of style, and this motorized Thomas can chug along 18 feet of track.
BRIO consistently tops parent recommendation lists for a reason, it's nearly indestructible, expands endlessly, and the battery-powered engines are just the right speed for little hands to chase.
What holds up
Durable wooden track compatible across entire BRIO ecosystem
Battery-powered locomotive with simple on/off operation
Magnetic couplings make connecting cars easy for young children
Expandable with hundreds of compatible BRIO accessories
What to know
Battery-powered only, no transformer or speed control
Premium price for a wooden toy train
Batteries need frequent replacement with heavy use
Expert verdict
Train sets never go out of style, and this motorized Thomas can chug along 18 feet of track. Made by Fisher-Price, this is designed for preschoolers to use, and has fun elements like a bridge, bell, and tunnels.
HO scale is the world's most popular model train gauge, and Bachmann is where most hobbyists start, it's the sweet spot of detail, price, and availability of expansion track and accessories.
What holds up
HO scale (1:87) is the most widely supported gauge worldwide
Detailed, realistic locomotive and rolling stock designs
Includes power pack/transformer for speed control
Massive ecosystem of compatible track, buildings, and accessories
What to know
More fragile than toy-grade sets, not ideal for young children
Requires a dedicated flat surface for layout
Entry-level motors can be inconsistent at very slow speeds
LEGO's train sets are the rare toy that parents and kids both get excited about, you build it together, then actually run it. The Bluetooth app control is a genuine upgrade over older IR remotes.
What holds up
Bluetooth app control via free LEGO Powered Up app
Combines LEGO building experience with working electric train
Compatible with all LEGO City track and expansion sets
Rechargeable battery hub included
What to know
Expensive compared to traditional train sets
Track requires significant floor space when fully laid out
App connectivity can be finicky on some devices
Expert verdict
Train sets never go out of style, and this motorized Thomas can chug along 18 feet of track.
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