The best children's railways for 2020

Despite the abundance of modern gadgets, the children's railway is still the best gift and favorite toy for most kids. Such a surprise will bring happiness to any child, regardless of gender and age. The modern market for such products offers consumers a large selection of such toys, but finding the right product can cause difficulties for parents. A range of additional accessories, size and equipment, as well as different price categories - all of these points can raise questions. To help parents, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared a rating of the best children's railways for 2020.

When can you give

Any gift, especially for children, must be presented in a timely manner. A person who is too small will most likely not be interested in the railway and will not appreciate the efforts of their parents.

Most educational psychologists recommend purchasing a railroad starting from the age of 4. It is this period of the baby's development that is characterized by the desire to try on various social roles, the desire to imitate adults and more and more to study the world around him. At this age, it is best to acquire the simplest and smallest manual railways. A child simply cannot cope with a complex large structure. It is also desirable that the toy is brightly colored, and it contains images of animals or famous cartoon characters.

At the age of 6 and older, a large toy with many additional parts will suit your child. An excellent choice would be a road with the ability to change the route and the surrounding landscape.

Criterias of choice

To choose the most optimal product, we will analyze the types and classification of railways. The classification of the goods depends on the number of parts, equipment, material of manufacture and other indicators. Let's describe them in more detail.

Toy type

1. Carriage - used in conjunction with a locomotive, such models can be designed to transport passengers (toys, for example). There are also options for covered wagons, they are designed for the transportation of goods. In addition, railway kits are often equipped with a tank, platform and other attributes. For kids, cars were invented without preserving realism and special detail. They are often made in the form of a cartoon character.
2. Locomotive - directly pulls the wagons. There can also be several types. For example, a steam locomotive is set in motion by the operation of a steam engine. More expensive models often not only have a naturalistic look, but at the same time can create an imitation of smoke. There are also diesel and electric locomotive options.
3. Composition - includes a locomotive and wagons. The number of wagons can vary from one to several. If desired, you can detach them, add new ones, attach platforms, change the configuration.
4. Starter Kit - Equipped with a full train, rails, barrier, terrain and rail workers. There are many options for such compositions, in this case you should be guided only by the preferences of the child. Also for special lovers and older children, you can find collectible sets - for example, a mail train, a retro-style train. However, such models are much more expensive.

Product quality

The purchase of an expensive gift should not be overshadowed by shortcomings or shortcomings. Be sure to pay attention to the joints between the cars, the strength of their connection, how well the wheels of the cars are docked with the rails. You should also check the quality of the rails, their connections to each other. Take a close look at the cars, they must be intact, all parts must be tight.

Manufacturing material

The following materials are most common:

• plastic - the cheapest models are made from it. Such goods are less durable, break quickly and do not withstand drops and impacts;
• a tree is the best option for a child, especially for those children who have a habit of pulling their toys into their mouths. Wood is much more environmentally friendly and shock-resistant than plastic;
• metal - these railroad sets are suitable for older children. Metal roads are strong, reliable, but heavy.

Control

1. Manual - this type of control is most suitable for younger children who find it difficult to operate remote locomotives. In addition, there are kids who are much more interested in rolling cars on their own.
2. Mechanical - such locomotives are set in motion by means of a mechanical winding (springs). Such models are convenient in that they do not require batteries and drive independently. However, they require constant attention and break easily.
3. Battery - batteries are used as a battery. Such control is very convenient, it does not require constantly winding the springs. But parents should be prepared for the constant purchases of batteries, besides, one should not forget about safety - batteries are very toxic to the human body if they are accidentally swallowed.
4. From the mains - such models are set in motion thanks to the current passing along the rails. The steam locomotive is powered by the engine. Such toys have a high price and are collector's items.

It is also possible to turn on and off the lighting in the carriages, to run several locomotives on different routes. All parameters entirely depend on the needs of buyers.

Additional effects

To make the game more interesting, many compositions are equipped with a number of special effects for a realistic process. These may include:

• lighting - the locomotive is equipped with headlights, the road and landscape are illuminated by lanterns, decorative lighting of the train may also be present;
• smoke - created by the presence of a steam engine;
• soundtrack - simulates the sound of wheels on rails, beeps and other signals.

Equipment

The set for the railroad may include batteries, a remote control, additional parts for the game, spare parts, items that imitate nature. These kits are expensive and suitable for older children.

Where can I buy

Such gifts should be purchased at children's stores. The manufacturer must be famous, because famous brands are afraid of losing their good reputation. But buying cheap railways is highly discouraged. They are often short-lived, and it is difficult to find accessories and additional parts for them. Moreover, such products can be made of toxic plastic.

Rating of the best children's railways

The list below is compiled based on real customer reviews and advice from educational psychologists.

LEGO Duplo Electromechanical Construction Set Steam Train

This brand has long been known for the quality of its products.A long-term reputation and a competent approach to the production of children's goods inspire confidence in most parents. And the technical capabilities of this model will interest not only a child, but also an adult.

Such a toy will make your kid feel like a professional machinist. The engine of a steam locomotive works on the basis of inertia - to set the cars in motion, it is enough to push them lightly. Stopping the train will also not cause any difficulties, for this you just need to raise the car above the rails. For a realistic gameplay, the manufacturer added five activation buttons to the kit for sound, stops, change of direction, working with coal and lighting. In addition, a remarkably executed railway, the presence of figures of a driver and animals, as well as other objects of the surrounding world will add naturalism. For the most developed children, a pleasant addition will be the ability to install an application on the phone that controls the steam locomotive. This option is a remote control point and makes it possible to perform fun educational tasks.

The toy is aimed at developing the child's fine motor skills of hands, the desire to fantasize and express imagination. The recommended age is 2-5 years. The steam locomotive is powered by batteries.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 2,500 Russian rubles.

Huan Qi Railroad Starter Kit

This set is made of high quality and flexible plastic. The model is quite durable and shockproof. In total, the kit includes 52 parts for realistic gameplay. The train is driven by an electric motor, the train is set in motion thanks to batteries, which, unfortunately, are not included in the package. The assembly of all the elements is simple and will not raise questions from the child. The lineup is represented by other kits that are absolutely compatible with each other, so users can easily increase the lineup.

Also, road signs, soundtrack and lighting will add naturalism to the game. The minimum age for a child is 3 years.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 1,500 Russian rubles.

LEGO City Electromechanical Construction Set Freight Train

And again the famous brand in our selection. The product line is represented by a variety of models, this includes a number of passenger and freight constructor trains. In this case, let's take a closer look at the freight train. What advantages does it have?

This set allows you to carry loads and containers; for the convenience of children, a crane is included on the train. Lots of sturdy additional parts will give the gameplay realism, the set includes rails, railroad workers. The train operates by radio control, which will also arouse additional interest in the child. In total, the composition includes more than 1000 parts made of durable plastic. These elements are easily combined with each other, withstand shocks and falls. However, this set cannot be combined with sets from the LEGO Duplo series.

In addition, the train is equipped with special sound effects, which will also add thrust to knowledge. The toy promotes the development of a small motorboat and allows you to try on different social roles, as well as imitate adults.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 9,000 Russian rubles.

INTELINO Smart Toy Railroad

If you want to really please your child and at the same time enjoy an exciting game on your own, pay attention to this interesting and stylish set. This set is suitable for those who love technical progress, since the toy is created using innovative technologies while preserving the classics. The result is an updated, modern version, however, despite the technical characteristics, even a 3-year-old child can easily figure out the toy.

The locomotive is equipped with modern systems: motion sensors, sound, lighting - all this will delight any child. If you have previously purchased versions of toys, do not worry about their compatibility. Rails from different sets are perfectly assembled, all parts are safely combined.

As for the intellectual component of the steam locomotive? The child can easily set the required direction, change the trajectory of movement, unhook the carriage, and also perform a number of other manipulations. All commands can be set by simply clicking on the tiles of the corresponding color. The tiles are located under the rails; the train, passing along them, simply reads information. This innovation will help to develop basic programming knowledge in the kid. In addition, users can install a mobile application on their gadget that allows remote control of the toy. Moreover, the child can create his own authoring teams. The kit includes a charger.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 10,000 Russian rubles.

1 TOY Retro Express Starter Set

For those wishing to purchase a more budgetary option, this model will be an excellent choice. The train operates thanks to the control panel, it is very convenient and will allow you to control the toy remotely. For more interest, the kit emits a beep, has lighting effects, and also simulates the release of steam from a pipe. The kit includes 3 cars in retro style, they are easy to assemble, they are easy to operate. The PU is battery operated, so the toy is recommended for children aged 6 and over. The entire set is made of high quality plastic that can easily withstand shocks and falls. The parts are covered with paint that does not pose a danger to children and will not peel over time. All manufacturing materials are fully certified and do not emit toxic substances.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 1,500 Russian rubles.

OmZET Starter set "Railroad-3"

And one more inexpensive, but very high quality set. The toy is suitable for children aged 3 and over. The features of the train include the ability to reverse. There is also a soundtrack. At will, the kid can adjust the speed of the locomotive. The cars are set in motion by means of a control panel that runs on batteries. In addition, the kit includes a platform for transporting animals. This approach stimulates the development of the child's imagination and makes the game more fun.

The rails are easy to assemble, they are easily combined, change their direction and hold tightly to each other. Manufacturing materials are durable, reliable and completely safe.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 1,000 Russian rubles.

If you had experience using the products described in the rating, write your feedback in the comments.