| Hornby model trains are the popular make of train | | | | can also purchase Hornby's trakmat system |
| in the United Kingdom. In 1901, Frank Hornby | | | | packages so they can build a layout step-by-step. |
| obtained a patent for his Mecanno system for | | | | Some sets that might work well for a child under |
| model construction. Nineteen years later, he | | | | 14 might be: |
| produced the first clockwork train. | | | | * Hornby "Local Freight" |
| Later in 1938, Hornby launched its very first | | | | * Hornby "Goodsmaster Diesel Freight" |
| 00-gauge train. In 2008, Hornby acquired Corgi | | | | * Hornby "Thomas the Tank Engine" Train Set |
| Classics Limited, one of the oldest manufacturers | | | | Remember that there is a big span in the 14 and |
| of transportation collectible die-cast models | | | | under age group, so choose appropriately. While |
| (buses, cars, airplanes, trucks). | | | | younger kids may enjoy Thomas the Tank, older |
| When selecting a Hornby train set, one very | | | | children may think it is childish and silly. |
| important consideration is the age of the | | | | Adults, unlike younger children, are a bit more |
| purchaser or end-user. There are trains for adults | | | | appreciative of the level of detail in their models. |
| (models) and for children (toys). This is not to say | | | | Adults, more than likely, are purchasing their train |
| a youngster cannot be a serious train enthusiast. | | | | to pursue the hobby of model railroading seriously. |
| It simply means that there are age appropriate | | | | The more sophisticated and pricier sets are going |
| train models based on the specific individual. | | | | to interest them. Train hobbyists are most likely |
| Children under the age of 14 may lose interest in | | | | going to want to expand their set at some point, |
| the train hobby after the newness wears off. | | | | as well. |
| Kids nowadays have high tech electronic games | | | | Some sets you might consider for the 14 and |
| that are very sophisticated. They may not be | | | | older user might be: |
| entertained by a train that repeatedly goes | | | | * Hornby "Flying Scotsman" |
| around in a circle. | | | | * The "Royal Scot" Train Set |
| For this reason, it is best to choose a set that will | | | | * Hornby "East Coast Pullman DCC" Train Set |
| allow for expansion and heightened operating | | | | * Hornby "Pendolino DCC" Train Set |
| interest. Sidings are a great way to do this. They | | | | * Hornby "Mixed Goods DCC" Train Set |
| can learn to shunt wagons and cars from one | | | | After you get a feel for the hobby and your |
| siding to another. They can actually load the | | | | attraction for it, you can do some research on |
| wagons with small toys and drop them off for | | | | expanding your layout not only with train |
| pickup. | | | | products, but some impressive scenery additions |
| It is best to start out modest to see if they are | | | | as well. There are endless possibilities when it |
| going to remain interested in the hobby. You do | | | | comes to model railroading, and you are limited |
| not want to spend a lot of money on additional | | | | only by funds and imagination. |
| accessories if they are not going to stick to | | | | Hornby model trains have been around for a very |
| railroading long term. | | | | long time, and I don't think they will be going |
| Once their interest proves to be established, you | | | | anywhere anytime soon. The train is leaving the |
| can purchase extra wagons and rolling stock. You | | | | station, so All Aboard! |