There are several things to consider when purchasing a wooden train set. Budget, brand, age of recipient as well as placement and storage for the set are all considerations. Train track compatibility can also be important when using track from multiple brands.
Budget - In many cases budget will be the first consideration when purchasing a wooden train. While some starter sets can be purchased for under $25, larger deluxe sets with more track and lots of accessories can run upwards of $250. When budgeting, look not only at the price of the set, but consider the cost for any additional tracks and accessories you want to include or add in the near future. In addition, consider the cost for any surface and storage (train table etc.) that may be needed.
Brand - There are many wooden train brands on the market. Since most sets have compatible tracks and can be mixed and matched, you don't have to stick with only one brand as your set grows. IT is still important to research the brands that you do intend to purchase and look for several things. Qualities that you may want to investigate before selecting a brand include general pricing and reputation, selection/variety of sets and accessories available, durability and materials used. Things such as country of manufacture and use of environmentally friendly materials may also be important to you.
Age of Recipient - Most wooden train sets tend to have an age recommendation of 3 years and up. This is most likely due to choking hazard liabilities. There are, however, some sets on the market that have lower age ranges -- Brio's classic figure 8 set for example. Number of pieces and track configuration should also be considered. For younger children, a circle/oval or figure 8 track is often a good starter set. An older child would likely be interested in more track, including more complex pieces such as raised track, switches etc. Older children will also enjoy having more accessories to add to what may have initially been a starter set.
Placement and Storage - It is important to have a sturdy base on which to set a wooden train. While hard floors can serve this purpose for some, others opt for a train table. While these are a popular solution for some wooden train enthusiasts and will often include storage for tracks and accessories, they can be cost prohibitive. Most train tables require quite a bit of space as well. If square footage or budget are limitations, consider train table alternatives such as a board that can slide under a bed, or a sturdy mat that can be rolled up and stored.
Track Compatibility - When purchasing wooden track, be sure to note whether the tracks are compatible with most major brands (Thomas, Brio etc.). That said, most wooden tracks will work with other brands, though that can mean different things. Minor variations will cause some brands to interlock very tightly (sanding can help here) or more loosely. Web research, including reading online reviews, can give you some insight into how various brands work together.
The points mentioned in this article can help you determine which factors are most important to you in making an educated buying decision. For more information, reviews and comparisons on wooden train sets, train tables and accessories http://www.woodentrainsetreviews.com.
Budget - In many cases budget will be the first consideration when purchasing a wooden train. While some starter sets can be purchased for under $25, larger deluxe sets with more track and lots of accessories can run upwards of $250. When budgeting, look not only at the price of the set, but consider the cost for any additional tracks and accessories you want to include or add in the near future. In addition, consider the cost for any surface and storage (train table etc.) that may be needed.
Brand - There are many wooden train brands on the market. Since most sets have compatible tracks and can be mixed and matched, you don't have to stick with only one brand as your set grows. IT is still important to research the brands that you do intend to purchase and look for several things. Qualities that you may want to investigate before selecting a brand include general pricing and reputation, selection/variety of sets and accessories available, durability and materials used. Things such as country of manufacture and use of environmentally friendly materials may also be important to you.
Age of Recipient - Most wooden train sets tend to have an age recommendation of 3 years and up. This is most likely due to choking hazard liabilities. There are, however, some sets on the market that have lower age ranges -- Brio's classic figure 8 set for example. Number of pieces and track configuration should also be considered. For younger children, a circle/oval or figure 8 track is often a good starter set. An older child would likely be interested in more track, including more complex pieces such as raised track, switches etc. Older children will also enjoy having more accessories to add to what may have initially been a starter set.
Placement and Storage - It is important to have a sturdy base on which to set a wooden train. While hard floors can serve this purpose for some, others opt for a train table. While these are a popular solution for some wooden train enthusiasts and will often include storage for tracks and accessories, they can be cost prohibitive. Most train tables require quite a bit of space as well. If square footage or budget are limitations, consider train table alternatives such as a board that can slide under a bed, or a sturdy mat that can be rolled up and stored.
Track Compatibility - When purchasing wooden track, be sure to note whether the tracks are compatible with most major brands (Thomas, Brio etc.). That said, most wooden tracks will work with other brands, though that can mean different things. Minor variations will cause some brands to interlock very tightly (sanding can help here) or more loosely. Web research, including reading online reviews, can give you some insight into how various brands work together.
The points mentioned in this article can help you determine which factors are most important to you in making an educated buying decision. For more information, reviews and comparisons on wooden train sets, train tables and accessories http://www.woodentrainsetreviews.com.
