Making a railroad layout! How to make a miniature railroad layout

06.05.2019

Hobbies are different: someone quietly and calmly collects stamps or candy wrappers, fitting their entire collection into a thick album in the top drawer, someone plays golf on Saturdays, and someone chooses an entire art direction as a hobby and devotes it all of my life.

This is exactly what can be said about lovers and fans of a railway or railway miniature, because to create a craft of this kind, one desire is not enough - it will take a lot of time, effort, careful collection of information, sometimes resources, and financial investments, and, of course, the ability to as a result, you have a real miniature railway of your own.

A miniature railway is a subject of interest not only for children, but also for adults, and adults even more and more often. Almost every child had a children's toy in the form of a railway station with rails, steam locomotives and wagons, and if it cost more, then the kit included various railway signs, a semaphore, figures of drivers and other interesting details.

It’s interesting to play this, but I always wanted more, for example, so that the railway network would be more developed and contain many branches and turns of the rails, so that train models were inertial or moved by themselves, and you could control them using the remote control, so that there were many additional elements: tunnels, bridges, roads with vehicles, trees, people, etc.

To make such a toy, or rather, not a toy, but a real mock-up of a railway with your own hands, you need to work hard, and not all children have such an opportunity, so you will probably need the help of your parents. It’s good if they share your passion for railway miniatures and help in creating crafts. An adult lover of railway modeling, of course, is easier in this regard.

As for the directions in which there is a miniature railway hobby, they are separated by several:

some simply collect only toy rails, trains and all their accessories;
others also collect, but already scale models;
still others are engaged in the manufacture of railways in miniature, recreating entire historical stations and railway stations, laying a real railway network from different directions ways, engaging in the actual reconstruction of certain objects;
someone tries to make miniature copies of real or existing locomotives and trains in the smallest detail;
and one more interesting view railway modeling - a park or garden railway, for the creation of which a very large scale is used, therefore such a model of the railway can even be used as an attraction and transport people in it.

A bit of history

A miniature railway is not a tribute to fashion and not a new phenomenon, because the history of railway miniatures and modeling goes back more than one hundred and fifty years. For the first time, the model of the railway appeared, like a toy, in the nineteenth century (in its second half). Germany, represented by the manufacturer Märklin, took over the provision of the necessary industrial volumes. Their miniature railways were of such high quality and goodness that even royal family I ordered myself such a model for the Winter Palace.

Based on the scale of the railroad presented in the German-made miniature, scale standards for railroad modeling were later adopted. By the end of the nineteenth century, America also joined the cause, for the first time in the world, launching an electric model of the railway on the market (manufacturer - Carlisle & Finch).

Almost until the middle of the last century, both an ordinary toy in the form of railway rails with a train, and an ideally exact copy or a miniature railway were perceived in the same way, however, after the toy ceased to cause such a stir, and modeling began to take shape as a serious hobby, gradually finding more and more more fans.

Therefore, the manufacturers tried to please their new admirers - adults who were eager to assemble a full-fledged miniature model of the railway. To do this, they began to produce more advanced models, where the rails could be folded into a full-fledged railway track in miniature, where locomotives and wagons had many parts and elements, which also included various buildings, road paraphernalia and signs, a semaphore, etc.

Nowadays, there are practically no global giant firms left that would be engaged in such production, however, there are many small successfully functioning companies specializing in the production of certain models trains or additional accessories, without which a miniature railway is impossible.

Scales, accessories and other nuances

To make a model of a railway, you must understand many nuances, for example, on what scale a miniature railway is usually made, what types of sets and configurations of crafts can be obtained, whether a diagram is needed and where to get it, what to do with accessories, necessary details And various accessories etc.

Scale and size standards for railway modeling are very different. The most common are the sizes bearing symbol TT and NO.

The TT standard size - from the English Table-top trains - means that the model of the railway is carried out on a scale of one to one hundred and twenty (1:120) with a gauge of twelve millimeters. Such a miniature railway is also called a twelve-millimeter railway. All mobile models of trains are also made in it - this is done by supplying electricity along the rails, although it is possible to connect an electric locomotive through a contact network.

A large number of models and various accessories for assembling railway miniatures of this size are produced by:

German companies Berliner TT Bahnen, Tillig;
Not big choice available from European manufacturers Roco and Piko;
Jago pleases fans with rare models of vintage locomotives;
Russian firms "Peresvet" and "TT-model";
American PossumValleyModels, GoldCoast (some models of wagons and locomotives).

Another common size is NO. The name comes from the English abbreviation HalfZero or half zero. The model of the railway in this case is produced in a scale ratio of one to eighty-seven (1:87). There is also a size 0, in which the scale is taken twice as much, that is, 1 to 45. And here it turns out half of zero, but the Latin letter O is used instead of it in the designation.

A miniature railway in this scale is considered the most popular and widespread in the world due to the fact that it can be made without the use of complex devices, moreover, these models of railways are large enough for detailing, but at the same time quite convenient and compact to place the layout in the house or apartment.

A miniature railway of this standard size is also mobile: energy is supplied from a contact network or along rails (in the case of electric motors in locomotive models). Plus - you have the opportunity to use additional interesting elements when creating crafts:

a smoke generator device that will run on oil and create a smoke effect over diesel locomotives or steam locomotives;
installation of a sound decoder in the rolling stock - you can play any sound files that imitate noises and sounds of train traffic, etc.;
signaling devices, which stands for signaling, centralization and blocking.

Various other sizes also exist. For example, the large-scale G standard, which has been developed and produced since 1968 and is still being developed by the German company LGB. This clearest example garden railway, designed for outdoor location. In general, the larger the scale at which a miniature railway is built is chosen, the more detailed the prototype should be repeated, the smallest details and elements should be taken into account.

Do it yourself or buy?

Today you can find many thematic forums, special publications dedicated to railway modeling. You can purchase various elements separately and then assemble them together, mounting your own model of the railway.

However, first of all, you will need to decide on the available free space. Can you allocate half or even an entire room for the layout? If not, then you will first have to deal with the construction of a mock-up or equipment of a special place. To do this, you can use at least separate table or make a pull-out/fold-out tabletop that will only be used for your project and nothing else, which means you don't have to fold and put away the layout every time.

There are also options for modular layouts, which consist of individual blocks, cantilever structures (you can attach mock-ups to the walls like shelves) and lift-ups (easily stows away under the ceiling).

It is also better to take the appropriate scale for an apartment, for example, with a size of 1:87 you will not do much, because you will need a space of one by three meters at a minimum. It is better to stop at 1:120 or 1:160 scales, since designing a layout in an even smaller Z size (1:240) will require a lot of skill, effort and financial investment.

To create your own miniature railway, you will need to come up with and think through it to the smallest detail. future view. Perhaps you should start with the simplest scheme, for example, make only one rail ring and a locomotive with several cars. Over time, you will add additional tracks, trains, semaphore and signs, station and buildings, figures of people, etc. to the project.

Experienced craftsmen already know how to create whole detailed landscapes - mountains and plains, bridges and tunnels, forests and fields, miniature streets, numerous forks in the paths, depots and other interesting things.

Even for the simplest project, it is better to make a diagram. Just try to draw what exactly you want to create. If your plans are to create a railway of a certain historical era, then you will need to thoroughly study all available information on this topic, find archival photographs, copy them, etc.

Also detailed diagram will be needed for the manufacture of models of steam locomotives and wagons. You can use the drawing diagram of a particular machine by looking for its photo. Just divide the real dimensions of this or that train by the scale you need and you will have ready plan the buildings.

Step by step work plan

Provide space for the project and make a sub-layout (a simple configuration can even be placed on a plywood sheet).
Transfer the scheme of the future railway miniature to the mock-up (draw how the rails will pass, mark the forks and turns, roads where you will place buildings or structures). For a complex rail arrangement, the scheme can be designed on a computer in a special program.
Laying rails. Rail material can be purchased at specialized store or make them yourself. Since current flows along the rails in moving roads, craftsmen make them from thick copper wire, rolling it to a rectangular section on a manual machine. Sleepers are made from thin bars, which are also cut on the machine. The tracks are attached in two ways: they are either glued or nailed to the base with small studs, you can then solder the rails to the same studs or also glue the rails to the sleepers.
For a mobile model, it is necessary to additionally develop an electrical circuit, and then mount it on a breadboard model. Homemade blocks are usually taken as a power source, you can also take a factory one. Do not forget about safety rules - the output voltage cannot be high, use a power supply unit up to sixteen volts, and if the model is small, then six to nine volts will be enough. The electric motor for the train can be purchased at the radio store or removed from any toy. Conduct electricity to the engine from two rails. To distribute electricity throughout the base, stock up on connectors and copper wires. Think over all the details before wiring - where the semaphores and traffic lights, barriers will be located, whether the lights will be on, etc.
Backfill and lay the ballast, selecting it in size among aquarium soils or any household bulk materials.
Think over and make a relief and a landscape. To make your layout look like a real one, be sure to design a beautiful landscape. You can use professional materials, such as a trowel-mass, forest litter, meadow powder, different layers of earth, crushed stone, sand, gravel and others. interesting accessories from well-known manufacturers. If you choose more budget options, then to simulate the mountains it is quite possible to do construction foam, which is then easy to color in any desired color. Hills, fields, vegetation and other decor can also be recreated from plywood, gypsum plaster, fiberglass, papier-mâché, wood and other finishing materials. To paint the details, use acrylic paints.
If there is no time and desire to bother so much, then many elements can be taken to the layout and in ready-made, for example, from toy sets, in which there are figures of trees, and dummies of grass or bushes, animals, cars, signs, people.
With buildings the same situation - either use ready-made options, or build your own from cardboard, wood, plywood, papier-mâché. Use photographs of real stations and other buildings as references.
Add the necessary components: draw roads, paint the grass, arrange the figures of people and put the trains on the rails.

Passion for railway modeling can start with a gift set with a railway and trains. Such a hobby, although it requires considerable effort and expense, undoubtedly helps to develop, think, create and not stand still.

Plan your garden space appropriately. You will need to allocate sufficient space for laying paths, landscaping and additional elements such as buildings and bridges.

Try to choose a visually appealing location with easy access.
Raise if possible railway above ground level; so it will be easier to care for her and admire. Focus on a comfortable height small child.
Do not forget about the main purpose of the garden, consider possible consequences railroad devices. Also think about possible problems that can be caused by domestic and wild animals, provide appropriate protective equipment.

Find helpers. Building a railway can be turned into an activity for the whole family, because this way things will go not only more fun, but also faster. Usually children are very fond of helping, but their interest largely depends on how good they are, so it's best to find something for everyone by age. If the neighbors also want to participate, then why not?

Create a plan and path layout. The project should take into account aesthetic preferences, available space and available budget. If you are going to make a railway in several stages, then consider this moment when drawing up a plan.

For starters, a simple round or oval scheme ways. So it will be easier for you to plant plants next to the canvas and install additional elements, if you wish, you can add a bridge or a tunnel.
When planning a more complex structure, check the feasibility of the plan by first trying to assemble such a railway in a free place.
Always consider the size of the train, as it affects the size of the tracks, which in turn affects the entire design.

Calculate your budget. We immediately warn that the garden railway can cost a round sum, including the cost of preparing the garden plot (soil, supporting and lifting elements, gravel / pebbles, etc.), the cost of plants, the tracks themselves, trains and additional elements. The more complex the plan, the higher the cost, but you can save some money by looking for some parts on online auctions and similar places. With a phased construction of the road, you do not have to lay out the entire amount at once.

Purchase suitable tracks and wagons. Tracks and wagons must be suitable for outdoor use in all weather, so purchase or make fixtures that can withstand the weather. Among other things, you will need:

Buildings and structures
Natural objects that will be part of the garden railway
Tunnel

Start building the railroad. It may take from several days to weeks or even months to complete the work, depending on the amount of free time and the complexity of the project. A lot will also depend on weather conditions.

Prepare the site. Remove all debris and unnecessary plants from the site. Use a level to level the surface.
Gather materials. When using lifting and supporting elements, they are installed first.
Consider drainage and weed protection. You can put a special lining. Ensure proper drainage properties of the soil.
Follow the plan. Lay the tracks according to the plan. Use stainless nails and screws.
Place materials that will cover the ground around the railroad and on the track (sand, gravel, etc.). Railroad ballast is made from several layers of sawdust, screenings or gravel, and then larger pebbles or crushed stone.
Level bulk materials.
To remove sand or soil from the tracks during the construction process, use a brush (both a pastry brush and a paint brush will do).
After the railway track and pavement, install buildings and structures.

Select trains. You have already chosen the appropriate train size for the track. Now is the time to choose the models you need!

A decision needs to be made about the type of train power supply: it will be a battery that is inserted directly into the train, or a transformer cabinet. When using electricity in the garden, follow all safety instructions and, if necessary, seek the help of an electrician.
Trains should have a timer so that they do not run constantly, continuously draining the battery.

Children's toys with trains are unique in many ways. After all, a crumb at 2 years old, and a peanut 4-5 years old, and a schoolboy, and even an adult can play with them. They are of interest to both boys and girls. And most importantly - all railways are excellent educational toys. It remains only to find out how to correctly choose a steam locomotive for a child ...

How useful is the railway for children?

Steam locomotives, wagons, passenger and freight trains, rails, sleepers, semaphores with barriers, stations and train stations - all this is covered with charm long journey, from which even small children, who are not really familiar with the charm, are unable to turn away! That is why toys that allow a child to get to know the railway theme closely are always popular as a gift. However, their charm is not only that they are able to awaken in the baby sincere interest to this topic and captivate him for more than one hour. For loving parents no less important is the developing factor of such fun. Children's railway improves fine motor skills, develops coordination, promotes figurative and spatial thinking of the child. Moreover, all these qualities only increase over the years! After all complex sets, designed for older children, are comparable to full-fledged ones, where it is necessary to create your own railway network from many elements. And this requires a well-known and ability to concentrate, as well as imagination, ingenuity and creativity. What can I say, if the passion for the miniature railway world can turn into a real hobby for life - great amount adults collects model trains all over the world!

What are "railroad" toys?

But, as often happens with children's toys, in order for the trains and trains of the baby to be truly interested, a number of factors must be taken into account. And the most important of them is the compliance of the selected set with the age of the child. too complicated for little man he will not fully appreciate the railway, but will completely ignore the simple one. Therefore, start with the age group:

During this period, children are just mastering "transport" toys. For them, the accuracy of reproducing a real object and its ability to copy the behavior of a prototype is not important - it is much more important that the toy is large, understandable and durable. Therefore, choose simple plastic or wood trains, with a bright design (it's good if the train is "brought to life" with the help of painted eyes and a smile, or stylized as heroes of popular animated series) and a minimum of small details. For interesting game enough for 1-3 wagons and not long looped rails. And for very young “drivers” you can pick up a kit without a railway at all. For them, a train is often enough, which can be rolled directly on the floor and table (in fact, this is not a train, but a kind of machine “under the train”), and not limited to one direction of movement in a circle. By the way, for the same reason, crumbs do not need mechanized trains. They are much more interested in moving the locomotive with my own hands, and not just observe its movement at the behest of the electric drive.

By this age, the simplest trains can start to bother kids. Therefore, it is worth choosing already more advanced models. Thus, the design becomes more realistic and detailed (although still far from large-scale modeling). Number of wagons for exciting game much more is also required - at least 5-6, and different in content (passenger and freight cars, a tank, a platform for a typewriter, etc.). The child's wish also changes in the structure of the railway itself. The base ring is no longer exciting, and you need a set that allows you to collect the most different variants tracks for the train - with forks and arrows, turns and crossings. All this contributes to a noticeable variety of games, they do not bother the child for a longer time. At the same time, the games themselves also become more complicated. If before that the kid “behind the eyes” of riding a train, periodically saying the coveted “tu-tu!”, by the age of 3 he is already interested in role-playing and story games. Therefore, it is worth telling him (and even better show on video) how the railway works.

3-5 years and older

The child is already old enough to be seriously interested in the functioning of trains. That is why he perceives with a bang very accurate miniature copies of real steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and electric locomotives! He demands the same realism from all other attributes of the children's railway: rails, hauls, stations, driver's booths. Individual sets even have drawbridges, tunnels, trees and animals, allowing you to create around playground"real" landscape! Separately, it is worth mentioning the mechanization of the toy mentioned above. If at 2-3 years old many children are glad that the locomotive can move independently with the help of a built-in motor launched by a button on the body, then from 3-4 years old it is already too easy. And therefore it’s good if the little “station chief” has a real remote control in his hands: to start, stop and reverse the train, to switch arrows, raise barriers and even turn on semaphores! Needless to say, in this case, not just cars, but already one train is not enough - better than 2 or 3 ...

What characteristics of the children's railway are important?

When choosing a particular railway set, you should pay attention to a number of its features. Among them:

light music: many trains for both the smallest and older children have light and indication: flashing lights and signals while driving, this makes the game more fun;

smoke: the apotheosis of realism, put on expensive models, this is real smoke coming from the chimney of a steam locomotive, resulting from a safe chemical reaction - just keep in mind that it can smell unpleasant;

coupling: pay attention to how easy it is to attach the cars to each other and to the train - remember that for a small child, a simple hook or magnet coupling that does not require much effort is better;

locomotive size: the rule is simple - than less baby, the larger the train and wagons are needed for the game, so that it is convenient to handle them with children's fingers with underdeveloped fine motor skills, and vice versa;

canvas size: here the rule is the opposite - it is better for small children to take a set of rails that is not very large, and for older children the set is 2-3 times longer (it is only important that there is enough space in the nursery for its installation);

accessories: it is important to consider the possibility of further expansion with the help of separately purchased rails, crossings, bridges, train stations, new cars, etc., so that the game “grows” with the baby;

quality: try to evaluate the set without packaging - is there any chemical smell, cracks, traces of inaccurate assembly, glue, chips, paint peeling off, is there any play in the hinges, is the toy cracking from light compression;

materials: children's toys must be made exclusively from safe plastic, wood, metal, so do not forget to look at quality certificates that guarantee high quality locomotives;

era: relevant for older kids. If you choose a historical type railway, you need, as with, to take into account whether the child himself is familiar with that era - otherwise it will not be clear to him what kind of steam locomotive it is and why it is so unlike modern trains.

And one more, in many respects unexpected, but important nuance when choosing in the store. Try to put the train with wagons on the rails and roll back and forth a bit. It should not only roll easily and without the slightest creak, but also ... not derail. For some manufacturers, the design of the set is such that with any inaccurate handling (and for children this is in the order of things), the composition falls off the canvas. Which, of course, disappoints the child, causing him more than legitimate indignation. Therefore, if there is a suspicion that the wheels are not very confident on the rails, it is better to refuse to purchase.

Does your child already have a set of children's railroad - or are you just planning such a gift?

9 237863
Leave a comment 8

Reading time: 9 minutes

The Children's Railway, or children's railway, is designed to serve as an analogue of a full-fledged transport system. Suitable for small children toy set, and for older boys, special training models have been created. They may be at children's camps sponsored by educational institutions associated with railway construction. These roads have nothing to do with the rides in the parks, but are a reduced copy of the original.

What is a children's railway

The Children's Railway was used to train young enthusiasts in professions related to railways. The construction of children's narrow-gauge railways was carried out in accordance with GOSTs of the USSR. Later, various toys began to appear on the market in the form of trains that could ride on rails. They could be powered by the children themselves, internal combustion engines, or an electric motor.

Children's railway toy

Toy railways include educational, entertaining toys in the form of a train with wagons on rails. Can be made from different materials:

Plastic;
Tree;
Metal.

There is a spread in age categories: from plastic, wooden simple models for children from 3 years old to complexes with infrastructure, steam locomotives on diesel engines with remote control - for older children. Known manufacturers include:

Aster Hobby;
Eurotrain;
top train;
Hasbro;
LEGO.

Children's Railways of the USSR

The first Soviet children's railway was opened in Moscow, but did not work for long - from 1932 to 1938. It was built by Komsomol members, it was more of an entertainment purpose than an educational one. The forerunner of children's roads is the complex of the city of Tiflis (Tbilisi), founded on June 24, 1935. Until the late 1980s, in the Soviet Union, children's railways opened every year. Since the 1930s, about 70 children's railways have appeared on the territory of the USSR. Old roads operate in cities:

Krasnoyarsk;
Nizhny Novgorod;
Irkutsk;
Rostov-on-Don;
Chelyabinsk;
Khabarovsk;
Ekaterinburg.

Moscow Children's Railway

In 2005, the old Moscow railway underwent a reconstruction procedure, tracks and hangars were replaced, modern diesel locomotives TU10, designed specifically for children's railways, were put into operation. educational institutions. As of 2010, the complex in Kratovo is used in the education of 700 students from 25 schools and technical schools of adjacent cities. Trains run between Pionerskaya and Yunost stations from 11 am to 3 pm daily. The whole complex works almost around the clock. There are circles "Young railway worker", career guidance courses.

Toy railroads

You can buy a railway for a child in almost any toy store. In the production of toys, the theme of railway is popular. This guarantees wide choose models of completely different price ranges. Feature set children's train contains a very extensive

age category;
path length;
composition and rail material;
control method;
availability and type of engine;
Scenery.

For children from 3 years old

The toy railway will be a great entertainment for a small child. Familiar cartoon characters will brighten up his time:

model name: Thomas on the Road TrackMaster set;
price: 1500 r;
characteristics: looped track, rolling stock of 1 steam locomotive;
pluses: the character of the cartoon "Thomas and his friends";
cons: overpriced.

The ABtoys online store provides a wide selection of trains with a trailer for fun for the baby. For a special promotion, kits can be ordered by mail:

model name: ABtoys "Express";
price: 700 r;
characteristics: ring road, lighting, rolling stock of a locomotive, 1 trolley with coal, 2 cars;
pluses: a large set for a low price;
cons: build quality.

Battery powered

With this toy, the child will be able to send a train from a passenger car, a locomotive on the control panel:

model name: OmZET "Railway-5";
price: 1700 r;
characteristics: prefabricated track, composition on remote control, 1 locomotive, 2 wagons;
pluses: extended set, light and noise effects;
cons: the path does not converge into a ring.

Railway-themed toys are for people different ages. Eichhorn with their kits is no exception:

model name: Eichhorn "Railway with arch bridge and steam locomotive";
price: 5000 r;
features: ring line, bridge, 2 battery trains, lighting, scenery;
pluses: wide scope for children's creativity;
cons: pale tones of the toy.

For girls

The Chuggington Girl's Railroad will hook your child with fun tones, a variety of kit details:

model name: Chuggington "Bridge and Tunnel";
price: 1800 r;
characteristics: ring track with slides, tunnel, 1 locomotive;
pluses: bright lively colors, suitable for young children;
cons: small size.

You can buy a railway cheaply in an online store from Chuggington. starter kit includes the station building, and a funny cartoon train runs along the road:

model name: Chuggington "Double Depot";
price: 3000 r;
characteristics: two-storey building, looped track, lifting turntable, 1 locomotive;
pluses: colorful set, additional game mechanics;
cons: high cost, manual control.

Electrical

The electric railway for children from Racing PRO will be a great entertainment for more than one evening:

model name: Racing PRO "Bullet Train";
price: 3500 r;
characteristics: triple circle line, 2 stations, bridge, locomotive, guide rails on analog control;
pluses: an interesting addictive toy;
cons: gray tones.

Models of houses, railway stations, platforms - all this is unique baby set from mehano:

model name: Mehano "Ice-3";
price: 13000 r;
features: urban landscape, double closed line, analogue control of the composition of the, 500 cm of path;
pluses: colorful set, rich landscape;
cons: strength.

metal

A set with PEQUETREN railway equipment can be found in stores Child's world Petersburg and Moscow on sale and at a discount:

model name: PEQUETREN "Passangers train colors";
price: 3000 r;
characteristics: closed canvas 340 cm, battery-powered locomotive, 2 cars;
pluses: durable metal case;
cons: when playing, you can get hurt.

Colorful game set"Train to the West" will make buying a children's toy interesting even for adults. The railway line is surrounded by a landscape familiar from frames from westerns, wagons with real prototypes were used in the set:

model name: PEQUETREN "Train to the West";
price: 5000 r;
characteristics: oval path 580 cm, stylized as a postal American composition of the 19th century;
pluses: historical stylization of the game;
cons: fragility.

plastic

On sale you can find a lot of interesting children's sets. "Carnival Delivery" will please the child with familiar characters:

model name: TrackMaster Carnival Delivery;
price: 2000 r;
characteristics: closed track 280 cm, 1 station, 1 locomotive, 1 wagon;
pluses: characters of the cartoon "Thomas and his friends";
cons: unfinished rails.

The set from S+S Toys will help to get schoolchildren interested in railway craft:

model name: S + S Toys "Station";
price: 1200 r;
characteristics: locomotive, 2 tanks, station building, 2 directions of movement, speed control with remote control;
pros: good value cost/quality;
cons: not found.

wooden train

The material of wooden passenger cars is soft, does not require any safety precautions:

model name: Brio 33010;
price: 2800 r;
characteristics: wooden structure, crane, looped rails;
pluses: smoothly polished wood;
cons: small size.

The Brio is attached great importance children's aspirations. A complex with a long railway track will give a basic understanding of the railway infrastructure:

model name: Brio Road and Crossing 33210;
price: 4200 r;
characteristics: ring road, overpass, road with a barrier, 2 cars, 1 train;
pluses: well-fitted wooden parts;
cons: plastic elements do not hold tightly.

New Year's

New Year's toys are in great demand. Get your kids in the holiday spirit!

model name: Hasbro "Christmas Express"
price: 4600 r;
characteristics: straight track 460 cm, 2 diesel locomotives, 3 mail trolleys, artificial snow tank;
pluses: colorful landscape;
cons: the balloon should be immediately taken away from the child, otherwise the whole apartment will be covered with snow.

LEGO products have high quality standards and are aimed at developing children's imagination:

model name: LEGO "Christmas Train";
price: 7800 r;
characteristics: closed line 500 cm, 1 locomotive, 4 trolleys, 734 parts;
pros: a small amount of details;
cons: overpriced, small parts.

Big

The long ring road of the "Mountain Road" will open wide scope for children's imagination. Among the Top Train sets, this one is considered the most popular:

model name: Top Train "Mountain Road";
price: 10000 r;
characteristics: closed line 1270 cm, 2 trains for 1 locomotive, 3 cars;
pluses: a huge set, different options for arranging scenery;
Cons: Parts don't fit well.

Train straight from fairyland Oz will not leave children indifferent:

model name: Eurotrain "Train from Oz";
price: 13000 r;
characteristics: triple ring line 980 cm, composition on analog control, 5 stations, 6 forks;
pluses: a large selection of placement of parts;
cons: not found.

Small

Hasbro products are aimed at satisfying the children's desire to know everything. Check it out with the new HDD set:

model name: Hasbro "Jolly Company";
price: 1200 r;
characteristics: straight track 150 cm, 2 turning circles, 3 locomotives in a coupler, 1 stop;
pluses: build quality, characters familiar to children;
cons: overpriced.

Eurotrain is famous for its prefabricated models of domestic railway equipment. A great example of this is Armored Train:

model name: Eurotrain "Armored train";
price: 3000 r;
features: battery-powered, buildable children's model of the Soviet armored train, 180 cm straight track, realistic scenery;
pluses: historical toy;
cons: a lot of small parts.

How to choose a children's railway

To buy a children's railway and not make a mistake in choosing, you should base your choice on several criteria:

Material. Very rarely, toy manufacturers may use materials that acquire toxic properties when heated. Avoid toys containing PETE (PET), PS (PS) plastics.
Engine power type. If the choice fell on the mobile version of the toy, keep track of the fuel used: it does not have to be batteries. Not everyone wants to smell diesel fuel in the apartment.
type of toy. The modular locomotive model can be in the same packaging as a regular toy.