Best Electric Train Sets 2021

Want to know about the best electric train sets in 2021? Well, we have found the top 20 electric trains set that you can get your hands on in 2021.

It’s 2020 and electric trains are still on the decline. But where do we go from here? One idea is to reinvent them to be more fun, like in the movie “Paddington” where a bear has his own little train. Let’s say that’s not the future you want, so what do you do? That’s what we’re gonna investigate.

The United States is home to over a dozen major train manufacturing companies, each with a different approach to the industry. Some focus on creating the fastest, most beautiful trains. Some focus on the long-term maintenance of the tracks. Others focus on the safety of the trains.

In August of 2021, this article was updated to include some of the finest electric train sets that were released that year.

For a long time, electric train sets have been a passion project for millions of individuals all over the globe.

And it’s for a very good cause, too! This is where this piece comes in! This year, we’ll go over the finest electric train sets you should consider!

Everyone may collect and appreciate model trains, and the greatest thing is that with the proper equipment, a little creativity, and a can-do attitude, you can simply build your own train system. 

Some setups are huge room-spanning behemoths that need hundreds of man-hours to put up and operate correctly, while others are little coffee table tracks that can be used straight away. This is always worthwhile since it’s entertaining, unique, and with model train layouts, the trip is frequently more important than the goal. 

Of course, there are some difficult situations to deal with, but that is one of the things that makes electric train sets unique: the ability to build your own track and work things out as you go.

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If you’re in a rush or simply want the best of the bunch, the Rail Chief Set by Bachmann Trains is the way to go. It’s a traditional train that’s well-made, attractive, and can be used all year if necessary.

Rail Chief Ready To Run 130 Piece Electric Train Set – HO Scale, Brown/a Rail Chief Ready To Run 130 Piece Electric Train Set – HO Scale, Brown/a Bachmann Trains – Rail Chief Ready To Run 130 Piece Electric Train Set – HO Scale, Brown/a Bachmann Trains – Rail Chief Ready To Run 130 Piece Bachmann Trains – Rail Chief Ready To Run 130 Piece

• Complete 130-piece freight train set that is ready to go
• The locomotive is powered by an EMD GP40 diesel locomotive with working headlights.
• Open Quad Hopper Car, Gondola Car, Steel Reefer Car, Off-Set Cupola Caboose, Signal Bridge, Miniature Figures, Railroad Signs, Street Signs, and Telephone Poles are among the items included in this set.
• Oval of Snap-Fit E-Z Track, Power Pack, and Speed Controller, 47″ x 38″
• 1:87 HO Scale

What Are the Benefits of Owning an Electric Train?

To begin with, this is a fantastic hobby!

It enables you to just enjoy your time and have a good time while doing so. It produces outstanding results while also pushing you to improve the track and train arrangement over time. This is a passion project in which you may put in a lot of time and effort to bring your own unique ideas to reality.

It may take some time to bring your ideal project to reality, but the effort is always worthwhile!

Furthermore, the electric train sets and rails may be as basic or complicated as desired. Some may take up many rooms, while others will be simpler and fit on a smaller table. Some are constructed of plastic, whereas higher-end Electric Train Sets are made of stainless steel and other more durable materials.

The best part is that you can purchase anything you want within your budget and then build your own environment around the track. It’s enjoyable, fulfilling, and a fantastic exercise for both children and adults.

What Should You Look for in an Electric Train?

When searching for the finest electric train set, the first thing to consider is what scale you need. N scale and HO scale trains, as well as O scale and G gauge trains, are available. You won’t see the scales and gauges, but you will notice the letters! You must ensure that electric model trains and decorations are available in the scale you have chosen.

N and HO are tiny enough to fit on a table, but O and G need more space and look great racing around a Christmas tree or even outdoors!

Creating a Budget for Your Model Train Set

That’s why you’ll need to search the market as you attempt to find out what strategy would work best for you. Here, the main emphasis must be on value and quality, and the more of both you provide, the better it will be in the end.

Apart from the trains themselves, track condition is also extremely essential, so choose the finest track you can afford.

Metal rails are unquestionably the finest, since they will endure the longest and provide the smoothest ride.

Pick a budget and stick to it, particularly when you’re just starting out. For a dedicated enthusiast, a decent starting budget would be between $200 and $500. If you’re simply interested about the pastime, you can buy an electric model train for less than that, as demonstrated below!

DCC Unit and Power Supply for Electric Train Sets

Then there’s the matter of the power supply you’ll need to purchase. This will depend on the project’s size; if it’s extremely big, you’ll need something a little more powerful. To begin, whatever arrives in the box is usually acceptable if it’s your first train. DCC Train Control Kits are an issue for the future! 

The goal is to avoid hurrying while looking for the appropriate model. 

Couplers and wheels are also crucial; preferably, they should be made of metal for increased endurance. They will, for the most part, be whatever comes with your model train set. When it comes to couplers, you want to go for ones that are made of metal and are simple to use.

Pricing, on the other hand, is perhaps your most pressing issue! A decent electric train set may cost up to $400 or more, and as you improve the quality and extend your set, more costly choices will become available. But don’t let it put you off; you can get started in the pastime for a lot less! 

Let’s take a look at some of the finest electric train sets for 2021!

Which electric train set is the best?

Santa Fe Flyer Electric Train by Bachmann

The Most Excellent HO Electric Train

The Bachmann Santa Fe Flyer Train Set is a popular electric HO Scale train set, making it ideal for children. HO strikes the ideal mix between ideal adult size and something that children can still engage with. The greatest thing is that it’s ready to use right out of the box, making it a fantastic beginning kit as well!

The attention to detail is excellent, and the greatest thing is that you have a speed controller to aid with safety (which is a must if you want this for your child).

It’s reasonably priced, and it has a robust collection of features and concepts that you won’t want to overlook. The included cupola caboose, gondola car, and open quad hopper car all contribute to the package’s realism.

Bachmann Trains Rail Chief Set

Adults’ Favorite Model Train Set

Bachmann Trains – Rail Chief Ready To Run 130 Piece Electric Train Set – HO Scale, Brown/a

• Complete 130-piece freight train set that is ready to go
• The locomotive is powered by an EMD GP40 diesel locomotive with working headlights.
• Open Quad Hopper Car, Gondola Car, Steel Reefer Car, Off-Set Cupola Caboose, Signal Bridge, Miniature Figures, Railroad Signs, Street Signs, and Telephone Poles are among the items included in this set.
• Oval of Snap-Fit E-Z Track, Power Pack, and Speed Controller, 47″ x 38″
• 1:87 HO Scale

The Rail Chief Ready To Run Train Set is very complex, with 130 parts in total. Despite that intimidating amount, getting started is really very simple!

The fact that it’s a HO scale model is fantastic, and there are a lot of extras included in addition to the vehicles. Miniatures, telephone poles, street signs, railroad signs, a signal bridge, and other items are available. All of this adds to the experience and increases the value and quality of the process, which is exactly what you want when creating your own model train layout.

Polar Express Electric Train by Lionel

Electric O Gauge Model Train Set with Remote, Lionel The Polar Express LionChief 2-8-4 Set with Bluetooth Capability, Lionel The Polar Express LionChief 2-8-4 Set with Bluetooth Capability, Lionel The Polar Express LionChief 2-8-4 Set

• ALL ABOARD The Polar Express Lionchief train set; A CHRISTMAS SPIRIT SHOWSTOPPER Bluetooth technology is included in this extremely detailed set. Use a smart gadget to control your train; Great…
• 2-8-4 engine and tender, 2 coach cars, Observation car, and 4 movie figures are included in the set. Sections of FasTrack: 8 curved 036 tracks, two 10″ straight tracks, terminal, 10″ straight track
• FEATURES OF THE TRAIN SET – Die-cast metal body that can be operated by a remote, a smartphone, or any Bluetooth device; a plume of smoke unit, engine, whistle, bell, and customizable announcements; RC sound from RailSounds…
• 40” x 60” oval track; O Gauge compatible; Bluetooth compatible PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
• BATTERY REQUIREMENTS – The LionChief remote control requires three AAA batteries to function; batteries are not included with the train set purchase.

The Lionel Polar Express Lionchief O Gauge Train is the finest model train, meticulously built to resemble the Polar Express train from the famous film. The train looks fantastic, and anybody who like movies or Christmas would enjoy this. Even if you simply wanted to make a winter-themed model train layout, it would look fantastic.

To help bring this set to life, the train comes with a slew of cool features, including:

• puffing smoke
• headlights that work
• Authentic sound samples from the film as well as everyday train noises!

That only goes to demonstrate how comprehensive and aesthetically stunning this product is. This train meets a lot of requirements for fans of the film, Christmas, high-quality trains, and even winter!

Santa Fe Super Chief Train by Lionel

The Best Electric Train Set in O Scale

Electric O Gauge Model Train Set with Remote, Lionel Santa Fe Super Chief LionChief Set with Bluetooth Capability, Lionel Santa Fe Super Chief LionChief Set with Bluetooth Capability, Lionel Santa Fe Super Chief LionChief Set with Bluetooth

• A LOCOMOTIVE SHOWSTOPPER – Check out the famous Santa Fe Super Chief LionChief train set, which is fitted with Bluetooth technology and allows you to glide down the tracks using your mobile device. Great…
• A Santa Fe FT diesel locomotive, two coach cars, and an observation car are included in the set. FasTrack comes with eight curved 036 tracks, two straight 10” tracks, a terminal, and a 10” straight Plug-Expand-Play…
• FEATURES OF THE TRAIN SET – Train may be operated by remote or through Bluetooth; RailSounds RC sound system; horn, bell, and diesel revving noises; 2 high-capacity, maintenance-free motors; Headlights that work; …
• SPECIFICATIONS – Compatible with O Gauge; minimum curve is 031; set length is 52 1/2”; Bluetooth compatible
• BATTERY REQUIREMENTS – The LionChief remote control requires three AAA batteries to function; batteries are not included with the train set purchase.

The Santa Fe Super Chief Train by Lionel is a prized collector’s item, and for good reason.

To mention a few features, it includes two coach cars, a fantastic diesel locomotive, an observation car, and various track sections. The extras they’ve included are both intriguing and practical.

Because the locomotive is Bluetooth-enabled, you can control it with your phone. There are a variety of remote controls available, including lighting and music, as well as door opening and interior illumination.

It looks fantastic and meets the high-quality standards that Lionel goods are known for.

Mickey Mouse Celebration Train Set by Lionel

The Lionel Mickey Celebration Train Set distinguishes out with its graphics and simplicity of use, while being primarily designed for children.

The additional Mickey ears are amusing and fit in well with the concept, as one would expect from a product of this caliber. Because it’s in O size, it’ll also look great racing around a Christmas tree if you’re feeling merry later in the year!

Only 1928 were produced, thus this is a limited edition model. It’s easy to put together, and Mickey Mouse lovers will love it!

Zephyr Starter Set from Kato USA

Kato USA Model Train Products N CB&Q Streak Zephyr UNITRACK Starter Set, Silver

• N scale. Includes a 4’x3′ (1337mm x 677mm) Kato UNITRACK loop with a re-railing crossover.
• Includes a Kato 12V Power Pack for running your trains that attaches to the Kato UNITRACK loop with easy-to-use connectors.
• Contains a complete CB&Q Silver Streak Zephyr locomotive and car set with one locomotive and 5 individually lettered cars
• The E5A is DCC compatible, and optional interior lighting kits are available for all models.
• With an easy-to-carry handle, the box is elegantly wrapped in a slipcase.

This Kato USA Model Train Starter Set distinguishes out because it has an exceptional locomotive with a more contemporary appearance.

The design is unique and would look excellent in any model train layout, and the construction procedure is simple. You may also simply modify the vehicles by adding some inside lighting.

The slipcase will offer a significant amount of value, and you’ll discover that it functions flawlessly.

We think this is one of the best models on the market, and if you like high-quality train sets, you should check it out.

LEGO Creator Train Set for the Holidays

For 5 year olds, the best electric train set is

Winter Holiday Train 10254 Christmas Train Set with Full Circle Train Track, Locomotive, and Spinning Christmas Tree Toy (734 Pieces) is a LEGO Creator Expert Christmas Train Set with Full Circle Train Track, Locomotive, and Spinning Christmas Tree Toy (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

• This LEGO Winter Holiday Christmas train construction kit will delight both children and adults. The accompanying train track loops around your Christmas tree in a complete circle, giving it the ideal…
• A locomotive, caboose, and five minifigures (a locomotive driver, ticket collector, grandmother, boy, and girl) are included in the Christmas LEGO train set, as well as beautiful green wreaths, colorful lights, and…
• With a Power Functions motor (not included), convert this LEGO train into a motorized train set and watch it travel around the railway track in style! The LEGO Creator construction toys may be used with…
• Both youngsters and adults are challenged to develop their creativity via interesting and entertaining building experiences with LEGO Creator Expert kits. Take a closer look at the festive features of this classic LEGO Christmas…
• The Holiday Christmas train is almost 4” tall, 20” long, and 2” broad in total. 734 pieces of curved rail track with a diameter of above 27”. A fantastic LEGO Christmas present for boys and girls alike…

Although this is a holiday-themed model train, it will appeal to both children and adults. And, let’s face it, who doesn’t like some LEGO?

Obviously, creating takes some time, but the journey is half the pleasure! You’ll discover that it works well in smaller spaces as well.

It’s also nice to see that they included several Minifigures. That helps to brighten things up and provide some spectacular outcomes, which is precisely what you should consider when buying model train sets.

What model train scales are suitable for youngsters and adults?

Many people believe that the N scale or Ho scale model train is the ideal scale for children.

The N scale is also excellent for youngsters since it is tiny and fits a child’s hand nicely, but you should be wary of choking risks, so depending on your child’s age, you may want to consider going up to the HO sector.

It all boils down to figuring out what’s important to you and then changing and adapting as you go for the greatest experience and outcomes.

The O gauge, often known as the HO scale, is the standard for adults. They’re large enough to hold a lot of detail, and they’re also the most common scale of days, which means there are the most layout components available.

Is there a minimum age to buy a model electric train set?

• When you choose this path, you’ll need a lot of room.

• Making a model train environment takes time as well, so time and space are both important considerations.

• Furthermore, many electric train sets and accessories are very costly. Sure, it won’t seem like a lot of money at initially, but the expenses will rise as you grow.

• Ideally, you should start with a basic strategy and then modify and change as you go, as this will ensure that you get the value you anticipate with little effort.

• Other than that, all you really need is desire, and you’ll figure it out! 

Where can I get the best deals on electric train sets?

That depends entirely on what you’re looking for, if you even know what you’re looking for! Obviously, we’ve just given you a list of fantastic trains that you can buy online.

Most model train makers, such as Lionel, Athearn, Bachmann, and others, offer their products on Amazon these days.

Your local FLTS (friendly local train shop!) is the only other location we suggest checking to see what they have in stock. They don’t always offer the most extensive variety, but if you’re unsure where to begin, being able to talk to someone is a fantastic place to start.

Getting into the world of model trains is both thrilling and enjoyable. Thankfully, our review of the finest electric train sets can assist you in achieving that goal quickly and easily. Check them out and give them a try; you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the value and quality, particularly if you haven’t had one in a long time. The quality has really improved!

Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to get started with this pastime at your own speed!

Are you interested in learning more about model trains? For additional information, check out our comprehensive model train guide.

OR, if you’re wanting to expand your train set, check out our article on the 6 greatest train vehicles!

For as long as he can remember, Peter has been constructing model trains. This site is a creative avenue for him to go further into various sizes and elements of the model train community and hobby. He is an ardent lover of HO and O scale.

Imagine that you are a kid on Christmas morning. You are all excited, and ready to unwrap your gifts. When you reach the last gift, you are shocked to see it is a gift for your parents. You can’t wait to share it with them. But what if your parents don’t know what train sets are? How can you share this amazing gift with them?. Read more about electric train sets for sale and let us know what you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best model train brand?

The best model train brand is Lionel.

Which is better Bachmann or Lionel?

Bachmann is better than Lionel.

What are the most valuable train sets?

The most valuable train sets are the ones that have a lot of rare pieces.

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