If you are looking for a gift for a young boy then you might want to consider a train set. It’s a classic gift and is always popular and well received. Ask any adult male if they can still remember their first train set and watch their face light up.

In days gone by, young boys often dreamed of being train drivers when they grew up. Things may be slightly different today, but there is still a certain magic about trains. They seem to have an enduring appeal which endears them to us even although other forms of transport are more widely used today. Whether you have a notion for the glory days of steam or, if you prefer more modern rolling stock, you can rest assured that your needs will be met.

Hornby Trains are far and away the best known manufacturer of model railways. One of the big advantages of Hornby’s range is that it is standardised. The now famous oo system means that even if you start with a relatively basic set, you can add to it and expand it in time. So, if you choose to give a Hornby train set as a gift, the lucky child who receives it will be able to add more trains, more track and a wide variety of accessories according to their own design.

There is a very good selection of Hornby sets to choose from. Young children might enjoy the “Thomas The Tank Engine” set whereas the Harry Potter “Hogwarts Express” set may be the sort of thing that older children would enjoy. The top of the range would be the replicas of real life locomotives.

If you are interested in the glory days of steam then there’s plenty to choose from. The Mallard and the Flying Scotsman are always popular choices and there are many more options available. Some of them are “superstars” such as the City of York. Others are more down to earth workhorse – but with their own utilitarian beauty nonetheless.

You could, if you wish, go for a more modern and slightly more utilitarian approach and choose a diesel electric set up. In its day, the class 52 diesel was every bit as iconic as many of the more famous steam locos – though admittedly a good deal less pleasing to the eye.

The trains currently ploughing up and down the country are the Virgin Pendolinos. As you would expect, Hornby also offer a train set based on these train – and it really does tilt when it goes around the bends (something which the real thing wasn’t always that good at).

Regardless of whether the child that your giving your gift to would prefer steam, electric or diesel trains, you can rest assured that there’s a Hornby train set which is perfect for them. If they change their mind later on, the standard tracks and controls mean that they can develop their train set however they like.

A train set by Hornby Trains is always a great gift idea – it’ll give years of fun and enjoyment. Check out the Hogwarts Express – it’s a great starter set.