Top Selling Model Trains on Amazon

Model trains remain popular gifts. Because what kid doesn’t enjoy the sight and sound of a model locomotive chugging its way down a track while pulling some colorful passenger and freight cars? Unless those kids are older, they’ll need the help of mom and mostly dad to assemble the track and run the electrical wires. Model trains are truly one of the few toys where children need their parents to play. Here are the top selling trains on Amazon.

© 2011 by Aurelio Locsin

All these top selling sets of model trains have at least an oval of track that requires assembly but snaps together with no additional tools. They also have a power source and/or controller that moves the locomotive forward, backward or to a stop. Those with limited space can easily pack up their layouts when done and store them in the boxes the sets came in.

The venerable Lionel brand puts out two highly-rated, large scale tributes to the popular book and movie Polar Express. The number one seller is the G-gauge version with a working headlight, and bell and whistle sounds. The battery-operated radio-controlled remote is especially handy for layouts in the garden. The observation car even hides a disappearing hobo. Purists will prefer the lifelike detail of the smaller-scale O-gauge 2-8-4 Berkshire with its operating headlight, puffing smoke and operating coupler in the tender. Its controller is electrically operated and attaches to the track. This has three passenger cars, one more than the G-scaler.

Lionel’s Polar Express triumph continues with the Little Lines 44-piece play set. It is not prototypical because it features the proportions and durability designed for ages 30 months to five years. The track goes up and down a bridge and through a two-sided diorama. Kids can press the button on the remote controller to hear “All aboard! This is the Polar Express!” when the train is stopped. When the train is moving, the button makes the whistle blow.

The only HO (1/87) representative among the top selling model trains, this Santa Fe diesel set is an ideal first set for teens, who would rather set things up without dad’s help. The Lo-Nose GP38-2 locomotive has a working headlight and pulls five freight cars and a red caboose. The double-tracked 65” x 47” layout snaps together, and includes a bridge, pier and dual crossing gate. The rerailer makes it easy to put wayward consists back on track.

Lionel takes another cue from the movies, this time with the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Set in O-gauge. The eye-catching red-and-black 4-6-0 steam engine and tender pulls 2 passenger coaches and a combination car. The set features interior lighting, puffing smoke, working headlight and air whistle. The train negotiates O-36 curves. However, this Amazon version lacks the figures described for the set in the Lionel catalog.

The final entry is another O-scale Lionel effort. But this time, it’s based on a prototype, the Pennsylvania Flyer, which used to ply routes along the eastern seaboard. The 0-8-0 black and silver steamer pulls a tender, boxcar, tank car and caboose. As is common with the brand, the set has puffing smoke, operating headlight and air whistle. It also includes a billboard with two images, 10 telephone poles, and engineer and fireman figures. It is designed for ages 14 and up.

Find your favorite among these top selling model trains.