What is an electric train set?
A départ coffret est un ensemble de produits regroupés dans un seul paquet destés à lancer un projet de réseau ferré miniature. Indeed, in railway modelling, it is advisable to start small and gradually expand your installation. What's more, there are many different standards for model railways (HO, standard or narrow gauge, analogue, NEM couplers, etc.). It's not always easy to find your way around when you start out in this hobby. However, the accessories that make up these kits are selected by specialists and are therefore compatible with each other. Our electric train sets are a good option for beginners who want to run a model train easily, but also for confirmed modellers who want to renew their equipment at a good price.
What's in an electric train set?
A starter kit, regardless of the discount scale, is a package that includes all the basic components needed to run a electric train. It includes various components of the same scale:
A locomotive or power unit
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Theelectric locomotive is the maîbraid of a miniature rail network. It is generally the only motorised vehicle in the set. It is used to pull the carriages and passenger cars of a train set. Some miniature locomotives are equipped with special features, such as lighting and sound.
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Wagons
In the world of railways, a distinction is made between wagons, for transporting goods, and passenger carriages, for transporting passengers. The starter sets generally contain a locomotive and one or two towed vehicles. Ideal for running your first train.
Rails
An electric train set also includes a track oval. It varies in diameter from one set to another, and consists of a feeder rail and several curved tracks. These rails are compatible with the rolling stock contained in the pack. In fact, for a given scale, there are different track layouts (normal track, standard track, curved track).
An electric power supply
The regulating transformer supplies power to the tracks. Connected to a power socket, this essential accessory delivers the right voltage to the miniature rail network. It also controls the train's speed and the layout's accessories, such as signals, points and traffic lights. Nowadays, analogue control is gradually being replaced by digital control.
Horns and whistles
It's not systematic, but some electric train sets also contain b´timents, trees, miniature characters and so on. These accessories are enough to have a good time, but they can also be used to lay the foundations for a larger diorama.
Instructions for use
These packs for beginners also contain documentation that explains in detail how to set up a model railway. To enjoy model railroading, you need to like working with your hands, as you'll need to do a bit of electrical work and carpentry.
Analog or digital?
There are two types of power supply in rail modelling: analogue (direct current) and digital (alternating current). Analogue, the traditional system, is tending to be replaced by digital, which is much more flexible. The latter makes it possible to control individual trains using DCC encoders installed in the locomotives. This system makes it much easier to operate complex miniature rail networks. On the other hand, if you want to limit yourself to a simple layout, consisting of a single oval and a single train, an analogue controller will be more than sufficient.
If your project involves a lot of track and turnouts, this is the solution for you. On the other hand, if you want to limit yourself to a simple layout, consisting of a single oval and a single train, an analogue controller will be more than sufficient.
If your project involves a lot of track and turnouts, this is the solution for you.
If your project involves a lot of track and turnouts, this is the solution for you.
If your project involves a lot of track and turnouts, this is the solution for you.
Why buy an electric train set?
Digital is gradually replacing the traditional analogue system. However, the price of digital is still higher than that of analogue.The main advantage of a starter box is that you can get a cheap digital control. Many experienced models take advantage of this type of offer to renew or add to their equipment.This is because, generally speaking, the price of this essential accessory is much lower in these bundles than it is on a stand-alone basis.There are also boxed sets of wagons, passenger carriages or rails, which can make great savings.
In résumé
Are you passionate about model railways? An electric train set is a great way to launch a model railway project.In fact, by acquiring a prototype locomotive, carriages, tracks and, if required, decoration accessories all at once (dioramas, figurines, tunnels, miniature car, etc.), you will pay less than if you bought these accessories individually. These packs offer discounts of up to 50% on a new analogue or digital power supply, for example. As a reminder, this system is essential for the verification of a train network, in order to run electric trains. It is then possible to gradually extend the train set by purchasing new components piecemeal to complete the installation.
