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Where Big Adventures Start Small!
All aboard! Watch imaginations take the driver’s seat as kids create their own railway stories, full of excitement, creativity, and discovery with Hornby Playtrains.
What are the benefits?
Educational and Fun!
Designed with vibrant detail, easy-to-use controls, and durable construction, the exciting Playtrains range makes it simple for children to dive into the world of model railways — no experience needed.
1) Rerailing crossover
A section of track thats make it easy to align the trains wheels on the rails.
2) Lights and Sound
Featuring working lights, multiple sounds and three speeds in forward and reverse.
3) Rechargeable battery
With a USB-C rechargeable battery there’s no need for disposable batteries—just charge and play!
4) Easy to build track
Designed for hassle-free assembly and disassembly — the track snaps together and comes apart effortlessly.
5) Infrared Controller
This light weight hand controller comes with three speed options in forward and reverse.
Create your own world
Children can build, play, and expand their own railway world with Playtrains accessories and buildings — the possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Playtrains?
Perfect for children aged 5+, Playtrains allows little ones to explore the exhilarating world of model railways.
A full system, all Playtrains products are fully compatible with Track Extension Packs and Builder+ accessories, giving young conductors the tools to build bigger, better, and more exciting railway worlds as they grow. You can add our Hornby’s Santa’s Express Train Set (R9363M), Playtrains High Speed Train Set (R9360M) and Playtrains Steam Goods Express Train Set (R9361M) so the fun can run all year long!
Promotes fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive development through interactive play.
Inspire imaginative play. Create characters, towns and stories for the trains and passengers and transport yourself to an exciting Playtrains world!
Easy for little fingers to build, the track is quick and simple to clip together without getting frustrated.
Get on track with a helpful re-railing level crossing, so children can get the train on the track without any help, again and again
The Playtrains journey – where to start?
Start off with a Playtrains Train Set, which includes everything required to get up and running straight from the box.
Build up your Playtrains collection with individual trains, wagons and coaches for even more Playtrains fun!
Expand your oval of track with additional Track Extension Packs, so kids can continue to grow their exciting railway world.
The solo controller can be used (in addition to the controller in the Train Set) so that the other trains can be easily run at the same time.
Is Playtrains compatible with 00 gauge track?
Yes, our Playtrains models will run on a standard 00 gauge layout.
Do Playtrains require batteries?
While some Playtrains require 2 x AA batteries (which are not included in the box).
Others are USB rechargeable no need for disposable batteries and more eco-friendly.
Can I expand my Playtrains layout?
There is no limit to the possibilities of Playtrains! We have lots of add-ons and accessories for your Playtrains track, but since it is created in 00 gauge, you can also choose from products in our RailRoad range to update your child’s layout as they get older.