Hornby R1234 Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train Set & R7230 Hogsmeade Station Building Harry Potter Resin, Multi Colour

This is a good set for a child to find out if they want to make a hobby of it, especially given the Potter theme. The engine and carriages are nicely detailed on the outside and real enthusiasts will easily improve on them by adding weathering effects. However, the carriages do feel a bit flimsy and lightweight, given the price but I think this is standard with these kinds of models.The track layout, while a bit dull is again good for houses short on space and for establishing if this will be a longer-term interest. In my case, I think the recipient will be more engrossed in the set and scenery building over all but this is a very attractive model to put into any scene you build.One proviso: as mentioned elsewhere - these starter kits come with the flimsiest of controllers which I'm sure won't stand the test of time. Allow for an additional purchase to get something better able to grow with your set.

One of the best Hornby models yetNo map yet for potter fans

Train and carriages look decent quality .I’m only using this for the base of a Christmas tree which is just as well ,going one way round as the controller only works going one way .Controller is very poor quality

At Amazon’s price this set is a bargain. With a granddaughter who is keen on Harry Potter I decided to buy it as a return to the hobby. If you can accept the fictional livery the locomotive and coaches are very well modelled. I actually prefer the Hornby Railroad level of detail - the super detailed models are expensive and fragile. It just depends what your goals are.The only negative is that the controller is a bit basic, but as the loco and coaches alone justify the Amazon price, I am not complaining.

pig to fit together

To run round the bottom of the Christmas tree in a Harry potter themed scene .It does and is brill ..

The Hogwarts Locomotive with working Headlight looks superb as do the 2 Long Express Coaches. The Track is a 3rd Radius Oval, I haven't tried the points and siding Track yet due to space. The description of the product on Amazon says that it includes a Midi Trak Mat which it doesn't. On the actual box, it doesn't mention a Trak Mat, and it doesnt include one

The fact that this set was available from Amazon for £108, made it an absolute bargain. I fitted a Hornby decoder and it performs exceptionally well, being both smooth and quiet. An option to turn the light off would have been useful.