Top 10 Train Sets for Kids 2012-2013 – the best sets of trains, tracks, et al for the little ones for the holiday season of this year and into next – based on consumer popularity and higher overall ratings:
1. Waterfall Mountain Train Set and Table from KidKraft
Ages: 3-8
The table (roughly 40 x 34 and 16 inches high) has a printed landscape on which to set up the included tracks, cars, trains, signs, trees, people, town buildings and mountain pieces to create different levels of play. Three pull out drawer bins for storage underneath.
Merchant Info:
This Toy Is Intended For The Enjoyment And Development Of Children Between The Ages Of 3 And 8. It Has Been Specifically Designed And Tested For Use By Children Of That Age Range In A Constructive Setting. Because Of The Danger Of Small Parts…(read more)
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2. Take-n-Play Train Set – The Great Quarry Climb from Thomas & Friends
Ages: 3-7
Stimulate a child’s imagination to create scenarios of play where Thomas and Owen the Traction Engine help one another at the Blue Mountain Quarry. A spinning saw blade cuts stone and drops it into Thomas’ cargo car, and Owen helps pull Thomas up the incline at the quarry.
Merchant Info:
All aboard! Playtime fun is rising to new heights with the Fisher-Price® Take-n-Play™ The Great Quarry Climb! It’s inspired by scenes from the “Blue Mountain Mystery” DVD, and your child has a chance to re-create the excitement, or re-envision it altogether…(read more)
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3. Thomas the Train – Thomas Rides the Rails Starter Set from TrackMaster
Ages: 3-6
Little Thomas the Train knows his schedule and what he needs to do. This motorized engine chugs around the track and when you flip the switch, he will stop at the Elsbridge Station right on time. Includes motorized Thomas, station building and full track layout.
Merchant Info:
There’s a lot to do on the Island of Sodor. Thomas chugs around the track and stops at the station platform at Elsbridge Station where he can get ready for his busy day! Get the action started with this perfect introduction to TrackMaster…(read more)
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4. Polar Express Train Set – G-Gauge from Lionel
Ages: 4 and up
The highly detailed steam engine, tender, passenger car and observation car come alive with the battery powered remote control. Real engine sounds with a bell and whistle plus a working headlight. Includes figures of a conductor and a boy positionable on top of engine or cars.
Merchant Info:
Polar Express G-Gauge Train Set from Lionel Trains features a finely detailed style that evokes the magnificent steam engines of times gone by and authentic train sounds for a real-life experience. This large-scale, battery-operated train set…(read more)
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5. City Cargo Train Set from LEGO
Ages: 6-12
You can load and unload cargo from the train cars with the working winch on the crane which fits over the tracks. Features engine, tank car, flatbed car, auto carrier car, an engineer and three yard workers. Battery powered and run with remote controller.
Merchant Info:
Load up the cargo train and make it ready for departure. Use the big crane to load and unload containers and cars from the train and container truck. Open the top of the engine to reveal the train driver’s cabin and use the new eight-channel…(read more)
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6. Deluxe Wooden Railway Set from Melissa & Doug
Ages: 3-6
The 100 piece wooden track system offers lots of layout designs. Lots of play options, too with a six-piece freight train with cargo pieces, a four-piece passenger train and a three-piece flatbed car with cargo. Bridges, tunnel, roundhouse, minifigures and more.
Merchant Info:
With nearly 100 wooden track sections and supports, and over 30 accessories, including a fright train, passenger train, and suspension bridge, the Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set is ideal for the young train engineer. Designed for children ages three…(read more)
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7. City Passenger Train Set from LEGO
Ages: 6-12
This high speed R/C passenger train with two engines and a passenger car will stop at the station platform then zoom around the track to stay on schedule. Set features an engineer and two passenger minifigures, bricks for station platform and other accessories.
Merchant Info:
All aboard. The new high-speed passenger train is ready to pick up and drop off passengers at the LEGO City station. Handle up to eight trains at a time through the tight curves of the new flexible tracks using the new eight-channel…(read more)
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8. Ride Around Train Set and Table KidKraft
Ages: 3-8
The sturdy wood table has two drawer bins for storage but the beauty is you can leave everything set up on top for instant play. Includes 100 colorful pieces with trains, structures, figures, animals, bridge, vehicles and many more accessories for fun play.
Merchant Info:
The young conductors in your life will have an entire community at their fingertips with the fun Kidkraft Ride Around Town Train Table and Set. Made of composite wood products, this set includes 100 colorful pieces such as figures, animals, vehicles…(read more)
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9. Classic Wooden Figure 8 Train Set from Melissa & Doug
Ages: 3-6
For a first set, this is perfect. A simple layout with 20 pieces of interlocking wooden track pieces including an elevated bridge with an engine and coal car that connect magnetically with wheels to fit the grooves in the tracks. Compatible with other wooden sets, too.
Merchant Info:
Classic wooden train set features a wooden engine and coal car, plus 20 pieces of wooden track and a bridge. Great value.
Compatible with other popular wooden railway systems (sold separately)…(read more)
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10. Take-n-Play Train Set – Rumbling Gold Mine Run from Thomas & Friends
Ages: 3-7
Lots of fun action with a collapsing mine controlled with a hand lever, gold nuggets flying out of the abandoned shaft and a spinning turntable. A fold up set with a carry handle for easy set up and take along fun. Includes a Thomas Train engine with magnetic connect.
Merchant Info:
Thomas has an important job helping the Sodor Mining Company. He roars past the rumbling gold mine and races by the exploding mine shaft in this golden adventure! Share the excitement with Thomas as you help him find the hidden gold…(read more)
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There is the list – the Top ten Train Sets for kids this year — and they are a truly fun lot. 
As a note, this page will stay updated for each year, and so will consistently provide information on the top ten train sets for little ones as time goes on.
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