How to choose your first HO train set
A starter set is the simplest way into HO, but the choice you make now — 2-rail or 3-rail, analogue or digital — affects everything you buy later. Work through these questions first.
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Moderate cost
- Steps
- 7
- Checked
Take care
- Only use the power supply that came with the set or one the maker specifies.
- Children's sets have age ratings — check the box.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Pick the country and era you like
HO covers trains from all over Europe, North America and Japan. Decide which railway you enjoy watching — German, Swiss, Austrian, French, American — because most sets are themed to one railway and era. See choosing an era.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Choose 2-rail DC or Märklin 3-rail AC
This is the big decision. 2-rail DC (Roco, Piko, Trix, Liliput, Brawa and almost all American makers) uses two powered rails. Märklin uses 3-rail AC: both rails are a common return and power comes from a row of studs between the rails. The two are not interchangeable without converting locos, so pick one system. Read Märklin 3-rail explained.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Decide analogue or digital
Analogue sets control one train at a time per section of track. Digital sets (DCC, or Märklin's mfx/Märklin Digital) let you run several trains independently on the same track, with sound and lights. Many current models already have decoders: every Trix H0 loco, for example, has one and runs on analogue DC or DCC.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Look at the track in the box
Set track clicks together and can be extended with the same maker's pieces. Check the curve radius: Märklin C-track R1 and Piko A-track R1 are both 360 mm, Roco's smallest RocoLine/geoLine curve (R2) is 358 mm, and Peco Setrack No.1 is 371 mm. A circle of 360 mm radius needs a board at least about 80 cm deep.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Measure your space before you buy
Measure the table, board or floor area you can give it. As a rough guide, an oval of 360 mm radius curves needs a board of roughly 1.2 m × 0.8 m (two curves plus short straights), but leave room around the edge so a derailed train can't fall.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Check what's in the box
Look for: a locomotive, a few wagons or coaches, an oval of track (some include a siding), and a controller with mains power supply. Märklin's children's Start up sets, for example, are sold as all-in-one boxes with locomotive, wagons, track and accessories; the Farming Train set adds a wireless Power Control Stick.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Buy from a shop that can help afterwards
A specialist shop can tell you which add-on track and rolling stock suit your set. See where to buy HO in the UK.
Tips
- Sets from one maker usually extend best with that maker's track.
- If a child will play with it, a sturdy set with track on a moulded roadbed is more forgiving on carpet.
Questions people ask
Is HO too small for young children?
Märklin's Start up range is designed for children; for very young children larger-scale toy trains may be easier. Follow the age rating on the box.
Can I add a second train later?
Yes. On analogue you'll need a separate section or a second controller; on digital you can run it on the same track.
Sources
Checked 18 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Märklin: curved C-track R1 = 360 mm (24130) (maerklin.de)
- PIKO A-track brochure (piko-shop.de)
- Roco: H0 track and Z21 (roco.cc) (roco.cc)
- Peco: ST-220 Setrack No.1 radius curve (371 mm) (peco-uk.com)
- Trix: why Trix H0 (trix.de)
- Märklin: Start up starter sets (maerklin.de)
- Märklin Technik-Tipp 403: getting back into Märklin H0 (German) (maerklin.de)
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Printed from locoho.co.uk/guides/how-to-choose-your-first-ho-train-set/ · Checked 18 October 2026 · General information only. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your trains, track, controllers and decoders.