The Hobbies and home category covers building sets, model railways, radio-controlled cars, scale model kits, puzzles, board games and garden care equipment. It suits children, adult collectors and home hobbyists. Our range includes over 5,000 products from brands such as LEGO, Märklin, Reely, Carrera and Gardena.
How to choose hobby products for the home
Age and difficulty. Building sets and board games carry a recommended age, so check that first. Sets for young children use larger pieces, while adult series can run to thousands of parts and several evenings of work.
Scale. The scale of model trains, cars and kits determines their size and whether items work together. H0 is 1:87, while Z gauge track and wagons are much smaller, so track and rolling stock must always share the same scale.
Control and power. With a model railway, check whether the system is analogue or digital and which current it uses: Märklin traditionally uses alternating current, while many other makers use direct current. For radio-controlled models, find out whether the battery and charger come in the box or have to be bought separately.
Ready-built or kit. Many radio-controlled models are sold ready to run, but some need assembling first. Plastic scale models normally need glue, paint and brushes, and miniatures have to be assembled and painted.
Garden compatibility. Watering systems use quick-fit connectors, so new accessories must match the hose, sprinklers and drip irrigation parts you already own. Check the connector size and the manufacturer's system before buying.
Brands we carry
- LEGO: the Danish maker known for building sets whose bricks fit together regardless of theme or release year.
- Märklin, PIKO: German model railway manufacturers; Märklin is especially known for H0 systems and digital control.
- Reely, Amewi, Jamara, Absima: makers of radio-controlled cars, boats and other models; Absima offers hobby-grade cars.
- Carrera: racing tracks with cars steered by hand controllers, as well as radio-controlled models.
- Revell: plastic kits of aircraft, ships and cars to assemble yourself.
- Gardena: German garden watering systems and garden tools.
- Ravensburger: puzzles and family board games.
- Games Workshop: Warhammer miniatures and the supplies for building and painting them.
The Games and Models and Toys subcategories let you narrow the range down by interest.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a LEGO set by age?
Go by the age printed on the box. It reflects both safety and difficulty: sets for younger children are simpler, while those for older children and adults have more small parts and longer instructions.
What is the difference between H0 and Z scale model trains?
H0 is 1:87, so the models are larger and more detailed, and they need more room. Z scale trains are much smaller, and a layout fits on a small table. Track and wagons from different scales will not work together.
What else do I need to buy with a scale model kit?
You will usually need plastic glue, paints, brushes and a small cutting tool. Some kits do not include paint or glue, so check what is in the box before ordering.
Which radio-controlled car should a beginner choose?
A beginner is usually best served by an electric car that is already assembled and ready to run. Check that the battery and charger are included and that spare parts are available, because the first crashes are almost inevitable.
