Jouef and Mehano TGV Starter packs

[TomCarter]

I would like to buy for my young son (and for me of course) a TGV starter pack such as

 

Mehano's : https://www.amazon.fr/Mehano-Commande-V%C3%A9hicule-Miniature-Tricourant/dp/B00DW5SR2I/ref=pd_sim_21_6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JERCGCS58VZQM9ANDBQ6

or Jouef's : https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00M8WRB00/ref=pe_30211_177968721_em_1p_13_im

 

Does anyone have any advice for me in terms of the differences in quality between the two manufacturers ? 

 

Perhaps there are other manufacturers of similar packs in the same price range ?

 

Any information gratefully received

[njee20]

That Jouef one is a bargain! I may do likewise. 9 week olds like TGVs right?!

[Andy Hayter]

I agree.  Jouef is the way to go at this end of the market.

[Joseph_Pestell]

Be careful! Which Jouef TGV? There were three series: one for supermarkets, one for toy shops, one for modellers. They are not compatible with each other so you can not increase the rake to full length.

 

I actually think that TGVs did a lot to kill the model railway market in France. Parents bought them for kiddies who then thought that model railways are boring as a TGV has zero play value.

 

Edit: I think that's the toy shop version. The Amazon seller's text does give 6 reference numbers for additional vehicles to bring the rake to full length but I have not checked the numbers and don't know if they are currently available.

[TomCarter]

Thanks all for your replies

 

@Joseph : Its a good point.  I'm also looking at the Jouef Fret Express which for the same price might be a better bet as a first train.  I could cheaply add one or two wagons and a bit more track to get going.