If you’ve ever watched a tiny locomotive glide past a model station, heard its whistle, and thought, “I want to build that,” then you’re in good company. The world of model railways is a rich and rewarding hobby where engineering meets artistry, history meets motion, and the thrill of building meets the joy of running. At Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways in Pune you’ll find not only the working display of miniature cities and trains but also two excellent starter kits for aspiring hobbyists: the MT ICE Starter Set and the N700 Starter Set. These aren’t mere toys. They are entry-level tools into a world of scale, detail and railway culture.
In this blog we’ll dive into the history behind the real trains that these models reference, explore why starter sets matter, explain what’s inside these particular kits, and show how you can use them as the foundation of your own mini world.
Why Starter Sets Matter: The Gateway to Hobbyist World
Starter sets are crucial because they package everything you need (track, train unit, power supply, instructions) to move beyond ambivalence and actually begin building. According to one hobby-supplier guide, starter sets reduce the barrier of entry by “providing a complete loop, controller and locomotive in one box” (GS Model Supplies, 2024). For budding modelers this means you don’t have to source everything part by part; you get immediate gratification and a foundation you can expand.
As hobbyist forums point out, the early experience matters: models that run smoothly and reliably encourage further experimentation (JNSForum, 2010). And when your first locomotive moves under its own power around your track, it shifts from “I might build something” to “I am building something”.
The Real-World Trains Behind the Models
ICE – InterCity Express (Germany)
One of the kits references the “ICE” train model. The real-world counterpart is the German high-speed train line known as the InterCity Express (ICE) operated by Deutsche Bahn. First regular services began 2 June 1991 on the Hanover – Würzburg line. These trains reached speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on dedicated high-speed lines. The model kit allows you to engage with that legacy: high-speed engineering, aerodynamic design, and the idea of “railway excellence in motion”.
When you build a model referencing ICE, you’re tapping into a lineage of German rail innovation: Siemens mobility solutions, rigorous testing (for example ICE 3 achieved 368 km/h in trials) and a network that today spans over 1,600 km of high-speed tracks. It’s not just a toy—it’s a mini‐tribute to rail modernity.
N700 Shinkansen (Japan)
The other starter set references the N700 Shinkansen – a Japanese bullet train introduced in 2007 by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) and others. The N700 design focuses on high acceleration, energy efficiency and comfort, as part of Japan’s famed Shinkansen network. Model builder sites list starter sets for the N700-series with scale track, locomotive unit, power pack and instructions.
By choosing the N700 kit you’re aligning with the mindset of railway pioneers: speed, precision, infrastructure investment, and even track architecture (curve radius, power pickups, etc.). So your hobby becomes both creative and technical.
What’s Inside the Starter Sets – and Why Each Part Matters
Let’s break down what typically comes in the two kits available on Joshi’s site:
- Locomotive/Train Unit: The heart of the set. For the ICE kit you get the high-speed train body, perhaps with pantographs or power cars depending on version. For the N700 you get the bullet-train unit.
- Track Loop: A circular or oval layout of straight and curved track pieces. Starter sets often include both straight sections and curved ones with specified radius (for example R315 or R345 in N-gauge). The radius affects how sharp curves are and influences how “realistic” your layout can be.
- Power Supply / Controller: A transformer or power pack to drive the model. The Märklin “My ICE Start” set highlighted digital functions for up to 4 trains and wireless controller features
- Instructions / Plan Variation Guide: Many kits include suggested layouts and guides to expand the track later. Model builders citing JNSForum note these help avoid “loop only” setups and encourage creativity.
- Accessories & Detail: Some sets include destination stickers, decoders, lighting or simple scenery. The inclusion of such parts allows modelers to customise.
For example, the N700 Starter Set listed in model-kit stores includes “Power Pack Standard SX”, feeder track, straight and curved track, relayer, quick-start guide and a plan variation guide.
At Joshi’s Museum website you can see two listed starter sets: the MT ICE Start Set and the N700 Start Set. These are tailored for Indian hobbies—so they may include local power conversion, track compatible with Indian model standards, and access to support from the museum’s hobby centre.
Why These Kits Are Ideal for Your Mini World
- Ready to run – You get everything you need, so you can start building and running trains quickly.
- Expandability – Starter loops become the base to expand: add siding, branch lines, signal systems, scenery modules.
- Skill development – You learn about wiring, track laying, curve smoothing, locomotive maintenance, and basic DCC if included.
- History & reference – Picking the ICE or N700 kit anchors your layout in a real historical lineage (German or Japanese high‐speed rail).
- Support & community – Because these are museum-supported kits, you benefit from expert advice at Joshi’s, hobby club connections and intellectual inspiration.
Details That Matter
- Scale: Many starter sets are N-gauge (1:160) or HO (1:87). Understand which scale your set uses so expansions match.
- Minimum curve radius: Sharp curves cause derailing or stressing the locomotive; many starter sets use radius R315 or R345 for N-gauge.
- Power rating: Check power pack amperage; if you later add more trains or accessories, you’ll need sufficient current (e.g., 1.2 A in some sets)
- Prototype fidelity: The ICE real-world family had distributed traction from the ICE 3 onward (max speed ~330 km/h) The N700 real-world train is designed for quick acceleration and high throughput passenger service in Japan.
- Digital control: Some starter sets (e.g., Märklin) include digital decoders, sound functions and wireless controllers. These features elevate the hobby but increase complexity.
Why Building Matters for Hobbyists (and Why It Matters to Joshi’s Museum)
At Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways, the emphasis has always been on craft, engineering and movement. Founded in 1998 by B.S. “Bhau” Joshi, the museum features more than 65 working signals, 26 points, a full miniature city layout and trains running with day/night lighting. (Wikipedia) Hobbyists who start with the starter sets join that tradition by creating their own mini-worlds. You’re not just running a train; you’re engaging with gears, motors, control systems — the same thinking that powers Joshi’s full-scale display.
And here’s a compelling data point: many hobbyists report that after completing a starter loop they expand into sidings or branch lines within 6–12 months — a large percentage using the same brand of starter set they began with (GS Model Supplies data). The museum’s own hobby centre uses this progression: starting from beginner sets to advanced layouts and customized models. Joining this path means you’re part of a community of tinkerers, engineers and storytellers.
Choosing Between the Two Kits: ICE vs N700
If you’re deciding which starter set to begin with, here are quick considerations:
- MT ICE Set: Ideal for fans of European high-speed trains, German engineering, long-distance sleek design. Great if you want to build layouts inspired by long corridors, tunnels and speed zones.
- N700 Set: Ideal for fans of Japanese rail innovation, dense network modelling, quick acceleration and compact high-performance tracks. Great if you want to simulate city to city bullet travel or explore tight layouts with high speed runs.
Ultimately both deliver superb build-and-run experience; your choice depends on your theme preference and your future expansion vision.
Final Track: Start Your Journey
If you’ve ever felt that spark — “I want to build my own mini world” — then the starter sets available from Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways are your ticket. They pack technical detail, historical reference and scalable build capability into one box. They honor the engineering heritage of the ICE and the N700 alongside the hands-on craftsmanship celebrated at Joshi’s Museum.
So unpack the tracks, connect the controller, place the locomotive and watch it come alive. That first loop is where the journey begins — and the world you build from there is entirely yours.
