Advice on Haba marble run - how to start?

[vikjul]

I am considering a Haba marble run for my dcs (6 and 9) for Christmas. I was wondering what those of you who already have Haba marble runs would recommend to start out with? Which starter set would you choose, and which add-ons would you say are particularly good?

I am hesitating between a small starter set (not so overwhelming) along with perhaps one or two accessories, or a larger set (more variety but possibly overwhelming to start with).

The thing is that we already have loads of Haba blocks, so I am a little concerned that the larger sets contain an unnecessary proportion of ordinary bricks in relation to the actual track pieces.

Does the smallest set seem to contain enough to be interesting along with other blocks (and possibly an add-on or two), or would you go with one of the larger sets? Either of these alternatives would fit within my budget.

1. First Playing Set: www.amazon.co.uk/Haba-1128-First-Playing/dp/B0002HYFEI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1415623416&sr=8-3&keywords=haba%20marble&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21
   

1. Large ball track construction set: www.amazon.co.uk/Haba-Ball-Track-Construction-Set/dp/B000F94GMO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1415623460&sr=8-4&keywords=haba%20marble&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21
   

1. Master building set: www.amazon.co.uk/Haba-3524-Master-Building-Set/dp/B000MXJCV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415623231&sr=8-1&keywords=haba%20marble&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21
   

Considering that we already have lots of blocks, I was also wondering whether it would be a good or bad idea to just go with a couple of add-ons rather than a "full set"? And if so, which add-ons would give the most play value?

[HoHoHappyHolidays]

www.lidl.co.uk/en/our-offers-2491.htm?action=showDetail&id=18104&ar=2 PLAYTIVE JUNIOR Wooden Marble Run selling in Lidl for £9.99 from Thursday :)

[vikjul]

Just bumping to see if there are any wise haba marble run owners around?

[PandasRock]

Not a Haba track owner, although I did consider it. I have Wonderland Trix Tracks instead - there are some bargains to be had on Amazon (or were last week).

If you are absolutely set on Haba, I would look at //www.jako-o.com as they have a good selection of different sets, and delivery is reasonable (and prompt).

[dumdedah]

We have the 2nd one (I think) and a couple of add-ons. We add one or two bits each xmas. If you have blocks, I would probably go with the 1st one and top up with a bit of this and that. There are sets of braces you can get (not many in a set and overpriced unfortunately) which can be helpful to make their creations actually work. The kids can get pretty frustrated when the marble gets stuck repeatedly due to a slight bump of a block. The blocks with the holes in them (straight through or on an angle) are used a lot.
I'd do a google search with Germany set as the region, as you might find a seller who is cheaper, even with shipping. Also look on ebay.de. But they hold their value a lot.

[vikjul]

Thank you dumdedah!

So if I were to get the smallest starter set and some additional track pieces, it would be useful to get some extra pieces with holes in them too then?

Are there any particular add-ons you would recommend above others?