Editorial Review

Getting young children interested in toy trains is a wonderful way to teach as well as to have a lot of fun. By playing with train sets, young minds learn how to fit things together, how transportation works, how cities and communities are created, all the while enhancing their imagination through pretend play. This sizable and table kit features a smooth, easy to clean melamine surface on the top with convenient storage compartment underneath. The 83-piece train set sports a wide variety of train cars plus buses, police cars, dump trucks, and other vehicles to operate on the pieces of road, which are included in addition to the track. Filling stations, gates, buildings, bridges, and other modular components add to the magic. Since all the pieces fit together so handily, young train enthusiasts can spend hours designing their own sprawling networks and configurations. We liked how complete this set is and how handily it all stores when playtime is done. Compatible with Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio train sets. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (19)

table and train set ... a great value
We priced the expensive name brand tables and train sets well into the $500 range.This table and train set is really great.Besides being reasonably priced, it comes with everything that is pictured.Within 1/2 hr. we had a great sturdy table, with a track set up and a small village to go with it!We have kids ages 3,5,9 and they all enjoy it.Grandma and Grandpa are pitching in a few Thomas pieces to inhance it, but it really isn't necessary.This is a really great value, good quality, easy assembly, don't really have any complaints.I'm sure it will provide many hours of fun for our gang!

My 2yo's favorite toy
We got my son this set after many meltdowns when we would leave toy and model stores.He usually played with Thomas but it was just too expensive.When we found this one hidden behind a bin, we knew we had to get it.However, we lost the directions after one week but still had the picture from the box.I searched and searched for directions online about how to put the tracks back together - but couldn't find any.Using the picture and my memmory - this is what I came up with.I don't know if its right - but it works.There are a total of 28 pieces.
4 short curves; 8 long curves
2 short, solid rams; 2 long ramps
2 switches; one rail road crossing (with flashing lights and sound)
2 short, straight; 4 medimum straight
2 long, straight; one overpass
Start with the cirle that goes over the lake.Place the switch on the long side near the lake, large ramp (up and on the red things), long curve,(these connect on the second red thing) long curve,(connecting large red things)large ramp, short curve long curve, small ramp (up), overpass, small ramp (down), medimum strait, medimum straigt, short curve, switch, long straight, long curve, long curve, short straight, short straight.You are now back to the switch you placed first and will begin with the inside circle.long curve, rail road crossing, long straight, short curve, short curve, medium straight, medimum striaght.You are now back to the second switch.Now your kids can take it apart again.

k.young
After pricing train tables for the last month I am so happy to have found this one. I put it together myself in less than a half hour. The price was great and it came with a bonus set of train pieces. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Train Set Accessories    2. Vehicles    3. Trains    4. Train Accessories   

Reviews (15)

Great starter or addition for any child
I bought this set for my son for Christmas.At the time of purchase it included a Thomas and Percy wooden train as well as a VHS.When I first bought it I underestimated it's size and was pleased to find out how much of my son's train table it actually covered.The other great thing was that it fit in perfectly with my son's older clickty-clack tracks and bridges.My son plays with this toy every day.Compared to other Thomas the Train sets this one is by far the best for the money.It's also very easy to assemble.My two and a half year old son easily puts the figure eight track together.Every day he is excited to get to his train table and play whith his "choo-choo"it is the main part of our large Thomas set.I would suggest this buy to anyone thinking of starting a Thomas set for their child.I also find that older children that come over to play are just as excited to play with the Thomas tracks as my son is.I would also like to mention the track is incredibly durable as my son has done nearly everything a two year old could do to a toy.I am very pleased with this purchase.

Imagination Galore
I am a big fan of toys that encourage imagination.Girls and boys will love these train sets.A little pricey, but the quality and workmanship prevail.These train sets can be passed generation to generation.An eager child and imagination are the only requirments to hours of play time.All the train sets can be mixed and matched, added to, and built upon.The possibilities are endless

Great fun, but....
OK, my son loves Thomas.He really, really loves this starter set.STARTER SET!I had tried to avoid the whole Thomas thing because it is kind of a money pit, but my husband said, "it's just a train, he won't need any more than this" - famous last words.Truth is - he loves it, he plays with it, he wants all of it, every accessory, every car - EVERYTHING!!!It is another in the long line of toys that require fifty additional purchases at 30 bucks a pop - but it is durable, fun and has alot of repeat play value - and collectibility.Someday we can sell it all on eBay! :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Vehicles    2. Wooden Train Sets    3. Trains    4. Train Accessories   

Reviews (11)

Fun toy!
This is a fun toy... My daughter is a Thomas fan & she loves this. She plays with it for hours at a time. It could be a little more stable, but these kind of toys never are!

Great toy for Thomas Lovers
I bought this toy at another store $10 cheaper than remarked online here. Its great! My son is 21 months old and he absolutely loves it.Being an active 21 month old the toy can withstand his activity level! I would have prefered nylon myself, but the material used is not really that flimsy at all. I've three very large dogs that climb in and out of it too! So that should account for something also. Great toy, colorful, large and fun for all!

Not worth it
My 4-year-old is so disappointed. Thomas is ripping after only a few uses. I was disappointed when we opened the package and saw that it was made from the thin papery material used in disposable medical booties and gowns.

While I'm sure I can return it, that won't fix my son's disappointment. This toy was not worth it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Play    2. Playtents    3. Camping   

Reviews (16)

Worth every penny!
Because this was such an expensive item I did my homework before purchasing the table. I looked at some cheaper tables to begin with but found that they couldn't come close to the Thomas table by Learning Curve. This table is made of solid wood and took me about 5 minutes to put together. I was able to get the playmat for free with the table through a promotion Toys R Us was having at the time of purchase. Another thing that sold me on the Thomas table was that this is the same table they have at Barrnes and Noble and you can imagine how many children play on that day after day. We have the table set up in our son's playroom since it is such a large piece. Unlike many other toys we have purchased in the past, this is one that we will save for years to come. They are expensive, but they are also made well and come with a lifetime guarantee. If you have a problem with one of their products you simply send it to them with a letter and within about 1-2 business weeks they will send you a brand new item. If you are looking to buy a train table I would highly recommend this one. Though it is more expensive, it is worth it in the long run. Why spend $80-$100 on a table that is only going to last a year or so when you can spend a little more and save it forever? One other hint...Michael's Arts and Crafts and A.C. Moore Craft Stores also carry a decent amount of the wooden Thomas toys. Look in your local paper for their 40% off coupons. They apply to Thomas and Friends which makes it a lot more affordable. :)

$$$ TRAIN TABLE PRICE IS EXTREMELY TOO HIGH****
Hello, my son is 3 and just was newly introduced to Thomas, he loves it, there are so many trains to collect from 2004 and past years. This table is so over priced, we decided also to build one $60 for materials (all oak) and a few hours and its done, personally its beautiful and stained it looks like an expensive piece, (thanks to my brother-in-law builder and my husband), if you are not as lucky to have someone in your family build it for you here is a suggestion..get in touch with your local school, or the woodshop teacher and see if you can get one of the students to build it as a project (they get graded for this) and your helping that student learn, or get plans and build it yourself, dont have the saws? your local home store may cut the wood for you. Its just a suggestion because thomas stuff is great but I would rather spend my money on the trains (which is the REAL enjoyment. Hope this helps

Time For Thomas
The Thomas train sets are great modern versions of the classic indestructible wooden train sets.Simple enough to avoid the toddler age frustrations of getting the cars to run on the track yet complex enough to engage a wide range of ages (up to and including Grandpas).All the stories help with the imagination part....the books & videos provide an endless source of adventures that can be acted out, although most kids are perfectly capable of inventing their own episodes.

Here is my advice, if you are trying to work your way through the maze of start-up options:

First of all, you can spend a fortune on a huge set....even if you can afford it, I would start with something small and give the child the joy of receiving a chain of small but intriguing presents over a long period of time.It fosters the joy of giving/receiving and helps teach them to come back again and again to the same toy...watching it grow, asking for specific items from the stories they hear, etc.Several reviewers suggest painting an old coffee table and this is a great idea.

I suggest the Figure 8 set (the most popular one) or if you want to spend a little bit more, the Conductors Figure 8 set.Both are complex enough to be interesting, but simple enough to give lots of room for growth.Almost immediately I would add a new present of one of the inexpensive engines (you can ask the child which story they like best and get that engine for them....or buy the engine to go with the video or book in the same gift)....these would be Percy The Small Engine, Bill The Yellow Engine, Treavor, (or a bit more $ for:) The Lady Engine, James The Red Engine, Gordon The Express Engine (he's one of the best stories, I think), or Henry The Green Engine.

Now for the good stuff!Give it a month or so, and then reward the child with something really cool like the Barrel Loader or Rusty the Construction 3 Car Set.

I honestly can't see the point in the huge multi hundred dollar system sets.If you want to impress the neighbors or something, go for it, but I'm telling you.....most kids will enjoy a large number of small thoughtful gifts, not a "keep-up-with-the-Jones" effort on your part.

Good behavior can be rewarded with a pick-your-own trip to the store (there are sometimes when a real time shopping trip can't be beat)

By the way, the Thomas stories are based on real restored engines that run in England on the Mid-Hants Railway Watercress line near Winchester (you can read about them an even plan a trip to ride on the real Thomas trains by checking outwatercressline.co.uk).They are a day trip from the London rail stations, although I recommend using a B&B in the Winchester area and staying overnight if you decide to go.Winchester was the center of the old Saxon kingdom of Wessex of King Alfred as well as a major early medieval site (the Cathedral has the tombs of many of the Saxon Kings as well as Jayne Austen and Izaac Walton and it was where Richard the Lionhearted was crowned.)

... Read more

Subjects:  1. Furniture    2. Wood    3. Train Set Accessories    4. Preschool    5. Vehicles    6. Trains    7. Train Accessories   

Reviews (5)

Great Puzzle for Little Ones
My 28 month old son got this puzzle for Christmas and loves it.He put it together the first time out of the box himself. It is the first thing he does every morning and then several times a day.My almost 5 year old likes it too. It is not as sturdy as the Melissa & Doug floor puzzles, but it still really sturdy.

Nice picture making for an easier puzzle
My 2 year old daughter has this puzzle and thinks its wonderful.

Unlike many puzzles, with just one character on it, the picture is brilliant having lots of different trains, etc on it.It is easy to fit togehter, with parts of a different character or scene on every piece.She can easily put Thomas, the sheds, Harold, etc together thus eventually making the whole puzzle.

This is by far her favourite puzzle.For one, it's Thomas!And for 2, it's well-made and 'easy' to work out how to put together.

Most Beloved Toy
My son who just turned 4 years old in December received this for Christmas.I'm amazed at the beauty and durability of the pieces.He put it together about three times (with help) the first time we opened it!I never seen him so excited about a toy and to my greater surprise--a puzzle!Each time he placed a new piece in (sometimes with my assistance and sometimes not), he'd ask me to turn around and then ask me to look.When I looked I praised him for his accomplishment and he squealed with excitement.He literally jumped up and down almost after each piece was placed!He told me this was his favorite gift for Christmas and believe me he had quite a few more that were more expensive.I'll be buying more Thomas puzzles from this company in the near future as I'm very impressed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Floor Puzzles    4. Jigsaw Puzzles    5. Easy Puzzles    6. Toddler    7. Activity   

Editorial Review

After longs days of travel and adventure, Thomas the Tank Engine and friends need a place to rest. The Roundhouse is built in exactly the same way as it was when part of the British Railway, solidly constructed in wood and decorated with brick decals. Five trains fit inside the wooden train shelter, and the green plastic doors open and close. It connects to any of the Clickity-Clack Tracks from the Thomas Wooden Railway System with a five-way switch track. There are almost as many pieces to this line of train sets (sold separately) as there are books in the Thomas the Tank Engine series--all contained in carrying cases. All of these toys allow children to engage in imaginative, thoughtful play. --Lynne Sampson ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Expensive...Yes...and worth every penny!
I purchased this roundhouse for my 3 year old daughter.She loves anything Thomas!She began her Thomas collection with the figure 8 set and a couple of trains.As I realized how much she loved Thomas, I began to purchase more pieces to add to her collection.Rather than spend a lot of money upfront on a big set, I recommend starting small on a figure 8 set.As your child's interest in Thomas grows or solidifies, add items such as the table, roundhouse, other buildings, etc.I will caution that when you buy items "a la carte", it is very difficult to have everything fit nicely on the table.The roundhouse is her favorite building and all of her friends who come over to play, love it as well.The roundhouse does come with a 5 switch as pictured on the box, the red turntable is a separate item.The turntable is also a great addition to the roundhouse, but not a necessity.The roundhouse will not disappoint for any Thomas enthusiast!!!

Time For Thomas
The Thomas train sets are great modern versions of the classic indestructible wooden train sets.Simple enough to avoid the toddler age frustrations of getting the cars to run on the track yet complex enough to engage a wide range of ages (up to and including Grandpas).All the stories help with the imagination part....the books & videos provide an endless source of adventures that can be acted out, although most kids are perfectly capable of inventing their own episodes.

Here is my advice, if you are trying to work your way through the maze of start-up options:

First of all, you can spend a fortune on a huge set....even if you can afford it, I would start with something small and give the child the joy of receiving a chain of small but intriguing presents over a long period of time.It fosters the joy of giving/receiving and helps teach them to come back again and again to the same toy...watching it grow, asking for specific items from the stories they hear, etc.Several reviewers suggest painting an old coffee table and this is a great idea.

I suggest the Figure 8 set (the most popular one) or if you want to spend a little bit more, the Conductors Figure 8 set.Both are complex enough to be interesting, but simple enough to give lots of room for growth.Almost immediately I would add a new present of one of the inexpensive engines (you can ask the child which story they like best and get that engine for them....or buy the engine to go with the video or book in the same gift)....these would be Percy The Small Engine, Bill The Yellow Engine, Treavor, (or a bit more $ for:) The Lady Engine, James The Red Engine, Gordon The Express Engine (he's one of the best stories, I think), or Henry The Green Engine.

Now for the good stuff!Give it a month or so, and then reward the child with something really cool like the Barrel Loader or Rusty the Construction 3 Car Set.

I honestly can't see the point in the huge multi hundred dollar system sets.If you want to impress the neighbors or something, go for it, but I'm telling you.....most kids will enjoy a large number of small thoughtful gifts, not a "keep-up-with-the-Jones" effort on your part.

Good behavior can be rewarded with a pick-your-own trip to the store (there are sometimes when a real time shopping trip can't be beat)

By the way, the Thomas stories are based on real restored engines that run in England on the Mid-Hants Railway Watercress line near Winchester (you can read about them an even plan a trip to ride on the real Thomas trains by checking outwatercressline.co.uk).They are a day trip from the London rail stations, although I recommend using a B&B in the Winchester area and staying overnight if you decide to go.Winchester was the center of the old Saxon kingdom of Wessex of King Alfred as well as a major early medieval site (the Cathedral has the tombs of many of the Saxon Kings as well as Jayne Austen and Izaac Walton and it was where Richard the Lionhearted was crowned.)

Fantasic but Pricey!
When I ordered the roundhouse I believed that the red 5-way switch track was also included, especially when it is pictured on the box, but was disappointed to find that it wasn't. As my 4 year old son believes, as I am sure most do, that this is a very necessary piece of the building he will have to wait until his birthday to receive it (...). A little upsetting.
Apart from this one thing the Roundhouse is a fantastic piece to have on any Thomas layout, my son loves it and plays with it for hours. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Wooden Train Sets    2. Train Set Accessories    3. Wood    4. Preschool    5. Activity    6. Push and Pull Toys    7. Vehicles    8. Trains    9. Train Accessories   

Reviews (4)

Cool but Ionly wanted the construction cars
What I meant by my title is that I already had Rusty and I just wanted the Construction Cars. The cars sway from side to side and they can survive a lot of damage. I was suprised at how durable these were. The sets are a lot of fun because you don't need any additional things to go with it for immediate fun. These toys are really good for a car trip to keep a child busy when they are bored. I would higly recommend getting this set but don't buy Rusty first.

Rusty is good
Rusty is great. i got him as a present for christmas one year he has 3 cars - rusty a dumper and a cement mixer you can use him with cranky or anything with a magnet. he is also in some episodes on a video.

Rusty & Construction Cars!!
The Thomas & Friends wooden railroad gives you Rusty and 2 Construction Cars. This set provides hours of fun for your children because they can use this set to recreate stories about Rusty and his construction fun. Its educational value shows children how man-made things are built and they will probably use this set with thier Lincoln Logs and other construction kits. This is also a very sturdy set, but sometimes the mixer's top will come off and will need a frequent fix-up! Other than that, it's a wonderful set and a great gift idea! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Vehicles    3. Trains    4. Activity    5. Push and Pull Toys    6. Dolls    7. Train Accessories   

Reviews (10)

Really Nice Add-On
Unlike so many Geotrax accessories that connect with a single piece of track, this accessory becomes a major part of your track set up.You get six pieces of track in addition to the mountain itself.If you flip the two switcher tracks outward, you can integrate these track pieces more easily with the existing track.The coal car's load will push down, and pop back up when you pull the hook-connector.For the money, Mt. Blast is one of the best accessories you can add to your Geotrax set up.

3 yr old loves
We got this piece first, and only played with it a little until we got the starter set this christmas.Now we play with it every day!I love that he can put the pieces together himself, and he loves to change the layouts.We will definately be adding more once they become available!

A great add on for a great train set!!
My 3 year old son is into all types of trucks so this was a must have to add to the Christmas pile.This is a great accessory to his geotrax rapidly growing collection.This set had quite a few accessories to it other than actual track pcs - trucks, boulders, etc.He is able to connect track with minimal help and once set up he will sit and play for long periods of time on his own.Add on sets like this make it so it's not just a "train set" and he has incorporated using his little people sets to make a whole "city".His little sister even has fun with this one! ... Read more

Editorial Review

The starting point for this Fisher-Price train-track set for toddlers is a mountaintop chalet surrounded by lush, green pine trees. Tugging a crate of goods, the blue loader-engine train departs the chalet, winds down the track, kept securely on by a yellow guard rail, and whizzes through an underground tunnel. It's a relatively one-dimensional toy, though the layout can be rearranged to connect to other GeoTrax sets. --Andy Boynton ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A great add on but...make sure youhave elvation packs too!
Initially we set this up as intended.At the top of mile high mountain the train stops.Only problem...you have to go and turn it around (no reverse with geotrax)We found that by adding on the elevation sets we are able to continue the train past the mountain and resolve this issue.I also had not installed the yellow guard rails and if anyone else does this you will find a train wreck off the cliff!Gravity will take its toll and plunge the train over the edge.A great add on to a great set but I would add more than just this box to your cart.

A MUST BUY!!!!We LOVE the Mile High Mountain!
My son turned 3 in October and recieved the geotrax starter set for his birthday....LOVED IT!!!He got a lot of the add-ons for Christmas, including the Mile High Mountain!!!We love it... we combined his with the elevation track pack so the train doesn't have to stop at the top of the hill. I would recommend all of the geotrax we've bought to any other parent of a 3 year old.... Mile High Mountain, Coastal Winds Airport, Clock Tower, Lighthouse!!! This is one of the only toys I don't get sick of playing with our son... its fun for him and for me!!!!

Fun for parents..oh, and kids, too!
My son got this from Santa for Christmas.He was so happy and we opened it IMMEDIATELY.After some putting together (there are screws that need to be driven in to hold the mountain together) we were ready to go.My son loves to put the boxes in at the top of the mountain and make them fall out the bottom.It is difficult for my almost 3 year old to set up by himself ( you have to snap the track into the supports really good), once it is together he loves playing with it.If you do get this toy please make sure you get extra elevation track sets.We got one ramps and one flats pack and it has allowed us to change the configuration several times. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Colorful Train Talbe
For parents looking for a train table for your kids, I highly recommend this table.The color is great. Has a real nice table top.I looked before christmas for a table for my grandson and could not find a train table comparable to this one and for the price you can't beat it.My grandson just loves it and he has alot of Thomas the train accessories and it is a nice big table.The table was better than i had imagined. I was so glad just to find one finally without paying a couple hundred dollars and this one is really nice.It also has a drawer for storage and works out great to store extra train accessories.I was very very pleased with the table. I recommend it to anyone searching for a train table.It cost a bit more than I would have liked to pay for shipping but it was worth it. Also I liked that it was shipped righ away and I recieved it in a couple of days.

Love It!
My parents purchased two of these tables for my 18 mth & 4 yr old for Christmas.Hubby put them together last night, not to bad for assembly.One of the tables' drawer is a bit tight, but I'm thinking it will loosen with use.The height is PERFECT for both kids.We are actually using them for their Little People houses, barns, amusement parks, etc.I Love Them.Helps keep the clutter off the floor.

GREAT TRAIN TABLE!!!
My husband and I bought this train table for our son, age 2. He absolutely loves it!! It is much bigger than I expected and fits his train set perfectly. He also likes to play with his little people and villages on it. It has a great pretend scenery, and the other side is just green- which I like because you can flip it over to have a plain scenery too. The storage drawer is spacious and fits all of his parts to his train set (75 pc. train set) plus has room to spare. The assembly was very easy. The colors are very attractive and looks great in my sons room. The only thing I would suggest is to buy a peice of plexiglass to cover the top. The top comes in two peices and they don't exactly fit smoothly on the top, so it is difficult sometimes to keep a train track together on the joining parts of the board. I really like this train table, and the real reviewer my son loves it. I highly recommend it. Oh- and you can't beat the price!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Train Set Accessories    2. Vehicles    3. Trains    4. Train Accessories   

Editorial Review

While Thomas the Tank Engine and his various friends have been featured quite nicely in a variety of toys, games, stories, videos, books, and pajamas, it's as a train set that Thomas really makes the most sense. And this sprawling ensemble is certain to delight any Thomas fan. Measuring 62 by 90 inches when laid out in full, it features Thomas and several of his pals including Percy, Harold, Annie and Clarabel, Terrence, Trevor, and Cranky, all of whom are motorized. Tunnels, bridges, and houses add to the authenticity of the set as do three engine sheds positioned around a large turntable with directional switch. 26 pieces of road let you arrange the town according to the prescribed plan or design your own unique layout. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (6)

greatest toy i have ever had
my son loves this toy so much even forgot his favorite icecream when he was playing. not only he loves this toy, i am crazy about this`too. we had a lot of fun since we got this toy.

Thomas Crazy
My 3 yr old son is Thomas crazy. He has the wooden railway which he loves and we just recently bought this one. He seems to like the larger trains made by Tomy better than the wooden ones. I like this set, but I agree with previous reviewers that you'll have to find a way to re-configure it. It is VERY LARGE and my 3yr old tends to knock over and disconnect the track fairly frequently.The only other thing that I would add is that the box and picture of the vehicles is very misleading, 3 of the vehicles trevor, terrance and caroline are miniature. They are smaller even then both the wooden and metal trains by learning curve. This was a little upsetting to us because that was one of the reason we bought the set for the rare vehicles. All in all it most be pretty good because my sons plays with it from the time he wakes up until he goes to bed. You can hear him playing out the stories that he watches on the tapes.Also, although it is motorized you can put the trains in the off position and they can push it just like the wooden trains. We don't even put the batteries in anymore because like another reviewer we found that he just watched. It promtes much more imagination this way.

Really keeps our 3 year old busy
Although this set took a while to put together, my son absolutely loves it.He received it as a gift from a friend and he plays and plays and plays with it.It really helps stimulate learning in different areas and he doesn't even know it!

... Read more

Subjects:  1. Vehicles    2. Ride-Ons    3. Trains   

Reviews (7)

Wanna keep your kids entertained??
My Goodness!We started with such a small little Geotrax set and look at what we wound up with!!My 3 year old got a small set right before his birthday and played with it quite a bit.Then he got MORE for his birthday...and NOW, it is the first thing he plays with when he wakes up and the last thing he play with when he goes to bed!The airport set is probably his favorite by far!But he and his big sister LOVE to take it apart and make new creations with all the tracks and play with the battery operated train, fly the airplane, load cargo, you name it!They really use their imagination and work together with all this stuff!

The only downside is I had to buy a REALLY big tub to put it all in when we don't want to look at it all!The control center, construction set, airplane set and all take up quite a bit of room and there are times when we want it just "put away" for a while.But that's the only bad thing I can say about it...this stuff is just COOL!

I recommend this for ANY kid, probably ages 2 and up.I bought a set for my 2 year old nephew in March and my sister says he LOVES it.If your kids like planes, trains, and automobiles, this is the toy for him!

Another great addition to our geotrax set-up
This is a fun addition to the system.Set up time is less than 2 minutes.My girls love it.The only problem is the fight that sometimes happens over who gets to fly the plane.

To infinite and beyooooond !!!!
To wait for new Geo Trax series... some months.

To deliver it at home... less than a week.

To assemble it ... half hour.

To see the happiest face from my child, when he saw the plane flying... Priceless...... 10 Stars !!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Vehicles    2. Play Sets   

Reviews (3)

TERRIFIC TRAIN SET
I HAVE 2 BOYS (3 AND 4 YEARS OLD)AND THEY LOVE THESE SET. THEY PLAY WITH IT EVERYDAY. I BOUGHT A COUPLE OF THE SETS AND THEY HAVE A WHOLE CITY. I CHANGE IT AROUND SO THEY DON'T GET BORED. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM.

The Best Toy!!!!!
I bought the whole set of Geo trax for my sons 3rd Birthday, and he hasn't stopped playing with it since. He gets this out every single day and plays with it. Very durable toys. I highly recommend this toy. A must have. My son loves to put the tracks together, and it is easy for him. My 2 year old daughter even loves to play with it. Now they have out the mile high sets, and my husband said we had to get him that too. This is a definate toy to buy......... It Lets the kids use their own imagination time and time again.

Great toy for the money!
This Geotrax add-on is great.At first I thought we would be going through batteries like I owned a battery store but it turns out the batteries last a long time and it has an auto shut down switch if you child walks away from the train.We were considering the wooden trains but for the price this set was a better deal.This set actually made noises and had track switch options.We continue to buy add-ons.Our son loves his train set. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Vehicles    2. Trains   

Editorial Review

Toot-toot! All aboard for lunch with the very functional Thomas the Tanklunch box, which is made of durable plastic and comes in the traditional Thomasblue with a red handle. Inside the generous container are an 11.5-ounce canteenand a Pecoware double-deck sandwich container, which measures 5 by 5 by 3inches. Both are adorned with Thomas scenes. On the front of the lunch box is anifty front panel--decorated with another happy Thomas scene--that clips open.This compartment is big enough to accommodate another sandwich or is the perfecthiding place to tuck away a secret goodie for your child. Press a button on theside of the canteen, and the cover pops up, revealing a straw. No muss, no fuss.The lunch box measures 9 by 7 by 4.5 inches and can hold a lot of food--forchildren or adults! --Diane Tuman ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The coolest lunchbox around!
My son loves everything Thomas.This was especially a big hit because of it's durability and style.I love the fact that it comes with everything!The sandwich container has a double decker compartment, and is perfect for a sandwich (or chicken nuggets, etc.), and the other compartment, which is like an extra plate inside the container is perfect for sides of veggies.The pop-up canteen is spillproof, and my son does love to drink out of it.And unlike other pop-up straws, this straw is short and hard, so it won't hamper speech development (otherwise they will just be sucking on it like a pacifier).It is also roomy enough to include other essentials like napkins, and cutlery, or a small toy.The only drawback is that the artwork in the canteen is falling apart, but I thought that was because it has been handwashed several times with a harsh detergent when we went to India for a month.Now I use the dishwasher and it has stopped the deterioration of the artwork.And also, my three-year old tends to fumble when opening or closing the hatch.On the other hand, he will be developing his fine-motor skills!With or without lunch, he loves toting it around and storing his toys on it.Plus, we get a lot of praise whenever other kids or moms see it, and they always asks us where we bought it!

straw cup comments
One reviewer mentionedthe straw cup being a major pain to clean.It doesn't have to be that way. I bought pipe cleaners, and when I clean it, I use those for the straw -- no need to disassemble.Also, if I really want to be careful, I'll run it through the microwave in a sterilizer with my baby bottles when I do those.Never have to worry.the cup is the main reason I love this product.I have a two year old, and the cup is great for travel, never spills, and she drinks a lot of water when she uses it.

You do have to replace the water fairly frequently because it takes on a plastic taste (indicates chemicals leaching from the plastic that you DO NOT want your child to inject) over the course of the day.

Not Dishwasher Safe
I purchased both this lunch box, and a similar one offered by the same company, (apparently no longer available,) at the same time, and put both into use on the same day.

We put the sandwich cases and bottles in the dishwasher at least 3 to 4 times a week.As of November 1st, the art on both Thomas products (bottle and sandwich case) is badly scarred and faded, with many areas showing no paint at all. (The white areas were the first to go.)The markings (ballet slippers) on the other lunch box set are unmarred and unchanged. This was disappointing, to say the least.However, it may be our fault, though I do not recall any warnings that these were not dishwasher safe.

However, the lunch box as a whole is rugged and works well. Our children enjoy using them.Just be aware: should you purchase this item, I suggest it be hand-washed only to preserve the art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity   

Reviews (4)

GeoTrax Elevation Track Pack (RAMPS)
The "Elevation Track Pack (RAMPS)" is one of three track kits offered from the Elevation Series.The other two kits are the "Elevation Track Pack (FLATS), and the "Elevation Track Pack (STRAIGHTS & RAMPS)".

The RAMPS kit is great because it includes 4 ramps, which is enough track to elevate the train from level 0 (ground level) to level 1, level 2, and then all the way back down to level 1 and then level 0.

You will need this kit to use the Sky High Suspension Bridge (at level 1), and the High Chimes Clock Tower (at levels 1 and 2).

The other useful kit that you should purchase along with this one is the Elevation Track Pack (FLATS).Once the train is elevated, you will want to stay at that level.The FLATS kit includes a few straights, and just as importantly, the extra stanchions needed to hold the track up.

The STRAIGHTS & RAMPS kit is NOT very useful because it includes only 6 stanchions (the supports that hold up the track).There are NOT enough stanchions to use the Elevation track in the way that it was intended.

The only disadvantage is that the layouts get quite complex because now the layout is three dimensional (instead of two).This may present a challenge to use up all of the track pieces and to build a fun and interesting layout.You'll run out of track and have to go through a number of iterations, and time, to get it all connected.

All things considered, it is a great toy that is very rugged and it will keep your child's interest for a long time.

For some great track layout ideas, search for "Geotrax Track Layout" on eBay.

A Whole New Dimension
This is a must-have item if you want to add the Clock Tower to your set.It also works well with the other "elevation" sets, particularly Mile High Mountain.

The set includes the following:

4 ramps (these are made from two shorter pieces that are screwed together)
2 curves
2 short straights
2 guard rails
2 end ramps
8 arches (2 supports and 1 crosspiece each)

The crosspieces of the arches have a picture of how the ends of the track should be aligned.The screws are a little tough but never need to be removed.The set is enough to run up two full levels and back down again (my son has played with this set just by itself having fun running up, around and racing back down).You can also make two single-level bridges, a single level bridge and a ramp down from Mile High Mountain, or many other setups.

This set literally adds a new dimension to a Geotrax set.Lots of fun.The short pieces also allow for different configurations that may have been frustrating in the past.Definitely fun.

Way to go Fisher Price!
The new track are really cool to put together though a little tougher then the other track for younger children.My 4 1/2 year old loves it but my 3 year old just can't put them together nor does him understand the concept.My husband and I have alot of fun building large 3D tracks all over our living room.

Great toy but the elevation series is not for 2 1/2 year olds maybe 3 1/2. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets   

Reviews (10)

My daughter can't get enough of this book...
Since the first time she visited a bookstore, my daughter fell in love with Thomas the Train.So we picked up this story book and cartridge for her.She was pretty excited and couldn't wait to try it you.She wasn't disappointed.Neither were my wife and I.It has helped my daughter with her reading, her phonics, and her pronounciation of words.

Our son loves this book!
Our son got this book last year for Christmas from his grandparents and he has played with this book the most of all the other My First Leap Pad books!
A great choice at our house!

Disappointing
My son (3 1/2) loves the characters in the First LeapPad book series, but doesn't really enjoy the LeapPad books. The pace is s-l-o-w. The orientation is instructional -- and not very fun. The system depends on the reader pressing a green "Go" button to identify which page is active. Every page is framed by a border that is reserved for the successively located "Go" buttons. This works fine until your little pre-reader zips the stylus over the full page looking for hidden treasures and triggers a "Go" button for a different page. Then everyone's confused. If your child is used to structured learning, they'll probably like this a lot. If your child is used to the pace and interactivity of computer software, save this until they have some preliminary reading skills. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Alphabet    5. Preschool   

Editorial Review

Gordon is a long, blue express locomotive who supplies water for Thomas and tows a coal tender.

Based on the award-winning PBS television series Shining Time Station by the Rev. W. Awdry, the Thomas the Tank train system is the perfect child's train set. Each wooden vehicle has a different name, character, and face. The magnetic bumpers make linking up easy. Friendly characters will engage your child in hours of imaginary play. Designed to support your child's development, the system encourages the use of new motor and cognitive skills. --Sandy Hirsch ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Gordon's the Best!
If you have a train lover in your house, or are just beginning your child's collection, Gordon is a definite must.He's in almost every story and is the fourth engine in the shed.He's huge, shiny, and always boastful, but a good friend to Thomas.Ours gets taken to bed, along with a couple of the other engines, which is always the true test for a toy!These trains come with a lifetime guarantee and are just a must if you have little boys in particular.Gordon has made a zillion trips along his line in our house and he's probably one of the most enjoyed too.Grab him and see how much fun your little one has with him - he's highly recommended!

Gordon sure can pull a lot of coaches at once
When my sister plays express with Gordon and all the coaches she sometimes has a hard time pulling them. Then when I help her I realize how many coaches Gordon can pull. It amazes me how strong gordon really is. Like all Thomas trains the magnet is very durable and it can be used for hours of use.

Express Engines
Gordon is a big express engine who is fast. He is the same size as He is in some story stops like Gordon takes a dip and Henry and the elephant. He has a tender with the number 4 on it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Vehicles    2. Trains    3. Wooden Train Sets    4. Preschool    5. Activity    6. Push and Pull Toys    7. Train Accessories   

Reviews (4)

Great peice!
My son loves all the Thomas stuff and this fire station is a great, very sturdy addition!

Time For Thomas
The Thomas train sets are great modern versions of the classic indestructible wooden train sets.Simple enough to avoid the toddler age frustrations of getting the cars to run on the track yet complex enough to engage a wide range of ages (up to and including Grandpas).All the stories help with the imagination part....the books & videos provide an endless source of adventures that can be acted out, although most kids are perfectly capable of inventing their own episodes.

Here is my advice, if you are trying to work your way through the maze of start-up options:

First of all, you can spend a fortune on a huge set....even if you can afford it, I would start with something small and give the child the joy of receiving a chain of small but intriguing presents over a long period of time.It fosters the joy of giving/receiving and helps teach them to come back again and again to the same toy...watching it grow, asking for specific items from the stories they hear, etc.Several reviewers suggest painting an old coffee table and this is a great idea.

I suggest the Figure 8 set (the most popular one) or if you want to spend a little bit more, the Conductors Figure 8 set.Both are complex enough to be interesting, but simple enough to give lots of room for growth.Almost immediately I would add a new present of one of the inexpensive engines (you can ask the child which story they like best and get that engine for them....or buy the engine to go with the video or book in the same gift)....these would be Percy The Small Engine, Bill The Yellow Engine, Treavor, (or a bit more $ for:) The Lady Engine, James The Red Engine, Gordon The Express Engine (he's one of the best stories, I think), or Henry The Green Engine.

Now for the good stuff!Give it a month or so, and then reward the child with something really cool like the Barrel Loader or Rusty the Construction 3 Car Set.

I honestly can't see the point in the huge multi hundred dollar system sets.If you want to impress the neighbors or something, go for it, but I'm telling you.....most kids will enjoy a large number of small thoughtful gifts, not a "keep-up-with-the-Jones" effort on your part.

Good behavior can be rewarded with a pick-your-own trip to the store (there are sometimes when a real time shopping trip can't be beat)

By the way, the Thomas stories are based on real restored engines that run in England on the Mid-Hants Railway Watercress line near Winchester (you can read about them an even plan a trip to ride on the real Thomas trains by checking outwatercressline.co.uk).They are a day trip from the London rail stations, although I recommend using a B&B in the Winchester area and staying overnight if you decide to go.Winchester was the center of the old Saxon kingdom of Wessex of King Alfred as well as a major early medieval site (the Cathedral has the tombs of many of the Saxon Kings as well as Jayne Austen and Izaac Walton and it was where Richard the Lionhearted was crowned.)

why is the roof not attached to this toy????????????
Is it just my firehouse? The roof comes off. Why is this? It get's lost and has fallen many times. Overall, this is a fun purchase and addition to our thomas track. I love the little fire truck it comes with. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Train Set Accessories    2. Vehicles    3. Trains    4. Train Accessories   

Editorial Review

Kindhearted but noisy, Harold the Helicopter likes to drop in on the Island of Sodor to visit his railway friends. This 4-inch sturdy wood helicopter is white with a sleek red racing stripe above his name. With a rotating propeller and plastic landing pontoons, Harold is ready for action. Based on the popular Thomas the Tank Engine series by Reverend W. Awdry and the PBS television show Shining Time Station, this flying fellow is part of the much-loved wooden railway system, which is compatible with other magnetic train sets. You can reenact all the exciting stories in the series or make up new ones. Thomas fans won't want to miss out on any of these fun, well-built railway characters. --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Master of the skies
Everyone knows who Harold the helicopter is. He flies around the Island of Sodor taking visitors, cargo, and sometimes Sir Topham Hatt. Harold can sometimes tease the engines but is always there when a friend is in need. I have had this toy for about 12 years and it is still in mint condition, that shows you how durable it is. I don't play with it anymore, now it is for display only.

Broken propellers!!
My son has repeatedly broken the plastic propeller. Why can't it be made of wood like the rest of it. I was disappointed with Harold being plastic. Luckily they replace it for us. We love the thomas toys

Lots of fun, but easily broken
My 3 year old son did chores around the house to buy this toy himself. We were very disappointed when one of the rotors broke off within a month. I was with him when it broke. He was not doing anything rough with it. He didn't even drop it. We did not realize there was a guarantee. We've glued it back together at least 10 times. I don't know if that voids the guarantee or not.

Otherwise, it is a great toy. My son carries it all over the place. He says it is his favorite. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Push and Pull Toys    2. Trains    3. Train Accessories    4. Vehicles    5. Helicopters    6. Wooden Train Sets    7. Wood    8. Preschool    9. Train Set Accessories    10. Planes    11. Activity   

Editorial Review

James the Red Engine is one of the Thomas the Tank Engine series of train cars and is made of real wood. James has a cheery, smiling face on the front of the engine, promising an adventure as soon as the train leaves the station. James the Red Engine pulls his own coal car, so he won't run out of fuel. The cars attach to each other with magnets. This is a toy that encourages imaginative play and requires no batteries. Engine with attached coal car measures 5.75 inches in length. --Margaret Quinn ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Great toy - Great size!
My two-year-old son loves all his wooden Thomas trains!They keep him busy for hours and are extremely durable.Someone gave us some metal/plastic Thomas trains, and he plays with them too, but their plastic parts break quickly (ie: Harold's plastic helicopter blades, the plastic "link-ups", etc.)The wooden ones with the magnets seem to last forever, with only minor paint wear resulting from lots and lots of playtime!

Used in conjunction with the videos or books, they teach things like proper behavior and all those good "moral" examples.Plus, they teach colors and numbers because of the design of each individual train.He loves James' bright red color.

The fact that they are not battery-powered and do not absolutely require a track is a huge "plus" to me.They can go anywhere, and anything in the house can serve as a railway track.It's only limited by your child's imagination (and climbing ability.) We did visit a friend's house recently who had a battery-powered Thomas, and my son did enjoy it also, so we may possibly be getting a few of those to add to the collection at the holidays.

Another reviewer felt they were "dinky" and was disappointed by the size of the trains.To me, that is one of the best features.As I said, they can go anywhere (keeps him busy at a restaurant!) and they are perfectly proportioned to fit very well into small hands.Plus, they don't take up so much space in your house, especially if you start a whole collection!However, be warned that they WILL be underfoot at all times because your kids will love to play with them so much, so watch your step.

Sometimes the simplest thing is the best thing, and I think that's definitely the case with the Thomas trains.

Hooray for James
James does a great job pulling the coaches along the track. He can pull pretty much anything at a fast pace. I've had my Jame sfor 9 years and it looks almost new. He's a great engine andyou can live the episodes with these trains.

Grandma's Magic Accident
I purchased Thomas the engine without realizing that it was not battery operated.I gave it to my 2 year old grandson for his birthday because I had nothing else to give, and the twinkle in his eyes let me know I had hit upon a winner.The adventures for Thomas and his friends have not ended.I have since purchsed, Skarloey, Ben & Bill, Douglas, Percy, Toby and Bertie.The adventures just don't seem to end for my grandson.He plays with this toy for hours.His vocabulary has increased at the same pace as his adventures.The fact that this is not battery operated is the joy of the toy.I need not turn on the television to keep him occupied, he has Thomas and his many friends and that is good enough for me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Vehicles    2. Trains    3. Preschool    4. Wooden Train Sets    5. Activity    6. Push and Pull Toys    7. Train Accessories