Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The Thomas train and train collections are durable toys. Their real value, though, is that playing with the toys allows children to act out the great Thomas and Friends children's stories they read and watch.
This is a nice layout that provides far more track than the usual figure 8 layout that gets purchased first. It also provides a scenic mat, a tressle, and a building. But it is very expensive. There is generic track available that costs far less. Our kids haven't noticed the difference. IT IS EASY TO CREATE ELEVATED TRACK AND BRIDGES USING LEGO OR DUPLO PIECES AS SUPPORTS. GENERIC CRANES ARE AVAILABLE FOR MUCH LESS.
Kids' imaginations can remarkably supply buildings and water towers and cranes, etc., so that they won't even miss what might be lacking from less expensive sets. And families can build some of these items themselves out of old boxes, etc.
Purchasing recommendation:
* Choose which type of Thomas trains you will 'standardize' on. There are three kinds: This size of wooden trains from Learning Curve; larger, plastic, battery-operated trains from Tomy; and smaller, die-cast metal trains from Ertl. The wooden trains have the most products and accessories available.
* The clickety-clack (grooved to look like real railroad) track in the Thomas series is great, but it's expensive; I recommend buying generic track. ... You can literally save hundreds of dollars by buying these kinds of sets.
* Buy the Thomas and friends engines separately--and wait for sales. The kids care about the characters, so no short-cutting (ie., Brio or generic trains) here.
* Look for trains bundled with VHS videos. You can get a video and a train (on sale) for about the same price as a train alone.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway - A Day at The Works SetWhen Thomas the Tank is feeling out of sorts, he goes to spend a day at the Works Set so he can get back into tip top shape. This 49-piece repair set will ensure that he gets back on track in no time. Set includes the Sodor Bay Bridge, "The Works" engine repair shop, four vehicles, assorted track pieces and more. The layout is designed to fit any Thomas Playtable. Cloth mat measures 22"L x 5"W x 14"H.
Set Includes:
Thomas, Culdee, SC Ruffey and Tugboat
Gristmill with waterwheel
"The Works" engine repair shop
Sir Topham Hatt
Engineer
Maple trees and pine trees
Stop sign, railroad sign and signals
Span of Sodor Bay Bridge
Engine shed switch track
Four 3.5" curved track pieces
Six 6.5" curved track pieces
Three curved switches
One track adapter
Seven straight track pieces
Two ascending track pieces and two ascending track risers
Cloth playmat
Click here for more information about Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway - A Day at The Works Set
