Debating on the Thomas Train table

[momof3disneyholics]

When my son was 2 I bought him the table (then it was 199.00) and collected the trains and pieces for him. To me it was worth the money, everytime he had a playdate, they always played on it.
The only downside is the top started to peeled off after a while.

 

[pattyT]

Afraid i would regret the big purchase...
I went with the BJ's train table...
all the train pieces can go with the Offial Thomas stuff for the most part...
I LOVE the storage bins underneath...
don't regret it
and although he doesn't play with it for HOURS every day like he use to (its been 2 years) he does still play with it a LOT more than a lot of other junk we have bought!

 

[Pembo]

We don't have the table and I could never see the purpose. My boys had the track spread all over our basement. To me the table seemed to confine their imaginations. I'd take the money you spend on a table and buy more track and let your kids spread out their own Island of Sodor......

 

[elan]

We've had a generic one for 5 years. My DKs still use it. Sometimes trains, rescue heroes or imaginext are on it. I love it too (its easier for me help set things up).

 

[kfeuer]

We don't have the table and I could never see the purpose. My boys had the track spread all over our basement. To me the table seemed to confine their imaginations. I'd take the money you spend on a table and buy more track and let your kids spread out their own Island of Sodor......

If I had a basement where it could stay spread out, I'd skip the train table, too. However, alot of us don't have a basement (or a spare room) so a train table is the only way to keep from tripping over track all day

 

[Pembo]

We picked up the track every night and built a new one every morning. Our house was small but they sure loved that track!

 

[Sophierella]

I was at Sam's Club a couple nights ago and they have a really nice wooden train table with 2 wooden rolling storage bins underneath. It said it included 170 pieces. I saw tracks and buildings (I think a roundhouse). I didn't look much closer, but I'm sure there were trains.

The price is $136.00 If you priced these items separately, they would be a lot more! If you call your local Sam's they will tell you over the phone if they have the train tables in stock.

And usually, the Thomas trains fit most of the wooden tracks.

 

[HALEYSMOMMOM]

We just bought the function junction train table from toys r us . I think they call it something different online but its the same thing. Go and read the reviews, they are very good. It comes with everything you need, and the reg price is $149. We were able to take advantage of a sale and combined a couple of coupons to get it for $100. Comes with train, cars, trucks, airplane, airport and runway, roadways, etc etc. Very good for that amnt of $. Also has storage drawers and is mostly compatible with Thomas.

 

[melomouse]

My DS is now 13 and I have always regretted NOT buying the table for our Brios.As others have mentioned, if you've got the separate room for set up, maybe you don't need it - but sometimes they made such extraordianey layouts that they wanted to keep them overnite and we HAD to clean up!!!
Now - maybe they have gone up in price, but it seems if you look, coupon it and look around, you could find one for $100! Check yard sales and ebay, too....
I also always thought a handy dad or uncle could build one very easily.No such luck in my family!!
melomouse

 

[virginiamama]

Another vote for this one. We wanted this one and missed out on it a couple of years ago and ended up spending $300+ at onestepahead.com. Still well worth the investment and the top is great for matchbox cars, blocks, playdough, etc. LOVE the drawers!!!

 

[steen995]

My son gets frustrated over using the table. He too likes to spread it all over the floor. My husband thought he'd use the table in his room and keep the floor clean. Nope! Now my son has a table that takes up half his room and the tracks are still all over the family room floor. He cries at the thought of getting rid of his train table though.

 

[Bonny-braids]

I haven't read this entire thread but when my son was at that age my husband and his friend built him one (the frame with legs) and we bought the board at TRU. I just noticed that etoys has one for 54.99 and I think perhaps free shipping. It was great! I'd recommend getting one.

 

[DawnM]

We made one too. We have moved and left the last one in CA. We still have the board and all the train pieces so the boys use it anyway. I have asked DH to make one that is the same width but longer this time and add a filler board to it so they can spread things out more. They have too much track for the table!

We have spent a lot on Thomas sets and additions over the years, but I have certainly gotten our money's worth. They LOVE it!

If I were to buy a table I would get the less expensive one from Costco or Target and add Thomas pieces.

Dawn