Toy Train Sets

[tmasingo]

My DS, 2 1/2 is really into trains lately and I am trying to find one for Christmas which he'll like but which also isn't too expensive. So far I've found a train table for about $80 and a train set (both at Target) for $40. This is less than some of the higher end ones I've seen, but I'm a single mom and that's still kind of expensive for me. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or suggestions. Also, I was wondering if there is a Disney Train Set anywhere out there. He'd love that even more than just a plain one, I'm sure. It doesn't need to be battery operated or electric....he'd rather push them himself....just something of some substance which will keep him busy and happy. Any ideas?

 

[Kayla's Mom]

I know my cousin just purchased a train table at Costco. I believe it had the drawers underneath for storage. I am not sure of the price though--sorry.

 

[Goofy22]

MY son is 6 and very much into trains thanks to my father! And I use to go on Ebay all the time type in a description of what you're looking for and more than likely you'll find what you're looking for I'd be surprised if you didn't!

My DS, 2 1/2 is really into trains lately and I am trying to find one for Christmas which he'll like but which also isn't too expensive. So far I've found a train table for about $80 and a train set (both at Target) for $40. This is less than some of the higher end ones I've seen, but I'm a single mom and that's still kind of expensive for me. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or suggestions. Also, I was wondering if there is a Disney Train Set anywhere out there. He'd love that even more than just a plain one, I'm sure. It doesn't need to be battery operated or electric....he'd rather push them himself....just something of some substance which will keep him busy and happy. Any ideas?

 

[virginiamama]

I think the one at Costco is $229. It has two big trundle (wheeled) drawers underneath. And it comes with a nice road/garage and train set. It is on the costco.com website. We have a very similar set (paid $300+) purchased from onestepahead.com due to Costco selling out of this type of table two years ago. They only have them around the Christmas shopping season and if you see them there it's best to go ahead and get it so you don't miss out because they don't hang around long. We were short on money that year so it was a bigger investment than we had planned on (I believe the one at Costco was only $129 at the time.) It has been the best investment - totally worth the money and the floor space. There is tons of storage space in the drawers. I also have a train nut DS. We bought the table when he was 3 and he's 5 now and still plays with it EVERY day. The table top is also good for playdough, matchbox cars, etc. not just trains. Obviously I highly recommend it. If I couldn't get this one, I'd definitely pick up some bins that would fit nicely under whatever table you end up with to hold the track pieces or trains that aren't being used at the time or to hold other toys. Space and storage are big issues at our house.
Here's another idea - my DH made an under-bed table for a friend's son. He got a sheet of MDF (super-cheap at Lowes/Home Depot and it is shiny white on one side), added some wood for a frame around the edges (just to keep the trains from rolling off maybe 1"x2"s) and screwed casters onto the bottom. That cost maybe $20 and it is really big but doesn't take up space in the room. So if you or a friend or family member are handy, you could throw something like that together with just a mitre box and screwdriver and 30 minutes. I think the store will even make a certain number of cuts for free, and may rip down the sheet of MDF too. A custom table built by Mom!
I love the idea of the "kid powered" toys, we've looked at a couple of electric train sets but I would much rather him be able to build and rebuild the track (you should see the layouts he comes up with) and if he drops the train on the floor - no big deal. I think it's much better for their development than watching a train drive itself around the track. I have seen Disney train sets but I'm thinking I've only seen electric. We have one sortof rubberized engine coach and caboose set but it is more of a figurine than something that could run on a track, and metal version of the AK train and monorail (just the trains - not a set). Sorry to be so long winded - it's funny how we can be so excited about things only because we know our kids love them! Good luck!

 

[TnTWalter]

maybe go to your local costco and see. It's beautiful. The drawers are nice and the train is nice too. The kids also do geo trax on it and play with their doll house [2 girls and 1 boy].
Trish

 

[Gillian]

We got a wooden train set & table from sam's club or maybe BJs a couple of years ago. It was around $125 and has 6 bins underneath for storage. DS mostly uses it for the Thomas wooden railroad stuff.

Another thing DS's friends like the Geo Trax set. It is battery operated, with a remote control. There are also things they can do manually, like loading blocks. The tracks are very easy to snap together! The little ones are able to build their own tracks more easily than the wooden ones. It's about $40 for a starter set. Add ons are 10-30.

We have both, DS likes both. At 5 he is still asking for Geo Trax and not thomas.

 

[tmasingo]

Another thing DS's friends like the Geo Trax set. It is battery operated, with a remote control. There are also things they can do manually, like loading blocks. The tracks are very easy to snap together! The little ones are able to build their own tracks more easily than the wooden ones. It's about $40 for a starter set. Add ons are 10-30.

QUOTE]

Yes, A friend of mine has this and DS liked it, but he seemed bored with it just watching the train go around. He kept wanting to take them off and move them himself and I'd hate to get something like that and have him break it. I did think it was more expensive than that, though, so perhaps I'll look into it. Thanks!

 

[soccerchick]

Michaels and AC Moore both carry Thomas the tank items and I buy the cars w/their coupons every now and then. They do have some of the sets. If you watch, I'm sure they'll be having coupons and you can get it for 1/2 price. I'm hoping Michaels will have a 50 or 60% coupon again for Veterans Day like they did for Columbus Day. They also usually have really good coupons for the day after Thanksgiving (and even the entire weekend after TG).

I have seen the Target set you spoke of and I think that's a pretty decent price for a wooden set.

 

[waspnest]

We got the $130 octagon-shaped table from BJ's last year, and it came with a TON of stuff, track, specialty items like stations, a mountain, etc.

I will say that the Thomas track is better, although pricy. The tracks where the wheels go have little cross-hatches in them for the train wheel to get a better grip - makes the battery-operated trains get around and up hills better. And I've never had a piece of Thomas track break, the cheaper stuff has the little "knobs" where the pieces fit together break off. Watch for AC Moore coupons and get some stuff there.

 

[Sue Sullivan]

We pick up Thomas-like wooden train peices at a website called srucecaboose. They are great, sa,e great quality and a fraction of the price of Thomas.

 

[jeepgirl30]

We have the wooden Thomas set and pieces. Toys R Us has some on sale now too. There is a less expensive knock off that you can match with it.

My son is a train freak. He absolutely loves his trains. I bulk at the prices but he really does get the money out of them. My fear is he would outgrow Thomas too fast but I'm not so sure anymore.

We did Thomas Day Out in Sept. While the crowds were heavy DS2 and even DD5 had an amazing time. If you can find a location by you, do it! Its not a lot of money and the look on their little faces to see Thomas is priceless.

 

[tmasingo]

We pick up Thomas-like wooden train peices at a website called srucecaboose. They are great, sa,e great quality and a fraction of the price of Thomas.

Can you confirm the website address? I tried this one but nothing is found.

 

[giasmom]

I was looking at this this weekend at Costco and they are $139 at the store. If you have one near you its a good deal. You can also get one from the Disney store for $169.00

http://disneyshopping.go.com/DSSect...4418&Product_Id=171553&Searchstr=table&Page=1

 

[susykt4]

We got a train table at ToysRUs that came with 4 plastic bins for $99 on sale. It has held up very well. We have mostly Thomas stuff. Thomas has a figure 8 starter set that is "specially priced" at around $40. They then have expansion packs so you can add on. The Michaels in my town carries some Thomas stuff and they have those weekly 40% off coupons in the paper. That's an excellent deal!

My kids have wooden Thomas track as well as the Fisher Price GeoTrax stuff. My almost 3-yr-old DS definitely prefers the wooden track. I'll spend way too much time assembling the plastic GeoTrax stuff and he'll play with it a few minutes and tear it apart. It comes apart easily (but not under normal play) but is very durable. Also, there are many trains and vehicles that are NOT battery operated. DD5 enjoys making various layouts with the GeoTrax. I think it's an excellent system- especially for the price- but I think it's a little too advanced for the average 2-yr-old who loves to tear stuff apart but can't quite put it back together.

 

[TnTWalter]

They can push them and pull them. Plus if they use the remote, they stop and start it. It's really kid friendly. They stop it all the time at the various sites to load it up with grain or rocks or whatever. It really is a good design. Plus they can put the tracks together themselves and they stay together no matter how rough the play. My kids aren't as good at putting or keeping the wooden pieces together yet.

We have the plastic Thomas that are battery operated and those you do just watch. Just wanted to contrast the two types of trains. This one is interactive.

About the Celebration with Thomas. We went to it this summer and had a blast. The kids rode the Thomas train, they had face painting and all kinds of rides, etc. and it was all included in the price. We ate lunch and had a snack before we left. It was a great time.

Trish

 

[V4dice]

I love the Geotrax system. My son received the starter set for his second birthday. He is now 3 and we are still adding pieces to it for holidays and birthdays. Its a great toy to take out especially on rainy days and it keeps him occupied for a long time. He does take more interest in it now than when he was two but it is a great toy to grow with.

Another idea is the "Take Along" Thomas set at Target. The trains are much cheaper than the wooden ones. They have a round house, coal station, etc. The plastic tracks are not as great as the wooden ones but it is an inexpensive option. The round house especially is great because it holds a small track and number of trains and is great to take when visiting or on vacation.

 

[Sue Sullivan]

Here is the spruce caboose web site.

http://www.sprucecaboose.com/

 

[soccerchick]

I was in Ross today and they have both wooden and plastic Thomas sets. I've seen the plastic ones cheaper on sale at Kohls, but the prices were good. I was tempted to buy DS an accessories bucket (train track pieces, some signs, trees, can't remember what else) for 8.99 but resisted. He's getting some cars (Salty, Gordon and Lady) in his stocking for Christmas.

 

[tmasingo]

Hi Everyone.

Thanks! You've all given me a lot of good information. I was actually in Walmart yesterday looking more closely at the Geo Trax and I think I may go that route. I am still going to check a couple of other sets out as well, but I appreciate all the input!!!

 

[WeluvDisney2]

If you just need a small table check out this one at KBtoys.com it is on sale for $54.99 http://www.kbtoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/1051009/ctid/17/INstock/Y/D/