Talk to Me About Toy Trains!

I have no clue about boy toys and we're thinking of getting a train table formy 2yr old for the holidays. There are so many train sets and tables out there. They're not cheap either which is why I want to make the right choice! Do I even need a table or should I just buy various sets and keep them in boxes? Do I stick with Thomas? Are the sets interchangeable? He has one basic wooden set ( figure 8 with a little bridge) from target that he enjoys playing with. We want to expand the collection but clearly have no clue! Please help!!!

Talk to Me About Toy Trains!

My first advice is to realize this....wooden sets ONLY work with wooden sets. Die cast ONLY work with die cast. So when buying and requesting for gifts make sure you specify.

Wood sets are compatable with other wood sets. So you don't have to buy "name brand" . The tracks fit together and the trains stick together (magnets) so you can mix and match Thomas, Chuggington and generic trains.

If you're looking for buildings and accessories you can usually get Thomas ones on sale at AC moore. Most of the time they're 30% off but they do go to 40% and 50% at times. And if they're ever not on sale you can use a coupon in them.

As far as a table goes. We didn't have one for ds at first but I am leaning towards getting one now that he is more into them. I think I am going to look for a used one though. They're expensive!

Re: Talk to Me About Toy Trains!

We got our table and all the tracks used. He uses Thomas and Melissa and Doug trains on it. I originally had the table set up like the directions said, but that was two overwhelming for him, at 18 months. So now we have 1 loop but it still has a bridge, a mountain, and coal shuttle. He loves it!

Re: Talk to Me About Toy Trains!

Wood sets are interchangeable.
We bought an Imaginarium set and use the set up tracks (hot glued down). With a few Thomas trains (DS knows Thomas, but not THAT much).
Set was on sale for $69 on black Friday. We got it for $89 a bit later. Worth every penny.