My son is a Thomas the Tank Engine fanatic. Encouraging pretend playtime is easy especially when adding destinations to his existing train set. The Cargo Transfer Station was one of the items William received for his 3rd birthday, and as it turns out, it’s the most beloved destination yet.

The Cargo Transfer Station is one of the NEW Wooden Railway Sights & Sounds Destinations. I didn’t understand what that meant when I ordered the item, as I wasn’t an authority on Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway System. Almost a year later, I can safely say that I have a working knowledge of the line, and the beloved character engines. The NEW Wooden Railway Sights & Sounds Destinations have multi-sensory capabilities. They make sounds. The Cargo Transfer Station isn't currently featured in any of the railway set, but it is sold separately. The following is included in the box:
● The Cargo Transfer Station
● 2-Magnetic Cargo
● 1-Cargo Car
● 1-Flatbed Car
● 2-Road to surface ramps (1M & 1F)

In the simplest of terms, the Cargo Transfer Station is a revolving crane. It sits in the center of a 6” x 6” wooden board, on one side is railway track, and on the other is roadway track. The railway track features decorative burnouts that resemble railroad ties, while the roadway track is free of rails. Magnetic freight is stored in a fenced yard, which is situated in front of the station. The crane moves 180° via pivoting arm, so freight is unloaded on the railway side, as well as the roadway side. The pivoting arm makes a clicking sound when rotated. (This is not a battery-operated sound.) The crane lifts freight via magnetic weight. The arm of the crane does not move up and down; however, a string winds, and retracts when a knob is turned.

On each side of the Cargo Transfer Station is a magnetic switch, which is embedded in the tracks. When a vehicle, or an engine crosses the track, the switch triggers. This only works with magnetic cars of course. There are 6 sounds all together, 3 on each side.

Railway Sounds:
Ding Dong
Whoo, whoo
Peep, peep

Roadway Sounds:
Vroom, vroom
Beep, beep
Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Along the side of the station is a button that also triggers the sounds; although, it’s more fun to run Bertie, or James across the switch to trigger the sounds. The Cargo Transfer Station includes an On/Off switch on the bottom of the unit, thus the sounds are optional. There is no volume control, although the sounds are not loud. The battery compartment is concealed on the bottom of the unit, and it requires two AA batteries. To replace the batteries, one needs a Phillips head screwdriver to open the compartment.


Our Thoughts:
One of the reasons the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway System was so appealing to me was because it didn’t require batteries. I like the idea of child-powered toys, because it induces more creativity than a bunch of noises. Personally, I was a bit disappointed when I discovered this toy was battery-powered. That said, my attitude on the noise doesn’t effect my son at all. He adores this toy! Often times the switch is turned off, and I’ve noticed the lack of sounds doesn’t take away from the fun factor.

Fortunately, the Cargo Transfer Station fit in my son’s existing setup, so we didn’t have to disassemble the NEW Mountain Tunnel Set to make room for the new toy. Other destinations require a new setup, so I see this as a bonus. In addition, some of the bridges, and destinations are best placed in the center of a layout. This plaything can be placed anywhere within a layout, as it replaces a 6"Straight Track.

As far as value is concerned, this destination falls in the medium price range for Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway System. $39.99 is the suggested retail price, but I’ve seen it offered at on-line sites for as low as $28.99. 3 and up is probably a good starting point for this toy. The magnetic cargo pieces are small, and definitely considered a chocking hazard at ¾" x 1½". A year ago, the Cargo Transfer Station broke off the base. Learning Curve replaced it without question, and at no cost to me. I was very impressed!

On a sad note, I recently learned that Learning Curve has been purchased by RC2 Corporation. The new company has withdrawn their promise to loyal customers all over the world, and they have abolished the unconditional guarantee for life. In addition, much of the wooden line today is plastic. The track, the engines, and the roadway vehicles are still made of wood, but the buildings, and the destinations are primarily made of plastic. The board is wood, but all the workings, and most of the structure is plastic, such as the Cargo Transfer Station. I’ve already had several issues with plastic parts breaking on other destinations, and RC2 Corporation won’t replace them, or even repair them for a fee. I’m so dismayed that the RC2 Corporation has chosen this path, especially on such high-priced goods, that I have opted to support the competition, Brio, and Maxim. Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway System provides excellent imaginary play, and it's developmental, but I caution all potential consumers that the new guarantee last 90-days. That's it!

RC2 Corporation
1111 W 22nd Street, Ste 320
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
1-800-704-8697
www.learningcurve.com



Additional Thomas & Friends Reviews
Coal Loader
Grain Loader
Barrel Loader
Mountain Tunnel
Wellsworth Station
Abbey Repair Shop
Deluxe Cranky the Crane
NEW Mountain Tunnel Set
Thomas & Friends Editorial
Mr. Jolly's Chocolate Factory
Take-Along Sodor Engine Works




Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): $29.99
Type of Toy: Trains
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years