Conductor’s Figure 8 Set Expansion Pack - How to Start an Obsession Part 2
Written: Feb 23 '03
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Pros: Increases the options for your track layout, excellent quality
Cons: Not all pieces have roadway on the other side
The Bottom Line: The Conductor’s Figure 8 Set Expansion Pack is an excellent way to add to your Thomas collection and improve your track layouts.
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| BearySweet's Full Review: Learning Curve Thomas the Tank Engine - Conductor'... |
I'm beginning to wonder just who this obsession has taken hold of, my son or my husband! At first glance it would be my 2 and a half year old son, Jake, since he is the one who plays with the trains, watches the videos and sings about them all the time. However, it is my husband who 'can't resist' purchasing different Thomas related items for our son. When we bought the Conductor's Figure 8 Set for Jake my husband insisted that we needed an expansion pack to go with it. "What fun is going around in circles? We gotta have options!", he told me. So in the interest of prospective bonding sessions between my husband and son, I relented. I have to admit, I am glad we purchased this. I really enjoy getting on the floor and designing different layouts for Jake to play with. After a few weeks even I was getting antsy for more track to create more sophisticated layouts. For right now we’ll talk about the Conductor’s Figure 8 Set Expansion Pack and how it can enhance your child’s train-playing possibilities.
The Conductor’s Figure 8 Set Expansion Pack comes with 16 pieces and is designed to accompany the Conductor's Figure 8 Set. Both sets are made up of the newer Thomas Track as opposed to the Stop and Go sets which are made up of the Clickety-Clack Track. The Thomas Track has a smoother look than the Clickety-Clack Track, with railroad ties that are imprinted on the wood. The recessed areas where the wheels of the train cars rest are scored; which is supposed to give the trains better traction, especially the battery powered trains. One of the coolest features of the new Thomas Track is the roadway on the other side. The roadway side is smooth and flat with a dotted line painted down the center. As with the original figure 8 set, only the straight pieces in the Conductor’s Figure 8 Set Expansion Pack have roadway on the opposite side. The curved pieces have track on each side to help optimize your layout options. The pieces included in the Conductor’s Figure 8 Set Expansion Pack are:
~ 1 - 8” T-Shaped Switch Track
~ 1 - 4” Single Curved Switch Track
~ 2 - 6½” Single Curved Switch Track (One with moveable switch)
~ 3 - 8” Straight Track
~ 1 - 6” Straight Track
~ 1 - 4” Straight Track
~ 2 - 3” Straight Track
~ 1 - 2” Straight Track
~ 1 - 6½“ Curved Track
~ 1 - 3½“ Curved Track
~ 2 - 2” Adapter pieces (male connectors on both sides)
The picture on the Conductor’s Figure 8 Set Expansion Pack box gives you your first layout idea, but this expansion pack gives you so many more options. My husband and I like to sit down and see how many different layouts we can come up with. The track pieces slide together easily which lets Jake change the layout however he pleases. I like this fact since it allows Jake to play trains independently. He is also developing problem-solving skills as he tries to set up the layouts himself. Jake really enjoys the larger layouts and often requests that Joe or I, ‘build me a track!’.
The items included in the Conductor’s Figure 8 Set Expansion Pack are all made of solid wood. Each piece is smooth and free of rough edges and splinters. This expansion pack is part of the Thomas the Tank Engine line of wooden train products, which are made by Learning Curve. Learning Curve offers a lifetime guarantee for all their products. From their website, "If for any reason one of our toys needs repair, we'll fix it in our workshop, replace it, or substitute a toy of equal or greater value." I have been very impressed by this guarantee, I have had to use it once and Learning Curve proved to be true to their word.
It would seem that $39.99 is a lot to pay for 16 pieces of track, but I have quickly learned that it is much cheaper to purchase sets of track like this rather than buying each piece individually. I also think the lifetime guarantee takes the sting out of the price, I like knowing that these pieces won’t end up broken and in the bottom of a toy box. If your child is interested in trains and you are looking for a high-quality wooden track set, I would highly recommend purchasing the Conductor’s Figure 8 Set Expansion Pack along with the Conductor's Figure 8 Set.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 39.99
Type of Toy: Trains
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Epinions.com ID:
BearySweet
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Member: Michelle
Location: The Buckeye State
Reviews written: 85
Trusted by: 68 members
About Me:
Taking a break...life is a bit crazy right now.
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