There's no Substitute for Thomas Track, but Don't Buy it Like This!
Written: Jan 03 '03 (Updated Mar 28 '03)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Durability: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Thomas track, whether clickety-clack or the new track, is nicer than any other brand.
Cons: Expensive if purchased one box at a time, all Thomas track more expensive than others.
The Bottom Line: This Learning Curve track may be worth the extra money, but that doesn't mean you have to pay it.
|
|
|
| dagny21's Full Review: Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends: 6.5-Inch Curve... |
FYI: Track pictured above is the discontinued clickety-clack track which is still widely available - and probably will be forever - at places like ebay. The new track is smoother, more realistic looking, and advertised to be more durable, though with Learning Curve's unconditional lifetime guarantee, this isn't such an issue.
One of the nice things about owning a wooden railway system is that almost any brand of track - even decades old - will be compatible. So, if you want a lot of track and want to save your money for the unique Thomas engines and accessories, it's easy to find cheap track at thrift stores, garage sales, clearance bins at toy stores, and many other places.
However, if your picky(or your kid is) - or wealthy - there's really no substitute for Learning Curve's Thomas track. Whether you buy the discontinued clickety-clack track or the new track, your track will look and feel much better than the Brio or generic brand tracks, which all look basically the same and not at all like a real railroad.
Since I'm picky, I just can't bring myself to buy the cheaper brands of track. However, I don't really have money to burn either, and it really takes quite a bit of track to get the most out of your Thomas & Friends wooden railway system. In stores, I have seen these boxes of track with 4 pieces in them for anywhere from $10 to $13. Since you need 8 pieces of the above pictured 6.5 inch curved track just to make a closed circle, the very least you'll be able to get away with spending is $20
How to save money and still get Thomas
Buy in sets You can get a huge number of track pieces - and usually a variety of shapes - when you buy sets. If your child is too young - as mine is - for some of the pieces in the set, put those parts away for a later date. If a set comes with vehicles or accessories that you already have, turn around and sell them on ebay and make some of your money back. I'm tireless when it comes to researching and price comparison, and have found that you can save 20 to 50% by purchasing in sets.
Buy clickety clack NOW! Many stores are desperately trying to get rid of their clickety clack to make room for the new track. There are good deals to be had just about everywhere. For example, RRGifts.com was recently selling the Around the Barrell Loader set with clickety clack track for $50, an incredible bargain over the original price of $100.
Buy mixed lots on Ebay and elsewhere. I just purchased 29 pieces of track, including 2 switch tracks, and a cross track, for $35. Bought separately, these would have cost at least $100.
Don't worry if it's used because if there is any sort of wear to it, Learning Curve will replace it for you no questions asked. Keep in mind, if you buy clickety-clack, it will most likely be replaced with the new style track.
Keep your eyes open and take advantage of good deals when they come along, and you'll be able to gather quite a collection of this unbeatable track in short order.
FIND RELATED REVIEWS BELOW
Wooden Railway System
Annie - Thomas' Beloved Coach
Barrel Car
Bertie the Bus
Clarabel- Thomas' Beloved Coach
Edward the Blue Engine
Gordon the Big Express Engine
Harold the Helicoptor
Henry the Green Engine
James the Red Engine
Lady
Percy the Small Engine
Rusty with Construction Cars
Thomas the Tank Engine
Tidmouth Milk Tanker
Toby the Tram Engine
Arched Stone Bridge
Single Stone Tunnel
6.5 inch Curved Switch Track
Circle Set
Books
Diesel's Devious Deed
Thomas: The Really Useful Engine
Buying Thomas
All Aboard Toys
Train Table
Nilo Train Table
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 5
Type of Toy: Trains
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
dagny21
|
 in Kids & Family |
 - Top 500 |
|
Member: Christine D
Location: Alaska
Reviews written: 388
Trusted by: 66 members
About Me:
Happily married mother of one boy.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.