a question for the Thomas pros

[LucyG]

DD received a "Take Along" Thomas and Friends set as a gift. It's from Target, I'm 99% sure. I noticed on the packaging that this set isn't compatible with the other Thomas railway systems. Does Target sell any Thomas and Friends trains that are compatible with the wooden ones? Does Target sell wooden Thomas trains at all? I would prefer to return the Take Along set and get something for her that will work with the Thomas and Emily (wooden) that we already have. Thanks for your help! I'm a Thomas newbie!


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23 months and counting!

[jk3]

I don't think they are compatible. Target sells some knock-off wooden brands that are somewhat compatible with Thomas products. My DS received the Take-along Sawmill set + we leave it in the car for travel purposes. It's small + great to have when we are out and about.

Jenn
DS 6/03

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[Momof3Labs]

The Take Along is not compatible with the wooden trains. Target sells another Thomas line (don't know what it is called) that is plastic but fits the wooden tracks.

[JElaineB]

The set at Target that is somewhat compatible with the Wooden Railway system is called Thomas Interactive Learning Railway. As Lori said, the tracks are plastic. The trains are plastic with some metal. The interactive railway trains have a different type of magnet, it is a small square "smart magnet" that can be coupled with another train in either direction, but the magnets are not as strong as the regular wooden train magnets. The trains are somewhat compatible, but they line up slighty off center because of the different types of magnets. For trains the Interactive Railway only offers Thomas, James, Percy and Gordon I believe. I think either type of trains will run on either type of track, but I don't know if you can hook the wooden and plastic tracks together.

We have the Interactive Learning Railway Percy (bought that first) and for some reason once we started getting wooden trains DS hated the Interactive Railway Percy and would throw it and say "no no no" everytime he saw it. I think he really likes the magnets and the feel of the trains better with the Wooden Railway system. We have tons of wooden railway trains and track, so personally I'm sticking with that system only for that size train. But I will say I am thinking of getting some Take Along Thomas to do just that - take with us when we are out and about.

Here is the link to the Learning Curve page about the different types of Thomas products they make. Tomy also makes lots of Thomas products, but they are totally different altogether.

http://www.learningcurve.com/ourProducts/thomas.asp

Jennifer
mom to Jacob 9/27/02

[LucyG]

Thanks! I was able to exchange the Take Along set for the Interactive Learning Railway Percy and the mailcar. I don't care for the metal train as much as our wooden ones, but at least it is somewhat compatible. Do you happen to have a copy of the train spreadsheet that I've read about in earlier threads? I'd like to get a copy, if possible. Thanks!
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23 months and counting!