Buying a Train Table / Train Set for Christmas

[cbklaz]

I think I have read every thread on train tables and was just wondering if there are other moms out there who are making the same decision this holiday season and/or moms who have been there/done that...

I have 2 boys (2 and 1) - both are crazy for trains. My 2 year old is a Thomas fanatic and already has a few trains that he plays with all the time. So Santa will be bringing train table / train set for Christmas. I think I have narrowed down the tables to the following choices: 2 Thomas Tables or the PB Activity Table. The Thomas Tables are less expensive than PB, but I like the way the PB looks for obvious reasons (not so cheesy). However, I have read that some people don't the short height of the PB table and my boys would probably love the Thomas themed table. Anyone out there have thoughts or opinions on any of these tables?

Finally, I need to purchase the Thomas track set. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good complete set? I will definitely need a tunnel and a bridge to please the little ones!

Thank you for your time and info!




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[new_mommy25]

I would get the Costco table instead. It's a really nice construction theme this year, similar in style to the PBK, and you cannot go wrong with the price- $130. Here is a link. For the price you get the table, trundles, and the entire train set. http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Train-Table-Track-101-pcs-use-w-Thomas-Tank-Brio_W0QQitemZ140050866875QQihZ004QQcategoryZ16517 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But to answer your original question, I don't think the Thomas table is too high at all. The local toy store has one and all the kids play on it. Noah has been playing on it since he turned one and the height has never been an issue.

[kaitlinsmommy]

Just an FYI that PBK now has a taller activity table too, if you are concerned about the height. I'm looking for a train table too, but have not been able to make a decision yet!

[DebbieJ]

Another vote for the Costco table. We are slowly phasing out the train set that came with it (not impressed with the quality of the track and trains) BUT the table & trundles alone are worth that price!

As for Thomas track, I'd start with a basic figure 8 set (the water tower set has a small bridge), maybe add an expansion track. Seriously, at their age they're just going to rip it apart so I wouldn't worry about having all the bells and whistles at once. Plus, Thomas trains are great potty training rewards. :)

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03
Breastfeeding After Reduction is possible! www.bfar.org

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[fauve01]

I'm planning on getting the Costco set this year. I kicked myself *all year* that i didn't get it last year.

BTW, I noticed that, my costco has a set of Thomas trains/track in a toy bench (not a table), for something like $140. Not sure exactly, sorry!

Anne + DD 10-03

[onjbj]

I just bought the Little Tikes Little Canyon and Train Table. I liked it b/c the tracks/roads are built into the table and do not come apart- the last thing I wanted was more toy pieces laying around the house! I also liked that it can be used as a table by putting the white top that comes with it on when the kids are not using it as a train table. I'm clueless when it comes to posting links, but you can find it at Little Tikes.com I got it for $97 with shipping from JC Penney. The Thomas trains are the perfect size for the tracks. My DS, age 2, will love this. I can't wait for x-mas!!

Karin

[daniele_ut]

We already bought the Costco set. If you are thinking of getting one, I would do it quickly. They are already sold out in my area!

[pittsburghgirl]

Another vote for the Costco set. We LOVE having the trundles and the price is awesome. We don't use much of the set that came with it, although this year's is better than last year's in terms of interesting elements. (We do use the track, though).

For about 6 months, the tracks ended up on the floor almost every day. Now DS actually leaves them there and tries to build his own. I wouldn't worry about getting a huge set, just start putting trains and accessories on the Christmas list for family to buy for your DC's!

Marilee
mommy to James
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[The Review Mommy]

My votes for the Nilo table. :)

http://www.nilotoys.com/products.htm
http://creativetrains.com/nilplayandac.html

Just a word on train sets...stick with the basic, no frills (no lights and sounds) Thomas/Brio sets. I think the Thomas Roundhouse Set is so cool. It has all our favorites: watertower, roundhouse, turntable, bridge, stop and go thingy and Rusty with construction cars. I also like the Down by the Docks set. Crankey is a favorite too.

http://creativetrains.com/thomtanenrou.html
http://creativetrains.com/thomtanendow.html

We don't have the sets above, we have: Sodor Engine Wash, Harolds mail delivery set.

Any of the figure eight sets are great to start out with. I added the figure eight expansion pack (without the stop and go thingy) and some exra cars. Later we added the Engine Wash and then the Delivery set.

HTH!
Rebekah

[cbklaz]

Thanks to everyone's suggestions and advice! I am going to check out the Costco table this weekend and now I will have to ponder the Nilo table too...

I can't seem to let go of the idea of the PB activity table because it would look great in expresso in our family room - but I don't like that it is shorter (by 3 inches) than the other tables and more expensive. Anyone with the PB activity table out there who regrets it for use as a train table? Also - anyone know if a Thomas playmat will fit on the PB table?

As for tracks, I love the roundhouse set, but that is obviously pricey to get everything at once, so I appreciate the rec's on the individual sets. I definitely need to get more than the figure eight set to begin with because my 2 year old knows what he likes and he likes lots of loops, tunnels, and bridges. Thanks again to everyone -
Christy

[KrisM]

www.trainsgalore.com sells track by the piece, too. We had a basic set from Target and added specific pieces (small curves, splitters, etc.) to make much more interesting layouts.