First train set for 15month old - any suggestions?

[slworld]

I am looking for a first train set for 15monthd old DS. I am not looking for anything very expensive since I don't know if he is even into trains. Just something nice/small to start with and it does not have to be wooden.

Thanks much

ETA - Guess I am more interested in something that will run on battery on the tracks.

[alirebco]

I really like the Ikea wooden train set and it's also not MIC. Most train sets are not really for under the 3 crowd b/c of tiny parts but we use it and DS is almost 2.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60112896

[MizMojoLaveau]

http://www.amazon.com/Brio-33700000-First-Railway-Set/dp/B0007RXJLS?tag=dogpile-20

We have this one and it is good and everything is compatible if he ends up being in to trains and you want to add on later. Also check to see if the imaginarium brand by Toys R Us has anything similar as I know their sets are Brio compatible.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Geotrax. No choking hazards, unlike many wooden trains, and tons of fun. My ds2 has been playing with his big brother's Geotrax for months now and has really gotten into them from 20+ months. He is happy to push the trains along the track or use the remote.
$60- it looks like a really good starter set, lots of track, hills, accessories and a remote controlled train:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3515905

The $30 On the Go set looks like fun. Nothing fancy but you can add on to the set easily. Good price.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3301918

Track pack, flats and elevation; one push along train; $25:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2948641

Beth

[kristac]

We love geotrax as well. DS2 has been playing with them since 15 months or so and DS1 is almost 5 with no end in sight.

[sste]

We got the Thomas and Friends figure 8 water tower set for $40 from amazon including free ship. It has been a hit so far.

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Friends-Wooden-Railway-Figure/dp/B00005BLMC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1255470798&sr=1-1

[wencit]

Another vote for Geotrax. DS1 started playing with his right around the same age and instantly fell in love. It started a train obsession that persists to this day. :)

[hellokitty]

I would recommend geotraxx too. It will, "grow" with your child (be sure you don't let him play with the ppl who come with the trains though, b/c they ARE choking hazards for little ones), it is easy to snap together, very sturdy and personally I think they are more fun to put together than the wooden sets. We have like 5 different train sets, and I still like the geotrax the best. Also, I find it more affordable than the endless pit of Thomas, ugh. Wooden tracks are great for little ones IF you glue them down or use suretrack. However, my boys got very frustrated that they would come apart so easily (and they weren't always coordinated enough to put them back together). The geotrax stay together pretty well for the most part if bumped around.

[Jen841]

We have both. Both are loved. GeoTrak we limit b/c we now have so much that is takes over my living room and during the nice weather seasons I want them outside b/c playing trains.

We got a cheap table for $30 that we glued the track down on since it always was coming apart.

If you have space for furniture, I would do a table (look for a used one or a cheap one) or if you need an easy to put away go for the GeoTrak.

The nice thing about GeoTrak is you can easily add to it over time.

[kristac]

The timbertown set has an "easy railer" to help little ones get the train cars lined up easier.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=3515905

Honestly I'm not sure it's necessary because IME Geotrax are not difficult to line up but FP seems to be pushing this as thier starter set.