? Trains @ AcMoore/Michael's ?

[megulis]

I have read a lot about the Brio and Thomas trains on this forum, and I am going with a Brio set with Thomas train additions. Armed with all the information online, I went to Michael's and felt disappointed at their selection. Do other Michael's / AC Moore stores have more deluxe sets? Are there more that will come out closer to Christmas? What kind of sets are available at Marshall's / TJ Maxx?

I am thinking about a Brio 100+ piece set since I believe it will hold my 23 month olds son's interest more than the few minutes he plays with it at Toys R Us or our local toy stores.

Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

[LD92599]

I think it does depend on the store; for exampe the Michael's near us doesn't carry Thomas whereas AC Moore has one aisle of Train stuff!

Laura
mom to William

LKibala at optonline dot net

http://lilypie.com/pic/050530/616a731.jpg[/img][img]http://lilypie.com/baby3/030305/1/2/0/-5/.png

[JBaxter]

Watch walmart too they have a 19.99 set that usually comes out for the Christmas season ( which I think they are starting to stock). I got 2 of them after the holidays for 7.00 each. Lots of track w/ a bridge and train cars.

[ett]

Our local AC Moore has a good selection of Thomas, but the Michael's near it does carry any.

As for Marshalls/TJ Maxx, I have not seen any of the Thomas wooden trains there (the ones from Learning Curve). I did recently see plastic Thomas sets by Tomy and the plastic sets that were also sold at Target (I think it's called Interactive Railway or something like that).

[August Mom]

If you want a really deluxe set, you should probably order on-line or go to TRU or an independent toy store. (Actually, I'm not positive that TRU even has the big sets). IME, Michaels carries the basics - 1 or 2 figure 8 sets or the round or oval set, a couple expansion sets, a number of destinations and bridges, basic track packages, bumpy track and wacky track and the most popular engines and vehicles. If you want something deluxe or obscure, I don't think you'll find it there, even at Christmas. And, some Michaels don't carry Thomas at all.

I have never seen Thomas wooden sets at Marshalls/TJ Maxx. It's usually the plastic version (like Target carries).

Brio is a high quality alternative. If you see what you want in the Brio line, I'd go for it. I think Michaels would have things you could easily add to that set (ala bridges, watertower, conductor's shed, fire station, windmill, tunnel, etc. and trains).

[megulis]

Thanks for the information! I kind of figured as much but wanted to verify what I felt is true. Online is definitely the way to go for deluxe sets. I was so psyched thinking a $200 set would go for $100 at Michael's, but life can't be that easy can it!

Anyways, I just ordered the Brio Transportation set. It looks like a nice set to add on a few Thomas trains and accesories to.

http://www.brio.net/se/netset/brio/s....m4n?id=141627

What do you think?

I really find these boards to be so valuable. Now onto Kettler trikes, a new twin bed for my ds, and a new minivan for the coming of the baby in Jan 06. And, totally OT, thinking about changing my OB, and maybe trying a VBAC at home.

HTH!

[mom to little e]

This is a bit late, but in case you want to add on later...we did find the "Down by the Docks" set set at our AC Moore. Normally priced $149 which we were able to use a 50% off coupon - I was shocked to find it there (DH was set on getting it) and was psyched that I could use the coupon. It may be hit or miss as what kind of stock they get in. Also, in case you didn't know, you can use Michael's coupons at AC Moore and vice versa. THis week there was a 40% off coupon for AC Moore with the THomas stuff on sale, so we'll head over to Michaels and most likely the THomas stuff won't be on sale there. Definitely the way I'm planning ahead for birthday and Christmas.

Don't you love how you can find info on just about anything on this board!?

Maryann
Momma to Ean...the little love of my life!
AND Baby #2 EDD 01/08/06!

[mommab]

M-

From where did you end up ordering the Brio set? It looks like an awesome set from what I could see in the pic you attached! I'm just starting on my Thomas/Brio (and now Costco Kidcraft) research for dd's 2nd birthday next month. BTW, what made you decide on Brio vs Thomas?

eta: Where are you on the Kettler decision...we're looking at that for Christmas.

TIA,

[megulis]

I am getting it from Creative Trains for $199.99 which seems like an awesome deal to me. Some sites say it comes with a plastic green chest, but this site doesn't. Who knows? I wonder what others think. I haven't gotten it yet, but I think I will get it by the beginning of next week.

I decided on the Brio because I liked what you get for your money's worth. I think most of the deluxe sets in the Thomas line have a toy seat or box that would I think add an additional $50 (just surmising on my part). They both have lifetime warranties I think? Which I would think means they stand by their product just like Learning Curves does. I wonder if others can comment on quality comparisons between Thomas and Brio. And, I think of all the things kids may associate with Thomas are the trains themselves anyways.

http://creativetrains.com/clearance.html

On the kettler front: Since I am spending $200 on the Brio set, I was looking seriously at the One Step Ahead $99 kettler for $69. However, I have decided against that one at least because you can't lock the front wheel?. I want the $199 Air Happy or Navigator (don't remember which). I feel like I am spending way too much money on this kid, and I don't know what to do. He doesn't seem interested in the trikes yet, so maybe for Christmas or spring time next year.

BTW- Happy early Bday to your son! My son is turning 2 next month too! I am a little frazzled. I am not sure what to do for his bday.

[luckymom]

About the Kettler on sale for $69 from OSA in the previous post, I just got mine and the front wheel does lock. Great trike!

Lucy