generic Thomas train sets

[mommyx3]

I am looking for something that is similar to the Thomas the Tank Engine train sets. I found one at TRU http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2327589 It is $49.99 for 56 pieces. I was just wondering if anyone knows of anything better.

 

Thanks,

[cokemeyer]

Do some google price checking on the following brands. We have some of all of these and the wooden track pieces are all compatible. I have always figured we'd get more "generic" track pieces and save our money to buy the actual Thomas engines which the kids love so much. The Thomas brand ones (and Brio too) are excellent, but for most purposes, the generic ones are just fine...

 

KidKraft, Little Tree (Target), Maxim, Melissa and Doug, Brio

 

 

 

btw, DS6 just got the set you linked to (the Imaginarium Spiral train set) for his birthday and it is VERY hard to assemble. Pretty neat but definitely requires an adult or older child and will not stay together unless you buy track clips elsewhere. If you are looking to get a starter set for a younger child, I would definitely check out some of the giant sets made by Maxim or KidKraft. hth!

[sassyaztec]

check out TJ Maxx. They had a TON of train sets at the one by me. They stock up on great toys before Christmas. I think they were BRIO sets at pretty good prices.

[my2aboys]

The target ad this week has a Circo 70 piece wooden set for $20.00. It's on page 4

[JollyGG]

We buy the actual trains but the track came from target. It works great and I got a huge set one christmas for something like $15.