TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Vehicles - Small Toy Product Category

Thomas & Friends A Busy Day at the Quarry Set by LEARNING CURVE

Thomas and Mavis pick up cargo, then and ascend and descend step climbs in this play set. The trains follow the rails through the gates, up over the bridge and to the tug boat that just came for a visit.
— In a February 2012 survey about bestselling wooden toys, Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston's Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that Thomas the Tank Engine toys were among their bestsellers.
— In a May 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Thomas the Tank Engine was their best selling licensed brand. ( Watch Video) 8/25/2010

Go Car by KID O PRODUCTS

This pushable, rollable, graspable vehicle is designed to get young drivers excited. The gracefully curving roof does double-duty as a handle and rubber coated wheels glide smoothly along any path. The Go Car comes in red, blue and green versions. 8/19/2010 (Price: $13.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Nascar Lights and Sound Car by JADA TOYS INC.

This miniature car makes realistic racing sounds when the doors are pressed and activates its headlights when the hood is pressed. the car measures 7.5." 8/17/2010 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Nascar 24 DuPont/Pepsi Car by K'NEX BRANDS

This kit lets children build Jeff Gordon's 24 DuPont/Pepsi Car. Included are 106 K'NEX bricks, rods and connectors, as well as wheels for push play and a Jeff Gordon K'NEXman figure. Once built, the car measures 7" in length, and features custom parts, sponsor logos and a realistic color scheme. 8/17/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Li'l Chugs Wooden Trains by WOW TOYS

Li’l Chugs is an ecologically friendly collection of trains that are constructed of highly renewable, natural rubberwood harvested from reforested forests. Each bright colorful piece meets ATSM, CPSIA and EN71 safety standards and features durable magnetic couplings so kids can create many different combinations. Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010 8/13/2010 (Price: $7.50)

John Deere Big Scoop Dump Truck by LEARNING CURVE

This 15" truck is designed for smaller hands. It features easy-to-use functional loaders and dump boxes, in addition to free-rolling wheels and child-friendly designs. ( Watch Video) 8/10/2010 (Price: $39.99)

Krazy Kars: Light Up Marble Racers – Cat's Eye by SKULLDUGGERY

Light Up Marble Racers brighten the world of mini cars. Each Light Up Marble Racer contains a rolling and flashing LED marble. The exterior of the cars can be customized with the slick racing decals included with the cars.
— Bonggamom Finds declared, “Move over, Matchbox! Take a hike, Hot Wheels! There's a new kid in town.” She loved that the Racers offer girl-friendly varieties to “spark their imaginations” and are compatible with similar toy cars.
—“The Light Up Marble Racers are nothing like I have seen before” raved Shop with Me Mama Kim Delatorre. The stickers make the cars “super cool looking” and piqued the interest of both her son and daughter.
— In a summer 2011 survey, Rebecca Goblish, owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthly that Marble Racers are her best-selling die-cast toys. She sold 3 dozen of their race tracks last Christmas season.
Awards:  2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal. 8/6/2010 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Star Wars Luke's Landspeeder by LEGO

This Star Wars LEGO set includes Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, R2-D2, C-3PO and a sandtrooper. The landspeeder vehicle conceals a secret lightsaber compartment and measures 6" x 2" x 2".
— “We sell an amazing amount of LEGO,” Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston’s Child’s Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in June 2010. Shanna Frieling, owner of Giggles Toy & More in Bozeman, Mont., agreed: “Legos are still the best sellers.”
— In a June 2010 survey of 40 retailers, six named LEGO a top seller for boys ages 4 to 12.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller (entire LEGO line) 7/30/2010 (Price: $24.99)

Morphibians Shark by KID GALAXY INC.

This four-wheel drive, remote-controlled vehicle can be navigated over land and on water. It has working headlights and requires two AA batteries. The controller takes an additional two AAA batteries (not included).
— Grafton Stine from Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that R/C vehicles from Kid Galaxy were their best-selling electronic toy.
— In a November 2011 survey, Elmer Carranza, assistant manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that "The Morphibians are great. They can run through dirt, grass, puddle of water and look like sharks and frogs. We sell about 6-8 in a month."
—  As of August 2010, this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 40 reviews on Amazon.com. Parents liked that it is versatile and easy to use, but some complained that it required two types of batteries. ( Watch Video) 7/29/2010 (Price: $29.99)

Little People Wheelies Stand ‘n Play Rampway by FISHER-PRICE INC.

This ramp features performance-packed play with toddler-appropriate activities. The set is over 2' tall, anchored by two rolling ramps with places to play on both sides. Included are two Little People mini-vehicles - a sports car and a Formula One racer. The cars can also be loaded onto the clicking elevator to bring it to the top all over again. 7/27/2010 (Price: $39.99)

Syma S107 Mini Indoor Built-in Gyroscope RC Helicopter by RC TOY HOUSE

Equipped with gyroscope technology, this helicopter can fly up, down, left, right, forward and backward. It measures 7.5" x 3.8" x 7.5," and can be charged by transmitter or USB cable.
— As of 7.26.2010, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 44 reviews on Amazon.com, and was listed No. 15 in the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Moves in multiple directions and is durable and stable. Comes with LED lights and a USB charger. CONS: Moves somewhat slowly. USB charger can mean a longer recharge time. 7/26/2010 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Automoblox Minis 3-Pack by AUTOMOBLOX

These sporty wooden toy cars feature streamlined shapes and realistic brightly colored "windows" and "tires." ( Watch Video) 7/23/2010 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Automoblox Mini M9 Sport Van Green by AUTOMOBLOX

This sporty wooden toy car features a streamlined shape and realistic green "windows" and "tires." 7/23/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Automoblox C9p Sportscar Pink by AUTOMOBLOX

This sporty wooden toy car features a streamlined shape and realistic bubblegum-pink "windows" and "tires." 7/23/2010 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wave Breakers™ Barracuda by KID GALAXY INC.

At the pool, on the pond, or on the shores of a small lake, Kid Galaxy's Barracuda is a fun, refreshing water toy. Durable, fast and easy to steer, the boat is designed with a distinctive hull for stability on the water's surface and a steerable prop for responsive handling. The boat comes in two colors: bold red and white, and bright yellow. The two designs are 49MHz and 27MHz respectively, allowing for two boats to race and play together without crossing the signals from the controllers. The vehicle requires one 9V and 6 AA batteries, which do not come with the set.
— In a Summer 2011 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers said that R/C vehicles from Kid Galaxy were their best-selling electronic or battery-operated product.
― Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston's Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., said in June 2010 she sells three Kid Galaxy Barracudas per month, and listed this item as her best-selling electronic toy.
― “They're really good and sturdy. [Kid Galaxy] is a great company to work with,” said Sarah Evers, owner of Dancing Bear Toys in Hendersonville, N.C., after telling TDmonthly Kid Galaxy is her top-selling electronics line during a summer 2010 survey.
— Though Pun’s Toys is not a hobby store, “we sell dozens [of Kid Galaxy products] in total each month,'' said Owner Joe Beradoni, whose store is located in Bryn Mawr, Penn. 7/21/2010 (Price: $40.00)

Morphibians™ Killer Whale by KID GALAXY INC.

The ferocious Morphibian Killer Whale packs a lot of features into one durable, adventure-seeking package. This full-function, radio-controlled vehicle performs on land and in the water. Whether pond-side, pool-side, in the house or in the yard, the Morphibian tackles all kinds of terrain. The Killer Whale works on a 27MHz frequency, allowing it to coexist with another of Kid Galaxy's 49MHz vehicles without controller confusion, and requires two AAA and three AA batteries (not included).
― “Kid Galaxy's Morphibian does great,” said Terry Myers, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock, Texas, in June 2010.
― “[The] Morphibians are popular items,” said Sandy Challinor, owner of Owl's Nest Toy Store in Southlake, Texas. In Summer 2010, Challinor reported sales of 30 to 40 Morphibians per month.
― Sixteen of 40 retailers surveyed in June 2010 told TDmonthly Kid Galaxy is their best-selling electronic line. 7/21/2010 (Price: $30.00)

RoadZters by CEPIA GAMES

The ZBall is a special marble very easy to control and that can stop in inclines. Players have to flick their way through the obstacles as fast as possible to win the race, and they can jump over their opponent’s car to pass them. No batteries are required, and hundreds of tracks can be designed for over 13' of fun. Kids can also use the track and cars separately to play by themselves. "This is the only race track on the market that can be played on with the whole family and doesn't need electricity!" Cedric Arnould, vice president of CEPIA Games, told TDmonthly. 7/9/2010 (Price: $44.90) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

1:18 Scale 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 by GreenLight Collectibles LLC

This licensed 1:18 scale special edition die cast replica features a detailed engine, real rubber tires, metal body and chassis, detailed graphics and custom license plate. 7/9/2010 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rumblies Garret Garbage Truck by MANHATTAN TOY

Garret Garbage Truck features blinking lights and clicking wheels. He also has a retractable tail pipe. Durable, soft construction and materials make this truck suited for indoor play.
Awards: Canadian Toy Testing Council 2-Star Award 7/9/2010 (Price: $24.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rumblies Adam Ambulance by MANHATTAN TOY

Adam Ambulance features lights that blink and plastic wheels that click when moved. Durable, soft-sided construction and materials make this truck suited for indoor play.
Awards: Canadian Toy Testing Council 2-Star Award; Toy Wishes Top Pick 7/9/2010 (Price: $24.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rocky the Robot Truck by MATTEL INC.

This interactive dump truck speaks over 100 phrases, talking and interacting with kids and even telling jokes. Rocky can also "sleep" and "snore."
Awards: TOTY Toy of the Year Award finalist 7/1/2010 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Stinky the Garbage Truck by MATTEL INC.

Children can "feed" Stinky cars and watch him gobble them up and spit them out. He also talks, and can even break into a singing-and-dancing routine when prompted.
 —  As of 10.25.10, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Target.com and was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games. 7/1/2010 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crane Truck by BRUDER TOYS AMERICA INC.

This truck measures 16.7" x 6.9" x 9.5" and includes a telescopic and height-adjustable crane unit swivels 360 degrees and features a locking mechanism for the hook. Other features include rubber-like wheels and a toolbox that opens and closes.
— Bruder trucks were on the top-10 best-seller list at Totally Thomas Toy Depot in San Diego in July 2010. “Customers really love the working parts and the German quality that so sets this toy apart,” President Cynthia Wyatt told TDmonthly. “As a Flagship dealer, we have access to Bruder’s replacement parts service, and are able to support this product end-to-end. Bruder’s service that they back us with is awesome. Not to mention we usually get next-day service when we do order from them. They are a great company to work with.”
— Kelly Ratoff, manager, says the Kennebunk Toy Co., in Kennebunk, Me., sells approximately 25 Bruder toys per month. ( Watch Video) 6/29/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Name Trains by MAPLE LANDMARK WOODCRAFT CO.

These 2"-high trains can be customized with a child's name and are compatible with Maple Landmark trains and other wooden track systems, including Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio wooden trains. Name Trains letter cars connect with simple and safe magnets and are made from New England rock maple.
— Tye Steinbach from Thinker Toys in Portland, Ore., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Name Trains from Maple Landmark are one of their store's best-selling toys. They sell a few dozen each month. ( Watch Video) 6/29/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

2009 Chevrolet Suburban Armored Presidential Escort Vehicle by M & D INTERNATIONAL

This 2009 Chevy Suburban SUV Presidential Escort Vehicle, fully licensed by GM and the U.S. government, is carefully re-created in highly collectible die-cast. The model measures 5.5" x 1.75" x 1.75". Features include front articulated doors revealing an authentic detailed interior, rolling wheels, and Presidential seals and flags. The model is detailed with Presidential license plate #44 on the rear and USA1 on the front. 6/28/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]