TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Rail Roads & Trains Product Category

New York City Subway Wooden Railway 1-Train Broadway/7 Av Local by FAY GRAPHIC DESIGN LTD.

The 1-Train runs from Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, all the way to the South Ferry at the southern tip of Manhattan. This Broadway/7 Av Local 1-Train is based on the R-62 model. Features a solid hardwood upper body with magnetic connectors to play on all standard wooden railway tracks. 4-inches long. Safe, sturdy and fun for ages 3 and older. ( Watch Video) 10/16/2008 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

New York City Subway Wooden Railway A-Train 8 Avenue Express by FAY GRAPHIC DESIGN LTD.

The A-Train runs from Inwood at the top of Manhattan, to Far Rockaway in Queens; more than 31 miles, the longest line in the system. This A-Train 8 Avenue Express is based on the R-143 model. Features a solid hardwood upper body with magnetic connectors to play on all standard wooden railway tracks. Realistic signage--just like current in-service subway cars. 5-inches long. Safe, sturdy and fun for ages 3 and older. 10/16/2008 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

New York City Subway Wooden Railway F-Train 6 Avenue Local by FAY GRAPHIC DESIGN LTD.

The F-Train runs from 179 St. in Jamaica, Queens into Manhattan, and then down to Coney Island in Brooklyn. This F-Train 6 Avenue Local train is based on the R-64 model. Features a solid hardwood upper body with magnetic connectors to play on all standard wooden railway tracks. Realistic signage--just like current in-service subway cars. 5-inches long. Safe, sturdy and fun for ages 3 and older. 10/16/2008 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Battery Operated Sir Topham Hatt Figure 8 by LEARNING CURVE

This 26-piece introductory set includes a complete figure 8 of track with a riser to support the overpass, a train car and a battery-operated Thomas the Tank Engine character train. Thomas runs on his own at the touch of a button, pulling cars behind him. Children can stop him at the station of Sir Topham Hatt, allowing them to act out their favorite Thomas stories or invent their own. It is fully compatible with all other Thomas the Tank Engine wooden railway sets.
— “Thomas the Train has had major resurgence,” said Christine Osborne, owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., when asked in October 2008 about top-selling hobby items.
— “We sell Thomas trains; [they] would be our best selling,” answered Terry Young, owner of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va.
—  Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., told TDmonthly in October 2008 that Thomas the Tank Engine is one of her overall best sellers. 9/19/2008 (Price: $59.99)

Vintage Railroad by U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.

A nostalgic playing card deck featuring railroad cards and locomotives from the early trains of the world. The cards were created with the artwork and original descriptions from vintage insert cards from the early 1900s. The 54-card deck, perfect for train buffs, is suitable for most card games. 8/14/2008 (Price: $6.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tracktion Deluxe Station Set by KIDS TOUCH LEARNING

Tracktion Deluxe Station Set is a great way to introduce the love of trains to your child. Simple snap-together double-sided tracks make it easy for all ages to design their own. Set includes total 110 pcs: 2 train sets with real working head lights, multicolored tracks and more accessories. All pieces are easily stored in the convenient carrying case. 8/7/2008 (Price: $39.99)

Backyard Riding Train by GREAT AMERICAN TRAIN CO.

The train is only 3’ tall at its highest point, and yet is powerful enough to carry the operator and seven to eight additional adults or children. The train is 24-volt battery-powered for safety, reliability, ease of operation and low maintenance, and features solid bronze and brass trim, cast-iron wheels, powder-coat painted steel and cast aluminum. The trains run on 7.25" and 7.5" gauge heavy-duty, aluminum track mounted to specially treated 2" x 2" wooden railroad ties. A built-in digital sound system and smoke and steam generator are included to provide a more realistic and authentic riding train experience. Launch date: May 10, 2008. 6/16/2008

Mega Trains™ Train Set by WHITTLE TOY COMPANY

Mega Trains™ is a giant sized train set that can operate on the same size track as traditional wooden toy trains, but the train set is twice as big. The Mega Trains™ line includes the Diesel, Steam Engine, Boxcar, Caboose, Hopper, Tankcar, and Tender. Prices range from $17.99 to $24.99. 6/2/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

RC2 Brands Thomas Wooden Railway Oval Set by LEARNING CURVE

This 13-piece set includes 10 pieces of wooden track, a Thomas the Tank Engine Train, a passenger car and a railroad crossing sign. The set measures approximately 20-1/4" x 17-1/2" x 2-2/5".
 — “The new Thomas trains do best when they come out,” Linda Angel, owner of Kidoodles Toys in Norman, Okla., told TDmonthly in April 2008. “I usually order a dozen and they sell through pretty quickly.”
— “We try not to carry anything that's in a big store … [but] we do carry Thomas the Tank, definitely,” Fran Anaya, owner of Golden Aspen Toys in Flagstaff, Ariz., told TDmonthly in April 2008.
— Over one-tenth of retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in spring 2008 named Thomas trains as their best-selling licensed product. 5/8/2008 (Price: $12.99)

Metal Speedster – Fire Truck by SCHYLLING

The ride-on toy features a colored steel body, detailed chrome accents, a working horn, a working steering column, plastic fenders and rubber tires.
— Nadine Walsh, manager of Yikes Toys in Tucson, Ariz., told TDmonthly that “push cars by Schylling” are the most popular ride-on toys in the store.
— For Susan Pruett, manager of Kilmarnock Toy Store in Kilmarnock, Va., Schylling’s ride-ons are her stores’ best-selling ride-ons. They sell on “average about three a month,” Pruett told TDmonthly.
— Two of 45 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in early 2008 singled out the Schyllilng when asked which manufacturer’s ride-ons were most popular. In March 2009, Jessica Jeffrey, manager of Red Balloon Toy Shop in Orleans, Mass., told TDmonthly this is her best-selling ride-on, reporting sales of one to two per month. 3/24/2008 (Price: $79.99)

Amtrak F-40 Three Car Passenger Set by WHITTLE TOY COMPANY

Amtrak has been serving our nation's railroad passenger service since 1971. This Amtrak Superliner three piece set is replicated with outstanding detail and is a perfect addition to any wooden railway system. This train set consists of a F-40 diesel engine, baggage car, and Superliner Coach Car. 1/25/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Polar Express™ G-Gauge by LIONEL ELECTRIC TRAINS

Set includes: locomotive; coal tender; passenger coach with two opening doors; observation car with “disappearing hobo” feature and opening door; three Polar Express figures; G-Gauge track (55” x 72” oval); RC remote controller (with two AA batteries included); easy-to-repack storage box. Operate this train using a 9.6 volt rechargeable battery (not included) or use six conventional C batteries (included).
— Cynthia Phillips Strinich, owner of Phillip's Toy Mart in Nashville, Tenn., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2012 survey that Lionel train sets were among her best selling collectible items. 10/18/2007 (Price: $129.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Polar Express™ O-Gauge by LIONEL ELECTRIC TRAINS

Now you can own the Polar Express train featured in both the best-selling book and the hit movie. Set includes: 2-8-4 Berkshire locomotive and tender; two passenger coaches; one observation car; four Polar Express figures; enough FasTrack to create a 40" x 60" layout; powerful CW-80 Transformer. Locomotive features die-cast metal body and frame, operating headlight, puffing smoke. Passenger cars feature interior lighting. 10/18/2007 (Price: $299.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Harry Potter™ Hogwarts Express by LIONEL ELECTRIC TRAINS

Now you can bring the magical world of HARRY POTTER™ to life with the new HOGWARTS EXPRESS™ ready-to-run train set by Lionel! Set includes: 4-6-0 locomotive and tender; two passenger coaches; one observation car; enough FasTrack to create a 40" x 60" layout; powerful CW-80 Transformer. Locomotive features die-cast metal body, operating headlight, puffing smoke. Passenger cars feature interior lighting. 10/18/2007 (Price: $299.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Great Western Electric Train Set with Lincoln Logs by LIONEL ELECTRIC TRAINS

Blow the whistle and pull into town—your adventures in the Wild West are ready to begin! Set includes: General-type steam locomotive and tender; wood-sided reefer; flatcar with horses; baggage car; enough FasTrack to create a 40" x 60" layout; PowerMax transformer; smoke fluid; two Lincoln Logs buildings. Locomotive features operating headlight and puffing smoke unit. Train length: 48.25" 10/18/2007 (Price: $209.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Amtrak Genesis Three Car Set by WHITTLE TOY COMPANY

Amtrak Genesis Three Car Set: Amtrak has been operating our nation’s railroad passenger service since 1971. This Amtrak Superliner three piece set is replicated with outstanding detail and is a perfect addition to any wooden railway system. The set consists of a P-40 Genesis Engine, Baggage Car, and Superliner Coach Car. (Price: $49.99) 9/27/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Little Engine That Could™ Set by WHITTLE TOY COMPANY

The Little Engine That Could™ Set: It’s the train that’s kept rolling since 1930. The train that made the phrase “I Think I Can, I Think I Can,” is a permanent part of our American lexicon and continues to teach us the power of positive thinking. This set consists of five cars: The Little Blue Engine, Yellow Gondola, Red Toy Car, White Milk Car, and Red Caboose.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.
— As of 7/21/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Amazon.com. 9/27/2007 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Santa Fe Warbonnet Set by WHITTLE TOY COMPANY

Santa Fe Warbonnet Diesel Set: The Santa Fe Warbonnet design is the most recognized diesel locomotive color scheme in North America. Designed to add a splash of color to the railroad’s new streamliners in the 1930’s, the design was used through the end of Santa Fe’s passenger service, and later re-introduced for inter-model freight service. The set consists of five cars: Santa Fe Diesel Engine, Santa Fe Boxcar, Santa Fe Hopper, Denver & Rio Grande Western Cattle Car, and the Santa Fe Caboose. (Price: $49.99 each) 9/27/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Percy and Carnival Set by LEARNING CURVE

This 40-piece playset features Thomas and Percy in a carnival-themed adventure. A push-button race starts the fun, with sound effects to top it off. Exciting spiral action and an elevated track mean roller-coaster fun. The giant hill, dizzying spiral ramp, hairpin turn, bulls-eye target, fun house and carnival scenes all support imaginative play. The set includes Thomas and an exclusive Percy, enough track for a 40" x 17" layout, and can connect with other play sets.
— "Consistent sellers are the Thomas trains," said Gary Rogers, owner of Rogers Pool, Patio, and Toy in Lowell, Mass., when asked by TDmonthly to predict Christmas 2007 sales.
— "Trains — Thomas is still probably the biggest seller," said Frances Finfrock, owner of Aunt Franny's Toys in Richland, Wash., when asked what younger boys will be into during the holiday season.
— Eight of 54 specialty retailers predicted that Thomas trains will still chug along, despite recalls, once the peak season comes around in late 2007. 9/20/2007 (Price: $65.99)

Alphabet Train Track by SSCM

Fashioned to be added to an existing train set, this track is made in the USA of high-quality maple wood. It features a colorful display of the alphabet and is 16” long. The depth of engraving and the glossy, non-toxic, bright colors make the letters very visible. “It’s a unique product with engraved colorful letters [to help kids] play and learn,” a representative of SSCM told TDmonthly. 8/29/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® O Gauge Ready-to-Run Train Set by M T H ELECTRIC TRAINS

A RailKing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer train set is a great way to start a family's model railroading tradition. Outfitted with colorfully decorated O gauge cars and a locomotive that sports a red flashing headlight and comes equipped with full digital sound, each set is ready to go right out of the box.  Designed for years of use, the all-metal gears, wheels and axles will ensure a lifetime of fun. This set possesses “exceptional value and quality unmatched in other manufacturer's O Gauge ready-to-run train sets,” Amy Grossman of M T H Electric Trains told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2007. 8/29/2007 (Price: $349.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cab Ride From Kansas City to Chicago by A-TRAINS.COM

Travel on-board an Amtrak P-42 "Genesis" locomotive pulling the Southwest Chief between Kansas City and Chicago. See the entire line, and listen to the comments of the crew as they point out railroad and historical features along the way. 7/23/2007 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BNSF Francisco Peaks Wood Framed Clock by A-TRAINS.COM

BNSF clock showing a westbound BNSF train with Arizona's beauriful San Francisco Peaks in the background. 7/23/2007 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Giant Sized Big Boy Poster by A-TRAINS.COM

This magnificant poster captures every detail of Big Boy #4017. Measuring 14" x 54", it is a supurb addition to your railroad room. 7/23/2007 (Price: $17.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Winter Freights on the Durango & Silverton by A-TRAINS.COM

In “Winter Freights on the Durango & Silverton”, turn back the calendar and enjoy several mixed freight and passenger trains that were run strictly for photographers. 7/23/2007 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]