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

Peanuts Starter Train Set by LGB OF AMERICA INC.

Trains are popular with adults and kids alike. This Peanuts Train starter set includes a steam locomotive, several Peanuts cars, and a full circle track.
— At Giggles Toys and More in Bozeman, Mont., adults enjoy train sets by LGB, reported Owner Shanna Frieling. 6/4/2007 (Price: $319.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Canadian Pacific 2816 by A-TRAINS.COM

Visit beautiful Western Canada and pay a visit to one of North America’s handsomest steam locomotives, Canadian Pacific “Hudson” 4-6-4 #2816. 4/13/2007 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Winter Steam Spectacular by A-TRAINS.COM

If you like steam locomotives, then seeing steam in the winter season is a treat, with the snow, and cold winter days with steam billowing ever with steam billowing everwhere! In “Winter Steam Spectacular” you’ll visit 5 steam railroads and see some special winter operations! 4/13/2007 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BNSF's Arizona Divide by A-TRAINS.COM

Travel to beautiful northern Arizona and one of the most interesting stretches of railroad in the United States, BNSF's mainline over the Arizona Divide. 4/13/2007 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Train Table by HEROS TOYS

The solid wood Heros train table is a perfect size for the home, being smaller than the huge ones typically seen in toy stores. It measures 26-1/2” x 24” x 18-1/2”. It can be purchased with the complete train and track set or as just the table for all kinds of play. This quality product is made in the Heros factory in Germany. Launch date: March 2007. ( Watch Video) 4/6/2007 (Price: $149.00)

Bridge and Crane Figure 8 Set by LEARNING CURVE

The Bridge & Crane Figure 8 Set is the perfect introduction to the world of Thomas & Friends. It contains the exclusive Sodor Shipping Crane, Sling Bridge, Thomas, Sir Topham Hatt and more.
— Co-owner Bob Breneman indicated that although wooden trains, generally, have shrunk as a category, the RC2 Thomas the Train line is still quite strong and a best seller at G. Willikers in Portsmouth, N.H. In particular, the Figure 8 sets sell well. 3/13/2007

Roller Coaster Theme Park by MAXIM ENTERPRISE INC.

This park takes a fun spin on the traditional train set with elements of an amusement park that include a motorized track, a merry-go-round that spins the horses and plays a song, and a musical Ferris wheel. It is compatible with other fine wooden railway sets. This set “has multiple accessories that come with the set rather than having to be purchased at a later date,” Kris Millington, vice president of marketing and development for Maxim Enterprise, told TDmonthly. Also, “it has a self-feeding motorized track that allows the coaster cars to be brought up the track to start their ride down.” Launch date: June 1, 2007. 3/1/2007 (Price: $200.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wooden Railway Set by MELISSA & DOUG

 Melissa & Doug's Wooden Railway Set provides children with the complete train toy experience. Watch the trains roar by on a system kids help design themselves, complete with cranes, switches and T-junctions. The set comes with 138 pieces, bridges, dozens of curved and straight tracks, trestle bridges, workers, trees, a big Roundhouse, as well as roundtable. The set also comes with a lifetime warranty. 
— "There are train sets — a lot of companies make them — but Melissa & Doug hold up the best," was the enthusiastic endorsement given by Susan Pruett, owner of Kilmarnock Toy Store in Kilmarnock, VA. 2/19/2007 (Price: $80.00)

115 UP Big Boy BRASS 4-8-8-4 by PRECISION CRAFT MODELS

Part of the Museum Brass Collection, the limited edition Big Boy is an extraordinary, awe-inspiring creation that features an authentic design, paint and color schemes as well as a full digital sound system for the robust chuff and whistle. It has brass bells, chains and factory-installed figures, and comes with a heavy-duty wooden exterior box and a beautiful display case with roller bearings and power input. Launch date: Early 2007. 12/19/2006 (Price: $2995.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Breakdown Train by RC2 BRANDS

This train comes to the rescue of ailing vehicles in the rest of the Thomas the Train wooden line. It provides a great, fun way for kids to learn the value of helping out folks (or trains) in distress. Thomas the Train “has such a strong character base and teaches kids how to play together,” Kathleen Tutone, owner of Treehouse Toys in Portland, Maine, told TDmonthly. 12/6/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Thomas the Tank Engine by LEARNING CURVE

Sit and scoot on Thomas the Train with the Thomas the Tank Engine Train Rideon. This riding toy encourages activity, as the motion-activated engine sounds act as a reward. The 3-in-1 design of the ride on allows toddlers to scoot along, push it around, or be pushed along by an adult (with optional handle). Motion-activated sounds encourages scooting around. 11/27/2006

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Load & Sort Recycling Center by RC2 BRANDS

Kids can keep the Island of Sodor in tip-top shape with this recycling center. They can load paper, bottles and cans into the station, and discover what fun sounds they make as they’re magically sorted. This “Sights & Sounds” destination includes a hard-to-find vehicle and requires three AA batteries (included). It received the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award for 2007. “Thomas Wooden Railway is specifically designed to grow with a child by fostering creative and imaginative play,” Laura Mares, marketing manager at Learning Curve, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2006.
— "For wood, it would be Thomas," was the endorsement given to TDmonthly by Shanna Frieling, owner of Giggles Toys & More in Bozeman, Mont.
— "The wooden trains by Thomas...by far," was the comment on wooden toy sales provided by Shirley Reilly, owner of Let's Play in Hillsboro, Ore.
—"Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway is the perfect last-minute gift or stocking stuffer. Thomas Wooden Railway's deep product line offers a wide range of price points, from $10.99 engines to deluxe sets, and is always a welcome gift for any Thomas & Friends enthusiast," Mares added. 11/14/2006 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

North Pole Central Train by LIONEL ELECTRIC TRAINS

Perfect for traversing the terrain around a Christmas tree, this set comes straight from the North Pole to a living room near you. 11/14/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LGB TOYTRAIN/EPL 125th Anniversary Starter Set by LGB OF AMERICA INC.

This special starter set celebrates the 125th anniversary of Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk, the maker of LGB, and offers kids an easy way to enter the World of LGB. A sturdy little steam loco pulls a gondola car with an LGB teddy bear and a colorful passenger coach. Also included are an oval of track, a safety-approved, 1-amp power supply; quick-connect cable and more. Parents can unpack it, assemble it and run it in minutes. Launch date: 2006. ( Watch Video) 11/3/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

24355 WR/LGB Festival Streetcar by LGB OF AMERICA INC.

From his childhood in his hometown of Brandenburg, Germany, LGB co-creator Wolfgang Richter remembers the good old days of streetcars, and this LGB model, personally requested by Wolfgang Richter, echoes that era. It's a classic streetcar beautifully decorated in the livery created to celebrate “100-Jahre Straßenbahn in Brandenburg” in 1997 and a roof-mounted sign to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk in 2006. Only 200 pieces of this very special model will be made, and each will be signed personally by Wolfgang Richter. Launch date: 2006. 11/3/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

27251 C&S Forney Steam Loco by LGB OF AMERICA INC.

The “Forney” type steam loco is a favorite among railfans, both for its unique appearance and its unique ability to handle tight curves. This LGB Colorado & Southern Forney is equipped with a massive snow plow and tall “bear trap” smoke stack. The cab doors open to reveal detailed cab controls. A powerful Bühler motor and twin traction tires give it impressive pulling power. It also includes a smoke generator, directional lighting and DCC interface. Launch date: 2006. 11/3/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

O-Gauge Christmas Caboose by LIONEL ELECTRIC TRAINS

This colorful O-gauge Christmas caboose completes a holiday train display. It features die-cast metal trucks and operating couplers and interior illumination. The caboose measures 7-1/4". Launch date: 2006. 11/3/2006 (Price: $44.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Holiday Tradition Express by LIONEL ELECTRIC TRAINS

In this G-gauge homage to the classic Lionel train sets, the fully animated Lionel Holiday Tradition Express is ready for a festive adventure. Leading the way, the locomotive features bright Christmas lights, true-to-life train chuffing and steam whistles, and two favorite holiday tunes. Just behind the tender, the animated bell car is powered by two elves who crank the handles, swinging the bells into action. The animated work caboose carries Santa’s bag, and Santa stands waving at the rear of the train. With five separate animations, the Lionel Holiday Tradition Express is the train set that families will proudly display for years to come. Launch date: 2006. ( Watch Video) 11/3/2006 (Price: $279.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Alphabet Train by A-TRAINS.COM

From A-to-Z, “Amtrak-to-Zephyr,” packed with one full hour of fun and learning, this exciting video enhances children’s natural learning ability while exploring some of the coolest aspect’s of real trains. Your child will develop his skills in vocabulary and phonics, and while interacting with our kids on the video, will explore: "In & Out", "Over & Under","Teamwork", "Above & Below", "Off & On", "Same & Different", all sorts of really cool trains and their sounds, train safety, railroad jobs from "Brakeman-to-Yardmaster” , and of course, The Alphabet. Written by a Mother of two/ professional childcare-giver, and teamed up with awesome footage from award-winning producer Les Jarrett,this video is sure to please the whole family. Lot's of really neat steam, diesel, and electric trains! 10/10/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Iron Dragon by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

Fantasy and reality meet in this exciting offshoot of our popular game system. A must for any Empire fan looking for a new twist! 8/28/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Empire Builder by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

Featuring two American loves-railroads and cold cash-Empire Builder is as easy as connecting the dots. Players draw tracks with crayons on an erasable board and operate a rail empire in an effort to accumulate the most money. 8/28/2006 (Price: $38.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway by LEARNING CURVE

This wooden railway toy is the classic among the Thomas & Friends line. Compatible with wooden railway toys from other manufacturers, this replica of the popular children's character embodies the hopes and dreams of mini-Thomas fans.
— “Thomas the Tank by RC2 — I sell 100 to 150 units a month,” Ray Goodhart, owner of Ages and Stages Toy Box in Arvada, Colo., told TDmonthly.
— Janelle Cedusky, manager of Cheeky Monkey Toys in Menlo Park, Calif., told TDmonthly that her best-selling wooden toy item is “Thomas the Train by RC2 in general, but especially the Wooden Railway System. It’s hard to specify how many we sell because all are popular.”
— "Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway is the perfect last-minute gift or stocking stuffer. [The] deep product line offers a wide range of price points, from $10.99 engines to deluxe sets," said Laura Mares, marketing manager for Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway. 8/24/2006 (Price: $10.99)

Thomas and Friends Aquarium Set by LEARNING CURVE

This 83-piece track set is enclosed in a wooden box with a removable lid/seat. The track layout is 42” by 28” and includes aquarium cars and two destinations: an aquarium with swimming fish and the fish food factory. “Thomas the Tank Engine is our biggest seller ... anything by Thomas Tank,” enthused Dan Mewborn, owner of Past Time Toys in Surf City, N.C. 4/12/2006 (Price: $299.99)

Galloping Goose by PRECISION CRAFT MODELS

Modeled after the still-running engine and one cabin train of the same name, this unique train makes diesel engine sounds that sound like the real thing. It comes with individually adjustable sound effect volumes. It has an operating headlight, a directional back up light, a magnetic knuckle coupler, authentic paint scheme and correct locomotive numbers. 2/17/2006 (Price: $299) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Black and White Steam Engine Coloring Playset by BOX TRAIN EXPRESS

This set includes four “wearable” corrugated box train cars — a steam engine, two box cars and a caboose — that fold flat after play. This playset is black and white so children can color, decorate and personalize their trains. ( Watch Video) 11/29/2005 (Price: $29.95)