Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
*Decide whether or not a toy train table is right for you
Most parents looking into starting train sets for children look into a train table first. What you need to do, though, is decide whether or not this is the best decision for you. Train tables are large, they can be very expensive, and they can limit kids' imaginations. Yes, they keep track layouts together, but they also are very limited in terms of space. In fact, many kids who have tables simply work around or off of the table and use the floor instead. When it comes to train layouts, often it's about the size for kids. They get a much bigger thrill out of a large track on the ground than a small one on a table.
The other thing to keep in mind is that some train tables are more versatile than others. Some tables are made low to the ground so that they can slide under beds on a track (similar to a trundle bed). These train tables are great for those with limited space. Other train tables have built-in storage bins for extra track and trains, which will soon become a necessity once your collection gets going.
"Real" Thomas train tables are cute with their real Sodor layouts and painted sides with train reliefs, but they also have a hefty price tag without having any added benefit. There is nothing unique about these tables except that they are Thomas licensed. Other than that, you could get something more functional in an off or store brand.
Another option to use instead of a train table is a rug. There are Thomas-licensed floor rugs that are much less expensive than tables, and they allow kids to build off of the edges if they desire. If having a "real" Thomas item isn't important to you, then there are other rugs that are larger and more elaborate than the licensed Thomas mats.
One last option is to build a train table yourself. There are plenty of do-it-yourself instructions out there, and materials are relatively inexpensive. Look at an actual toy train table as a model; correct height is critical. Train tables that you make yourself can be any size, which means that a large collection can be supported on a large table for a reasonable cost. A hollow door laid flat makes a great train table play area; deck posts can be cut down to size and used as legs. (These tables are very heavy, but they are also sturdy and will get use for a much longer period of time than a regular toy table.)
*Select good quality track
While it is EXTREMELY tempting to buy off-brand track because it's not something your child will notice much, off-brand track is actually a bad idea. While Learning Curve wooden track does cost a lot, it is well worth the money spent. Cheaper track does not always fit together the right way and splits easily when under stress from rearranging pieces. (I am a relatively cheap person who's not employed by Learning Curve, and I'll tell you that it is well-worth the money spent to buy the real thing.) The exception to this is BRIO track, which is well made toy track. The downside is that BRIO is almost as expensive (if not more so) than Thomas brand track, so it really isn't a viable substitution.
One thing to keep in mind about "real" track is that there are two main kinds. Years ago, the manufacturers of Thomas track made something called "Clickity Clack" track which allowed kids to hear the sound of the train on the track. It has small ridges cut into the track at close intervals to produce the clacking sound. The newer Thomas track is different and more closely resembles real railroad track. The difference between the two types of track is important because used Thomas toys are often for sale on eBay. eBay is a great place to get used Thomas items, but you'll want to make sure that whatever track you buy is the same kind. While lot auctions of Thomas items are often great deals, BE WARY. Sellers will often offer "authentic" Thomas auctions for lots of track, trains, and destinations...and it is only after they've shipped that you realize you've been given authentic Thomas trains and cheap track. Closely look at auction pictures and descriptions before falling for this trick.
*Choose destinations wisely
While recognizable Thomas destinations are great because kids know about them and love them, there are some important things to know about adding bridges and buildings to your toy train layouts. First of all, destinations take up a lot of space on a table. If you're using a table, choose only a few or you won't have much space for track. Also, layouts on a table can be very difficult to arrange when you're trying to work too many buildings in. You'll also then have to purchase several strange (and expensive) track pieces to get things all together. Stick to a few buildings and you're golden.
If you have room and want to buy several buildings or bridges for your child, this is where you can purchase non-Thomas items that kids will love. The Thomas roundhouse is a great toy, but there are off-brands such as Imaginarium out there that cost 30% to 50% less--and they're practically the same toy. The same goes for bridges and train stations. Since your child probably can't read at this stage, tell them a knock off station is "Knapford" and they'll never know the difference.
By the way, don't worry if a cheaper building or bridge is built around the cheaper track. The one piece attached to the building or bridge won't make much of a difference. Much of the problem with cheap track is in the curves and larger pieces.
One of the shortcuts you can take with your train collection is to buy additional destinations built by other manufacturers. There are construction site layouts, airport layouts, and city layouts that are not Thomas licensed, but the buildings are appealing to kids because they're added to a regular set--they're not a substitution.
*Purchase a few authentic Thomas destinations or locations
Even though you're trying to save money on your Thomas train collection, there are a few authentic items you shouldn't exclude. Don't buy any non-branded trains; kids love Thomas because of the faces on the trains. Kids do not like to play with "plain" trains; if you don't believe me, try adding a "plain" train to a handful of Thomas ones and see what happens. More often than not, kids will not play with them.
When you select Thomas items, choose authentic ones that pack the most punch. These are items that have a lot of interactive qualities or are easily recognized by kids. For example, the Boulder Mountain playset provides hours of fun and is very interactive. Look for the special edition at Toys R US---there you can buy just the mountain and accessories without having to buy the entire boulder mountain set elsewhere. Additionally, Cranky the Crane is something all Thomas fans love. Cranky is pretty reasonable when compared to everything else Thomas and he will get more play than almost anything else, guaranteed. He's a sure winner when it comes to a Thomas layout.
The key to saving money on authentic Learning Curve Thomas items is to be selective about what you get. If at all possible, buy parts of sets instead of whole sets. If you're just starting out, then a whole Thomas destination track set can be a great investment. However, don't get caught in a trap of buying a new track set for hundreds of dollars everytime your child can get one or two new pieces out of it. eBay sellers often split sets and sell individual pieces in auctions.
*Plan purchases carefully to save money on Thomas items
To buy used Thomas sets, check garage sales, children's resale shops, local newspaper ads, Craigslist ads (or place "wanted" ads), and eBay. Be sure, though, that trains are in relatively good condition before purchasing them.
Another way to save money is to purchase OLDER Thomas DVDs and videos. If your child loves to watch Thomas, stay away from the newest videos that come out--the reason being that these movies are vehicles for marketing new products to kids. If your child sees an item in a Thomas movie, he or she is much more likely to want it when going to the store. If you stick to older movies, many of those items are no longer for sale so your child won't recognize too many items on store shelves. While they still may see things they like, kids are much more likely to want the Thomas items they see "in action" in the show and movies. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that avoiding every single new released DVD will save you from spending exponentially.
It is possible to create a great Thomas the Tank Engine train layout for your child for a reasonable cost. The trick is knowing where to spend and where to save--a blend of both types of items should make everyone happy.