Editorial Review

From the popular Thomas the Tank Engine book series and television's Shining Time Station, based on the Railway Seriesby Rev. W. Awdry, comes Henry, the proud green engine. Made of hardwood, withshiny green paint, a three-dimensional face, and a magnetically coupled coal car,Henry is ready for hard work. Being one of the largest steam engines at ShiningTime Station, eight-wheeled Henry, also known as No. 3, can easily pull severalfreight cars along with his 2-inch coalcar. Wheel axles measure 1 inch across and fit standard Brio wooden traintracks, and similar 1- to 1.5-inch grooved train tracks. Train buffs young andold will enjoy recreating authentic railway scenes as they collect thesewonderfully crafted, classic train cars, bridges, ramps, tunnels, stations, andmore from the Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends Wooden Railway System. --Kathryn Gustafson ... Read more

Reviews (1)

1,2,3
I noticed the numbers on all the engines so I bought this one so I could make it so my son could count the engines from 1-10. This is number 3. Only the coal cars are marked. This is a large engine. It's size makes it difficult to push around and it derails easily. My son is 16 moths old and has trouble with this engine I recommend it if for the 2+ crowd. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A great addition to your Thomas collection.
I umm and aahh about spending this sort of money on a train table and playboard for my children but after doing my homework I decided this is the one I would buy.

Other train tables I have seen in stores are often wonky and seem quite unstable - and this is after they've been played on in the stores. So after seeing poorer quality tables for similar prices I decided to save up for the Thomas branded one and this single sided playboard.

Yes, it's expensive, but as with any "brand", it's the name you are paying for. If you want a Thomas collection of trains and accessories you are going to have to pay. I'm just starting our collection and am buying the "Thomas" trains and buildings, but found a compatible generic track for less than half the price. I was lucky enough to get this playboard at almost half price at a after Christmas sale. It's worth waiting for sales and price comparing.

It's beautifully painted and when used with the table frame is extremely strong (although I wouldn't recommend standing on it).

It's up to you to spend to decide if you want to spend this sort of money but I see this as something I won't ever have to replace and it's something my son can keep for his children. Toys like this will last!

Great fun!
We just received this playboard a couple of days ago. My son loves it! He is almost 2 and really enjoys playing with all of his Thomas trains. This playboard makes playing more interesting. It arrived in fine condition...we didn't have the problem the other reviewer had. My son has a train table (not the Thomas one) and it fits perfectly. The playboard is a great addition to our Thomas the Tank Engine collection.

Makes playing with our trains much more fun!!
We have a collection of Thomas and Brio trains and track, and use this playboard on a table that we built. While it is impossible to actually construct track that stays on "dry land" (some of the playboard scenery is rivers etc) this background scenery does add to our enjoyment of the playing with trains. The whole family (ages 1 to 30-something) enjoys constructing new layouts.

This board can easily be damaged in transit. Our second attempt was successful. I advise you to order this well before you need it. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Wish I had it, but here's the real opinion:
Honestly, I don't have this toy, but I would love it. I need to point out to anyone who thinks My Scene copied Bratz: THEY DIDN'T! My Scene girls don't have eyes bigger than their heads, aren't ugly, aren't hated by moms everywhere, etc. Here's the truth Bratz fans: your toys just plain STINK. Get over it. My Scene is a prettier, BETTER version. All the moms on this site highly disapprove of Bratz, but like My Scene. Hmm, what ARE the odds?

Mums that don't know the difference: My Scene will have a better impact on your daughter. Make the right choice. Leave the Bratz to be ugly by themselves

Well I have to say some things about this........
FIRST OF ALL BARBIE AND ELLIS SHOULDN'T GO TOGETHER
BECAUSE BARBIE IS ALREADY BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND WITH
RIVER. ANYWAY MY SCENE COPIED BRATZ.

A fun starter set
I bought this set for a friend's daughter's birthday. I wasn't sure how it would go over, because my friend has concerns about the way dolls present role models for girls. But I think the My Scene dolls are more hip than the traditional Barbie's, and the guys are a lot cuter than Ken. I really liked the little car, too.

My friend's opinion is that they have a lot of fun with the car, but she wishes that the trunk opened so that they could stow all the extra shoes and things they carry around. They like the removable keys and GPS system, and especially the seat belts. Ellis is a lot more flexible than Barbie, and my friend thinks it's really weird how Barbie's chunky feet/shoes slide off with traditional Barbie feet underneath (at least they're not little stumps, I say!), and that Barbie can't stand up in regular Barbie shoes.

Also, I have to say I'm disappointed, not in this set, but that the My Scene girls are not in the band but reduced to cheering the boys on. Come on, it's the 21st century! I know women who are in rock bands!

All in all, though, my friend's daughter has a great time with this set, and I would recommend it.

Great B-day Present
I got this for my birthday, and it rocks! (What's up with Barbie and Ellis though? I thought it was Barbie & River and then Delancey and Ellis. Oh well.) Barbie is awesome because her legs can bend in the knee. The keys can hang on the mirror. Again, this rocks!!!!!!!!!

I love it
I love my scene doll I have the whole collation this is the best I seen I relly want it so bad. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Is there no end to what these Disney Princesses can do? Now they're ice queens--in only the most flattering manner of speaking, of course. Ariel from The Little Mermaid pirouettes like an Olympic champ in her shimmery purple and aquamarine tulle costume. Just snap the (admittedly unattractive) plastic belt around Ariel's waist, wind her up, and watch her spin! After the show, Ariel can slip into something more fashionable: a turquoise-ruffed lavender suit with matching boots and over-the-shoulder bag. Ariel's moveable joints allow her to explore many different poses and skating moves, although it's a shame the mechanics of those joints are so exposed. Her long gloves don't quite cover her unfinished looking elbows. The good news is Ariel can now strut her regal stuff underwater and in shimmering ice palaces. --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An enduring favourite
My 4 yr old got this last christmas together with a few other titles. It's definitely his favourite and still keeps him occupied. There are nice counting and matching games and rhymes. It's pages are more interactive (more things to point to) than many other titles. Pooh's pronounciation makes him a little hard to understand at the beginning.

A good book for a preschooler
This book was one of my 3 year olds first books for her LeapPad, and it is still her favorite. She likes Winnie the Pooh, and it's filled with games that help her practice counting, find objects from tallest to smallest, matching, shapes, colours, music, and more. She plays with this book by herself and likes it better than most of the Leap Start reading books. It's educational, fun, and is a great introduction to a LeapPad for a preschooler.

Great Leappad book for preschoolers!
My 3 yr old son LOVES this book! He can answer the questions and yet it was not so easy as to bore him. It's perfect for preschoolers who are learning their numbers and counting. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Compatible with wood Thomas sets; More durable than plastic
This metal battery operated James engine and his metal battery operated companions (Thomas, Lady, etc.) are for use with the wooden track. There are larger plastic battery operated engines that fit both the wooden track and the blue plastic track by Tomy.

This is a great product. Very well-constructed. Very durable. It can be switched on, go forward or backward, and it can be pushed manually--another reviewer complained that it could not be pushed, but it can be pushed.

Purchasing recommendation:
* Wait until appropriate age: Our son started with Thomas when he was 18 months old, but we did not buy any battery engines until he was 3. We wanted for him to use his imagination in pushing and pulling for a while. Now he sometimes sits back and just watches the battery engines, while at other times he pushes them.

* The metal engines are more durable: The metal engines cost more than the larger plastic battery-operated engines, but they are far more durable. They feel solid in the hand. They go both forward and backwards, while the plastic engines only go forward. They pull the wooden cars that your child may already have. They're just a better fit! ... Read more

Editorial Review

When Thomas the Tank Engine and friends get dirty after a long day's work, they can headstraight for the Sodor Engine Wash. This 6-inch-tall wooden building snaps directly into your Thomas theTank Engine railway system. Just drive the engines up to the building, turn the large red knob on the roof,and the blue foam grips will pull the engines through the wash in either direction. The Sodor Engine Washhas a smooth black roof with a silver water tank perched on top and brick facades with fancy archways oneither side. This handsome and durable structure will add lots of interest to your Thomas the Tank Enginerailway system. --Elisabeth Fredrickson ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Excellent addition to my son's collection, he loves it!
My son is 4 and 3/4 years old, and received the engine wash for his third birthday. He has had no difficulty operating it, and it is holding up wonderfully. The foam wash rollers look just like new after having countless trains run through them. There are a few pieces that may get caught up a bit but it's quite easy to release them by giving them a little push from behind.

The same engine wash is part of the local toy store's set, which obviously gets tons of wear. It is holding up very well, and is clearly a favorite of the children who sample it at the store.

I would highly recommend this piece to any Thomas enthusiast age 3 and up. I can imagine it may be challenging for a younger toddler to operate it, but it isn't intended for that age anyway.

Very fun
My son loves this! I don't know what people are talking about. The trains go through just fine, even a long line of them. My son is two and a half and very rough with his toys and I have never had a problem with this piece. it's one of his favorites.

sodor engine wash
This piece has had many bad reviews but we recently got this one and it works just fine. Maybe the manufacturer worked out the kinks because or trains go through really easy, even in a long line. One of my 2 1/2 year old sons favorites.

There are better Thomas additons
Our three year old rarly includes this engine was in his railroad set ups anymore because many of his Thomas trains don't fit through it well. The rollers are also some kind of foam that I doubt would hold up to a whole lot of use. Save your money.

Hard and frustrating
My son Tom loves Thomas the Tank Engine trains, track and accessories. He received the engine wash for his 3rd birthday and was extremely excited. Unfortuately it is very hard to push the trains through even when turning the handle at the top (which I or his Dad have to do). Not all of the trains fit and if, for example, James goes through his coal car alway becomes detatched. It looks very nice but I would only recommend this to children of older ages. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Good is always balanced with evil, and in the case of the movieThomas and the Magic Railroad, Diesel 10 is a truly icky badguy. Teamed with sidekicks Splatter and Dodge, Diesel 10 is a renegadeengine on the Island of Sodor out to destroy the harmony of Sir TophamHatt's Railway. To intensify this train's nastiness, Diesel 10--on ascale of 1 to 10--is rated 10 for devious deeds and brutal strength.Measuring 4.25 inches long, Diesel 10 has two sets of wheels thatswivel, helping this extra-long train negotiate the tracks. Equippedwith a mischievous expression, Diesel 10 is pea green and--just like inthe movie--has a claw-like arm on top to help create havoc. As with allThomas the Tank Engine Learning Curve products, Diesel 10 is made ofhard maple and has two magnets on each end to allow your child toexpand their set. --Diane Tuman ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Diesel's Claw is pretty cool
Diesel 10 was introduced in Thomas and the Magic Railroad and his claw goes backwards and fowards. It's fun to have him chase Thomas and Lady along the Track. He can also pull coaches and cars. He is good with Splatter, Dodge, and Lady. All the Thomas trains are very durable and they work perfectly.

Claw is disappointing
The claw is the main attraction of Diesel 10. In this toy it only slides forward and back - there is no up or down movement and the claw jaws do not open and close. This is a huge drawback because that's why the kids love Diesel 10. My 3 year old plays with it, but not to the extent he would be if it could do more. Remember, this toy is only a few inches long. It fit the track system, but I think my son would have been happier with a different character - it was VERY anticlimactic to have a non-functioning claw.

Diesel 10's Pinchy is disappointing
The kids were excited to get Diesel 10, but Pinchy only slides back and forth. In Thomas and the Magic Railroad movie, Pinchy moves up and down and opens and closes. It would not be safe for a toy to open and close to actually "pinch," but it should move more realistically. I am surprised, however, that the kids have not cracked off Pinchy (though it is slightly bent), since it doesn't move up and down, so it is quite durable.

A Renegade Engine
Diesel 10 is a renegade engine that enjoys chasing Sir Topham Hatt's other engines around the island of Sodor. He has a nasty expression on his face and a long claw on his top. He measures almost five inches long, making him larger than most of the other Thomas engines. His eight wheels swivel to navigate the tracks easier. We recently purchased diesel 10 for our son, and he has quickly become a favorite of both my son and daughter. Choose diesel or any of the other fine Thomas engines. They're loads of fun for boys and girls.

Did your child see the Thomas movie twelve times or more?
If he did, this toy will definately be worth the money. My son is now 4 1/2 and we are knee deep in a Thomas obsession. He actively plays with his engines on a daily basis, most particularly this one. Diesel 10 is evil and threatening with the claw he calls "pinchy." The only complaint I have about this toy is that the claw doesn't open. However, I'm sure there would be safety issues with something that small, so it is understandable. But if your child enjoys acting out the Thomas stories, this is a great buy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

cool
this doll is so cool because when i was little i had a little mermaid doll and it broke so when i saw this with the belly body i bought it is so cool and her hair is so long and pretty ... Read more

Editorial Review

Girls can reenact the most romantic part of the movie Barbie as Rapunzel with this horse and carriage play set. The carriage carries figures of Rapunzel (as played by Barbie) and the prince (both sold separately) away from the tower the princess has been locked away in for years. The carriage is every girl's fantasy, with a plush purple seat, pink roses traveling up the sides and back, and glittery blue heart-shaped hubs covering the wheel spokes. The gorgeous pink horse has a long, blonde, silky mane, not unlike that of Barbie herself, and an ornate purple bridle, halter, and reins. The horse comes wearing a bejeweled tiara with matching clips in her mane that girls can wear in their own hair. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Reviews (2)

My son LOVES this!
Of all the Thomas pieces we hae, this is one of the few that my son always insisits on including in whatever the latest configuration is. It is costly (as are all Thomas things), but comes with cargo and two cargo cars. It makes cool noises and has a great working crane that swivels. Not a bad deal.

Great product!
I bought this for my son for Christmas and it is great! The train engine, truck and crane noises make it really fun and interesting. Must warn you though, you will be buying more road track and a few characters for the road experience but well worth it and the imagination just flows! The race with Berty and Thomas, loading of the trains and the trucks - it's great for educational and dexerity purposes. ... Read more