Reviews (10)

you can not go wrong with Matchbox toys
My son received this as a birthday gift from a friend.(it was on his amazon wish list) This toy is very durable and with boys being tough on toys this is worth $20! I did read the reviews about younger children getting their fingers stuck in the turning scull but we have had no problem. I suggest a 4/5/6 year old child would benefit a lot from this toy. The sound affects are cool and the play mat is a bonus!

DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Do not buy this toy. I completely agree with all the reviews about the finger trap. My son has gotten his finger stuck many times. If the car does not go in correctly the head will not turn. My son has been using the tv remote to get it to work correctly. Matchbox should recall these. This is NOT a good toy for any age.

Bought for 4 year old...
My son loves this toy.He has not "trapped" his finger in the skull like I have read in other reviews.I can see how it could happen though.It only has two removable parts, so less to lose.He can put the pieces together himself and uses the playmat even more than the toy itself.We have a lot of these car playsets and this one is one of the best.

I agree to the finger trap!
I agree to the finger trap, it even hurts an adults finger, my husband and I have had this toy it snapped at both our fingers, I am taking this toy back to the store tomorrow..

Finger trap
I cannot believe that I didn't see a single review about the trap that this toy is. I got this toy for my son who is 3 years old. He keeps watching the commercials on tv and decided to get it. As soon as I got it out of the box he started playing with it and no more than 5 minutes later got the first scary moment. He was scraming because his fingers got trapped on the skull. The toy works this way: On the left side of the toy, there is a "elevator" for the car. Whe this car gets to the top, the child is supposed to turn the skull toward the elevator for the car to get in. Sometimes the car does not go all the way inside the skull and the child has to push it in with his fingers. Well, when the car touches the opposite wall of the skull, the skull itself turns very fast toward the front of the toy. The fingers of the child then get trapped between the skull and somekind of bars. I was very scared because for a moment I didn't know which way to turn the head to release my child's fingers.
I know children love this toy but as a parent I would not recommended. I bought one to give as a gift for a friend, and there is no way I am going to do so. Both boxes are going to be returned to the store A.S.A.P.

... Read more

Editorial Review

Half road-construction project, half skateboard park, this curious toy features an unfinished highway in the shape of a halfpipe. Two windup cars, Police Car and Street Racer, chase each other around the track with the press of an activation button. A jump propels the cars over a missing section of road, while a roadblock net helps the cops capture the Racer. All in all, it seems like trouble waiting to happen. There's also an "underground tunnel"--in the center of the track, below street level--for the cars to whip through. A carrying handle helps you take the track with you, and its ends fold up for easier transport, but the toy does take up a lot of room. There are storage cubbies for the two cars, and their chassis are interchangeable. No batteries are required. --Andy Boynton ... 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)

Favorite Track Add On
This is our family's favorite!It makes the coolest sounds when the trains pass through it.This is a must have for the geotrax fan! ... 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

Reviews (1)

the truck we have been looking for
WOW! I knew that Little Tikes was good- but not this good. This truck is it for two year olds. It is very durable, moves well, and it does something- while being the right size for little hands. We have A LOT of other trucks- either too much detail or not well made- this on the other hand is going the distance. The only problem so far is that the back two doors can come off if enough pressure is applied. However, the snap right back into place. The right truck for a truck oriented two year old and no worries about duribility and parts for the parents. ... Read more

Editorial Review

It's a really noisy day at the quarry. The" blastable" mountain has just been detonated and there is plenty of exposed rock to load up and haul away. Help the enormous rock excavator load up the dump truck and flatbed rail car. Then give it a push and watch the rock quarry rail move tones of rock down the mountain. Complete with an operational battery-operated detonator capable of blowing up the mountain and a wonderful assortment of track, this comprehensive 62-piece set is sure to excite any budding engineer. This relatively inexpensive real wood set is readily expanded and fully compatible with other name brand wooden railway systems. Two AA batteries required.--Deb Oroszlan ... Read more

Reviews (19)

This rock quarry does NOT rock!
(...)This set is horrid. The mountain blaster works with generic batteries but the blasting part is a ...joke. Place the rocks on the mountain top, push the TNT bar with your hands and the 3 tiny fake rocks that will fit on top... dribble or roll gently down the mountain side. Pop-up pirate is more thrilling in our opinion. (...). I know that the rocks cannot blast or someone will get hurt but this toy is un-thrilling. There is a lot of track included...really big tractor too! The train engine is nice I have to admit but the overall is a bore. Look on the net and find off brand sets that will rock your world for 29.99$...We did! The train set in the box was heavy and when together fits on a standard board. The illustrations are bland in the one page instruction sheet....The instructions seemed lacking and we had one extra peice left over. Most of the peices are wraped in plastic so the children will enjoy the thrill of unwrapping! The greatest joy for our 2 1/2 year old was the unwrapping...after that good night Irene.
We took it all back to Toysrus that same night and they refunded my money without question.
That is nice!

Rock Quarry-r-us-...
The rock quarry stinx. If I have to go find a certain battery that works, then I want to know why. Does the manufactorer also make the batteries or own stock in that company??? It is ridiculous. Instead, I have decided to hold an implosion of the rock mountain in front of my home. This way I will get more enjoyment than the frustration I have felt trying to figure out a 3 year olds malfunctioning toy. I will never buy a product from this company again.

BOOO to Imaginarium
Like everyone else I'm miffed. Try explaining to a three year old why the new toy ---that they're so excited to receive --- doesn't work. From reading these reviews, I've --thankfully-- found out it's probably the batteries. Do they have R&D in China? Does Toys-R-Us test any of the products their Product Buyer suggests? I don't mind getting and using specific batteries, but it is the company's responsibility to inform the public. I will think long and hard before buying any Imaginarium product again.
Shame Imaginarium. Shame Toys-R-Us.

New Present
We just got this for our 2 1/2 year old son for Christmas, so I am not sure of all the ins and outs yet. We were very disappointed to find that the rock quarry didn't work. I kept telling my son that I would try to call the company, etc., but finally today sat down at the computer to figure out what to do. I finally ended up at this page and all I can say is what a relief!

One thing, THANK YOU to all of you kind people who mentioned the Rayovac Max Life batteries. I just read about them this morning and went to 4 stores before I found them. I ended up having to buy a 30 pack, but it is well worth it!!! My son is so happy that we finally got it to work.

To those of you who want to just sit and feel sorry for yourselves, make a trip to the store for your kids. They will be happy to have a working set and the batteries are not more expensive than regular ones (duracell, energizer). It sounds to me like some of you just want to be angry.

Upset parent
This train set was a gift for my 3 year old. The rock quarry does not work. I am very upset. I refuse to buy special batteries that probably in time will fail also. One sheet of instructions is not enough. There isn't a customer service phone number in the box either. I will take this entire set back to Toys R Us and request a refund. I will then buy my son a different set, by a different vendor. This is very dissapointing. Toys r Us should take the set down that is on display in the store, and not sell this type of toy anymore. Imaginarium is making Toys r Us look bad as a retailer. The children go into the store and play with the display and when we as parents buy it for them, it doesn't work. This is just SAD. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Resembling a beefed-up Hummer, this all-terrain cruiser for Rescue Heroes figures sports a massive green body, jumbo studded tires, and working sirens and lights mounted to the top. A working tow wench rests on the orange front bumper, which is actually the head of a hidden "bumperbot," or robot, attached to the underside of the vehicle. When paired with a Rescue Hero, the robot communicates in English ("The smoke is heavy!"); otherwise, it's reduced to electronic gibberish. The truck is suitable for a variety of rescue missions--the bumperbot's pneumatic handcuffs, for example, can clear trees or pull victims from car wrecks--and would be a dream toy for many kids. Action figures are sold separately. --Andy Boynton ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Snow Patrol set includes among its five Hot Wheels vehicles both practical and fantasticways of responding to a deep drift of the white stuff. Among the vehicles is a chunky salt truck withAvalanche Maintenance written on the door, and a crazy-looking, rocket-nosed turbo car on cat tracks.There's also a believable-looking jeep and pickup, and a totally unbelievable dragster on cat tracks and skis.Whatever you do, don't forget your gloves. (By the way, those cat tracks don't turn; there are hiddenminiwheels underneath.) Car styles may vary. --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Buy Your Cars at a Store
Hot wheels are a lot of fun and they are a good value. You typically can't go wrong when you buy them. The hitch in buying them on-line, is that you really don't know what cars you are going to get. If you read the fine print, you'll see that the assortment may vary. You could end up with cars that you don't want or with cars that will not work well on your track layout. I really like Amazon, but for Hot Wheels, make a stop at the local toy store.

Exceptional 5 Pack
Sure, the cars are cool, but hey-It's just 5 more cars. It isn't educational because the only thing it teaches you is wheels roll! And Hot Wheels cars are durable unless you start to bash one with a hammer, which I've done once to a Hot Wheels truck and it was still a little hard. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good clean fun with Thomas!
Educators may think this product stifles free play and creativity, but if your son or daughter is a Thomas Fan, this packet of Aqua Doodle mats are ideal for paint-time without the usual mess.There are four mats, each with a different picture.The nearly blank mats are smaller than a regular 8x11 sheet of paper, and when water is applied with the crayon sized aqua doodle pen or even a regular paint brush then the Thomas picture is revealed.My oldest prefers to use a paint brush rather than the AquaDoodle pen that is included.After a few minutes, depending on saturation, the page dries and is ready to be "painted" again.Clean up is easy requiring only a paper towel to wipe up and water left over.No mess, no fuss, and my kids love them (ages 3.5 and 15 months!!!!)

I also purchased the Pooh set, but found that those sheets are already partially revealed, more like the paint with water coloring books.The Thomas set is only shows the Thomas emblem when dry.

Overall, I recommend this product for good clean fun. ... Read more