The Train Store - Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway - Battery-Powered Thomas

List Price: $19.99
Our Price: $17.99
Your Save: $ 2.00 ( 10% )
Availability:
Manufacturer: Learning Curve

Average Customer Rating:

Amazon Maximum Age: 5
Manufacturer Maximum Age: 5
Amazon Minimum Age: 36
Batteries Included: 1
Batteries: 1
Binding: Toy
Brand: Learning Curve
EAN: 0796714997179
Feature: Die-cast metal chassis and body
Is Autographed: 0
Is Memorabilia: 0
Label: Learning Curve
Manufacturer: Learning Curve
Manufacturer Minimum Age: 36
Model: LC99717
Publisher: Learning Curve
Release Date: 2006-06-12
Studio: Learning Curve
Warranty: Please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.

Features
Die-cast metal chassis and body Chunky rubber-lined tires grip track to prevent derailing Easy-to-operate start button Special magnet helps keep rolling stock on the track Recommended Age Range 3 to 5 Years

Accessories
Sanyo Eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargable Batteries w/ Charger Sony Cycle Energy AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries (4-Pack) Energizer Max Alkaline, Size AA, 16 pack Sony 2500 mAh AA Rechargeable Nimh Batteries, 4-pack Lenmar Ready-2-Go AA R2GAA4 1.2V 2150mAh Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery - 4 Pack

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Spotlight customer reviews:

Customer Rating:

Summary: Various Issues...
Comment: As others eluded to, it states that you can switch into a freewheeling mode, but even following the directions on the Learning Curve website's FAQ page, 2 of these did not work. I returned the first one after speaking with Learning Curve. They told me that if it won't freewheel, then it is defective and to return it. Replacement unit did the same thing, click every time I push it.

Some off-brand wooden track also is not very compatible with this train. I had some Imaginarium track, and the grooves in the track are about a millimeter narrower than the Thomas and Brio track. Battery-Powered Thomas doesn't quite fit with all wheels in the grooves, so it derails on this track constantly.

I have had pretty good luck eliminating other derailments of this train (with Brio and Thomas track) by using SureTrack clips on areas of my layouts that tend to not stay very straight. These clips are pricey, but they help avoid a lot of frustration when a toddler is destroying the track layouts with every other push of a train. I bought 1 box, which is enough to keep key pieces aligned on most layouts.

Overall, it has been fun for the few days we have had it, but I am very disappointed that it won't enter free-wheeling mode. I guess I will have to buy the wooden Thomas now as well.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Breaks VERY easily
Comment: I've gone through two of them, neither lasted more than a few hours. Extremely frustrating. Advertised as being able to 'roll' when not turned on (so kids can't play with it manually) but I fear that might be causing the breakdowns. Internal engine is not very durable, despite external die cast metal being pretty solid. Not sure if I will return or tear it apart to try and find out why they keep breaking.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Small but powerful!
Comment: This tiny Thomas train is very powerful! It can move forward in spite of any obstacles. If you want this train run on the rail, you have to make sure that the wheels are clean. Clean wheels guarantee its fearless rush. What makes me amazed is it just needs single AA size battery and lasts quite a long time!!

Customer Rating:

Summary: Pretty Fun Little Toy
Comment: Bought this Thomas Train for my sons 3rd birthday. He can play with it for hours on end. After doing some research on similar trains by Brio I came to the conclusion that, while this one didn't have some extra features like the others, it was the most durable of the battery powered wooden engines. It has lasted so far and I don't change the batteries that often. I did purchase rechargable batteries so we could have endless hours of thomas circling his track.

It's not that expensive and it's easy to use, this is a fun toy!

Customer Rating:

Summary: Most-used toy in our house
Comment: Battery-powered Thomas has now replaced our 10-year old "Sit-'n-Spin" as the most-played with toy for our 3 daughters. We bought the new Thomas to replace our old one, which endured a trip through our daughter's hair (had to be cut out and was never quite the same) and a swim in the toilet. The old model went forward and backwards (cool!) but the switch was very difficult for toddlers' fingers to manipulate (not cool). The new Thomas goes forward only, but the on/off button is very easy to use. We have had problems with Thomas. Sometimes he just dies, and then miraculously begins working later. Also, since the new Thomas has a headlight (cool!), he's a battery junkie (not cool). It is common for us to go through a battery every day. I now keep rechargeable batteries at the ready, as I'm sick of funding Thomas' indulgences. Thomas does jump the track more often than he should, but that doesn't seem to upset our kids, and therefore I don't care. The problems prevent me from awarding Thomas 5 stars, but his popularity with our kids earns him 4 stars. That said, I'm going to follow through with one of the other reviewer's suggestions and buy a Brio engine next.

More Reviews

Editorial Reviews:

This Thomas the Tank can run practically anywhere a youngsters imagination sees track thanks to its powerful four-wheel drive. Its easy-start button and auto shutdown feature make it super simple for kids as young as 3 years old to operate. It even has a light. All itÂ requiresÂ isÂ singleÂ AA battery.

*Thomas Wooden Railway vehicles, track and destinations are not compatible with Take Along Thomas items.