Choo-Choo Thomas!
If like me you have children that are addicted to Thomas & Friends, then you will love this new 'Track Master' toy that we were recently asked to review. This is sure to go down a storm for any Thomas fan, so here is a little about how we got on.
Setting up...
We have had a few Thomas & Friends Playsets in the past but this one was unlike the others, this one is called the TrackMaster Close Call Cliff Playset and in a nutshell, it's very cool and caused much excitement from it's arrival - as you can see above. We haven't had a motorised train in a set before so this brought on many squeals of delight (not just from me) and several disagreements to decide who got to play with it first - easily sorted, Mummy goes first.
The Thomas in this set is larger than our previous ones and it's clear from the off that this will be more fun as it drives itself, the possibilities for play are endless! I had to intercept the exitement to pop some batteries in the train, 2 X AAA batteries (not included) which are easily popped in the bottom with the removal of one screw. A quick flick of the switch on his back and off he goes, choo choo!
Whenever I review a toy that needs setting up, I always do the setting up with the kids present. It's not that I'm a glutton for punishment, or entirely crazy, but I do think it's a good test of how easy something is to set up if you can achieve a completed track with a one year old and four year old hanging off you, you know you are onto a winner.
This set came with easy to read and understand instructions and what I liked best of all is that the part names such as this one CS are moulded into the plastic so not only was it very easy for me to set up, but A (4 years) was able to help me find the bits we needed.
The pieces slot together pretty easily and the fact that they have not broken in this house, means they are pretty robust and well made!
Cue photo face ...
As well as Thomas and the track, there is a few exciting features such as a sloping track, a split track to change directions and my favourite bit of all - the rocks that Thomas knocks off the cliff as he spins round the line! The rocks are hinged onto the playset for easy resetting and as Thomas spirals round the looped part of the track, he knocks these down - this part is cool - very cool! We may have hidden sweets inside the rocks too...
The rock knock down action shot!
This play set is aimed at ages 3-5 but in actual fact both kids enjoyed it at 1 & 4, although their ideas of play are very different, it was very well received and has been enjoyed regularly since it's arrival in our home.
A loved hiding things under the rocks to fly out when Thomas knocked them down, and also seeing what a motorised Thomas could push round the track. There is so much fun to be had with this one.
Overall the Close Call Cliff Playset gets a great big thumbs up from all of us. We all loved the motorised carriage, the tumbling rocks and the possibilities to rearrange the track or add other sets. Thomas goes pretty fast down the hill and it's mesmerising to watch him loop the loops. This would be an amazing present for any little Thomas fan and is a total bargain at just £15 right now!
The Team Thomas Campaign - #TeamThomas
As well as the review, we are thrilled to be helping with the 'Team Thomas' campaign which is all about celebrating Thomas & Friends core values of friendship, determination and teamwork as well as a new racing theme for 2016. Thomas & Friends will be inviting fans and families to power Thomas on a virtual journey to reach The Great Race (the new film launching in May). The campaign will be driven across the Thomas website and Thomas & Friends UK Facebook page . Parents and children can join in with fun weekly activities that reinforce the positive values, and also use their Twitter and Instagram pages to share stories, photos, videos and comments with #TeamThomas helping Thomas on his journey. When he reaches his destination never before seen videos and amazing prizes will be unlocked for Thomas fans!
Disclosure: We were sent the Thomas set in return for an honest review. All words and images are my own.
