BRIO Wooden Train Set - Where do I start?

[Mum2Ela]

Theres too much of the stuff!!

Want to buy a starter set of this for DD (2 years old) for Christmas so we and others can add to it as she gets older.

I have had a look on Amazon and its mind boggling! Thers soooo much of the stuff!

Can anyone recommend a good part of the set to start with?

Thanks.

x

[popsycal]

thanks roisin!!!

[marthamoo]

The Tesco track and basic stuff is fantastic (sorry, I can tell you have your heart set on Brio!) but the Brio trains are far more interesting (and expensive).

We started with a Brio Thomas the Blasted Tank Engine figure of 8 track (came with Thomas, Annie and Clarabel) and it wasn't too expensive - about £25 I think. Tbh, the bridge that came with it was badly designed in comparison to the equivalent Tesco one - drove ds2 mad as top fell off at the slightest nudge).

We now have enough of the stuff to fill a BIG basket - and when it is all laid out it covers the living room floor. It is a good toy though - just don't buy an 8 exit turntable - it makes my head hurt trying to get tracks running off in every direction!

[clary]

marthamoo know what you mean about the turntable!!
After 5 years of Brio (SIL bought it for DS from his 1st Christmas, good idea) I would say that you need quite a lot for it to be fun, and as others have said would recommend cheaper track (Tesco, ELC own brand) and perhaps Brio trains and Thomas engines. Thomas "clickety clack" track is a waste of money IMO.
We started off with a Brio figure of 8 with train and driver. Mum2ela you may well need a big box to store it.
Would say avoid Ikea track (doens't fit); Asda do a very big set with bridges, tunnels etc for about £14. BUT the track is fastened with pegs which do come out so not brilliant. Not much to choose between Brio track and Tesco/ELC tho.
You do need a lot more curves and straughts than you think.
Actually unlike JanH i think it does have play value for a 2yo. One of DD's 1st words was "whee" as the train came down a hill. (tho she does have 2yrolder brother)
Beware: Thomas trains eg Gordon, Henry etc are £15!!! ouch

[Easy]

I have posted this elsewhere, but I'm so happy with it.

Ds got a small tesco set when he was two, loved playing with it. Over the last 5 years we've bought more from Tesco, Sainsburys, ELC and Brio (once, a very expensive engine)

It all fits together, we have a huge amount of it, and from time to time ds will get the set out and entertain himself for HOURS with it. So it was a good investment. Do look out for extra short pieces of track and 'gender changes' too. It saves a lot of frustration when you can't otherwise get the track to meet up.

[Mum2Ela]

Thanks for all your suggestions.

On your recommendations I took myself off to Tesco this morning and bought DD a 50 piece set for £15. It seems like a nice set to start with. Will get her some Brio trains and a storage boxy thing to go with it, which I think will make a nice pressie.

Boots have 3 for 2 on toys again this Xmas and have Brio stuff in with their lot so may get them from there.

Thanks again everyone!