Which train set for a 2 year old?

[HensMum]

I'm really bored at work so have been thinking of what to get DS for his 2nd birthday in a couple of months...

He's really into trains and I quite like the idea of getting him a train set (partly because I always wanted one )

I was thinking that DP and I could get a basic set, then relatives could add smaller bits if it proved a hit.

So, what's good? I'd prefer a wooden one, but not too pricey.

most of the small wooden ones are interchangeable so I'd advise you buy him a big set with lots of wooden track from one of the supermarkets and then get the relatives to top it up with the ridiculously overpriced trains from ELC/Brio.

muddleduck is right

Lots of the wooden sets are compatible - you can use Brio trains on the tesco wooden set for example. I think the ELC ones are compatible with both too. We have tesco track, ELC trains and some extra bits (bridges etc) from Bigjigs who sell on amazon.

Or you could do it the other way round, as we have, which is to buy the starter set from Brio (from 18 months) - v basic, and then top it up with the supermarket/ikea stuff.

I got DD an ELC wooden one, but I am kicking myself for not getting the John Lewis one - I think for £25 it is great value (in fact might get it for her for Christmas)

I didn't realise they were all interchangeable, that's really good.

That John Lewis set is lovely Tabita, thank you! Might get that from DP and me and ask relatives to top up with Tesco/Brio depending on how flush they feel...

Yep agree tesco.ELC Brio all interchangeable we used to get the -friends and family to buy the engines and specific Thomas bits from ELC and we just added the tracks which I think cost as little as £2for a bigpack from tesco-

We purchased a £20 wooden set from Asda and have bought loads more stuff from ELC, and GLTC and also a few second hand trains from Ebay. DS is still playing with it all age 7 so it has been a very good investment. The only problem is storing it as we now have so much track etc.

We've got the Tesco one too, including some of the add ons they sell themselves. It's really good value compared to some of the others.

we got the 'thomas the tank' blue plastic set thing. you can buy loads of extra stuff for it. it's srong and we started collecting when ds1 was 2. we still play with it and now hes nearly 6. he has a younger brother so hopefully it'll get alot of use.

Any of the wooden ones are fab! Brio is obviously the brand name but can be very expensive, Toys R Us usually have briliiant offers on Brio sets. The Tesco ones are fab too as they fit the Brio as does the ELC range & most of the Thomas ones so any of those can be added together.

DS has this one as well as a Brio & Thomas set & they all fit together

The John Lewis kit is terrific. Really good value and beautifully made.

Does the John lewis set interlink with brio/elc etc?

DS has 'Plan Toys' one, about £100 for a huge starter kit and then we got him the airport, station and parking garge to go with it for his 1st Xmas. It's wonderful, you can add loades like the fire station, rescue centre and even a pirate ship

Plan City

John Lewis fits perfectly with Brio - can't tell which is which. I think the Ikea one is a bit less reliable...not sure about elc.

Have you got a TK Maxx by you. They often have BRIO trainsets with 50-70% off RRP. My little boy loved his. He ended up with about 3 sets which he would put together to make his own designs as he got older.

He has grown out of it now but I wont get rid of it, its a classic and I know I'll still be pulling it out for visitors kids for years to come.