Train set for DS, shell out for Brio or are other non branded makes just as good?

[mistletoekisses]

Hi

Have seen some older threads on here re Brio train sets vs the sets from Tescos/ places like the set linked below.

www.jesters.com/acatalog/info_bjt016.html

My only problem is that whereever we go, it is the Brio sets that are out and they seem superb, DS loves playing with them.
Are the others as good quality or is this a case of you get what you pay for?
We have another DS on the way, so durability is a must!

put it this way - DS has my old brio set from 25 years ago! I reckon the brio tracks are better/fit better together than the own brand makes.

I've found no problems with the own brands, although you have to go to Brio for the more unusual bits, like junctions etc.

I have Tesco and it seems fine. I did break a bridge though when I stood on it but it might have broken if it were Brio as well!

I think one piece of track is very like another, but the Brio specials (bridges etc) are lovely and seem indestructible. Although wood can at least be glued/screwed back together.

In terms of rolling stock, the Thomas characters are infinitely preferred in this house - the other engines barely register.

I have the tesco one, bought it years ago for my son who is now ten, since then both his wee sisters have had endless fun with it, still in great condition although middle child thought it would be fun to paint it pink, although if you have space i would recommend one built on tables, saves losing bits or building it

like this one although a bit expensive

www.toysrus.co.uk/Toys-R-Us/Toys/Cars-and-Trains/Toy-Trains-and-Playsets/City-Tr ain-Table-and-Railway-Set

We have huge collection consisting of bits from Tesco, Toys R Us, Tchibo, Brio, Thomas and Big Jig. It all fits together fine - would recommend the Big Jig stuff for interesting bits of track of good quality (e.g. the essential 'double knobble' pieces that ds always seems to need!.

And in our house I think one stuck to a table would hold very little play value - for my dcs the fun is in creating the track layout not pushing the trains around.

The Tesco one is well played with at my house too (mainly by me!). John Lewis also stocks their own version that is compatible with other sets.

I've often seen Brio sets at a discount at TX Maxx, so it's worth taking a look there too if you have one nearby.

Another vote for the Tesco one, I think the basic set is around £10 at the moment. It's solid, compatible with Brio bits n pieces and great value.

I do think the Brio tracks are slightly better quality - IMO you can definitely see and feel the difference.

We have some of my old Brio plus some new stuff from Early Learning Centre and my old stuff feels better quality (although I suppose it might be the case that things have gone downhill with Brio in the past 20 years too )

However, I'm sure that the new, cheaper stuff will last well, and I think that there is a case for "quantity over quality" - much better to have loads of cheap(ish) track to make a really exciting layout, rather than just a v expensive small circle of track or whatever.

Brio fit together better and are better quality, imo. John Lewis equivalent ones break easily if stood on.

thanks all for the replies. the one I liked the look of was this one

www.tuliptoys.co.uk/acatalog/Trains__Planes_and_Automobilies.html

DH simply cannot makea decision. there is too much choice. My brain hurts.

Wow, that looks like a great set, Mistletoekisses.

We have bought DD a big boxful of track, trains etc 2nd hand on ebay for Christmas to augment her collection. Was much cheaper doing it that way

The good thing about this kind of toy is you can just keep on adding to it bit by bit - so maybe no need to get too wound up on choosing the "perfect" set.