Sunday, November 24, 2013

Flying Below The Radar: 4 Lesser Known Wooden Train Set Brands That Are Worth A Look

By Elizabeth Henry


When considering which wooden train set brand to select for a gift, you are probably seeing the same names over and over. If you are curious about some other brands that also have great and unique products to offer, read on!

Maple Landmark - A small business from Middlebury Vermont, Maple Landmark focuses primarily on solid wood toys and gifts. While among the higher priced wooden train sets you'll discover, they also have the uncommon quality of being produced in the US. Add that with their high quality and you have a challenger. The tracks also differentiate themselves from other manufacturers. While the tracks usually are compatible with many other makes, Maple Landmark utilizes laser engraving to imprint track ties, providing them with a really distinctive appearance. Another unique identifier of Maple Landmark trains is that even the train wheels are made from wood rather then plastic material or some other substances contained in many rival products. Check out their name train cars to be able to individualize a train that spells your little one's name. Bottom Line: Distinctive quality separates them from the pack. Produced in the USA.

Nuchi - Nuchi wooden train sets are polished and whimsical in their appearance. While their styling is subtle, many reviewers enjoy their understated design, which separates them from the pack. This is a line that features a higher price tag than some others you will find, but that reviewers seem to support given the quality you get for your dollar. If you are looking for something a little different that is well made, Nuchi may be your wooden train set brand. Bottom Line: Quality charmer that will delight!

Plan Toys - Several characteristics make this Thailand-based brand shine. The first of which, is the brand's focus on eco-friendly concepts, including utilization all of the parts of the trees that they use to make their products. Their material, called PlanWood, uses sawdust and wood chips remaining from their other productions, and mixes them with formaldehyde-free glue. They are able to use special techniques to make a very high density fiber that is not loaded with nasty chemicals. Another special characteristic are the plastic instead of magnetic parts used to connect the train cars. Be aware that this will limit your ability to connect your cars with trains of other brands, however Plan Toys has made this change in an effort to put safety first. From a visual perspective, you will fins Plan Toys wooden train sets to have a contemporary design and many even have tracks that flip over to go easily from train track to road. Bottom Line: Eco-friendly with special touches.

IKEA Lillabo - Even though IKEA creates only a small selection of wooden toys, they are the winners on affordability. IKEA only delivers a few extras and the sets and accessories are quite simple, nonetheless, customers give great reviews regarding what you get for the price tag. IKEA product details tend not to reveal track compatibility, however most reviewers are capable of making them work with different track makes with assorted amounts of effort. Bottom Line: Basic set for GREAT price tag. Hit or miss track compatibility.




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