Play and Go Carry Case

I saw this nifty accessory during a recent trip to Toys 'R Us: a wooden "Play and Go Carry Case" that holds up to 16 engines or vehicles from the Thomas Wooden Railway Series. The exterior of the case folds open, to form a playboard with working tracks. The case is a TRU exclusive and retails for $39.99. Seems like a nice (albeit pricey) alternative to the cloth carry case, for trips to Grandma's house and family vacations. Not sure about the durability of the blue latches, though.

Thomas & Friends Live! on Stage in "Thomas Saves the Day"

A live action Thomas & Friends show is opening in a few weeks, with tour dates scheduled for North America throughout 2007. The show is 90 minutes long, including a 15 minute intermission, and features animatronic versions of Thomas, James, and Percy; plus, a cast of 10 actors. FYI, you can purchase tickets for the Camden, NJ show, even though the option isn't listed on the official Thomas site at this time.

Since we've taken DS to "A Day Out with Thomas" twice, and are a little leery of licensed character-based, live action shows for preschoolers, we 're opting instead to see the Big Apple Circus again.

Product Demo Videos from Trains Galore

Here's a nifty feature at Trains Galore: thanks to the wonder of YouTube, you can view demo videos of new products from the Thomas Wooden Railway series. It's nice to see some of the Learning Curve products in action, since local stores don't always carry every item.

Currently featured engines and cars are the "Light & Sounds" versions of Thomas, James, and Percy; the Adventures of James set; Sodor Dairy Cars; Rosie; and Max and Monty.

Several new Destinations for 2007 are also highlighted: McColl's Pig Shed, Deluxe Railroad Crossing, Toby's Windmill, and the Suddery Swing Bridge.

I was planning to get DS the recently retired Barrel Loader at some point, but Toby's Windmill looks like a fun alternative, even though we already have the regular windmill. It's a combination windmill (with a lever to make the windmill turn) and flour barrel loader. The set includes 2 flour barrels and a barrel car.