Toys

Tomy Thomas & Friends Musical Thomas

PRODUCT: Tomy Thomas & Friends Musical Thomas (www.tomy.co.uk)

DESCRIPTION: A plastic Thomas the Tank Engine train which plays melodies when music discs are inserted into the cab roof. Includes detachable Troublesome Truck and four double-sided music discs. Three C batteries are included. Suitable for children over 12 months.

GOOD POINTS: This is a clever toy from Tomy, and a favorite in our household. It works by simply opening Thomas’ cab roof, inserting one of the chosen disks over the centre point (similar to a CD), resealing the roof, and pressing the funnel to start the music. The train whistles and then moves along as the music is playing. The speaker is located on the back of the train. To stop the music, press the funnel again. If a disc is not inserted, Thomas will simply chug along quietly.

The toy also includes Troublesome Truck which can easily be attached to the back of Thomas. The truck has four inserts in the top to cleverly store the four music discs.

The discs themselves have a sturdy plastic casing, which makes them virtually unbreakable, and each contains two melodies, one on each side. The songs are: This is the way we load our freight, Merrily we roll along, London Bridge is falling down, I've been working on the railroad, She'll be coming round the mountain, For he's a jolly good fellow, If you're happy and you know it, and the Thomas theme tune.

The toy thoughtfully has a volume control and on/off switch, and also includes a direction control option on the bottom, which is simply a wheel-shaped feature which can be clicked round to make the train travel either in a straight line or a circle.

In all, a really hard-wearing toy with nice attention to detail and a good range of music.

BAD POINTS: The roof can be difficult to open and close, and often comes off its hinge altogether, although it is easy to reattach. The music does not stop if the train bumps into something, and will keep playing the tune over and over again until the funnel is pressed. The train is not really designed to be free-wheeled.

PRICE: Normal retail price is £18.99