Melissa & Doug 18-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Town, 4 Rescue Vehicles, Play Pieces, Bridge

Melissa & Doug have done it again! I have two boys (2.5 and 3.5 yrs old). Their birthdays are just a couple months away, and we decided to get them a train table with the full M&D track. BUT, I wanted to ease them into it -- as they've never really played with trains before. I saw this take-along version and thought it'd be a perfect lead in. The plan is for it to be open and set-up under the tree on Xmas morning, so I can't yet tell you how the kids react. But I just played with it for a good 20 minutes.. if that tells you anything. Here are my pros and cons right out of the box. Pros: 1) VERY solid construction. What I've come to expect from M&D. Wood is thick and sturdy. Clasps and hinges feel strong and durable. 2) Nice finish/paint job on the track itself. A few minor imperfections, but overall, consistent and well done. 3) Buildings/decor painted on both sides. Some sets I've seen have only one side painted. This looks good from all angles. 4) Even without any decor/buildings, it is fun to use the track. My youngest is on the spectrum and not always the most gentle or purposeful with toys. I like that I can teach him how to push the cars before messing with the decor -- but can add those pieces easily for his older brother. Cons: 1) 2 cars travel great together, but you'll get an occasional derailment on turns with 3 cars travelling as a unit. Not a huge issue at all, but worth noting. 2) While the sliding gondola is a cute touch as a moveable element, within a day I imagine it would cause paint to wear off the 'mountaintop.' I doubt I'll give it to my kids -- at least not any time soon. 3) I really wish the inside had compartments for the pieces. There's so much space that all the pieces will just be banging/jangling around in there -- should you actually use this for travel. I will probably wrap pieces in a small dish towel when storing them to negate this.

Our grandson loves this. Magnetic trains stay together, the grooves on the track help keep trains in place. The folding case is perfect and makes it easy to carry and keep track of all the pieces. We love the products from Melissa and Doug’s shop.

This is a great quality product that makes the perfect gift for toddlers who love wheels. Easy to use, easy to store, and great fun. It’s solid wood and tough

Awesome for traveling!! My 3 year old is obsessed with trains but has so many pieces and accessories that the only place to play with it is at home. When I saw this I instantly knew it would be a hit. Love that everything is stored in its own carry case. Do wish it was a tad bigger but overall brilliant idea and construction. Material is solid and really like there are 4 trains, 2 just isn’t enough. Quick to set up and put away.

This is a great quiet toy that my daughter will play with all by herself. She is 3 and able to set up all by herself and she can put it away easily too. Very entertaining!

My son loves this. I purchased this for my child’s 2nd Christmas because it is compact and he has a love of trains. I bought the pack of Melissa and Doug trains to add to it. It is worth the price. It holds up really well for being banged around by a toddler. You get what you pay for. It is nice to see things made of quality. I prefer that over poorly made junk.

Well made, kid likes it a lot. Easy cleanup and easy for small toddler to carry around

Such a high quality toy! So much fun for a 3 year old and something that can be taken along to play with while waiting for older siblings classes. Nice thick,well made pieces, and strong magnets for the carriage and horses. Perfect for a princess loving child. Enhances imagination too!

Perfect ! It is a gift for a three year old & I am pleased as a retired kindergarten teacher to find it is age appropriate and beyond my expectations! Very happy with my purchase.

Muy lindo y a mi sobrino le encanto!!

This was a gift for my Grandson and he loves to play with it.

The quality of the Melissa & Doug Take-Along Railroad is fantastic. It’s very well built, sturdy, and clearly made to last through lots of playtime. The pieces fit together nicely, and the carrying case design makes it easy to take along or store when not in use!

My grandkid likes the new toy. The design is neat as you can bring it about in a box. Sturdy wooden parts are safe for young children too.