Toy train operating and collecting

My 2-year-old has some wooden Thomas trains, and he loves them.  But what he loves more is taking my O27 cars and attaching them to the back of a dummy unit and pulling them down the hall.

Eventually I would like to put the kibash on this, but he has so much fun.  Of course, they don't move in a straight line without the track, but  he doesn't care.  Basically he has more fun getting his hands on the trians than he does watching them move on their own.

Does anyone know of any sort of toy train that is not electric that I can collect for him for "hands on" play?  And yet one that is at least basically realistic?

I suppose I can always look for cheap O27 or HO items that I don't mind him knocking around.

Randy

I'm glad you asked that question!!! I was wondering if wind up toy trains were still available and sure enough, E-Bay has quite a few at very affordable prices!!!

http://search.ebay.com/wind-up-toy-trains_W0QQfkrZ1QQfnuZ1

Dep

Thanks for the link, Dep.

Randy

Marx made quite a few mechanical key wound trains.  All will work with 027 rolling stock (you might have to make a transition car with tab and slot on one end and knuckle coupler on the other).

Jim H 

My pleasure Randy. As Eric said, hope your child continues his interest in toy trains. Let us know if you get a windup. I'm really curious how well it operates. I remember them back in the 50s and they were pretty dang durable.

Jim: I wasn't sure Marx made any. That's great that they will work with 027 rolling stock.

Dep

Have you seen Schylling's wind-up tin trains?

http://www.schylling.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SD&Category_Code=STT-CT

Chris

This vintage Marx would be good for your son. Made of plastic and very inexpensive. Roll 'em on the floor.

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-MARX-TRAIN-CARS-SP-CABOOSE-NYC-GONDOLA-BO-BOXCAR_W0QQitemZ160064315052QQihZ006QQcategoryZ19147QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks for all the great ideas, everybody.  Is this forum great, or what.

Randy

I know that you put this out in 2006 but I am now in the same boat with my 6 yr. old. He has all the Thomas stuff and is still interested. He has had his train table and train set since he was 2.5. Crazy love for trains. Did you find any that were realistic and like the real trains on the movies? I am trying so hard to find some.

Thanks for any help you can give!

Kristi

Hi Kristi, Welcome to the forum!!! Have you looked at the thomas set put out by Lionel?Have had our set about 10 years now and my 5 year old loves it.

 First to the forum to both of you.

My Grandkids love the battery powered Thomas stuff. They let them run free more than they run them on their track 

 Back in the early 70s I was given this plastic see through steam engine that had to be wound up. When it ran it threw sparks up into the air. Several of them started house fires and were recalled. I loved it but my parents returned it. I don't know what brand it was but would love to find another one.

I recently pick up an ebay auction that had a dummy diesel
( non power A unit ) and 3 cars and it acually is right what your looking for its a FA unit with lights if you put on track
( haven't checked to see if they work or need replacing ) its B&O Chessie but would be great and you could add some cheap cars and have a great set for him to play with. You might look for this situation on some auctions .