Arthur is a handsome engine, deep red with the letters L. M. S. on the side. He is long with four wheels on each side, and a unique look. He's one of Thomas's newest friends. Arthur is from the new friends for Thomas story and video.

One of my favorite things about my boy liking Thomas trains is how they expand his mind and his vocabulary. If he wasn't *so* into Thomas, he would never be exposed to concepts like magnets and buffers and tenders and jobs like engineering at such a young age. We recently took an open-air, historical train trip in our neighborhood and Joe sat still, open-mouthed and awed for over an hour just watching the operations of the train.

The metal Thomas train sets are good for taking along on trips and travel. The metal trains are the a little smaller than the wooden trains, albeit heavier. I also like to carry a few in his diaper bag or my fanny pack or purse for standing in line or waiting in the car.

I think that the Thomas the tank engine sets are the absolute best sets you can buy-much higher quality than the knockoffs or look-alikes. I have considered the less expensive Thomas compatible sets before, like Brio tables or the Brio roundhouse, but I have never bought. I have found that although the similar sets will work with Thomas products, and probably offer the same enjoyment, they are not without their problems.

I'm thinking of branching out from just Thomas the Tank Engine toys and trying to get my son interested in a few other things. Bob the Builder seems like a logical choice because he loves the big trucks and anything to do with construction. Jay Jay the Jet Plane also seems to catch his attention, but just not for as long - plus you can't get as elaborate with Jay Jay.

Related links

1. If your Child has a Train Bug
2. All About Toy Trains
3. Good Thomas Reviewer
4. Arthur at Trains For Tots