Thomas and Friends Wooden Talking Great Discovery Set
(Learning Curve International $179.99 Score:)

Happily Thomas and Friends are back! After all of the lead issues, it's nice to see that the company has regrouped and come out with something that will attract train fans! Push one of the special trains through the station and Sir Topham Hatt will great the trains. While we were originally concerned that this additional of technology would overtake the experience, it really enhances the play possibilities. We also LOVE that there is a volume setting since the out of the box setting is really loud. If you already have a lot of trains, you can also just bring home the Stop and Greet Station ($69.99) or the new Cranky the Crane ($69.99) and the new talking trains ($14.99 each). It's all really pricey but very innovative and special.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Intelli-Train Deluxe Set
(Lego Systems, Inc. $99.99 Score:) The four drivers all have unique "driving ability" and when placed in the train, something new will happen. This is an update of one of our old favorites. This update has bigger train cars than the earlier version. Placing sensor bars on the track also changes the direction and/ or sound effects. There's a fuel hose with sound effects and a working crane plus vehicles that run on the "road". Comes with 92 pieces, but we suggest that you not wait too long to buy add-ons, since it's the kind of toy that comes and goes from the line. Great fun, but doesn't replace a wooden set. 4 & up.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: .

Sky Train Set
(Brio $50 Score:) 24- piece set comes with two trains that run on elevated track with gondola-like wagons suspended beneath. Shouldn’t replace a basic set, but the movement and height will impress train aficionados big time. 3 & up.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2004.

Sodor Engine Wash Set
(RC2 Learning Curve $100 Score:) This 39-piece set comes with the Water tower and Sodor Engine Wash. You also get Percy and Gordon (trains). For a slightly larger set, consider Down by the Docks ($149.99/45 pieces) with Sodor Bay Bridge, Lighthouse, and Crane. PLATINUM AWARD ’03. New for , and a “grandparenty” kind of gift, Sodor Rescue Team Set ($300) —100 pieces that come in a storage box (includes our favorite add-ons, Fire Station and Rescue Hospital). Also noteworthy, Tidmouth Station Travel Set ($80) for the child who can’t leave home without some trains! Comes with Thomas, 20 pieces of track, and a zip-up case.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2004.

Remote Control Sky Train and Sky Train Transporter
(Brio $15 Score:) 24-piece set comes with two trains that run on elevated track with gondola-like wagons suspended beneath. PLATINUM AWARD ’04. New for 2005, a Remote Control Sky Train ($15) and a deluxe Sky Train Transporter Set ($300 ) with 100 pieces packed in a green storage box. Shouldn’t replace a basic set, but the movement and height will impress train aficionados big time. 3 & up. (888) 274-6869.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2005.

Thomas & Friends Water Tower Figure 8 Set
(RC2/Learning Curve $39.99 Score:) This 25-piece set is a great buy and gives beginners a great place to start. Includes Thomas, a cargo car, water tower, and stone bridge for a figure 8. For a larger set, consider Down by the Docks ($149.99/45 pieces ) with Sodor Bay Bridge, Lighthouse, and Crane. PLATINUM AWARD ’03. (800) 704-8697.

Age: Preschool. Award Year: 2005.