Hape · Budget
A blue battery-powered toy locomotive with a front lamp, pulling two magnetically coupled cars: one whose cargo bounces and one whose pumps spin.
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We have not tested it ourselves: strengths and weaknesses below come from the tests cited.
The maker describes this set as a blue engine with two carriages attached by magnets: the cargo in the red car bounces up and down while the pumps in the other car spin round and round as the train runs. The engine has a switch with three positions, forward, reverse and off, and a lamp at the front. The product photos show the locomotive with a number 2 on its cab, a green flat car carrying two yellow-and-orange canisters, and a red open wagon with a load, so the set is an engine with two cars rather than a single engine. For a parent shopping for a young train fan, the set is a freight-style train in which the engine and both cars have their own features, all listed on the maker's page.
The maker lists the engine as powered by two AAA batteries and suitable for ages 3 and up; the page does not say whether the batteries are included, so check the box and have a pair of AAA batteries ready. The three-position switch lets a child run the train forward or in reverse, and the maker says the rear magnets can join more train cars to make a longer train. The page calls the set suitable for independent play or for use with other rail-based toys; it does not name compatible track brands, and the third photo shows the train on wooden track. The listed product dimensions are 11.31 by 1.365 by 1.95 inches and the item weight is 0.44 pounds. The maker lists adult assembly as not required, although a later sentence on the same page says adult assembly is required. Read the printed warning before gifting: the maker states choking hazard from small parts and small balls, a strangulation hazard from a long cord, and that the toy is not suitable for children under 3 years.
Strengths
Weaknesses
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | E3720 |
| Power | 2 x AAA batteries |
| Engine lamp | Yes, at the front |
| Item weight | 0.44 lbs |
| Engine controls | Forward, reverse and off |
| Recommended age | 3 years and above |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 11.31 x 1.365 x 1.95 in |
| Standards stated by maker | EN 71 and ASTM F963 |
Parents and grandparents buying for a child aged 3 or older who already has a wooden track circuit or is about to start one, and who wants a powered engine sold together with two cars that each have a listed feature. The page does not give the size of the box, so check the packaging before you plan how to wrap it.
Hape Wooden Railway Battery Powered Engine No. 1 (E3703) is the engine alone; the maker's page lists a forward and reverse function, front and rear lights and an aluminum base. Hape Intercity Battery Powered Train Set (E3774) is a passenger-style train with working headlights and a passenger figure, for a child who prefers passenger trains to freight.
Image: BRIO (Ravensburger) · source
BRIO · Mid-range
A compact wooden BRIO layout with a battery-powered engine that starts at the press of a button and climbs ramps, crosses supports and runs through a tunnel.
Image: BRIO · source
BRIO · Mid-range
The BRIO World Farm Train is a five-piece train set, an engine, two cattle wagons and two wooden animals, that couples magnetically and runs on a BRIO World railway.
Image: BRIO / Ravensburger · source
BRIO · Premium
A 54-piece wooden toy train set with a battery-powered freight engine, cranes, a suspension bridge and a storage box.
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