Fisher-Price Thomas the Train: TrackMaster Cranky and Flynn Save the Day Playset

We wanted this set for our son's 3rd birthday. He is obsessed with trains and fire engines, so when Flynn was introduced he had to have it. We went to a retail store (Walmart) to buy it. The in-store price was $70.00, we decided to buy from Amazon which was $40.00 with free shipping. My son loves this set, Creaky is really the favorite here, he is very easy to control and can be used in any situation on the track-master tracks. The set is built solid, great quality. Both of my kids are enjoying this set. My son keeps finding more things to hook to Cranky's crane, lately he has been hauling around my daughter's Zoobles with his magnetic hook! I find myself playing with the crane, it's really fun, wish I had toys like this when I was a kid!

I obviously did not read the reviews thoroughly before buying this - and could NOT get Cranky to work Christmas morning, of all times!!!! Called Fisher-Price this morning and was STUNNED when customer service recommended trying Duracell batteries because this toy is - and I quote - "quirky" with rayovac batteries for whatever reason. I thought for sure this had to be wrong ... but, switched out the batteries and sure enough - Cranky works great now! If it hadn't happened to me - I probably wouldn't have believed it. So - just be prepared to have Duracell's on hand. All that aside, my 4yr old son loves his Cranky! I, personally, feel it's much too pricey for what you get - but, most all the Thomas sets are.

I glad to see Fisher Price come up with a product of this caliber for the Trackmaster line. The Trackmaster line of Thomas trains deserves to be realistic and fun as possible. The old Cranky was okay, but inconsistent in size in relation to the other trackmaster trains. The fact that he moves, talks, and lifts is simply fantastic! This set adds to our already larger investment and helps to give our trackmaster line of toys more playing longevity. My son loves this toy Cranky as much as he loves watching him in the show. I highly recommend this fun, durable, and well-thought out toy to any Thomas fan at any age! Bring on "Day of the Diesels!"

After purchasing this for my 4 yr old grandson for Christmas, I realized I had not looked at any reviews. As were some reviewers experience, it worked only intermittantly. If your little one loves trains, this toy could provide hours of fun with little supervision. It was my grandson's favorite present and he was either excited or ultimately frustrated and dissapointed. We replaced both units twice with Duracell batteries and it still did not work properly. Great fun and well worth the price if it works. TRY IT BEFORE YOU GIVE IT.

I think this is my first negative review. After getting this toy for our 3 year old grandson's birthday, he was very sad when it didn't work. We returned it and Amazon sent out another right away. (Thank you Amazon!) But the next one didn't work either! We read all the reviews, put in brand new batteries...nothing. Then we read a review that said "use Durecell batteries". Figured we may as well try this before returning it yet again. Back to the store for MORE batteries, and it actually worked. How ridiculous that this toy is THAT finicky?? THANK you to the person who put the Durecell tip in their review. Finally, the little guy can play with his precious cranky! So remember DURECELL!!!