This train is a runaway success! (Lego 4837 Creator: Mini Trains)

Member Name: azana

Product:	Lego 4837 Creator: Mini Trains
Date:	08/08/09 (94 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheap, it's lego

Disadvantages: bit aimed at boys but we don't care

Generally you can't get much bang for your toy buck for under a fiver, but this, my daughter's latest saved up pocket money acquisition is a toy that that we have officially classified as "total bargain for the money".

This lego set comes in its own little store case, that is about 10cm high. It promises you "3 in 1" and on this it delivers with instructions and the bricks to make 3 different train models. The three models can't be built all at the same time, but each is nice and detailed with about 15 steps and allows the child to build a steam train (as in the picture), a diesel train, and what I think must be a tram; I'm not a train expert.

There are about 70 pieces contained in this box in all, they all fit nicely into the plastic case it comes in, along with the instruction booklet. The bricks are all green, grey and black.

My daughter has been able to make this model more or less by herself, so I guess the age 6 guideline is pretty spot on. The pieces are not too fiddly and there are some quite varied ones including wheels and hinges that could enhance a basic set, should you choose to mix this one up. The construction of this toy is challenging but not too fiddly. I liked the fact that it encouraged my daughter's imagination - she has gone on to build a station for this train which can be wheeled nicely across the floor once built, and to try and add carriages of her own design to the back.

If you lose the instructions they are available to download on the lego site, at www.creator.lego.com but thus far we have kept everything together - the lid on the little case really clips on well and keeps everything secure.

In general I think lego is a fantastic toy, and my daughter seems to agree, having spent one day recently playing making up her own models from noon to dusk. I do find that these days the sets seem to be entirely directed at boys or bright pink, and this model is probably more aimed at boys, but she has enjoyed it nonetheless, and is keen to buy more in this series with a little more saving up.

We paid £4 for this set at Tesco, it is also currently available for a similar price at Toysrus and Amazon. I think this would make a great party gift or small present to take away on holiday.This may be called a mini set, but in my opinion it is big in value and play value. Recommended.

Summary: a set that is small in price but big in fun