Manufacturers recommended age 3 years +

As usual I expect the recommended age is simply to avoid any possible lawsuit in the event of a part being broken off and eaten. With proper supervision, I think this toy is brilliant for much younger children. My son was 16 months old when i found this in a boot sale ( as new for £2) and was able to operate the controls with no problems. He absolutely loved this toy and still does eight months later, as does his older brother.

The toy itself is smaller than it looks in this picture, I would guess about 10" long. It is well made and has survived a number of bumps and minor falls. The control is small and easy to use with three buttons. One button makes the train go forward, another makes it turn and the third makes steam and sounds. The steam itself is a cool mist, so quite safe. It also has a soft red light that shines through the steam.

As mentioned, we have owned this for some time, and it has yet to go into the toy box, it is always set on a low shelf where my youngest can easily reach it. Although it was bought with the youngest in mind, both children have really enjoyed this. They love the steam function and even the youngest would carry it up and ask for water whenever it ran dry. It does require an adult to fill the reservoir, but it is fairly easy. We just poke a drink straw in the hole, hold the other end under the tap and let the water run for a few minutes.

This toy requires 3 AAA batteries and 2AA batteries. In eight months with very frequent use the AA's have been changed once, the AAA's are still going.

This toy fits all my requirements for a good toy
1. The children love it
2. It is not overly expensive to run, it does require batteries but they last a long time.
3. It is well made and does not break easily. My absolute most hated problem with toys is when they fall apart easily leaving heartbroken children.