Lincoln Logs Reviews

The Gold Mine Express--packed with railroad accessories and three small action figures--will keep kids occupied for hours. They can place Engineer Bob in harm's way, then have Sheriff Sam save the day by capturing Bad Bart and saving the train from an explosion. With all of the Lincoln Logs and structures that come in the set, the story is likely to pan out in several ways. A faux explosives detonator, bank building, corral, and mountain tunnel are included, for role-playing details. There's even a lever on a piece of track that makes Bad Bart's horse buck him off, and a mountain rock that opens for Bart to stash his gold in. The included three-car train--the set's centerpiece--features an engine, car, and caboose. When playtime is over, everything goes back into the kit's red container--itself shaped like a train engine--which also transforms into a station stop on the railroad. The toy includes small parts; not for children under 3 years. --Diane Beall

The Grizzly Canyon Lookout is a 66-piece Lincoln Log playset that makes a little ranger station with a lookout tower. Set includes 57 logs, two windows, opening and closing door with frame, slanted roof, lookout tower with roof, flag, and friendly grizzly bear and ranger play figures. Parents can rest assured that Lincoln Log sets are every bit as much fun as they always were, and are still made with easy-fitting, durable real wood logs and plastic pieces. Grizzly Canyon Lookout can be combined with other Lincoln Log sets to create larger scenes. This is a toy that encourages imagination, tactile development, and shape recognition (and besides that, it's just plain fun). Be warned, however: small parts may present a choking hazard to children under 3 years. --Chris Livesay

Wild West adventurer Buck N. Bronco and his pal Dusty Trail are roundin' up some wild horses and building the finest ranch this side of the Mississippi. Children can spend hours--on their own or with friends--helping them construct their western compound. There are enough real-wood Lincoln Logs (114 to be exact) and brightly colored plastic awnings, doors, and windows to make at least three structures on the ranch. There are barrels, four horses, and even a water trough. Instructions for a corral, a blacksmith's shop, and a small fort (complete with lookout roof and flag) are included, and, of course, there are many other building possibilities, some of which are pictured on the giant tub the set is packed in. --M. Sullivan

A classic designed way back in 1916 by John Lloyd Wright (son of celebrated architect Frank), Lincoln Logs teach the pint-size set creative building techniques and valuable instruction-following skills, all the while instilling in them an indomitable pioneer spirit. The Knotty Pine Farm pack comes with everything you need to construct a hardy frontier farm, complete with corral. And you better get those fences up quick, lest your molded-rubber livestock--a horse, a cow, and a pig--wander away. (Fortunately, you've got help in the form of an equally safe and chewable farmhand in overalls.) Combine with other Lincoln Logs sets when you're ready to settle more land. --Paul Hughes