Vehicle Reviews

Apparently go-carts aren't just for amusement parks anymore. Oh sure, they call this a mobile assault vehicle, but it looks remarkably like it should be speeding around a fenced off racetrack surrounded by rubber tire bumpers and people eating cotton candy. That is until a button is pushed on the steering wheel and the hood pops open to reveal a spring-loaded missile. The regulation military green vehicle fits larger G.I. Joe action figures, or just about any other similarly sized figure or especially adventurous stuffed animal, and would fit in well with other military equipment. Since it doesn't roll especially well, it's perhaps better used for posing than active pretend play. --Charlie Williams

From the popular Thomas the Tank Engine book series and television's Shining Time Station, based on the Railway Series by Rev. W. Awdry, comes Henry, the proud green engine. Made of hardwood, with shiny green paint, a three-dimensional face, and a magnetically coupled coal car, Henry is ready for hard work. Being one of the largest steam engines at Shining Time Station, eight-wheeled Henry, also known as No. 3, can easily pull several freight cars along with his 2-inch coal car. Wheel axles measure 1 inch across and fit standard Brio wooden train tracks, and similar 1- to 1.5-inch grooved train tracks. Train buffs young and old will enjoy recreating authentic railway scenes as they collect these wonderfully crafted, classic train cars, bridges, ramps, tunnels, stations, and more from the Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends Wooden Railway System. --Kathryn Gustafson