early engineers

Early Engineers – new first easy creative train play system designed specifically for the very young
12 January 2010

Early Engineers from Learning Curve is a new, easy, creative train play concept specifically designed for aspiring young engineers aged 18 months and over. Featuring the well-loved Thomas & Friends™, the system is satisfyingly easy to set up and is frustration-free. The chunky engine designs ensure they are easily controlled by little hands and their large wheels stay on track. Better still, the Early Engineers sets are all interchangeable and compatible with Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway.

The new Early Engineers creative train play range includes the Roundabout Station Set, the Rock and Roll Quarry Set and the Busy Day on Sodor Roundhouse Set plus seven different engines. The simple destinations plug into the special Tracktile, locking into matching blue circles, and are interchangeable. Meanwhile, the Tracktiles keep the layouts together and secure.

Roundabout Station Set
Two stations are featured in the new Early Engineers Roundabout Station Set. At the Passenger Station, little engineers can pick up and deliver passengers in a fun and rewarding way, opening doors to allow passengers on and off! At the Stop & Go Station, the lever can be lifted to the accompaniment of a ‘real life’ ratchet sound. Mail bags can even be picked up and, for added excitement, Thomas the Tank engine can pass through the station tunnel!

The new Early Engineers Roundabout Station Set includes a Thomas the Tank Engine (worth £7), Tracktile for easy assembly in a circular layout, two station destinations and two accessories. It represents the most rewarding first train set experience at the most accessible price.

Age: From 18 months. Guide Retail Price: £22.99.

Rock and Roll Quarry Set
The new Rock and Roll Quarry Set is another fun exciting adventure Early Engineers play set. Packed with features, little engineers can drive Thomas up and down Quarry Mountain or turn the dual-action handle to roll the boulder down the chute. They can then use the same handle to spin the crane to pick up the boulder and magically load it into the cargo car!

Included in the new Early Engineers Rock and Roll Quarry Set is a Thomas the Tank Engine and cargo car (worth £10), a boulder, sign, a medium-sized Tracktile for easy assembly in an oval layout and two destinations to keep the fun rolling! It delivers the easiest way to master cargo play.

Age: From 18 months. Guide Retail Price: £29.99.

Busy Day on Sodor Roundhouse Set
The new Busy Day on Sodor Roundhouse Set includes everything two engines need to be really useful! The most comprehensive frustration-free Early Engineers play set, the big station on the Island of Sodor where Thomas the Tank Engine lives allows little engineers to drive the two engines to the coal sifter where they can turn a handle to load the rattling coal pieces. Before resting for the night, after a hard day’s work, the engines can then be driven around to the Engine Wash where another handle can be turned to spin the flaps to get the engines clean. Once washed, the engines can be driven into the two bays under the Roundhouse engine depot for a well-earned rest before starting a new day by spinning them round on the turntable and back onto the track!

The new Early Engineers Busy Day on Sodor Roundhouse Set includes three interchangeable destinations, two Tracktiles and two engines – Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy (worth £14) – for twice the fun! It provides the most complete first train play experience where engines work, wash and rest.

Age: From 18 months. Guide Retail Price: £39.99.

Choice of Seven Engines
Besides Thomas the Tank Engine – a really useful engine – other single engines in the range include his best friend Percy, classic silver Stanley and happy Rosie. Engines with tenders include long, lean Henry, fast, strong Gordon and proud, red James.

Age: From 18 months. Guide Retail Price: £6.99 (small)/£9.99 (large).

Why Early Engineers?
Boys particularly, are playing with their first train sets at a younger and younger age. However, little ones can soon become frustrated with train systems which are generally designed for children of three years and above.

Naturally, little hands have difficulty in connecting the tracks, and their unrefined motor skills find the more complex layouts unstable. The various play options are difficult for little ones to activate and they easily derail the engines.

Early Engineers takes these frustrations away and allows the very young to control and enjoy constructive play at their own level while encouraging all the skills necessary to advance to the next stage of play.

From the delights of Early Engineers, little ones can progress at their own pace to more sophisticated play with the classic Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, a system with which it is totally compatible.

Developmental first train play experience
As with all Learning Curve ranges, Early Engineers keeps developmental progress on track – stimulating and encouraging each vital skill at every stage of a child’s individual development. Early Engineers helps develop critical motor skills, build hand-eye co-ordination, identify colours, learn to count and to develop independent, imaginative play and concentration.

Early Engineers is the ideal introduction to creative, constructive play. It captivates and absorbs little ones’ attention as they embark on a journey of imaginative discovery. With Early Engineers, toddlers can enjoy independent play or play happily alongside others while developing vital motor, cognitive and social skills.

Early Engineers allows little ones to grow and progress, refining their ability to play constructively and providing a satisfying and natural progression to more advanced play with Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway.

For the nearest stockist, contact the consumer helpline 01271 336172 or visit www.learningcurve.com

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