Wooden train sets

[lenster]

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find the thread. Are most of the wooden train sets (Ikea, Bigjigs, Brio, etc) able to be used together or are the track sizes all different?

Can anyone recommend a good one for a 3 year old? Would like to get a decent set, but if they are all very similar would prefer to keep cost low.

Thanks.

[katgod]

I have a load of Brio, track and trains, for sale. PM if interested. I couldn't get a photo loaded into the classified but I think I did post it there a while back. Brio is good.

[mima08]

Hiya, we found all of the various wooden ones tend to work together no problem. We have bits of Brio, Bigjigs and numerous cheaper ones from the likes of Aldi, Liddle and Tchibo - which makes for a massive set and kept the costs down...

[slh2009]

We have mixed Brio with Ikea and find some of the joints get stuck together but the trains run on them ok

[lenster]

Thanks for the replies. I think in that case we'll get a nice, small set for the main present and then buy cheaper/secondhand to top up. Katgod, I'll get back to you when checked out a basic set to buy.

[buggie]

Haven't got brio, but have got bigjigs & the track looks identical to Brio

[kristymac1]

Melissa and Doug do a really lovely set with lots of bits, much cheaper than brio but compatible with brio, ikea etc...We bought it for our 2yr old and only use some of it at the moment but will get the rest out as he grows.

[edanna]

John Lewis do a nice set - all compatible with brio, bigjigs etc

[AnMKing]

I believe there are issues with the height of the bridges in some sets compared to the height of the trains in others leading to some nasty accidents.

Not certain as it's my nephew's set but I think a Brio train won't fit under an IKEA bridge.