New Chuggington™ Die-Cast Track System Hits Store Shelves; Takes Train Play to Never-Before-Reached Heights

OAK BROOK, Ill., Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TOMY announces the launch of its 2012 Chuggington Die-Cast Railway featuring a revolutionary track system that lets toy train enthusiasts stack their track "as high as the sky" (www.stackyourtrack.com). For the first time ever, budding engineers can build spiraling track layouts with this innovative track system engineered for stability and durability, enabling elevated layouts like never before. In addition, every action-packed playset in the Chuggington Die-Cast Railway can be built multiple ways, encouraging young imaginations to create, construct and play.

"We are thrilled to be the first toy train brand to develop a track system that actually supports and encourages vertical building," said Greg Kilrea, president of TOMY International. "Now for the first time ever, young train fans can build tall, spiraling track layouts that add to the fun and excitement of imaginative train play while encouraging early math and engineering concepts. The best part about the new Chuggington Die-Cast Railway track system is the sturdy design, which means even the youngest enthusiasts can achieve super-tall builds that withstand active preschool play."

Based on Ludorum's popular animated series and inspired by Chuggington's modern characters and fast-paced adventures, TOMY's Chuggington Die-Cast Railway allows fans to spend countless imaginative hours  with a whole new play experience. Easy to connect and simple enough for preschoolers to build on their own, the new track system is a durable and sturdy solution for adding elevation to train sets and creating amazing action. Chuggington Die-Cast Railway is available at all major retailers and is supported by national television advertising (http://bit.ly/PyWCVV).

Featured sets available at launch include:

• Chuggington Die-Cast Railway Wilson's Wild Ride Playset  The awesome new track design featured in this playset allows little conductors to build a spiral more than 2 feet tall! Pull the lever when Wilson enters the storm machine to activate storm sounds and to launch Wilson. Wilson shoots down the 360 degree spiral, past the spinning sign, past the popping cones, and onto the turntable, where he whips around 720 degrees!  Set can create four different track layouts. Ages: 3 and up. MSRP: $49.99–$59.99
• Chuggington Die-Cast Railway Portable Double Decker Roundhouse Playset  This iconic Chuggington locale is a must-have! The Roundhouse does double duty as a portable engine storage case. When little conductors are ready to play, just connect the turntable and snap in the track. This destination also features an innovative elevating turntable that raises and spins. Includes a Die-Cast Brewster engine. Ages: 3 and up. MSRP: $29.99–$34.99
• Chuggington Die-Cast Railway Stunt Brewster Playset  Inspired by the episode 'Stunt Brewster,' this action packed starter set features Brewster.  Brewster flies down the hill, crashes through the lights, soars over the jump, and rides through the tunnel. The track can also be transformed into a traditional oval layout. A great starter set! MSRP:  $14.99 
• Chuggington Die-Cast Railway Koko's Old Town Tour Playset  Enter through the arch to tour Old Town. Go up the hill and over the turntable. Also includes the steam whistle gate and Old Town Koko! Set can create three different layouts. MSRP:  $29.99 
• Chuggington Die-Cast Railway Koko's Icy Escapade Playset  Inspired by the episode 'Wilson's Icy Escapade,' this Action Playset features icy Koko and the Ice Cave.  Koko has to be careful going across the rickety bridge with the ice cargo.  Pick up the ice in the cargo car, crash through the ice gates, and deliver the cargo to the top. Set can create three different layouts. MSRP:  $34.99
• Chuggington Die-Cast Railway Brewster's Big City Adventure Playset  Help Brewster pick up his delivery.  Oh no!  Brewster is stuck!  Don't worry, Action Chugger will rescue him.  Action Chugger flies down from the sky, jumps onto the track, and speeds down the collapsing bridge to rescue Brewster.  Includes scrap metal Brewster with cargo car and lights and sounds Action Chugger! Set can create seven different layouts. MSRP:  $89.99 

About TOMY International
TOMY International (www.tomy.com) is a leading global designer, producer and marketer of a broad range of innovative, high-quality toys sold to preschoolers, youths and adults under the TOMY®, Ertl®, Johnny Lightning® and Tomica® brands as well as products for mothers, infants and toddlers marketed under its The First Years®, Lamaze, JJ Cole® Collections and Boon® brands. TOMY International also markets its products under popular and classic licensed properties such as Chuggington, Dinosaur Train, John Deere, Disney's Winnie the Pooh, Princesses, Cars, Fairies and Toy Story, and other well-known properties. TOMY International's mission is to inspire and fulfill the dreams of children and parents worldwide. TOMY International reaches its target consumers through multiple channels of distribution supporting more than 25,000 retail outlets throughout North and South America, Europe and Australia. TOMY International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based TOMY Company, Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code No. 7867). © TOMY

About Chuggington^™
Chuggington is a CGI-animated series that follows the adventures of Wilson, Brewster and Koko, trainee engines, each with their own unique personality and learning style.  The series is set in a world much like our own with cities, villages and diverse cultures and geography.  Entertainment and enjoyment are at the heart of Chuggington, but embedded within each story are important educational and developmental messages centered on learning and social-emotional development. Chuggington is directed by Sarah Ball, who won a BAFTA award for her work as a director and writer of Bob the Builder^™.  Further information is available at www.chuggington.com.

SOURCE TOMY