Thomas & Friends Motorized Toy Train Hiro Review: Worth It?

I recently spent some time with the motorized Hiro train from Thomas & Friends. It’s a fun, battery-powered engine that moves smoothly on most Thomas tracks.

I liked how easy it was to start Hiro and watch him race around. My little one stayed engaged for a good while.

The train connects well with other engines and cars. This makes it easy to expand play.

However, it won’t work on wooden tracks, so keep that in mind if you already have those. It felt sturdy enough for preschool play but not too heavy.

Buy the Thomas & Friends Motorized Hiro Train here

Overview of Thomas & Friends Motorized Toy Train Hiro

The Hiro train is a fun motorized engine that works well on most Thomas tracks, except wooden ones. You can start it moving easily with a simple switch on top.

Young kids can use it on their own without help. The design is sturdy for daily play.

The tender adds a nice touch for more creative setups. It requires AAA batteries, which aren’t included.

The connectors let you attach other engines or cars. This helps expand the play experience.

It doesn’t work on wooden tracks, limiting where it can run. This toy works well for preschoolers who already have or want a Thomas train track set.

Key Features

Playing with this toy train brings a classic story to life. It stands out and moves with ease when you switch it on.

The details look great, and it blends well with other toys on the track.

Authentic Hiro Design

The train’s look really captures Hiro’s character from the show. It has a shape and colors that match well.

This makes it feel special when you watch it go. The design holds up well to rough play.

It isn’t super heavy, so it’s easy for kids to handle.

Battery-Powered Motorized Action

You can turn the switch to start the motor, and the train rolls smoothly along the track. It uses two AAA batteries.

The batteries last a decent amount of playtime before you need to replace them. The train moves at a steady speed that’s fun but not too fast, so it won’t easily derail.

It doesn’t have variable speeds or sound effects. Some kids might miss those features.

Track Compatibility

The train fits most plastic Thomas & Friends tracks. This is helpful if you already have a set or want to add to one.

It does not work with wooden tracks. I tried it on different plastic track designs, and it connected easily and ran well.

Connectable Plastic Couplers

The couplers on the train make it easy to link with other cars or engines. I tested it with other toys in the same line, and they held together during play.

You can build longer trains using this feature. The plastic connectors can feel a little fragile if handled roughly.

They work fine for gentle play but may wear out over time.

Pros and Cons

Here are some strong points and drawbacks I found after using this motorized toy train.

Pros

The train runs smoothly on most plastic Thomas & Friends tracks. Setting up is easy.

Flipping the switch on top quickly gets the engine moving. The design is sturdy enough to handle crashes and rough play.

It connects well with other cars and tenders, letting you build a longer train. The size and weight feel just right for small hands.

Cons

It doesn’t work on wooden tracks, which limits compatibility. The motor sounds a bit loud when running, which might annoy some parents.

Battery life isn’t very long, so you’ll need to replace batteries often. Some people get confused about whether it’s motorized, probably because the motion can seem weaker than other models.

The price might feel high for those expecting a more advanced engine.

Customer Reviews

Many users enjoy how the toy train runs smoothly and fits well with other TrackMaster sets. Kids like it, especially if they already have other trains in the series.

The design and durability get good feedback. It holds up well during play.

Some people felt disappointed because the motorized feature did not work as expected or was not as strong. Some younger kids were happy, but others seemed less excited.

Pros

• Runs well on tracks
• Durable build
• Popular with fans of the series

Cons

• Motor power may vary
• Not always as motorized as described

Ideal Age and Safety Information

This toy works best for kids 3 years and older, which matches the recommended age. The size and design make it safe for preschoolers.

There are no small parts that could be choking hazards. The battery compartment is secure, so little hands can’t open it easily.

It needs 2 AAA batteries, so an adult should handle battery replacement. It works only on specific tracks and avoids wooden ones to prevent derailment.

The toy feels sturdy and made with safety in mind. Still, supervision is a good idea with younger children.

Collectibility and Expansion Options

This motorized train works well with many other Thomas & Friends engines and accessories. The connectors let you link it to other motorized or push-along cars.

You can build a longer train this way. This makes it fun to expand your collection over time.

It fits plastic and standard Thomas tracks, not wooden ones. This limits some options if you already own different track types.

You’ll need to buy additional trains and track sets separately to create bigger layouts.

Pros:

• Connects easily with other trains and cars
• Compatible with most plastic Thomas tracks

Cons:

• Not compatible with wooden tracks
• Expansions cost extra and depend on availability

Conclusion

I found this motorized Hiro train to be a fun addition to any preschooler’s playtime. It runs well on tracks and feels sturdy for regular use.

The battery power lets little hands operate it easily. However, it’s not perfect.

I noticed it can struggle on more complex track setups. It also isn’t the most powerful motorized toy.

Some kids might want more speed or excitement. If you want a reliable, simple motorized train that fits well with other TrackMaster sets, this Hiro works well.