As the mum of three under 5s who love the original aquadraw and the aquadraw mini mats we just had to buy this. The plus points are it's a large mat, even slightly larger than the standard aquadraw mat so all the children can fit round. The track making roller accessory is good and makes fun tracks. The train does actually make a good job of following the tracks and makes train noises plus plays a bit of the Thomas theme tune. The train also 'searches' for the tracks if it gets lost and turns itself off if it can't find anything to follow.
The bad points are as usual tomy are stingy with the number of accessories they include. One pen and one roller on this size of mat seems especially inadequate. A call to the Tomy careline will get you an extra couple of pens for a small cost. This is essential if you have more than one child or if you want to join in the activity! The mat also needs to be absolutely flat for the train to run. With more than one child using this large mat it inevitably crinkles/folds up.
In practice my children have been making spaghetti junction track layouts. The train is confused but trundles around cheerfully regardless. The tinny sounding thomas theme tune music is annoying but the train sound effects are fine. I wish there was a mute option!
The children and especially my Thomas mad three year old love it.
