BRIO Mechanical Switches

by Brio

Product Features

• Ideal to use with the battery powered engine
• Change the train's direction by using lever
• Works with any BRIO track
• Includes one "L1" piece and one "M1" piece
• For ages 3 and above

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 1.2 x 3.7 inches ; 5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000IU72
• Item model number: 33344
• Our recommended age: 36 months - 6 years
• Manufacturer recommended age: 36 months - 6 years
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,750 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Editorial Review

Is your BRIO Wooden Railway system ziggin' when it should be zaggin'? Not a problem with this pair of mechanical switches that are compatible with all track and vehicles in the line from the Swedish toymaker. Each switch is the size and shape of a small rib-eye steak and crafted from fine beechwood. By pushing or pulling the small side plastic arm connected to a plate on the track, young engineers can direct their vehicles' wheels to one of two sets of grooves in the wooden rails. Where the train goes after that is bound only by their imaginations and the shape of their BRIO layout. --Tony Mason

Product Description

Ideal to use with the Battery Powered Engine. Change the train's direction with an easy to use lever. 1 piece L1, i piece M1. 5.5.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adds a whole new dimension to a train set, April 21, 2001

By 

"a_mom" - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: BRIO Mechanical Switches (Toy)

These dual sided switches are a very nice addition to a Brio train set. The plastic switch moves firmly, yet smoothly, to change the direction of the trains.

Our three year old son is able to move the switches easily. At first he had some trouble sliding the switch all the way into position. Whether the switch needed to be worn in, or it was a training issue, the switches work well now.

It took a day or two for our three year old to grasp the concept of the switch changing the direction of the train. Since understanding it, the train has become even more fun that it was previously. It's also made it easier for more than one person to play the trains since it's easy to direct a moving train away from another one on the track. The addition of an Intermediate Railway Expansion set also aided this.

The switches also taught our son a lesson in planning ahead. Before a train gets to the switch he must anticipate the direction he wants the train to travel.

These mechanical switches proved to be a fun toy and a good educational investment.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Adds new fun to the track, January 28, 2002

By 

John McDermott (Columbus, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: BRIO Mechanical Switches (Toy)

The mechanical switches are a wonderful way to add new fun to my son's Brio track. It seems easy for him to operate the switches and it adds a new dimension to his layouts since he now can redirect trains as they move about. They are a little pricey, but appear durable and well worth it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good addition to your Brio collection., February 22, 2001

By A Customer

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: BRIO Mechanical Switches (Toy)

Even though it's a bit pricey for what you get, it's a fun addition to your collection. It gives the little engineer another interesting way to manipulate a train, especially battery operated trains. I would recommend buying more than one set/box if you have alot of track - it's fun to keep changing the direction of the trains to make them follow the many different directions of track. I have one set now and plan to buy another.