Newsgroups: rec.woodworking


A friend searched his catalog collection and found several 1991-92 catalogs
from Cherry Tree Toys, Inc., which do list toy train parts (copied below).
They do NOT mention the word "Brio", or show the train on Brio-like track.
Without having had a chance to measure the corresponding Brio parts, they
do appear likely to be Brio-compatible, with wheel-thickness as a question.
The wheels are wooden (unlike genuine Brio), and the magnets are unpainted.
The parts appear to me to be more useful than the train plans and/or kit,
which from the photo appears to be much taller than Brio trains, and likely
to be incompatible with Brio overpasses and structures.  There is no
indication of whether their plans/kits are "standard Brio gauge" or not.

Quoting from the catalog:
  - Miniature Parts
    All of these parts are great for use on miniature wooden toys or for
    adding unique magnetic features to projects.  The round head, nickel
    plated nails with their special annular threads are almost impossible
    to remove and were designed to be used as axle pegs for our 5/8", 3/4"
    and 7/8" wheels.  Both the flat head and round head annular threaded
    nails are ideal for attaching our ceramic magnets used in the Five Car
    Magnetic Train below.  Bulk prices are available.

    Description of Parts                  Prices
                                            1    12    50    100   250    500
    #401 Wheel 5/8"x7/32" (3/32" hole)    .15  1.35  4.50  7.50  14.50  21.00
    #402 Wheel 3/4"x7/32" (3/32" hole)    .15  1.35  4.50  8.00  15.50  23.00
    #403 Wheel 7/8"x7/32" (3/32" hole)    .15  1.35  4.50  8.50  16.50  25.00
    #410 Round head annular threaded nail .15  1.35  4.50  8.00  17.50  30.00
         (nickel plated) 1/2"x3/4"x.072"
         diameter shank
    #420 Flat head annular threaded nail  .15  1.35  4.50  8.00  17.50  30.00
         (nickel plated) 1/2"x11/16"x.072"
         diameter shank
    #430 Ceramic magnet 1/2"x7/32" (3/32" .20  1.80  7.00  13.00 29.00  52.50
         hole) magnetized through center

  - Five Car Magnetic Train (18 1/2" long)
    This delightful Five Car Magnetic Train uses magnets as couplers and
    also on the crane car and the two cargo cars.  Magnets, nails and
    turned wooden parts are available above.  Bulk prices are available.
    - Plan: $6.00 each
    - Parts Required Kit: $19.95 Everything included except the flat wood
      stock.  Plan included.
    - Uncut Kit: $29.95 Everything included, uncut and undrilled wood.
      Plan included.
    - Precut Kit: $34.95 Everything included, precut and predrilled wood.
      Plan included.
    - Finished Toy: $49.95 each

The catalog shows Cherry Tree Toys, Inc., P.O. Box 369, Belmont, OH 43718,
phone toll-free 1-800-848-4363 or FAX (614)484-4388 (24 hours).  The order
form contains extensive ordering information, including the following:

    - "Variable shipping, packing, handling and insurance charges in the
      continental U.S. (except on designated items).  The minimum shipping
      charge is $3.95.  Orders $40 and above, please add only 10%.  Goods
      shipped by cheapest carrier.  24 hour phone ordering service (sorry,
      no collect calls).  First and second-day air shipments are available
      (please inquire).  If you request a "rush" order, we can normally
      ship it within 48 hours."
    - 6% sales tax for Ohio residents
    - 25% surcharge for foreign orders, Alaska, Hawaii
    - C.O.D. (U.S. only) $2.95 extra
    - payment in U.S. funds only
    - "Our guarantee: If not completely satisfied with your purchase,
      please return within 30 days for a full refund, replacement, or
      credit for merchandise."
    - free catalog subscription with order

I have no personal experience with Cherry Tree Toys, Inc. (or these items),
other than having just been loaned a copy of their catalog.

Bill Spangler

From: markw@hpcss01.cup.hp.com (Mark Williams)
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 16:53:41 GMT
Subject: Re: refinishing cherry
Organization: Hewlett Packard, Cupertino