Tonka have launched a new range of toys under the umbrella of Tonka Town which I’m sure you’ll have seen the adverts for, and they kindly asked if the boys and I would like to review the Fire Station Playset.

It consists of a large Fire Station, Fire Car, and two Fireman characters.

I grew up with Tonka, as a brand it was synonymous with large metal construction vehicles, sturdy enough to knock down actual walls, and my did I try! I still have my old ones under the stairs, hidden for the very reason that in the hands of my boys I suspect the house would soon become open plan.

This new range is made from plastic yet stays true to the ethos of toughness and durability.

The Fire Station itself is full of interactive elements. As you’d expect the doors open and there are dials and switches that can be manually moved, but what really sold the playset to the boys were the flashing blue lights and sirens that are activated by different buttons, and particularly the flames on the training tower that glow when raised.

There’s also detachable ladders and a sliding fireman’s pole which the characters can hold on to. This was the only negative point we had in so much as they struggled to attach the characters easily and thus it rarely gets used, which is a shame as it’s a nice well thought out idea.

What really stood out for me though, and which I’ve already alluded to, is the durability of all the components, including the Fire Car and characters. In an age where so many toys are made from a cheaper and more flimsy plastic the quality of these really stands out.

The boys have had a lot of fun playing with it, and it’s fuelled their imagination no end. Even after they’d exhausted the fire rescue element they’ve continued to use the playset in lots of other ways. Notably the Fire Station has become Bowser’s castle, with Peaches trapped in the tower and Mario given the task of saving her. You see, you can take Mario off their TV screen but you’ll never take him out of their minds.

Overall we were really impressed with the playset. The Tonka Town range also includes other emergency services, characters, and vehicles that compliment each other really well, and all of which can be found on the Tonka Town website … www.tonkatown.com

One personal downside to us having the Fire Station Playset is the fact their uncle Dave is a fireman, something the boys often remind me of, and which is generally followed by the question,

“What are you going to be when you grow up daddy?”

Apparently being a stay at home dad is neither cool nor exciting?

The Fire Station Playset retails at £39.99.

Recommended Age: Three +

www.tonkatown.com

{We were sent this playset free of charge for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and honest.}