2014 Trackmaster redesign

[HankAmericanEngine]

I seem to keep coming back here for this particular conversation, but I think this one is slightly pertinent to the entire TrackMaster 2.0 line.

Pricing.

I thought these TrackMaster 1.0s were expensive, but this is the retail listing, with tax, where I live for 3 major retailers in the U.S.A.:

Wal-Mart: $12.97 + tax = $14.04
Target: $16.99 + tax = $18.39
Toys'R'Us: $14.99 + tax = 16.23

I've got three more Gators today from Toys'R'Us, just to see that I ended up saving a whopping $13.00 U.S. when I compared the purchase for three of the exact same at Target! Why did I get more you ask?

Well, some of these have two of the clear plastic bands that hold down the crates and tarpaulin, and I like using them to secure loads on flatbeds; more realism, and I like the cars. I'd buy more of Timothy, but I'd be paying way too much for a micro-bolster wagon, China Clay cargo, and two clear rubber bands.

I think the cost is just a bit too much; the Wal-Mart one would be a bargain if they included three pieces of half-straights with these "Introducing ______!" sets, but Target's pricing is just outrageous. Toys'R'Us usually is the most expensive, but it seems that the tides have turned on Target.