After a lackluster couple of years, BRIO seems to be returning to its roots with a couple of its accessories in 2018. The biggest news is Brio #33886, the Cargo Transport Helicopter.
This is a modernization of the classic #33580 Helicopter from 1988.
The new version is a mix of plastic and wood like most of BRIO’s current lineup. A nice feature is the cockpit windshield, which opens up to reveal a seat for the pilot which is included. It also comes with a cargo car. The wheel base looks the same as the airplane, which means that, as with the latter, you can use the helicopter on a runway made from the road track.
Brio #33866 marks the return of the Low-Level Crane. This first appeared in European markets in 2017. In the US, it looks like it will be part of #33878, the Lift and Load Starter set. This set includes the classic, plastic tunnel and a classic tree.
Buy the #33866 Low Level Crane on Amazon or on eBay. Find the #33878 Lift and Load Starter Set on Amazon.
There’s even an update to the BRIO Airport set from 2013. The new version is a bit simpler by doing away with the monorail, and the new plane comes in red, adding some variety to your BRIO fleet.
I love these jets. They are one of the best accessories BRIO has made, and it’s nice to see new colors come along.
It’s a good start to the year.
Nice to have you back John !!!
Thanks!
I wish they’d rerelease and “modernize” other older accessories like the Sliding Container Crane which are hard to find and very expensive online.
Yeah, there were some great accessories that I would love to see make a comeback. The sliding container crane is one of them. It wasn’t even released in the U.S. which just makes it even more expensive when you do find it.
It came out in the US as the Theodore Tugboat character Clayton the Crane, and even THAT goes for $100+! Of course, I’d prefer to have it as the non-licensed UK release.
Likewise, I think some recent buildings should make a comeback like the Stone Quarry Loader or the Cargo Warehouse, and maybe an updated version of the Engine Shed (the two-lane one). They did bring the Grand Central Station back, albeit with a plastic base instead of wood.