Brio is reliable.  I started a Brio train set for my daughter 34 years ago.  Now her son plays with the set.  While creating a route for his train, he ran out of track.  His great-granddad said, "Wesley, you've just learned an important fact about trains--you never have enough track!"  So I thought why not add track now?  Brio track from 34 years ago still works with today's track.  When Wesley received the new track for an Easter present, he clutched it excitedly and said, "Thank you! Thank you! I needed more track!"  For the next few years, his presents for special occasions will be--more track.