Build A Train is a masterclass in 'digital toy' design. It captures the simple joy of a wooden train set and translates it into a creative mobile playground. The app excels by giving players two distinct phases: the design phase, where you can customize engines and car sequences with tactile drag-and-drop controls, and the play phase, where you actually drive through diverse environments.
The 'Game Mode' adds just enough structure by introducing track switches and cargo pickups, preventing it from being a purely passive experience. The variety of maps—from volcanoes to underwater tunnels—is impressive and sparks the imagination. It’s a perfect app for children, especially with the thoughtful 'Child Lock' features, but there’s a quiet, relaxing quality to building and watching your creation traverse the landscape that will appeal to train enthusiasts of any age.
Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod
Version 9Fri Sep 22 2017
This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
iOS 11 compatibility updates.
Build A Train is the perfect virtual train set for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. It's also a universal app – buy once, play on any of your devices. Even better, all future content updates are included FREE in the full version of Build A Train.
PLEASE NOTE: Designed for kids aged 1-6.
What parents are saying:
"I got this for my train-loving 3 year old and he loves it! He loves to build the trains and fly the helicopter and my husband and I love trying to beat each other's scores! Great app!"
"My 5 year old LOVES trains and he really enjoys playing this game. Thanks for the updates. The horn and bell were a big hit."
"Great job with the update. My 6 year old had a great time trying to get enough points to unlock the tracks. My 2 year old loves the horn and the bell. Nice job."
What reviewers are saying:
"Build a Train is an entertaining app for younger children. It would be great for car rides or anytime you want to entertain your children with an imaginative game"
- TUAW.com
Build A Train "...proves that, when it comes to train-themed mobile games, the iOS platform rules the rails."
- Macworld
"Build A Train offers all the fun and excitement of a good old fashioned train set with a few added extras and the best feature of all from a mothers perspective… no mess!"
- theimum.com
"I was amazed at how quickly my 5 year old not only grasped the concept but became completely engrossed in the game. He didn't want to put it down for anything. He has always loved trains and this is the perfect type of app for him. It's challenging but he can still master it. As far as train games go (and well pretty much any kids games to be honest) this one is a big winner in our book! Completely worth the money."
- NowWhatBaby.blogspot.com
*********
Build A Train includes the following features:
»»» Select an engine for your train.
Choose from a variety of styles, colors and design.
»»» Select the cars for your train.
Configure your train as desired -- easy drag-to-reorder functionality gives you full control of your train. Simply double-tap the cars in your train to delete them. Test drive your train in a city environment.
»»» Launch game mode and drive your train. Control the switches on the track to determine where your train goes. Control the speed of your train. Pick-up cargo and collect points. Celebrate by tooting a horn or ringing a bell.
»»» Night mode feature lets you drive your train at night.
»»» Unlockable content. Start with 20 maps to play on and then collect points to unlock new bonus levels for your train including ocean, palace, pyramids, bright lights and volcano.
Want to know more?
*** SEE A VIDEO REVIEW from Apps for Children with Special Needs: http://vimeo.com/21054012
*** TRY THE LITE VERSION FOR FREE:
Just search for Build A Train Lite in the App Store.
***Top 10 Educational Game***
***Named What's Hot by Apple***
***TUAW.com App of the Day***
Featured in Free App Magic selection by MagicSolver.
Interested in more features? New engines, more game mechanics or trains? More worlds? QUESTIONS? Let us know by emailing: support@playtend.com
***THANKS for all the feedback.****
Remember -- your CONSTRUCTIVE feedback helps keep quality updates coming!
Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.Build A Train is the perfect virtual train set for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. It's also a universal app – buy once, play on any of your devices. Even better, all future content updates are included FREE in the full version of Build A Train.
PLEASE NOTE: Designed for kids aged 1-6.
What parents are saying:
"I got this for my train-loving 3 year old and he loves it! He loves to build the trains and fly the helicopter and my husband and I love trying to beat each other's scores! Great app!"
"My 5 year old LOVES trains and he really enjoys playing this game. Thanks for the updates. The horn and bell were a big hit."
"Great job with the update. My 6 year old had a great time trying to get enough points to unlock the tracks. My 2 year old loves the horn and the bell. Nice job."
What reviewers are saying:
"Build a Train is an entertaining app for younger children. It would be great for car rides or anytime you want to entertain your children with an imaginative game"
- TUAW.com
Build A Train "...proves that, when it comes to train-themed mobile games, the iOS platform rules the rails."
- Macworld
"Build A Train offers all the fun and excitement of a good old fashioned train set with a few added extras and the best feature of all from a mothers perspective… no mess!"
- theimum.com
"I was amazed at how quickly my 5 year old not only grasped the concept but became completely engrossed in the game. He didn't want to put it down for anything. He has always loved trains and this is the perfect type of app for him. It's challenging but he can still master it. As far as train games go (and well pretty much any kids games to be honest) this one is a big winner in our book! Completely worth the money."
- NowWhatBaby.blogspot.com
*********
Build A Train includes the following features:
»»» Select an engine for your train.
Choose from a variety of styles, colors and design.
»»» Select the cars for your train.
Configure your train as desired -- easy drag-to-reorder functionality gives you full control of your train. Simply double-tap the cars in your train to delete them. Test drive your train in a city environment.
»»» Launch game mode and drive your train. Control the switches on the track to determine where your train goes. Control the speed of your train. Pick-up cargo and collect points. Celebrate by tooting a horn or ringing a bell.
»»» Night mode feature lets you drive your train at night.
»»» Unlockable content. Start with 20 maps to play on and then collect points to unlock new bonus levels for your train including ocean, palace, pyramids, bright lights and volcano.
Want to know more?
*** SEE A VIDEO REVIEW from Apps for Children with Special Needs: http://vimeo.com/21054012
*** TRY THE LITE VERSION FOR FREE:
Just search for Build A Train Lite in the App Store.
***Top 10 Educational Game***
***Named What's Hot by Apple***
***TUAW.com App of the Day***
Featured in Free App Magic selection by MagicSolver.
Interested in more features? New engines, more game mechanics or trains? More worlds? QUESTIONS? Let us know by emailing: support@playtend.com
***THANKS for all the feedback.****
Remember -- your CONSTRUCTIVE feedback helps keep quality updates coming!










Build A Train is the perfect virtual train set for your mobile device. Select from a variety of engines and styles, then drag and drop cars to configure your train exactly how you want. Launch into game mode to drive through vibrant maps like the Palace, Volcano, and even the Moon! Control your speed, flip track switches, and pick up cargo. With endless customizability and a child-safe design, it's a train lover's dream.
Diverse Maps (Pyramids, Ocean, Moon)
Interactive Track Switches and Cargo
Customizable Engine and Car Styles
Night Mode and Child Lock Features
In Game Mode, keep a close eye on upcoming track switches. Tapping them allows you to explore different areas of the map and find hidden cargo. Use the speed slider to slow down for sharp turns and avoid derailments.
***#1 Education iPad app in the US!*** ***Top 25 iPad App*** Let's Learn How to Draw! is a fun way to practice drawing without having to hunt around for a...
AppAdvice - Sun Sep 02 2018
Mix and match engines and cars in the editor. You can import custom designs from the 'Design A Train' app to create truly unique locomotives for your fleet.
Yes, the app includes a 'Child Lock' feature that disables sharing and in-app purchases to ensure a safe environment.