Alphabetic Spelling Train (item #WP 257 27/58) and Goods Train (item #27/46)
CPSC Recall #90-076 - April 17, 1990
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 90-076 |
| Recall Date | April 17, 1990 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
Where It Was Sold
| The trains were sold by Oriental Trading Company through mail order catalog and by retailers from December 1988 to the present. |
Product
Alphabetic Spelling Train (item #WP 257 27/58) and Goods Train (item #27/46)
Description
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Oriental Trading Company, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska is voluntarily recalling two models of wooden trains because of small parts which could detach and become a choking hazard to young children. When the CPSC tested the wooden trains in accordance with regulations under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, wooden pegs, wheel axles, smoke stacks and the alphabet man's head came off or separated. Neither the CPSC nor the company is aware of any injuries involving this product. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The trains were sold by mail order catalog and by retailers from December 1988 to the present. The trains are described as follows: TRAIN ALPHABETIC SPELLING (ITEM #WP 257 27/58) consists of an engine with a pull cord and three cars. Each car has a flatbed with letters of the alphabet painted on rectangular wooden men and are attached by wooden pegs. Approximately 2,200 units were distributed nationwide for $3.95 each. GOODS TRAIN (ITEM #27/46) consists of a multi-colored engine and three multi-colored cars with red wooden wheels. Each car carries various wooden items, including a hopper car and a tank car. A pull cord is attached with a wooden bead on the end. Approximately 3,500 units were distributed nationwide for $5.40 each. Consumers are urged to take these toys away from young children immediately. Consumers owning either the Goods Train or the Alphabetic Spelling Train should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers who purchased either wooden train from Oriental by direct mail catalog may return them to the company at 4206 South 108th Street, Omaha, NE 68137 for a refund plus postage. Consumers with questions about this recall may call the company at 1-800-327-9678.
Hazard
These wooden trains are being recalled because of small parts which could detach and become a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents & Injuries
Neither the CPSC nor the company is aware of any injuries involving this product.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers are urged to take these toys away from young children immediately. Consumers owning either the Goods Train or the Alphabetic Spelling Train should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers who purchased either wooden train from Oriental by direct mail catalog may return them to the company at 4206 South 108th Street, Omaha, NE 68137 for a refund plus postage.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund) at no cost to you.
Federal law prohibits the sale of toys with small parts for children under age 3. CPSC uses a standardized small parts cylinder to test whether pieces from a toy can fit entirely inside, if they can, they are considered a choking hazard. Products marketed for children under 3 must not contain any small parts. Beyond the legal requirements, the CPSC and pediatricians recommend keeping all small objects away from children under 4, as the risk of choking extends beyond the formal legal age threshold.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.