"See-Thru Loco" toy engine

CPSC Recall #88-053 — July 12, 1988

Recall Summary

Recall Number88-053
Recall DateJuly 12, 1988
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 1,800
Manufactured InHong Kong

Product

"See-Thru Loco" toy engine

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. "See-Thru Loco," a toy engine whose small parts may break off and present a choking hazard, is being voluntarily recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Merchandisers Association Inc. Neither CPSC nor the manufacturer is aware of any injuries or complaints associated with the "See Thru Loco." The engine, 11 inches long and 8 inches high, is covered by a clear plastic housing which contains yellow, green, and orange gears. The following information is found on the bottom of the toy: "1982 PLAYWORLD TOYS LTD. *** MADE IN HONG KONG *** NO. 7980." Approximately 1,800 of the toys were sold in 1987 in New York, Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Consumers should immediately remove and return to the store where purchased for a full refund or exchange. The "See-Thru Loco" was identified in port of Newark during Operation Toyland, a cooperative program between U.S. Customs and the CPSC to inspect imported toys for potential safety problems. Even though the box the toy comes in is labeled "Ages three and up," the CPSC has determined that this toy is intended for children under three years of age and must not have small parts.

Hazard

Small parts of the toy may break off and present a choking hazard, 

Incidents & Injuries

Neither CPSC nor the manufacturer is aware of any injuries or complaints associated with the "See Thru Loco."

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately remove and return to the store where purchased for a full refund or exchange. Consumers should immediately remove and return to the store where purchased for a full refund or exchange.

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.