Value Merchants, Inc. Recalls Symphony Loco Train

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Value Merchants, Inc. of Milwaukee, WI, is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,850 battery operated "Symphony Loco" toy trains, style number 3037, because the product may break during use and produce small parts that could be a fatal choking hazard to young children.

These toys consist of a single locomotive made of see- through red plastic and require the use of two "C" batteries which are not included. Each locomotive comes with built-in castanets, cymbals, a xylophone and a drum. A sticker appears on both sides of the locomotive depicting a young boy conducting an orchestra.

The locomotives were sold nationwide through Toy Liquidator Stores from January 1989 to December 1991, for $7.99 each.

The package reads in part: "Battery Operated Symphony Loco Mysterious Action, Made in Hong Kong, Distributed by Blue Box, New York, N.Y."

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.

These potentially hazardous toys were identified by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG).

Consumers are urged to take the locomotives away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund of the purchase price. Consumers with questions about this recall may call Value Merchants toll-free at 1-800-677-7780.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.5 million injuries and 21,600 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.