Chuggington to Make U.S. Debut

NEW YORK: Ludorum’s Chuggington is headed to Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney programming block in the U.S. on January 18, while Learning Curve Brands is rolling out a toy line for the hit train-themed property internationally.

Chuggington, which invites preschoolers to follow the adventures of three young "trainees" as they learn to ride the rails of life, will air Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and weekends at 7:30 a.m. on Playhouse Disney. The show has already launched in the U.K., France, Australia, Germany, Japan and Canada.

Learning Curve’s toy line, which includes an initial focus on action playsets and collectible die-cast engines, is rolling out in international markets. The range is headed to, among other territories, the U.K., Germany, France, Japan, Australia and Canada. Two additional product lines are planned for introduction later this year.

"The anticipation surrounding the introduction of our Chuggington line has been outstanding," said Peter Henseler, the president of Learning Curve Brands. "With strong interest from children and parents alike, we are thrilled to introduce our international customers and Chuggington fans to a line of innovative products that combines role play with train play to create new and exciting experiences. With the Playhouse Disney television debut and Chuggington‘s continuing success abroad, we look for Chuggington to be a big seller in 2010 in our international preschool play category and again in 2011 when we plan to launch Chuggington toys in the U.S."