my kid just turned 3 (two days ago) and we got him this one.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...LAID=516086360
from t r us. it was about $160.00 but i can EASILY say it was well worth it. even my one yr old will stand there and push the trains around.
to purchase all the components individually would have cost well over $250 and it is compatible with every other wood track system made. seems very sturdy to me! and i love the drawers for stowage.

shoot i even play with it alot. its great!!