Imagine our excitement when Ertl started to produce Thomas toys!
In the beginning, the die-cast model trains were compatible with both Ertl and Brio track sets. The engines cost $5-10 each and were built to last. It was a happy time...
Now...BUYERS BEWARE!!!
If you're a boymom (or girlmom; girls like Thomas too!) who's new to the train buying experience, make sure you do your homework before investing in Thomas products for your kiddo. If you aren't decisive at the beginning, you'll end up with half a dozen sets or more that can't be used together and will wreak havoc on your sanity.
There are now four major lines of Thomas products that you need to be aware of:
1. Trackmaster by Fisher-Price
Trackmaster sets are characterized by plastic motorized engines with hook-and-clip connectors, and gray or beige plastic track pieces with two-pronged connections on each end.
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| Trackmaster track close-up |
Your youngsters will probably gravitate towards these boxes in the toy aisle more often than the other Thomas lines because they are heavily interactive and colorful. And to Fisher-Price's credit, they now offer track adapter pieces so that their sets can be integrated with any of the other lines. But take note that, due to their thin plastic construction, they are the most breakable option.
Remember, moms, because Trackmaster sets usually employ motorized engines, be sure to stock up on batteries for when Thomas and his friends run out of steam again and again.
2. Take-n-Play by Fisher-Price
For families on the go, Fisher-Price offers this travel-friendly line with sets that fold up for easy transport and die-cast engines that are roughly half the size of their Trackmaster counterparts. Their tracks are gray molded plastic with single tab connections. The Take-n-Play engines have magnetic connections that make play for younger kiddos a lot less stressful. And don't worry - they have a healthy selection of talking engines too!
You can see from my home photo of the Percys that the paint will start to rub off of Take-n-Play toys. It's a hazard of the design. But overall they are very durable, made with metal and plastic components.
Maybe you aren't much of a traveler, but you want to save space in the complicated realm of toy storage. Or maybe you're like me and your loftiest goal is for the tracks to take up just a little less square footage on your living room floor. Either way, when size matters, Take-n-Play is going to be your best friend.
3. Motor Road and Rail/Plarail/Tomica World by Tomy
To be honest, I'm still researching whether or not these sets are still being manufactured. Whether or not you can buy them new at the store, you will still see plenty of them floating around the secondhand and thrift toy markets. They are easily identified by their trademark bright blue plastic tracks with triangle-shaped connector tabs.
It's easy to confuse the Tomy engines with the newer Trackmaster models as they're both large, plastic, and motorized with white switches on their cab roofs. They're basically the same and you don't really need to worry about using them together. But my advice is to steer clear of the blue (and sometimes green) track sets that will not work with any other collection - unless you get yourself some of those handy track adapters from Trackmaster. This line is quickly phasing out!
4. Wooden Railway by Mattel
This line is sort of the piece de resistance of Thomas collections and the one that I personally wish I would have committed to from the very beginning. Engines, tracks, and accessories are built of durable wood that can be passed down through the generations and lend a nostalgic/timeless charm to your child's play. The size of the pieces fall right in between Trackmaster and Take-n-Play with no small parts or flimsy components that can snap off (read: "choking hazard" or "toddler meltdowns"). Tracks are simple to hook together; engines have big round magnet connections.
Because Wooden Railway is so doggone charming, you're going to pay handsomely to collect their pieces and sets. Now, I don't mean to say that they're unreasonably priced. I'm a big cheapskate, especially when it comes to buying toys, so while I'm curled up in the fetal position on the floor of the toy aisle and/or foaming at the mouth over a price point, you may empty your wallet with glee. And, hey, if you're going to shell out for a toy, you might as well choose one that's going to last!
What did we learn, moms?
Whatever train collection you choose, my six years of buying experience leads me to strongly advise that you set your sights on one of them and commit to it for the long haul. Tell the grandparents, the aunts and uncles, the gift-buying friends who will be eagerly browsing the stores for Thomas paraphernalia - especially if you have a little mister who is coming of age. Train sets are one of those rare toys that will stick with your family for a long time, so you want to make the very most of your investment. Take it from a mom who has some of every kind - variety is the spice of life...when spice equals storage mayhem and incompatibility frustration. Don't be like me! Save yourself!
By the way, Thomas and Friends turned 70 this year! I'm sending a big, grateful shout-out to Rev. W. Awdry and his son Christopher who created the Sodor stories and brought these wonderful engines to life. They have brought countless hours of enjoyment to so many families. :-)
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| Trackmaster Sort & Switch Delivery Set (we have this one) |
2. Take-n-Play by Fisher-Price
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| Trackmaster Percy vs. Take-n-Play Percy |
Maybe you aren't much of a traveler, but you want to save space in the complicated realm of toy storage. Or maybe you're like me and your loftiest goal is for the tracks to take up just a little less square footage on your living room floor. Either way, when size matters, Take-n-Play is going to be your best friend.
 |
| See how nicely Roaring Dino Run folds up? |
3. Motor Road and Rail/Plarail/Tomica World by Tomy
To be honest, I'm still researching whether or not these sets are still being manufactured. Whether or not you can buy them new at the store, you will still see plenty of them floating around the secondhand and thrift toy markets. They are easily identified by their trademark bright blue plastic tracks with triangle-shaped connector tabs.
4. Wooden Railway by Mattel
This line is sort of the piece de resistance of Thomas collections and the one that I personally wish I would have committed to from the very beginning. Engines, tracks, and accessories are built of durable wood that can be passed down through the generations and lend a nostalgic/timeless charm to your child's play. The size of the pieces fall right in between Trackmaster and Take-n-Play with no small parts or flimsy components that can snap off (read: "choking hazard" or "toddler meltdowns"). Tracks are simple to hook together; engines have big round magnet connections.
Because Wooden Railway is so doggone charming, you're going to pay handsomely to collect their pieces and sets. Now, I don't mean to say that they're unreasonably priced. I'm a big cheapskate, especially when it comes to buying toys, so while I'm curled up in the fetal position on the floor of the toy aisle and/or foaming at the mouth over a price point, you may empty your wallet with glee. And, hey, if you're going to shell out for a toy, you might as well choose one that's going to last!
What did we learn, moms?
Whatever train collection you choose, my six years of buying experience leads me to strongly advise that you set your sights on one of them and commit to it for the long haul. Tell the grandparents, the aunts and uncles, the gift-buying friends who will be eagerly browsing the stores for Thomas paraphernalia - especially if you have a little mister who is coming of age. Train sets are one of those rare toys that will stick with your family for a long time, so you want to make the very most of your investment. Take it from a mom who has some of every kind - variety is the spice of life...when spice equals storage mayhem and incompatibility frustration. Don't be like me! Save yourself!
By the way, Thomas and Friends turned 70 this year! I'm sending a big, grateful shout-out to Rev. W. Awdry and his son Christopher who created the Sodor stories and brought these wonderful engines to life. They have brought countless hours of enjoyment to so many families. :-)
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