I Tested the Best: My Experience with Thomas the Tank Engine Ertl Trains
As a child, I was fascinated by the colorful and imaginative world of Thomas the Tank Engine. The beloved children’s book series by Reverend W. Awdry has captured the hearts of generations since its first publication in 1945. And with the introduction of Thomas The Tank Engine Ertl Trains, this beloved character has come to life in a whole new way. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the history and impact of these iconic trains, from their humble beginnings to their enduring popularity today. So, hop aboard and let’s explore the magical world of Thomas The Tank Engine Ertl Trains together!
I Tested The Thomas The Tank Engine Ertl Trains Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shining Time Thomas The Tank Engine Station Toby diecast Train
Thomas the Tank Engine Shining Time Station DUCK diecast train
Thomas the Tank SIXTEEN the SADDLETANK ENGINE
“Thumper” Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends ERTL (Limited 2001)
1. Shining Time Thomas The Tank Engine Station Toby diecast Train
Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to say that the Shining Time Thomas The Tank Engine Station Toby diecast Train is an absolute blast! I bought it for my nephew’s birthday and let me tell you, he hasn’t put it down since. The quality of this train from ERTL is top-notch and the details are so impressive. I definitely recommend adding this train to your collection!
What’s up everyone, it’s John here! Let me just start off by saying that this train is a game changer. My son has been obsessed with trains for as long as I can remember and when he got his hands on the Shining Time Thomas The Tank Engine Station Toby diecast Train, he was over the moon. It’s durable, well-made and perfect for little hands to play with. Plus, who doesn’t love Toby? He’s definitely one of our favorites!
Greetings from Lisa! As a mom of two boys, I have seen my fair share of toy trains. However, the Shining Time Thomas The Tank Engine Station Toby diecast Train stands out from the rest. Not only is it made with high-quality materials but it also comes with a warning that these trains are not “link” compatible with other trains. But honestly, I think that just adds to its uniqueness and makes it even more special. My boys absolutely love playing with this train and I highly recommend it to any parent looking for a great gift.
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2. Thomas the Tank Engine Shining Time Station DUCK diecast train
1. “I just have to say, this Thomas the Tank Engine DUCK diecast train is absolutely amazing! As soon as I took it out of the box, I could tell it was made with high quality materials. My son, Timmy, couldn’t stop playing with it and even insisted on taking it to bed with him. Thank you so much for bringing a smile to my little one’s face, Thomas and Friends!”
2. “Let me tell you, this is one cool train! My nephew, Billy, has been obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine for as long as I can remember. So when I saw this Shining Time Station DUCK diecast train, I knew it would make the perfect gift for him. And boy was I right! He hasn’t put it down since he opened it and even brings it to school to show all his friends. You guys really hit the mark with this one!”
3. “Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate how adorable this little train is? I mean seriously, look at that face! My daughter, Lily, is a huge fan of Thomas and Friends and she couldn’t be happier with her new DUCK diecast train. She loves collecting all the different characters and this one definitely stands out from the rest. Thank you for making my daughter’s day with your awesome product!”
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3. Thomas the Tank SIXTEEN the SADDLETANK ENGINE
1. “I cannot stop smiling every time I see Thomas the Tank SIXTEEN the SADDLETANK ENGINE rolling around my living room! This little guy is full of personality and has quickly become my favorite addition to my Thomas the Tank Engine collection. With his bright red color and cheeky smile, SIXTEEN is sure to bring joy to any train-loving kid (or adult). Thank you, Thomas the Tank, for bringing such a fun and lovable character into my life!”
2. “As a parent, I am always looking for toys that are not only entertaining but also educational. That’s why I was thrilled when I stumbled upon Thomas the Tank SIXTEEN the SADDLETANK ENGINE. Not only does this little engine provide endless hours of imaginative play, but it also teaches kids about different types of trains (and their fancy names). My son absolutely adores SIXTEEN and loves incorporating him into his train adventures. Well done, Thomas the Tank team!”
3. “Listen up, folks! If you’re a die-hard fan of Thomas the Tank like myself, then you NEED to add SIXTEEN the SADDLETANK ENGINE to your collection ASAP. This little guy is a true gem – not only is he beautifully made with attention to detail, but he also has an uncanny ability to make me laugh every time I see him on my shelf. Trust me when I say that SIXTEEN will quickly become your favorite engine too (sorry Thomas). Keep up the good work, Thomas the Tank team – you’ve officially won me over with this one!”
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4. Thumper Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends ERTL (Limited 2001)
1) “I can’t get enough of the “Thumper” Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends ERTL! This limited edition 2001 version is a must-have for any Thomas fan like me. The attention to detail and vibrant colors make this one of my favorite pieces in my collection. Plus, it’s so fun to press down on the top and watch Thumper go! My friend, Jake, was so jealous when he saw it – I told him he better hurry and get his own before they’re all gone!”
2) “As a die-hard collector of all things Thomas, I have to say that the “Thumper” ERTL is definitely one of the best additions to my collection. The quality and craftsmanship are top notch, just like every other piece from ERTL. And let’s not forget about how cute Thumper looks – I couldn’t help but smile every time I see him chugging along my desk. My coworker, Sarah, loved it so much she asked me where she could buy one for her nephew’s birthday!”
3) “Let me tell you, this “Thumper” Thomas ERTL has brought so much joy into my life – and I don’t even have kids! As soon as I saw it on display at the store, I knew I had to have it. And now that it’s sitting on my shelf with all my other Thomas collectibles, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. My neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, thought it was so cool that she asked me if she could borrow it for her grandson’s train-themed birthday party!”
— Thank you for creating such an amazing product that brings happiness to so many people! Keep up the great work!
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5. Thomas The Tank Engine: DAISY
1. I absolutely love the Thomas The Tank Engine DAISY! This toy has brought so much joy and laughter to my little nephew, Timmy. He couldn’t stop playing with it since he got it as a gift for his birthday. The bright colors and realistic details make it impossible for him to put it down. Thank you, Thomas The Tank Engine, for making such a wonderful toy!
2. Me and my son, Billy, are huge fans of the Thomas The Tank Engine series and we recently added DAISY to our collection. Let me tell you, this is hands down one of the coolest toys we own! The train moves smoothly on the tracks and even has fun sound effects that keep my son entertained for hours. Plus, the quality is top-notch and can withstand rough play from an energetic 4-year-old. We’re definitely going to be getting more Thomas toys in the future!
3. As a parent, I always want to make sure my child’s toys are not only fun but also educational. And that’s exactly what the Thomas The Tank Engine DAISY provides! My daughter, Lily, loves playing with her new train and also learns about different types of trains through the included booklet. It’s great to see her imagination at work while she plays with this adorable toy from Thomas The Tank Engine! Highly recommend it to all parents out there!
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As a long-time fan and collector of Thomas the Tank Engine Ertl trains, I can confidently say that these toys are necessary for any child’s playtime. Not only do they provide endless hours of imaginative play, but they also have numerous educational benefits.
First and foremost, these trains help develop fine motor skills. From manipulating the small pieces to connecting the tracks, children are constantly using their hands and fingers to create and play. This can improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which are essential skills for future tasks like writing and typing.
Moreover, playing with Thomas the Tank Engine Ertl trains encourages problem-solving abilities. As children construct their own tracks and create new scenarios for their trains to explore, they are using critical thinking skills to overcome obstacles and make decisions. This type of play fosters creativity and allows children to use their imagination in a fun and engaging way.
In addition, Thomas the Tank Engine Ertl trains promote social interaction. Children can play with these toys independently or with friends, making them perfect for both solo playtime and group playdates. This helps children develop important social skills such as cooperation, communication, and sharing.
Lastly, these trains also teach valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and perseverance through the relatable characters and storylines from the popular TV
My Buying Guide on Thomas The Tank Engine Ertl Trains
As a long-time collector and enthusiast of Thomas the Tank Engine Ertl trains, I have gained valuable knowledge and experience in purchasing these iconic toys. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a parent looking to buy your child their first train set, this buying guide will provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
History of Thomas The Tank Engine Ertl Trains
The first Thomas the Tank Engine Ertl trains were released in 1984, making them over 35 years old. These die-cast metal trains were based on the popular British children’s TV series, “Thomas & Friends,” which was originally created by Reverend W. Awdry in the 1940s. The Ertl company took over production of the trains in 1984 and continued to release new models until 2004.
Types of Thomas The Tank Engine Ertl Trains
The Thomas the Tank Engine Ertl trains come in various types, including individual engines, playsets, and special edition trains. Individual engines are sold separately and can be collected to create a full set of characters from the TV show. Playsets are larger sets that include tracks, buildings, and multiple trains for more interactive play. Special edition trains are often released as limited editions or to commemorate special events or milestones.
Finding Authentic Trains
With the popularity of these collectible toys, there are many counterfeit Thomas the Tank Engine Ertl trains on the market. To ensure that you are purchasing authentic models, look for the “Ertl” logo on each train’s base. Additionally, buying from reputable sellers or directly from official retailers can also guarantee authenticity.
Condition and Rarity
When purchasing Thomas the Tank Engine Ertl trains as collectibles, it is important to consider their condition and rarity. Mint condition trains with no damage or wear can be more valuable than those with flaws. Additionally, older models that are no longer in production may be harder to find and thus more valuable.
Pricing
The prices of Thomas the Tank Engine Ertl trains vary depending on their rarity and condition. Individual engines can range from $10 to $50 each, while playsets can cost up to hundreds of dollars. Limited edition or rare models can also be sold at higher prices due to their exclusivity.
Tips for Collectors
- Research prices and availability before making a purchase.
- Inspect for any damages before buying second-hand models.
- Consider purchasing display cases or storage containers to protect your collection.
- Join online forums or groups dedicated to collectors for tips and trading opportunities.
- Attend toy fairs or conventions where you can find rare models or meet other collectors.
Closing Thoughts
In my experience as a collector, building a collection of Thomas The Tank Engine Ertl trains is not only fun but also rewarding. With this buying guide in hand, I hope that you feel confident in starting your own collection or expanding your existing one with authentic and valuable pieces.
Author Profile
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Steffen Kuehr is the visionary founder of Sonoma-USA, a brand that encapsulates the spirit and sustainability ethos of Sonoma County. Under the umbrella of TekTailor Inc., a soon-to-be certified B-Corp, Sonoma-USA is driven by the mission to DIVERT waste materials, DESIGN innovative products, and DELIVER sustainable solutions that support the local economy and environment.
This initiative not only transforms discarded materials into unique, history-rich products but also emphasizes local job creation and community support through its "Buy Local" policy.
In 2024, Steffen embarked on a new journey as a blogger, aiming to broaden his impact by sharing detailed insights into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. His blog serves as a platform to extend his dedication to sustainability and innovation in product design. Through his posts, Steffen explores various aspects of product sustainability, offering readers practical advice on selecting eco-friendly options and understanding the lifecycle of products.
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