Thomas The Tank Engine first appeared as characters in the books created by Reverend Wilbert Awdry which were first published in the 1940’s. It was not until 1979 that the series made its television debut when Britt Allcroft, British writer and producer, came upon the books and made financial sacrifices to bring the stories into the screen. The TV series became popular among children across the globe and so came the even more popular line of Thomas the Tank Engine toys and other products.
Although Thomas the Tank Engine was inexperienced and thus preventing him from fulfilling more important jobs, it was not until he had proven his worth to the Fat Controller that he was given his one branch line. He has two coaches, Annie and Clarabel, and receives help from his two best friends Percy the Small Engine and Toby the Tram Engine. They are important additions to your set of Thomas the Tank Engine toys.
Thomas the Tank Engine
Thomas the Tank is the most popular in the TV series and is often depicted as a rather self-important, little engine. He is always over-eager to help do things better left to bigger engines.
There are so many versions of Thomas and Friends train sets – battery-powered, plastic, and wooden – but Thomas the Tank Engine is definitely a must-have. They’re small enough for kids to pocket them and are ideal for keeping them company in going to church, the bank, shopping, or eating out in restaurants. However, some people may find the size too small for their taste. Size doesn’t matter as long as your child enjoys playing with it, right?
Thomas the Tank Engine toys are brightly colored and are made from New England hard maple so you know your kids will enjoy them for a long, long time. This is recommended for children two years old and onwards.
Toby The Tram Engine
Toby the Tram Engine is one of Thomas’ best friends. He is always happy to help and work. He is a small cargo engine but would happily pull local commuter cars. Since he was nearly scrapped once, Toby is more than happy to help with any job that comes along.
Toby is a great addition to your Thomas the Tank Engine toys. As with other toys in the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, Toby the Tram Engine is made to last and can survive the roughhousing of little hands. However, sometimes since he has a skirt surrounding his wheels, it can be quite difficult to go around the track corners and curves. Toby is also built taller than most other wooden trains so that he cannot pass under the bridges. Still, these are rather minor issues and your child will definitely enjoy Toby the Tram Engine.
Percy The Small Engine
Percy the Small Engine is Thomas’ other best friend. He is the youngest and, possibly, second most eager engine in the station (Thomas being the most eager engine). A rear coupling prong at the back enables him to pull passenger as well as freight cars. Percy is an engine with many adventures and kids simply love recreating the scenes from the books and TV series.
Brightly-colored with rounded corners and large and detailed features, Percy the Small Engine is sure to delight any child. Being a quality product, it will stand the many tests of rough play. This is perfect for children two years and older and an ideal addition to your Thomas the Tank Engine toys.
Gordon The Big Express Engine
Gordon the Big Express Engine is one of the bigger engines in the yard. He is a long, blue express train who provide water for Thomas. Sometimes, he can be full of himself but he does his duties to the best of his ability. Because of his size, he is often relegated to move heavy cargoes and help in rescue operations. He is also quick to help with smaller engines.
This wooden toy comes with a lifetime warranty though you may have little use since as with the rest of Thomas the Tank Engine toys are very durable and are known to survive many childhoods. It also comes with a coal tender which makes play time a whole lot interesting.
These are just four of the favorite characters from the Thomas & Friends, the books and the TV series has a whole assemblage of fun and memorable characters that have fascinated children for decades and will continue to inspire imagination for generations to come.
These wooden train sets are ideal in building up the development milestones in your child as well as encourage imagination. When choosing to buy toys, remember to look not only at the quality of the product but also at its educational value. Thomas the Tank Engine toys will sure make for a happy and fulfilling childhood.