My First Thomas

...the list goes on. In my experience the
My First Thomas range by Golden Bear is the ideal introduction to the wonderful World of Thomas the Tank Engine and all his friends.

This collection is suitable for babies from six months of age, the set includes engines, trucks, carriages, track and other accessories such as stations and cranes. To give you an idea of size, the average engine is approx. 10cm long and 5cm in height and ...
...be renamed the testing twos! My sons have thrown these trains, hammered these trains, fed them rusks, buried them in the garden and have attacked them with Thunderbird toys. These toys come up smiling every time. I can honestly say, there is not a single scratch, crack or chip amongst any of them. (Which is more than can be said for me!)

Even on the occasions when mud or food or indeed anything else has stopped play, a quick wipe with ... more

Essential equipment for Mums of little boys should read as follows:-

1) Washing Powder (industrial size and strength)

2) Megaphone (to get everyone’s attention)

3) Volume Control Button (and you thought rock
concerts were loud!)

4) Thomas The Tank Engine toys. (see below!)

Thomas the Tank engine has been a popular character for many years now, ever since the books by the Rev. W. Awdry were published , he has charmed little boys. The good Rev. originally created the characters in stories he told to his young son whilst he was recovering from an illness. The now grown-up Christopher Awdry has taken over the mantle of writing Thomas stories from his father and has seen their popularity soar.

In the 1980s Britt Allcroft started producing an appealing television series which forms the basis of many of today’s Thomas toys. This series, with the voices of Ringo Starr and later Michael Angelis ensured that Thomas would remain a childhood treasure, The slightly sad irony is that the Rev Awdry himself didn’t rate the style of the television series very highly, luckily many little boys did!

The array of Thomas toys now available is truly amazing! You have wooden sets, mini-sets, die-cast sets, electronic sets, ride-on toys, push-and-go toys and so the list goes on. In my experience the
My First Thomas range by Golden Bear is the ideal introduction to the wonderful World of Thomas the Tank Engine and all his friends.

This collection is suitable for babies from six months of age, the set includes engines, trucks, carriages, track and other accessories such as stations and cranes. To give you an idea of size, the average engine is approx. 10cm long and 5cm in height and width.

These are chunky toys which are incredibly robust, some of ours have been in the family for six years and are now on their 3rd two year old! I am convinced that from a toy’s point of view the terrible twos should be renamed the testing twos! My sons have thrown these trains, hammered these trains, fed them rusks, buried them in the garden and have attacked them with Thunderbird toys. These toys come up smiling every time. I can honestly say, there is not a single scratch, crack or chip amongst any of them. (Which is more than can be said for me!)

Even on the occasions when mud or food or indeed anything else has stopped play, a quick wipe with a cloth or, in more extreme cases dunk in the train-wash ( also known as the sink) has restored the engines to their true glory.

Made from thick, but not brittle plastic, these toys are a good representation of the characters they reflect. The colours are bright and distinct and true to the original, with a lovely glossy finish.
The facial features, which are essential in a Thomas toy are appealing and right for each engine.
Every engine runs smoothly on four good-sized wheels, these are completed with a rubber edge,The wheels work well on all surfaces, which makes the purchase of the matching track a desirable extra, rather than an essential requirement.

The range is quite large and covers most aspects of life on Sodor (the island Thomas lives on),
it includes Harold the Helicopter, Trevor the Traction Engine, Diesal and even Sir Topham Hatt
himself! Lady, a female engine from the Magic Railroad film is also included as are Thomas’
constant companions Annie and Clarabel.

I think it is the proportions of these toys which make them so suitable for babies and toddlers,
they are pleasantly weighted, but not too heavy. Babies find them easy to grip and manipulate.
All the edges are smooth and there are no bits to come off if baby has a crafty taste test or tug-o-Thomas! Even if a baby does not want to push the engines on the floor, they have hours of fun spinning the wheels whilst examining the finer points of locomotive engineering thoroughly!

As the baby gets older they have fun pushing the engines and carriages around on the floor or on the brightly coloured track which matches the set. This compliments the engines well,in bright red, blue, yellow and green. By the time they reach two years, most toddlers will have no trouble coupling carriages and trucks to engines and will be delighted at this achievement. The next stage of development will see them creating their own Thomas stories and Island of Sodor adventures, whilst battling with their older siblings (who still quite like the toys too!)

At the age of 12 months it might be worth considering the Talking Thomas and Friends from the same range. These engines are on a slightly larger scale, although still compatible with their silent cousins. This means they can have the same carriages and use the same track, I would say however that the difference in scale does look slightly strange.

The talking versions can actually interact with on another, if you put them facing each other, they will acknowledge by name and have a “conversation.” Even on their own they are pretty special a press of a funnel produces one of several phrases or a whistle and the eyes roll as you push it along to a gentle chuffa,chuffa noise.

These are clever very appealing toys without a doubt, they run on two AA batteries which last a very long time and provide that extra bit of excitement and intrigue for the child.
One thing I would say is that it is actually sometimes better for a child to stimulate their imagination by creating their own voices for the characters. They can provide unwelcome entertainment for adults too, the sensors within are easily triggered and a chirpy “I’m the pride of the line!” bellowed from the corner of a dark bedroom at 4am can take years off your life!

These are enduring toys in my family, ones which will be packed away in a keepsake box in future years, they have helped my children develop manipulative skills, fine-motor skills, communication skills and wonderful imaginations. They have provide me with precious moments of peace and quiet and the opportunity to play with these charming toys myself.

If you are considering a trip to Sodor yourself and your child is under a year-old this is an excellent first station to call at, even worth considering further down the line, on your train-ride with Thomas.

Price information:
My First Thomas engine (small, includes Thomas) £4.99
My First Thomas engine (large with tender, includes James) £6.99
Talking Thomas and Friends from £12.99
Track and Station set £39.99
Thomas Super Deluxe Play set (including track, a station and a selection of engines) £79.99
Track is also available in small expansion packs.

 

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