Thomas the Train Buyer’s Guide

Distinctives for each Thomas Railway:
Ages	18 months - 4+ years	3+ years	3+ years
Vehicle details	Wood & plastic with magnetic connectors	Diecast metal & plastic with magnetic connectors	Plastic with plastic hook connectors
Building details	Wood & plastic	Plastic	Plastic
Track details	Made of wood and compatible with BRIO and Melissa & Doug track sets	Made of gray plastic and not compatible with other train systems	Made of beige plastic and only compatible with former TOMY track sets
Number of current train sets	17 train sets	10 train sets	14 train sets
Number of current engines, trains, and vehicles	72 vehicles	71 vehicles	67 vehicles
Number of buildings and destinations	21 buildings	6 buildings	7 buildings
Electronic parts	Some trains and buildings with lights and sounds	Trains with lights and sounds, no motorized train sets	Most trains are motorized or remote control (require batteries)
Learning benefits for your children	Color identification, coordination, counting, planning, language skills, social interaction, critical thinking	Storytelling, planning, critical thinking, social interaction, vocabulary	Hand-eye coordination, planning, critical thinking, basic motor skills, problem solving, storytelling
Portability	Somewhat portable	Playsets have handles and space to store all pieces	Somewhat portable
Manufacturer	Learning Curve	Learning Curve	Hit Toys
Size of Thomas engine	3.5" long x 2" high	3" long x 2" high	5.5" long x 2.5" high
	Shop the Thomas Wooden Railway Collection	Shop the Thomas Take Along Collection	Shop the Thomas Trackmaster Collection