Image: MomJunction Design Team
Thomas the Tank Engine has been a beloved children’s cartoon character worldwide since 1945. If your child loves the television show or books, here’s our list of the best Thomas the Train toys to help you choose the right one. Various toys are available in different shapes and sizes for those who enjoyed the television series and the adventures of Thomas and his pals. However, browsing through the vast collection of Thomas and Friends toys can be time-consuming, especially if you have no idea what you’re looking for. So, go through our list of the best-selling products and their features to choose a toy that suits your child’s interests.
Top Picks
15 Best Thomas The Train Toys
1. Best Compatible:Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Rebecca Train Engine
Created for preschool children aged three years and above, this battery-powered engine runs on two AAA batteries. It makes a fantastic addition to the connectable and expandable Thomas and Friends world of TrackMaster set. Your child can get a personalized motorized railway playing experience with the Thomas toy train and connectable tracks and characters. Check out this product testing video that has additional information about the railway set.
Pros
- Compatible with most of the TrackMaster playsets and tracks
- Runs smoothly on flipping the switch
- Simple and easy to play
- Batteries last longer
Cons
- May not work on wooden train tracks
- May not run smoothly on carpeted floors
"My little train enthusiast was thrilled to receive this train set. Its straight-line movement on hardwood floors and battery capacity are pluses. However, you may need a screwdriver to operate the battery compartment. Nevertheless, it has been an engaging toy for my little man."
Trivia2. Best Engaging:Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Motorized Gordon Engine
Expand the TrackMaster world with this redesigned engine that promises better performance and speed. It runs on the tracks smoothly with the help of two AAA batteries and can be combined with the motorized train engine to create bigger playsets and better experiences. It is designed for children aged three years and above and makes a fun train track toy for engaging them any day.
Pros
- Requires flipping a switch to start
- Fast enough to climb inclined surfaces
- Sturdy and durable body
- Compatible with different tracks
- Makes a suitable Christmas present
Cons
- May not run smoothly on carpeted floors
"I found this toy sturdy and simple to operate. But be ready with a steady supply of batteries. It works smoothly on hardwood and is compatible with certain track types, but it's essential to watch out for tangles and pinch points around young children. Overall, it's a cool toy, but it's advisable to supervise play to ensure both safety and fun."
3. Best For Motor Skills:Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wood, Percy
Designed around the iconic character Percy, this cute train toy for toddlers is made of premium wood. The train’s attractive design makes it appealing to children who love collecting trains of different models and designs. Its child-friendly and modern look will also add to the aesthetics of the child’s toy collection.
Pros
- Compatible with wooden tracks
- Encourages motor and creative thinking skills
- Magnetic connectors to connect cargos and freight cars
- Sturdy and durable
- Well-detailed collectible
Cons
- Could be smaller for some
"This toy set has brought back my childhood memories. It is durable and can withstand even rough play. The set promotes imaginative play, and the built-in magnets encourage easy connection with other trains. My kid loves the sound as well. Overall, it is a great choice for fun play."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 2,523 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
4. Best Easy-To-Assemble:Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Super Station
The Super Station by the trusted brand Fisher Price is a multi-system track set with three levels. It is a well-designed, die-cast train station with motorized wooden miniature Thomas the Tank engine toys. Your child can enjoy a fantastic racing experience playing with this station, which can hold up to 100 engines. Watch this video to learn how this product works.
Pros
- Has removable legs
- Offers multiple configurations to fit into different spaces
- Can be attached to other sets
- Includes iconic locations
- 10m long track
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- May be difficult to dismantle
"Not just me but even my kids found it easy to assemble this train set. Its spacious design and adjustable tracks have allowed us to build different structures and obstacles. Although larger than expected, the joy it brings has been unmatched by any other toy."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 3,631 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
Quick tip5. Best For Hand-Eye Coordination:Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Minis Motorized Raceway
The fantastic raceway set from Fisher-Price has motorized features to make your child’s playtime entertaining. Ramp up the thrill with this Minis, new Thomas the train toy that comes with a steep and vertical lift. With its 360 loops, gravity-defying rolls, and free-fall drops, it makes one of the best gift ideas for children who love watching Thomas and friends. Let your child use their imagination for a creative and adventurous game. This product testing cum review video gives you more information about the Thomas minis set.
Pros
- Compatible with most of the Minis playsets
- Can have multiple Minis riding simultaneously on the tracks
- Promises vivid sensory experience
- Encourages hand-eye coordination
- Improves motor skills
Cons
- Could jam or get stuck
- Could be consuming more energy
"Watching my kids figure out the motorized mechanism of this train set has been a toy. Though a bit noisy, the overall set is pretty sturdy, and the trains move seamlessly on the tracks. Overall, it's been an enjoyable addition to their playtime."
6. Best Durable:Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wood, James
James, The Red Engine, is a popular character of Thomas and friends. The toy train has a cargo car made of sustainable wood, compatible with classic wooden and redesigned railway tracks. This Thomas and Friends train set with attractive colors, and smooth surfaces is designed for children aged between two and six years.
Pros
- Made of premium wood
- Sturdy and durable
- Magnet connectors to link other trains and cars
- Develops motor skills
- Empowers imagination and thinking skills
Cons
- Toy is a bit too small
7. Best Track With Bridge:Fisher-Price Thomas & Percy’s Railway Race Set
The six-foot-long racing set with two separate tracks make head-to-head racing more fun. You can make Thomas and Percy race on the rail track and see who comes first on the finish line. The track set also has a black and white checkered flag to signal the victory.
Pros
- Percy and Thomas motorized train toy included
- Unique two brake tracks
- Special bridge design to allow the train to pass
- Encourages cognitive and physical development
- Develops motor skills
Cons
- Train may sometimes get stuck
- Battery may drain fast
"This train set brings joy to my young children with its race feature. Even though assembly can be challenging, the reward of seeing it up and running is worth the effort. It effectively encourages interaction and is a solid choice for kids who enjoy a bit of friendly competition. Therefore, I recommend this one."
8. Best Easy-To-Operate:Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends TrackMaster, Fiery Flynn
Designed for children aged between three and seven years, the Fiery Flynn toy train is a pleasure to play with. It is a famous Thomas & Friends engine character that adds more adventure to the TrackMaster world with its motorized mechanism that runs on two AAA batteries. With a promise of taller heights and greater speeds, this Thomas toy can be a fantastic addition to your Thomas train sets.
Pros
- Motorized design
- Strong and durable body
- Easy to operate
- Ideal gift for young train fans
- Compatible with most TrackMaster train sets and tracks
Cons
- May make an annoying sound
- May consume more energy
"Besides being an instant hit, this Fiery Flynn toy has been able to withstand my toddler's rough play. It integrates well with our existing track master set, and the swiveling ladder’s sound, though louder than expected, keeps my kids entertained. Hence, I would recommend this toy."
Did you know?9. Best Wooden:Thomas & Friends Wood, Birthday Thomas
Featuring a special birthday toy, Thomas tank engine set is made of wood and also plays music when you press the cake on the cargo. The tried-and-tested train toy is compatible with the classic Thomas and Friends wooden and redesigned track to make your child’s playtime delightful. It also makes a suitable birthday present for a child or a train hobbyist.
Pros
- Made of premium and sustainable wood
- Long-lasting and sturdy
- Magnet connectors to connect with other cargos and trains
- Designed for imaginative play
- Helpful in developing motor and thinking skills
Cons
- May not work on wooden or plastic tracks
"The train set has impressed me with its durable build and compatibility with other sets. Though different than expected, its Happy Birthday tune has charmed my little ones. The small size has also allowed me to use it as a cake topper. Hence, it gets my approval."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 1,354 reviews on Amazon.
10. Best 360-Degree Spinning:Thomas & Friends Cassia Crane and Cargo Set
Designed for children aged three years and above, this is one of the best Thomas the train toys set one can have. The set includes Cassia, the crane, to help you load up and deliver the cargo with convenience. The set also includes a motorized engine with cargo car, dock pieces, seven pieces of tracks, and barrels, making it a complete crane and cargo set.
Pros
- Crane can spin 360°
- Working claw included
- Compatible with other tracks
- Easy to assemble
- Durable parts
Cons
- Plastic could be flimsy
"Although some might find it tricky to attach the barrel feature, the rest of the set is pretty easy to assemble. The crane adds a playful touch, and the vibrant colors are a big plus. All in all, the set strikes a good balance between fun and functionality."
11. Best Festive:Thomas & Friends TrackMaster, Golden Thomas
Make your child’s day a memorable one by gifting them the beautiful golden motorized Thomas engine with a cargo car and a party drum. It drums automatically when the engine moves down the track. Painted with party hat and balloons, this battery-operated festive toy train makes a perfect pick for train lovers aged three years and above.
Pros
- Easy-to-connect parts
- Convenient to operate
- Strong and durable
- Runs long on battery
Cons
- May not run smoothly on wooden tracks
"My kids adore this charming train set. It is compatible with some tracks they have. Moreover, the sound seems realistic, which has been a hit. I consider this a delightful toy that brings my kids joy and a festive mood."
12. Best Innovative Design:Thomas & Friends Wood, Spencer
The silver and black Thomas train toy is made of premium and sustainable wood to withstand the test of time. Its design is compatible with the classic wooden railway and redesigned wooden train track from Thomas and friends. The innovative and modern design allows children to use their imagination to create stories and games.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Child-friendly design
- Made of high-quality wood
- Magnet connectors connect with other cargos and trains
- Promotes imagination and motor skills
Cons
- Magnets may not be effective
"My child is a big train enthusiast, so I'm glad this train set is compatible with other sets. The magnetic couplings are a nice touch. Also, I like the classy silver finish. All in all, a decent purchase."
13. Best Push-Along:Thomas & Friends Birthday Musical Push-Along Toy Train Engine
The cute birthday Thomas toy train makes an adorable gift for a child who likes Thomas the train. It is loaded with songs and phrases, including the popular ‘Happy Birthday’ song. The budget train has a light-up candle that can also be blown to switch it off. This push-along train with a cargo cart makes an exciting idea to light up birthday cakes for your little ones.
Pros
- Easy-to-press button to light candle
- Creative and child-friendly design
- Includes more than30 songs, sounds, and phrases
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- Paint may come off
"My little one loves this birthday-themed train toy. Its interactive elements appealed to me, such as blowing a candle without any real flame. This clever feature extends playtime well beyond the celebration. I also appreciate its durability. Altogether, it makes an adorable gift that doubles as a memorable cake topper for young train enthusiasts."
14. Best Toddler-Friendly:Power Wheels Thomas and Friends Thomas Toy Train
Suitable for children aged one to three years, this toy train set with interactive features is powered by a six-volt battery for smooth operation. It offers a steady speed of one mph when riding on track and two mph off the track. Your child can easily operate it with a simple push button that can start and stop the toy train.
Pros
- Includes fun Thomas phrases and sounds
- Durable plastic body
- Convenient footrests
- Suitable for indoor play
- Wide, strong tires
- Track pieces are easy to assemble
Cons
- Charge may not hold for long
"My little one was delighted to discover that he could ride on the train once he assembled it. The footrest and realistic train sound have only added to the experience. While a more straightforward charging process would have been nice, the overall functionality has been impressive."
15. Best With Interactive Track:Fisher-Price Talking Thomas & Perry Train Set
The fantastic train toy set with more than 35 play pieces and two motorized engines offers an impressive performance. The set includes the best pals Thomas and Percy delivering their cargo together around the island via this creative track set that promises bigger adventures. It even has an iconic location – the island of Sodor.
Pros
- Kid-controlled tracks switches
- Control panel to stop engines and control
- Designed with intricate details
- Trains make realistic sounds
- Has an interactive track
- Includes a tunnel
Cons
- Curved lines may have gripping issues
"Its interactive elements and the train-talking feature keep my child fascinated for hours. Besides, it has merged well with his existing sets, and the durability is commendable. Launching the train has a learning curve, but that hassle has only benefited his problem-solving skills."
What Are The Benefits Of Playing With Toy Trains?
Toy trains can contribute to the child’s development. Here are some of the benefits associated with toy trains.
- Problem-solving is an important skill, and by playing with trains, your child can learn to set up tracks, organize trains, and enhance their self-learning ability.
- It helps develop fine motor skills amongst children as building a train set involves using tiny objects for creating a railway station or track or town.
- Encourages creativity and imagination as the child gets to create scenarios and weave stories as they create a train station and towns, putting the tracks and other pieces together.
- Develops communication skills and vocabulary as the child learns the art of storytelling while playing with trains.
How To Choose The Right Thomas The Train Toys?
Consider these factors when choosing a Thomas The Train set to ensure it is the right pick.
- Type of train: You can select from a wooden train set, magnetic train, electric train set, and plastic train set, with each material and train offering a different learning exposure. For instance, wooden train sets support creativity, and magnetic trains develop hand and eye coordination.
- Child’s interest: There are engine toys, riding toys, train cars, TrackMaster sets, and train tracks from the famous Thomas and friends. You can pick one that your child likes.
- Size: Depending upon the space you have, you can decide which train toy can be accommodated in your house or children’s room.
- Creativity: The more creative the train toy is, the better the experience for your child. They can imagine and create stories and learn while playing.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose specializes in reviewing and writing about children’s toys, games, and gifts. Here, she has listed the best Thomas the Train toys. She has considered reviews and compared several tried-and-tested options available in the market before coming up with the best toys for your children. Priti has summarized the features of each toy and provided a buying guide for you to select an engaging and entertaining toy for your little one.
The Bottom Line
Celebrate your little one’s undying love for trains and Thomas the Tank Engine with these wonderful and engaging toys. The best Thomas the Train toys, including the Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Rebecca Train Engine and Thomas & Friends Percy Engine, have been listed here and cover the show’s diverse cast. These toys run on battery-powered engines, so your child will truly enjoy a train set like the Thomas & Friends Super Station that runs smoothly and is easy to play with. Before making a choice, consider the type of train your child might prefer, the size of the set, and how easy it is to operate so your child can have a great time playing with it.
Infographic: A Buying Guide For Thomas Train-Themed Toys
A Thomas train-themed toy can help with pretend play by encouraging your child to make up stories, scenarios, and obstacles with the toys. These train-themed toys cover almost all the characters from the “Thomas & Friends” cartoon. Follow the infographic to get the right train toy for your child. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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