Thomas and Friends Toys

Based on the famous "Railway Series" of books that were initially written by Rev.W Awdrey, Thomas & Friends has been one of the most successful and long running toy franchises of recent times. The 41 books based around the fictional railway system on the Island of Sodor were nearly all based on events and engines from real life. As the real railway system expanded and diesel power became the norm, so the books adapted to this new form of locomotion.

In the beginning, Thomas & Friends toys were manufactured under the name of Thomas the Tank Engine, but with the huge number of other locomotives and characters in the series, the change was made to call the series Thomas & Friends. The locos, carriages and wagons have been made in several different styles, the most popular being small die-cast replicas that typically sell for pocket money prices.

The license was originally sold to the famous Brio wooden train company who made many different pieces from the series for several years. This license then transferred to Learning Curve who maintain an extensive range of wooden engines, trucks and accessories. The Thomas & Friends licence appears on hundreds of toys, clothing, bedding and almost anything that kids will use.

Fisher Price make some superb Thomas & Friends plastic railway track systems and playsets under their Trackmaster brand, with Thomas at Tidmouth Sheds being the lead line. Stunning innovation with light technology sees Follow Me Thomas track a light beam shone from a special hand held lamp as well as providing interactive sounds and voices.

The most famous narrator of the animated Thomas and Friends TV series was ex Beatle drummer Ringo Starr, whose bland voice suited the series perfectly. Wilbert Awdrey’s son Christopher continues to write the books, which will ensure the continuity of this important toy brand.