Now some people may think, just because I am writing blog entries about toys, that I would cover only toys from my own childhood. Those people of course would be wrong. I will also delve into toys before my time and after my time.
My topic for today is Thomas The Tank Engine trains, sets and accessories from the late 90's and early 2000's. I am very familar with this toy, having purchased quite a number of trains, tracks, and accessories for my son when he was younger.
This toy is classified as a "wooden railway" toy. The tracks are made from wood as is most of the accessories and trains, save for the wheels and the magnets that allow the trainst to be attached at both the front and the back.
 |
| Official "Clickity Clack" track |
Now I would have to say that the people at Learning Curve, the manufactures of Thomas the Tank Engine wooden railway sets were brilliant. They had a very popular show for children (on PBS), were able to limit who could sell their product, have a limited supply of said product, to produce artificial shortage, and keep prices astronomically high.
Back in the day, there were only 2 places in State College to purchase "official" Thomas trains, tracks [with the "clickity clack" sound] and accessories, that being Fosters Train Shop in Lemont and The Growing Tree in State College. These places often had a limited selection and many times were out of the most popular trains, and had limited selection of wooden train tracks. We were often told that you need to purchase your trains within the first days of it's release or you may have to wait months.
 |
| The Growing Tree - Unique, Quality, Expensive Toy Shop |
 |
| Fosters Train Shop - The site of an old train station |
The popular TV show was Shining Time station which was a mythic train station on the island of sodar. It had a cast of characters and the head person was "Mr Conductor". The original Mr Conductor was Ringo Starr of Beatles fame. In the second incarnation Mr Conductor was played by George Carlin (the Night Club Commedian). It was very interesting seeing George Carlin in this role concidering the material he performed for the adults. However both were very good in this roll. I must admit, we came in late to the game and were in the George Carlin Shining Time Station era.
 |
| Ringo Starr as Mr Conductor - Shining Time Station |
 |
| George Carlin as Mr Conductior - Shining Time Station If you have a spare 28 minutes, watch a full episode of Shining Time Station with Ringo Starr (and Thomas of Course) |
It wasn't enough (well maybe it was) to just have a train, and wooden track. You might also need a tunnel, or water tower, bridge etc. Then where to put all this. Well certainly you needed a table so you didn't have to keep rebuilding the set.
Luckily Santa and the elves were handy with tools. The retail on the train table alone was over $200 in 2000 money.
Thomas and his friends have since retired from our house (just like Woody and Buzz from Toy Story). However, they make an appearance now every Christmas to decorate the house and give a little extra Christmas spirit and good memories of a simpler past on the Island of Sodar !
No comments:
Post a Comment