Everything About Thomas The Tank Engine

Finding Cool Thomas the Train Shoes

2012-10-11T16:24:00.001-05:00

Thomas the Train shoes are something that many kids have wanted sometime during their childhood. If you are wanting to get some Thomas shoes for a child in your life, then you are in luck because there are a whole lot to choose from.

Searching for Thomas shoes on the Internet

If you have no desire to go hunting around stores all over town, the internet is a great place to get started in your shoe shopping (and not just for Thomas shoes, but all sorts of cartoon character-themed shoes).

Amazon is probably the first place to look for Thomas the Train shoes. They have a very large variety of different looks and styles. You can find tennis shoes, sneakers, slip-ons, croc-type shoes, flip-flops, rain boots, and many other kids of footwear.

eBay is also stocked full of Thomas the Train shoes. Since kids grow out of their clothing very quickly, you can usually find good deals on shoes that aren't all that worn.

There are lots of other places to look online as well. The biggest issue with shopping online is finding a pair of shoes in the right size. You also can't have the child try on the shoes. Make sure you understand the return policy before buying them off of the internet.

Searching for Thomas shoes in a Store

If shoe shopping online isn't for you, there are stores that sell Thomas the Train shoes. And they are the places you would expect. I've seen them at Kmart, Walmart, and Target.

Kids Love Thomas the Train

In any event, kids love Thomas the Train, whether it is his toys, games, or books. And of course, kids need shoes. If your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, etc fits these categories, then look into Thomas the Train shoes.

Thomas the Tank Engine Christmas Items

2012-10-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Thomas the Tank Engine Christmas items are very popular in homes that include kids who are big fans of Thomas and his friends. Between the joy of the Christmas season and the joy that kids get when watching Thomas or playing with a Thomas toy in their Thomas the Tank Engine bedroom, Christmas and Thomas the Train go hand in hand.

Thomas Christmas Movies

One of the easiest ways to welcome in a Thomas the Tank Engine Christmas is with a movie. A quick search on Amazon shows that there are winter and Christmas themed Thomas movies available. Many people look forward to watching the Grinch and Charlie Brown to ring in the Christmas Season, and with a Thomas the Train movie, your kids can get that same feeling.

Thomas Christmas Toys

Another way to welcome in Christmas with Thomas the Tank Engine is with one of the battery-powered Thomas train tracks. You can actually buy a track that is set in a winter theme with a snow covered landscape. Of course, with a train table you can have a large wooden track and be able to store away the pieces very easily.

Thomas the Train Books

Be sure to set the Thomas the Tank Engine Christmas mood with your kids with a series of Thomas the Train books. Whether it is simply a collection of the original books written by the Revered W. Awdry or a collection of winter-themed Thomas books, your kids will know it is Christmas time when you bring out their favorite books about their favorite television character.

Thomas the Train Stockings

And of course, one of the happiest ways to bring Thomas into your home during Christmas is with a Thomas the Tank Engine stocking. They may seem hard to find at first, but if you look on eBay or Etsy you can eventually find one you like at a price you want to pay.

Thomas the Train Advent Calendars

One thing I have not been able to find is a Thomas the Tank Engine advent calendar. I would love to find one for my son, but have not had any luck as of yet.

Thomas the Tank Engine Christmas items can be fun for kids, and fun for kids many times means fun for parents. How have you mixed Thomas with Christmas?

Thomas the Train Inflatable Jumpers

2012-09-28T14:07:00.001-05:00

When you are planning a Thomas the Train party there are a lot of things that you need to get. Invitations, plates, cups, and party hats are just the beginning. If you really want to make a splash for all the tiny party goers, you can take a look at buying Thomas the Train inflatable jumpers or bounce houses.

Kids Love Bounce Houses

Anyone who has ever been near a bounce house knows how addictive and fun they are for kids. As soon as children see the bounce house, they want to go jump around. Inflatable jumpers don't take up a ton of space, and they are easy to inflate. And despite their size when inflated, they are not extremely large when deflated.

When it comes to a Thomas party, you can have a bounce house included in the fun. There are several style available, and if you look around long enough, you should be able to find one that you like.

Where to Find a Thomas the Train Bounce House

The key to finding a Thomas the Train bounce house is looking in the right place. Amazon is a place that many people go for Thomas the Train materials, but in my last look, they did not have any bounce houses.

eBay is another place to look online for inflatable jumpers, and there are several there. For a good bargain and an ability to get the bounce house quickly, search around Craigslist. People nearby will probably have one for sale, and you can negotiate for a good deal.

There are also stores that specialize in bounce houses and some sell Thomas bounce houses.

And of course, if you just want to rent a Thomas the Tank Engine bounce house, there are lots of people that rent out those types of things.

However you find the bounce house, rest assured that your child's party guests will have a blast bouncing around in Thomas the Train.

Thomas and Friends Spin and Fix Thomas

2012-09-18T23:48:00.000-05:00

There are many different Thomas the Train railroad tracks for your children to play with. There is the great Zip, Zoom, and Logging Adventure, Thomas' Busy Day, and many others. But when it comes to the ultimate Thomas the Train track, nothing beats the Spin and Fix Thomas track. With this track, kids can get the full experience of being a train conductor on the Island of Sodor. It is a very interactive toy-much more so than other toy train tracks-and it will keep your kids engaged during the time they are playing.

Where to Buy Spin & Fix Thomas

Online

Spin & Fix Thomas can be found many places. A lot of people like the convenience of shopping online. If this is you, Amazon is a great place to start. You can find several sellers of the toy and look for a great price. You can also read reviews to get a feel of the experiences that others have had. eBay is another great place to look. You can place bids against others and perhaps get your items at a lower price than you otherwise can find. And don't forget about Craigslist. Kids can have a tendency to grow out of Thomas very quickly, and their parents need to find something to do with all of the Thomas toys. Craigslist is where they go.

In Stores

If you want to look for Spin & Fix Thomas in an actual store, you can do that too. Toys R Us has lots of Thomas merchandise. You can typically find whatever it is that you want Thomas-related at Toys R Us. Walmart and Kmart are also good suggestions. Even if you cannot find what you need in the store, they usually will have it in stock online.

What Makes Thomas and Friends Spin & Fix Thomas So Cool?

Spin & Fix Thomas is basically gives you all of the features of the various Thomas tracks all rolled into one. Kids can use a claw to pick Thomas up. There is a repair pod that where Thomas can be spun around. There is also a cool welding tool with lights and sounds.

The train that is included in the set is battery powered, so Thomas chugs along all by himself, without help from your child. This gives kids a way to focus on all of the neat aspects of Spin & Fix without having to push Thomas around the tracks.

Some of the feature might be a little difficult for younger children, but with a little parent involvement, they can pick it up fairly quickly.

All in all, the Thomas and Friends Spin & Fix Thomas is a very fun toy that can be a great addition to your kid's Thomas the Train arsenal.

Thomas the Train Lumber Yard and Timber Yard Play Sets

2012-09-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

For the Thomas the Train track sets in your home, your kids can never have enough accessories. There are additional train cars, Cranky and Flynn, the Wooden Flying Scotsman, and many other options.

One of the fun things to add to the tracks are lumber yards (or timber yards). The timber yards are fun additions to the tracks, and most involve Thomas delivering a log to the lumber mill, a mechanism that splits the log in half returns the split log to Thomas. They are fun to play and give kids something to do with the train besides watch it go round and round.

One of the great things about Thomas timber yards is that there are several available. Here they are.

Tidmouth Timber Yard

The picture shown above is the Tidmouth Timber Yard. It has a crane that rotates left and right as well as a red dial that raises and lowers the magnetic crane. It comes with two magnetic logs that are made of real wood. It also uses a real buzzing sound to add some realism to the toy.

Thomas the Train Timber Yard Play Set

I wish this this one had a better name, but the very generic Timber Yard Play Set will have to do. You can add this to your existing Thomas the Train sets for extra fun. This one folds down so that you can carry it with attached handles. The track and everything else involved stores inside. It also comes with two logs and has a working saw with moving rollers. As far as I know, it does not make the buzzing sound like the Tidmouth Timber Yard.

Sodor Lumber Yard

The Sodor Lumber Yard attaches to your existing Thomas the Tank Engine tracks. It includes a log roller, TrackMaster rails, and a motorized Skarloey, one of the engines on Sodor. Like with other Thomas the Train lumber yards, you can mix and match what you want to use with your existing toys.

Other Thomas the Train Lumber Yards

One other lumber yard (at least that I know of) is in existence. It is included with the Zip, Zoom, and Logging Adventure. This is a big track that includes a zip line and saw mill. It is a lot of fun if you have the room to play it.

What about you? Have you used any of these Thomas the Train timber yards? Are there any others you have experienced?

Thomas the Train Legos and the Fun they Bring

2012-09-05T17:13:00.000-05:00

Remember the joy of playing with Legos as a kid? Or maybe as an adult you still enjoy playing with Legos. One of my best friends still loves putting together big Lego projects. Now imagine that you are a young child and you not only love Legos, but you love Thomas the Train as well. What better gift could you get for that child for a birthday or for the holidays than a Thomas the Train Lego set?

What Kind of Thomas the Train Legos Are Available?

Like with most Lego sets today, there are a multitude of Thomas and Friends sets. The one shown in the picture is the Duplo Thomas Load and Carry Train Set. It consists of 61 pieces and includes Thomas and 16 pieces of train tracks.

But there are many others as well. For the smaller kiddos you can get the Mego Bloks 3-in-1 Buildable Thomas Load'n Go. You can also get sets that come in the cool tool box-looking thing in which the Legos can be attached on top.

No matter what you are looking for, you can probably find it.

Legos are Great Fun for Kids

Legos have a lot of sentimental value for a lot of people. We fondly remember the days spent arranging cool buildings, houses, and other ideas. For kids that love that smiling blue train, Thomas the Train Legos will be a great gift.

Do you have any experience with Thomas the Train Legos? Which set and how did you and your kids like them?

Where to Find Thomas the Train Legos

Thomas the Train Legos can be found just about everywhere that toys are sold. Amazon and eBay are great retailers to check out online. And don't be surprised if you find something good on Craigslist. Kids outgrow Thomas pretty quickly so parents are always trying to get rid of their stuff.

If you need to pick up a quick birthday gift for a little one, you should be able to drop by Walmart, Target, or Toys R Us and find plenty of Thomas the Tank Engine toys, hopefully including Legos.

Cool Thomas the Train Bean Bag Chairs

2012-08-31T15:06:00.000-05:00

One of the fond memories of childhood is lounging around in bean bag chairs. These soft, cushy pieces of furniture are great for laying near the floor while watching tv and movies and playing video games.

Today, with the love that kids have for Thomas the Train, what better way for them to watch their favorite tv character than by sitting in a Thomas the Train bean bag chair?

Where to Find Thomas the Train Bean Bag Chairs?

Thomas bean bag chairs can be found in several places. Online can be the easiest place to shop, and Amazon is probably the best place to look. But if Amazon doesn't have what you want or the price you are willing to pay, other outlets such as eBay might be a good place to take a peek. If you want something easy, cheap, and don't mind it being a little used, check out Craigslist. There might be something on there for you.

If you want to take a look at the bean bag chairs ahead of time, several stores sell them, including Walmart and Target. You can have your child sit in them to see if they would be a good fit for your home or their room.

If you are feeling crafty, find some Thomas the Train fabrics and do it yourself!

What are the Specifications of this Thomas the Train Bean Bag Chair

The bean bag chair shown above is 100% polyester. It is easy to clean with soap and water, which is a necessity for any chair that is used primarily by kids. It is lightweight which makes it easy for everyone to move it from room to room.

Children's Character Make Fun Chairs

Kids' bean bag chairs are terrific ways to help spruce up a child's room. The kids like it, and if the parents like it, it can be a sneaky way to decorate your home in your own style. Whether it is with tv charaters or even animal print furniture, there are a multitude of ways to style up your kid's bedroom.

If they are into Thomas the Train, Thomas the Train bean bag chairs could be the way to go.

Thomas the Train Toothbrushes

2012-08-23T08:27:00.000-05:00

Two things we know about kids is that they do not want to brush their teeth and the LOVE Thomas the Train. With Thomas the Train toothbrushes, you can bring an exciting addition into your child's bathroom to hopefully spur them on to brushing their teeth with a better attitude.

The Spinbrush Thomas the Tank Engine toothbrush shown above purports that kids brush 38% longer with a spinbrush. It has a fun picture of Thomas on the handle, and the handle is easy for little ones to hold. The spinbrush helps remove plaque and massage gums. And as mentioned, it helps get kids more excited about taking the time to brush their teeth. Of course, you're the parent and can make them brush their teeth, but parenting is always so much easier when kids have a good attitude. A Thomas toothbrush can help with that.

Where to Find Thomas the Train Toothbrushes

The easiest place to find toothbrushes featuring Thomas the Train is Amazon. Here you can find all sorts of ways to take care of your kid's hygiene. They have multiple versions of Thomas toothbrushes as well as other things such as Orajel training toothpaste.

You can also find Thomas toothbrushes in stores such as Target and Walmart.

Other Spinbrush Toothbrushes

The Thomas the Train Spinbrush is not the only spinbrush that features a favorite childhood character. Spiderman, Sponge Bob Squarepants, the Hulk, and Wolverine can all be found on a Spinbrush toothbrush.

Whichever toothbrush you decide to go with, you child will be more excited to go into the bathroom and clean their cute little teeth with these and other types of toothbrushes.

Are there any toothbrushes you have had success with in getting your kids to brush their teeth? Have you tried the Spinbrush type toothbrush? How did it go?

Experience with Morgan's Mine of Thomas the Train

2012-07-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

So the other day my son saw Thomas at Morgan's Mine and wanted to get it. Of course, we didn't get it for him then, but we did put it in the back of our mind to possibly get it for him for his birthday or Christmas.

He has several different Thomas the Train toy train tracks that he enjoys playing with, and Morgan's Mine would just add on to the existing tracks.

However, after looking around online we saw that some people did not have much success with this addition to their Thomas the Tank Engine collection. Several people thought it was too small for the price and was a waste of money. It seems that the kids like it, but they are not the ones that had to pay for it.

Thomas the Train toys cost enough as it is, and if it is a good toy that my kid will play with, I don't always mind shelling out the money for it. However, I'm not interested if the toy turns out to be small and cheap, and some people have cast Morgan's Mine as just that.

Do you have any experience with Morgan's Mine? If so, what was that experience like. It is worthwhile to buy, or should we look for other Thomas the Train gift ideas?

Thomas the Train Sewing Ideas

2012-06-30T11:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I wrote about Thomas the Train fabrics, so today I figured I would post something about Thomas the Train sewing ideas. Whether you are experienced with a sewing machine or you are looking for sewing projects for beginners and easy sewing patterns, there are Thomas the Train sewing ideas that will be great for you. For example...

Thomas the Train Blanket - What young child that is in love with Thomas the Train would not love a Thomas the Train blanket. It would be a great addition to the collection of Thomas the Train track sets, books, and videos that they play with during the day.

Thomas the Train Curtains - If you are needing to create the perfect Thomas the Train bedroom then you are most definitely going to need to have some Thomas the Train curtains. You can look around for them online or in stores, or you can simply make them yourself.

Thomas the Train Seat Covers - You can create seat covers with Thomas the Train fabrics for just about any seat your child might sit on. You can even find ways to put some fabric in a car seat for your child to travel in preschool style.

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These are just a few ideas. Bags, stockings, button covers, pajamas, and crayon holders are just a sample of other things that can be done when trying to sew something with a Thomas the Train theme.

What about you? Do you have any experience with Thomas the Train sewing?

Where to Find Thomas the Train Fabrics

2012-06-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

If you have ever been charged with creating something with a Thomas the Train theme, there is a good chance that you have been in search of Thomas the Train fabrics. Fabrics featuring Thomas and Friends are needed to make everything from pillows, pajamas, blankets, and just about anything else that the kid in your life would love.

But where to find Thomas the Train fabrics? Fabrics online can be found at several places which you may have already thought about.

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Amazon offers the fabric shown in the picture in this post. It has a black background and features the names and faces of the characters from Thomas and Friends. If this isn't what you were hoping for, there are other options.

eBay has a wide selection of Thomas the Train fabrics for your perusal. This looks to be a good place to do your shopping. There are a lot of different colors, designs, and features of these fabrics. Also, since it's eBay, you have a good shot at finding a good deal if you look long enough. In addition, you can have some correspondence with the seller.

Another place to look for Thomas the Train fabrics online is Etsy. If you are not familiar with Etsy, it is an online craft store. All sorts of crafty things are available, and that includes Thomas the Train fabrics. Take a look at Etsy if you are still looking for the right fabrics.

What about in stores? Have you ever had any success finding Thomas the Train fabrics in stores?

Wooden Flying Scotsman for Thomas the Train Toy Train Tracks

2012-06-28T15:33:00.000-05:00

The Wooden Flying Scotsman is a terrific addition to your Thomas the Train wooden railroad selection. The Flying Scotsman is hard to miss as he rolls down the tracks with his two cars trailing behind.

The biggest challenge with this Thomas the Train accessory is that he is very hard to find. In fact, all I could find after a quick search on the Internet were used examples of the wooden Flying Scotsman. No matter if it was Amazon or eBay, used examples were all that was available.

The cost of the Flying Scotsman can also become astronomical by some standards. However, that does not mean that you have to give an arm and a leg to acquire him. Maybe you can get lucky and find one at a garage sale or an antique store. Crazier things have happened.

The Flying Scotsman that can be used on wooden Thomas the Tank Engine tracks is 11 inches long and he has a wink on his face to add a little personality. It is a lot of fun for kids to be able to add to their toy train tracks, especially other characters from the books and movies. Adding the hard-to-find wooden Flying Scotsman will just add to the excitement.

Do you have a Flying Scotsman for your wooden Thomas the Train tracks, and where did you find him?

Thomas the Train Lunch Boxes

2012-06-26T14:37:00.000-05:00

It has been less than a month since school let out for the summer, but that doesn't mean that you can't start looking for Thomas the Train lunch boxes. Before you know it, school will be back in session and your little one will need something with which to carry his or her sandwich to school.

For kids who enjoy Thomas and Friends, there are plenty of Thomas the Train lunch boxes to choose from. The lunch box shown in this picture also includes a double decker sandwich box, an outer storage compartment, and a pop up straw canteen. It features Thomas, James, Harold, and Percy.

In addition, you can also find soft sided Thomas the Tank Engine lunch boxes and even a tin lunch pail with a 35 piece puzzle inside.

These lunch boxes can be found at several places online, including, of course, Amazon and eBay. Craigslist has lots of Thomas the Train items available too if you do not mind something that was used before.

If you want to find something in a store, the usual suspects will be good places to look. Walmart, Target, and Toys 'R Us carry kids lunch boxes, and have many different types of Thomas the Train-themed merchandise.

Have you ever bought a Thomas the Train lunch box?

Thomas the Train Life Jackets

2012-06-25T09:42:00.000-05:00

Now that summer is in full swing, there are surely going to be some parents looking for Thomas the Train life jackets when in need of an infant life jacket or toddler life jacket.

But the problem is that the selection is not huge. Kids life jackets can be found everywhere, whether online at Amazon or at an actual retail store like Walmert, Sears, or Target. But a quick scan online does not provide a very big selection when looking for a swim jacket featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends.

Sure, when you google the phrase, "Thomas the Train life jackets," you get some options on some sites to pop up. But if what you find is not the right size life jackets for kids that you need or simply isn't the style or look that you want, then you could be out of luck.

It was a little disappointing to me since my son is a big Thomas the Train fan and he would love a Thomas the Train life jacket for his birthday. However, I couldn't find anything that seemed all that useful.

Maybe I'm just not looking in the right spot. Or maybe I just need to get out and look a little harder. Have you had any luck finding Thomas the Train life jackets?

Thomas the Train Comforter Set

2012-06-23T23:20:00.000-05:00

A Thomas the Train comforter set is something that you will definitely need when you are decorating your child's bedroom with scenes from the popular books and television show, Thomas and Friends.

A Thomas the Train bed is going to need a toddler sheet set that features the smiling blue train as well as the comforter set to go on top. Since kids beds tend to be small, full size comforter sets or twin comforter sets will probably be what you are in the market for.

The good news is that there are several Thomas the Train comforter sets to choose from. A quick look on Amazon (clicking on the picture above will get you there) shows that you have several options from which to choose when trying to decorate a Thomas-themed bedroom. Like I said, you can buy full size comforter sets and twin comforter sets to keep your little one nice and warm in their Thomas the train bed.

Amazon is not the only place to find a Thomas the Train comforter set, though. Online retailers such as eBay also have items that you might like. With eBay, you might be able to find some discount bedding sets that are good for your wallet.

Actual retail stores, like Sears, are also places to find good discount bedding sets and comforter sets on sale that feature Thomas the Train and his friends.

Thomas the Tank Engine has been around for decades, and he still thrills small children with his stories and adventures. If you are on a mission to create the perfect Thomas-themed bedroom, Thomas the Train comforter sets are widely available in several different styles.

Thomas the Train Water Tower

2012-06-20T16:42:00.000-05:00

This Thomas the Train water tower fits perfect with all wooden Thomas the Tank Engine train tracks. One of the cool things about a Thomas train set is that kids can interact with one of their favorite characters from books and television. And with this water tower, they can do more than just place Sir Topham Hatt and some wooden trees along the track.

The Thomas the Tank Engine Water Tower has actual water inside of it. When the lever is pressed, the water level rises and falls. A child can have Thomas stop under the water tower and pretend to fill up the train. How cool is that? The water tower is made of sturdy material, so it shouldn't leak. And the track that is attached to the tower fits perfectly with the other wooden pieces.

A Thomas train set is perfect for a child having a Thomas the Train birthday party. It would make a great gift, and it is something that he or she can pop right out of the box and begin playing with right away. A Thomas the Train party is a fun experience for kids, and a cool Thomas train set accessories such as the Thomas the Tank Engine water tower can be the highlight of the whole day.

Where to Find the Thomas the Train Water Tower

The wooden railway water tower can be found at several places online, such as Amazon, eBay, and even Craigslist. You just need to decide what kind of toy you want to purchase. New or used? How much do you trust the seller? Do you want to be able to pick it up immediately or can you wait? Make sure to understand the return policies of the purchases online as well.

If you want to look in a physical store for the Thomas the Train water tower, you can find it anywhere Thomas toys are sold. Toys 'R Us is a great place to look as they sell lots of Thomas merchandise. Walmart and Target are also worth a shot.

The Wooden Railway Water Tower is Really Cool

Whether you are purchasing the water tower for a Thomas the Train birthday party or any other reason, it is a great buy. Online reviews are very positive and point to an excellent addition to your child's other Thomas train set accessories.

If you need to find a good idea for the biggest Thomas and Friends fan in your life, the Thomas the Train water tower fits the bill.

Thomas the Train on VHS

2012-06-19T16:02:00.000-05:00

Long ago the world began to eliminate the Video Home System, better known as VHS, but that does not mean that you cannot continue to find Thomas the Train on VHS. Many people all over still have a VHS player that they use frequently.

With kids, VHS can still be a popular option. As parents upgrade their televisions they pass down the old TVs and video devices down to their kids. Consequently, there are kids all over that have, in their rooms, VHS players or even TVs with VHS players built in.

This can be good for a couple of reasons. First, if you want to get your child Thomas the Train movies, but not the DVD variety, there is still a good selection to choose from. Second, if you have Thomas the Train movies on VHS, but have no need for them anymore, there is still a decent market for VHS, and you might be able to get rid of the movies and make a little money out of the deal.

Where Can You Find Thomas the Train on VHS?

Thomas the Train on VHS can be found quite easily online. The usual suspects, Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist have a good selection, as do a few other online stores.

If you do not want to look online, you might still be able to find Thomas the Tank Engine on VHS in a few stores that still sell VHS tapes. And you never know, look around at garage sales and you might find a good bargain.

What about you? Do you have any recent experience with Thomas the Train on VHS?

Thomas the Train Lamps, Lights, and Lanterns

2012-06-18T23:50:00.001-05:00

Thomas the Train lamps, lights, and lanterns are a must when it comes to decorating your child's bedroom or bathroom. There are several options to choose from, and some of them are actually nice items.

For example, this black, chrome lamp could look good in either a young child's Thomas-themed bedroom or bathroom. It is 24 inches high and uses 3-15 watt bulbs, so it gives good light, but not an overpowering amount. To make things even better, there are 3 light settings so that you can get just the amount of light you need. It has glass Thomas panels to had the Thomas and Friends flavor that is needed. It is great for kids because there are no pull chains. There is a touch sensor that changes the light settings.

This Thomas the Train lantern has a large handle on the top that makes it easy for kids to carry around. It is powered by 4 AA batteries and is a great addition to a camp site. It is lightweight, weighing only 1 pound, making it a cinch for kids to carry around.

Other Thomas the Train Lights

These are just a couple of options when it comes to Thomas the Tank Engine lamps, lights, and lanterns. There are also flashlights and nightlights. In addition, you can find ceiling fans with Thomas the Train fan blades.

Where to Find Thomas the Train Lights

Both of the lights shown here, as well as the flashlights and nightlights can be found on Amazon. You can also find them online on eBay and possibly even Craigslist. Stores like Target and Walmart also might be good places to look for Thomas the Train lamps.

Kids all over are big fans of the smiling blue train, and kids also tend to be a little afraid of the dark. These Thomas the Train lamps, lights, and lanterns are great ideas for them.

Thomas the Train and Father's Day

2012-06-17T12:01:00.000-05:00

With today being Father's Day, I was thinking back to the times I would spend with my son watching Thomas the Train. I never was a huge fan of the show, but after all, it wasn't for me. My son absolutely loves Thomas and Friends, though, and that means that we've spent a lot of time watching the show.

And it doesn't end with the show. We also seem to have collected a way-to-big collection of Thomas the Train books. But of course, those books have been a great way to spend quality time together at the end of the day. My son has always enjoyed a good book at bedtime, and many times it was Thomas the Tank Engine books that helped finish the day.

As much as the whining of those trains drives me crazy, and as predictable as every episode is (Thomas messes up, he gets in trouble, then saves the day) I will always have fond memories of Thomas the Train and spending time with my son.

The time goes by too fast, and before long kids are moving on to do things all on their own. So with today being Father's Day, I'll take some time to appreciate the time I've spent with my son doing all of the things he enjoys, including watching and reading Thomas the Train.

Thomas the Train Luggage

2012-06-16T12:01:00.000-05:00

Thomas the Train luggage is a terrific way to add some fun to your travels. If your young son or daughter is a big fan of Thomas and his friends, then a suitcase with the famous blue colors and smiling face of the popular train is an excellent choice. At least it was in my house.

The good news is that there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether it is a large rolling suitcase, a travel bag that resembled something more like a duffel bag, or a small bag that could double as a backpack, there is something for everyone.

Once you decide what kind of Thomas the Train luggage you are looking for, the next step is to decide where to buy your bag. If you shop online, your first stop--and perhaps the best option--is Amazon. Amazon will have new Thomas the Tank Engine suitcases and other Thomas gear. Most of the merchandise on Amazon is new, but if you are looking for used equipment, you can find some.

eBay is also a good place to look, especially if you don't mind used Thomas the Train luggage. With eBay's auction format, you can also find some really good deals if you look hard enough and are patient.

Don't forget Craigslist for Thomas suitcases. With kids outgrowing Thomas every day, parents everywhere are trying to de-clutter their house of the smiling blue train. Take a look on Craiglist and see if there is some good Thomas luggage at a good price.

Shopping in stores can be hit-or-miss. I have had trouble finding much of anything. Toys 'R Us has lots of Thomas the Train stuff, but I haven't seen any luggage featuring Thomas and Friends.

Looking online will be your best bet, as there is quite a bit to choose from. Have you found any brick and mortar retail store that has Thomas the Train luggage?

Thomas the Train Extra Track Piece Sets Save Time and Heartache

2012-06-15T15:46:00.000-05:00

Nothing is worse than trying to put together a Thomas the Train track and finding out that you need extra track piece sets to put everything together. By the time you realize that you do not have enough track pieces, your child has their hopes up and they are really looking forward to playing with Thomas and his friends as they roll or motor down the track. Fortunately, you can buy extra sets of Thomas tracks, no matter if you need a lot or just a few pieces.

A Couple of Thomas the Train Extra Track Piece Set Options
This first option is a 100-piece bulk wooden set, compatible with Thomas & Friends and Brio wooden railway systems. It features 25 pieces of 4 different types of track. It has a short straight section, a long straight section, a short curve and a long curve. Even if you didn't lose pieces, but instead want to add on to your existing tracks, this would be a great way to go about doing that.

Thomas the Train 100-piece bulk set

If you don't need quite as many pieces, you might be interested in this 15-piece expansion pack. This is also for a wooden railway and has different types of curves than the 100-piece set above.

Thomas the Train 15-piece expansion pack

Other types of wooden track piece sets and plastic piece sets available as well. It's just a matter of where you look.

Where Can You Find Extra Track Piece Sets to Thomas the Train Tracks?
Online, there are several merchants that sell Thomas track piece sets. Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist are all places that you can find extra Thomas gear. The world of Thomas merchandise grows even larger if you do not mind buying used things.

If you do not find what you want online, I know that I have seen extra track pieces in Toys 'R Us. There, you can find almost everything Thomas related.

So the next time your child's heart is breaking because they cannot play with Thomas right there and right then, check out these Thomas the Train Extra Track Piece Sets.

Where To Buy Used Thomas the Train Items

2012-06-14T11:35:00.000-05:00

As a parent of a child that loves Thomas the Train, the cost of purchasing new Thomas books, games, toys, trains, etc. can get pretty high. The good news is that there are plenty of used Thomas the Train items for sale all over the web.

Amazon
Amazon is a great place to find new merchandise of all types, but you can also find used stuff, including used Thomas the Train items. Amazon is a good place to start since it is a well organized site, and it is typically easy to follow up with sellers if you have questions after your purchase arrives. One thing you always have to be wary of when buying something online is the return policy. Usually with Amazon, returns are not a problem.

eBay
eBay is also a good place to find used Thomas the Tank Engine items. Some sellers on eBay prefer to use flat pricing, but some use the auction model. You can find good deals by going through the auction process. It can sometimes be difficult to see the quality of the game or toy you are bidding on, but eBay has an evaluation tool for sellers. That can be to the buyer's advantage because if you are not satisfied with your purchase, most sellers would prefer you simply return the item than give them a bad rating.

Craigslist
Don't overlook Craigslist either when it comes to used Thomas the Train items. Since people all over have kids outgrowing Thomas and Friends, you can find people that just want to declutter their homes and get rid of all things Thomas. This is a great way to get a bargain on good quality toys, games, and even bikes. And with Craigslist, the sellers are usually close to you, so you don't have to wait to bring the new Thomas gear home.

Garage Sales
Lastly, if you don't want to look on the web, you can always search garage sales in your area. Like I said above, people want to save space by getting rid of Thomas as soon as their kids have moved on to other interests. You can find good stuff if you're patient enough to find the right thing at a good price.

Just because something is used does not mean it is not quality. By looking around long enough you can find a good deal on used Thomas the Train items.

Thomas the Train Bikes

2012-06-13T15:05:00.000-05:00

Now that my son is old enough to ride a bicycle, I have been looking around for bikes that he might like, and in particular where to buy bikes online. Since one of his favorite television characters is Thomas the Train, I set out to look for Thomas the Train bikes.

When I was trying to buy bikes online, I found some websites that sold Thomas and Friends themed bicycles through Toys 'R Us, but when I went to Toys 'R Us's website, they were nowhere to be found. I guess that doesn't mean that they don't have them occasionally, but when I looked they weren't there. They did have some big wheels/tricycle type rides, but no actual bicycles.

I checked around Amazon to see if they had some Thomas the Tank Engine bikes, and I still didn't see any actual bicycles, just some small, plastic tricycles, such as this Lights and Sound Trike.

It's too bad that when you want to buy bikes online, and you want Thomas the Train bikes that they aren't more readily available. Like I said, you can find them, but I had trouble finding them from an actual store I had heard of. I'd always rather buy anything from a store that I have a history with.

The main reason for wanting the familiarity of a store is that when you purchase something online, you'd like to have a way to return it as easily as possible, and sometimes that is taking the item back to the store yourself.

Have any of you found good Thomas the Train bikes, especially when you were trying to buy bikes online?

Thomas the Train Baby Clothes

2012-03-06T14:12:00.005-06:00

With a new baby on the way (a baby girl), we are of course being inundated with new baby clothes. My son, who loved Thomas the Train as a toddler, has been wanting to get Thomas the Train baby clothes for his new sister. The problem is that we haven't had much luck finding stuff that fits the profile.

There is some stuff online at Amazon, but the selection isn't very huge. There are also plenty of onesies and other baby selections that have regular trains, but we have been looking specifically for Thomas the Train clothes.

Do you have, or did you have, Thomas the Train baby clothes for your child? Where did you get them and how did they work out?

Thomas the Train Cookies

2012-02-28T11:45:00.026-06:00

Have any of you ever tried to make Thomas the Train cookies? My wife was asked by a friend if she could make some cookies for a birthday party with a Thomas the Train theme. From looking around on Amazon I've seen some Train-shaped cookie cutters. I've also seen cake toppers, but they are a little big for something as simple as cookies.

I figure if you are going to make cookies with a Thomas the Train design, you should make some cookies of each of the characters on the show. Thomas, Percy, Sir Topham Hatt, etc. But that might be a little difficult, so maybe it is just easier to decorate them all as Thomas. After all, all kids know who Thomas is, but those that do not watch the show or read the books might not know who the other characters are.

So have you ever made Thomas cookies? How were they and what would you do different next time?