If you grew up with a bin full of heavy, clanking metal trains, you probably remember the weight of a die-cast Thomas in your palm. It wasn't just a toy. It was basically a weapon if you threw it at your sibling. For a solid decade, Take n Play Thomas was the gold standard for parents who wanted something more durable than the wooden sets but more portable than the motorized TrackMaster stuff. But then, everything changed.
Most people think these toys just faded away naturally. They didn't. What actually happened was a series of corporate pivots, cost-cutting measures, and "innovations" that eventually drove the line into the ground. Honestly, if you look at a 2010 Thomas next to one from 2017, it’s like looking at two different species.
The Identity Crisis of 2013
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we have to talk about the "Take Along" era. Learning Curve started the line in 2002 under the Take Along name. When Mattel (Fisher-Price) took the reins in 2009, they rebranded it to Take n Play. For a few years, things were great. The engines had heavy die-cast boilers, two-way magnets that let you flip them around easily, and those iconic "pinwheel" axles that made them roll like a dream.
Then 2013 hit.
Mattel moved production from China to Thailand, and that’s when the "cheapening" started. You’ve probably noticed it if you’re a collector. The faces got smaller. The magnets changed from the smart, pivoting silver ones to flat, grey "monopole" magnets. Those new magnets were a pain because they only connected one way. If you tried to hook up Annie and Clarabel backwards? Forget about it. They’d just push away like they were allergic to each other.
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Why the Magnets Mattered
It sounds like a small gripe, but for a toddler, a magnet that doesn't "stick" is a broken toy. The original Take n Play Thomas used a clever internal swivel so the magnets could always find a match. By ditching that for a cheaper fixed magnet, Mattel saved a few cents per unit but lost the "magic" that made the trains so playable.
The Plastic Invasion and the Death of Die-Cast
By 2014, the metal content in Take n Play Thomas was plummeting. The cabs, which used to be solid metal, were swapped for plastic. The tenders on engines like James or Gordon became light and flimsy. Collectors call this the "de-evolution."
I’ve spent hours looking at the underside of these engines. The 2010 models have a satisfying heft. The 2016 models? They feel like a McDonald's Happy Meal toy. It’s frustrating because the price stayed the same (or went up), while the quality took a dive.
Eventually, Mattel pulled the plug entirely in 2017. They replaced the whole line with "Thomas Adventures." These new trains used plastic hook-and-loop connectors instead of magnets. This was a massive blow to everyone who had spent hundreds of dollars on Take n Play tracks. The new trains didn't fit the old tracks properly, and the old trains couldn't hook up to the new ones without an adapter. It was a mess.
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Is Your Collection Actually Valuable?
If you’re sitting on a box of old trains, don't quit your day job just yet. Most Take n Play Thomas engines were mass-produced by the millions. However, there are some weird "holy grails" that fetch decent money on eBay and at collector meets.
- The Rare Stuff: Look for engines that were only released in specific playsets or during the early 2010s. For example, the "Talking" versions of rare characters like Belle or Harvey can go for $40-$60 in good condition.
- The Platinum Thomas: To celebrate the 65th anniversary, they released a metallic, shiny Thomas. It’s not "worth its weight in gold," but it’s a centerpiece for many.
- The SDCC Exclusives: If you have the San Diego Comic-Con exclusive items, like the DC Super Friends crossovers (Thomas as Superman, etc.), those have held their value surprisingly well because of the crossover appeal.
The real value, though, is in the "HiT Era" models from 2009-2012. These are the ones with the high metal content and the good magnets. Parents today are actually hunting these down on the secondhand market because the modern "All Engines Go" plastic toys just don't last.
Compatibility: The Ultimate Headache
One of the biggest questions I get is, "Will this fit my track?" It’s a nightmare. Take n Play Thomas uses a 1-inch gauge track (the distance between the rails).
- Wooden Railway: Nope. Too narrow.
- TrackMaster: Not even close. TrackMaster is much wider and meant for batteries.
- Take Along: Yes! Take Along and Take n Play are 100% compatible. They use the same gauge and the same magnet height.
- Thomas Adventures: Technically the same gauge, but the "hooks" don't play nice with the magnets. You need 3D-printed adapters for that.
If you’re trying to expand an old set, look for "Take Along" track on Facebook Marketplace. It’s usually cheaper than stuff labeled "Take n Play" even though it’s the exact same plastic.
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Why We Still Care in 2026
It’s easy to dismiss this as "just toy trains," but Take n Play Thomas represented a specific era of toy manufacturing. It was the last gasp of the "die-cast" era before everything became "plastic fantastic." There’s a tactile satisfaction in those old metal engines that you just don't get with the modern reboot.
Mattel’s current 2026 "Metal Collection" is actually a bit of a return to form—they've realized that parents want durability again—but it still doesn't quite match the detail of those 2010-era Take n Play models. They had a certain "grit" to them that matched the classic show.
What to do with your old trains
Don't just toss them. If you’re done with them, clean them up with a damp cloth (don't soak them, or the internal magnet springs will rust) and store them in a dry place. The paint on the edges—the "play wear"—is normal. In fact, most collectors call it "character."
If you’re looking to buy, skip the "New in Box" stuff unless you’re a hardcore investor. You’re going to pay a 300% premium for a piece of cardboard. Buy "used - good condition" lots. You can often find a gallon-sized bag of these for $30 at a local thrift store if you’re lucky. That’s a fraction of what they cost at retail ten years ago.
The legacy of Take n Play isn't just about the metal; it’s about the fact that you could shove five engines in your pocket and go to a restaurant without needing a whole suitcase of accessories. It was the ultimate "on the go" toy system, and frankly, nothing since has quite filled that gap.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
- Check the Wheels: Flip your Thomas over. If the axles are plastic and "U-shaped," it’s a later, cheaper model. If they are metal pins with "pinwheel" hubcaps, you’ve got the high-quality original.
- The Magnet Test: See if the magnets swivel. If they do, keep those engines! They are much more frustration-free for kids than the fixed-magnet versions.
- Look for Adapters: if you’re mixing eras, search Etsy for "Take n Play to Wooden Track" adapters. It’s the cheapest way to make your old metal trains work with a modern wooden set.