Talking Thomas and Sodor Island Set

[Super]

"Here's Looking At You Kid"

[Muddy Poppins]

Only about 2 weeks left to wait!!!

[Super]

This video shows more of the Thomas engine up close and what it does. I didn't realize it is Tender Wagon driven. AA Flat Drive in the Wagon and also uses a AA battery to run the eyes and sound in the Engine. Wonder if the 'clicking' with the eye movements was something they wanted or just a result of the mechanics? The sounds seem to be very audible and not drowned out by the sound of the motor or clicking of the eyes...at least in the video but that may be because of the microphone used.

I would have loved to include this set with the Future World collection but I don't like any of the Talking trains that are in Japanese. What I have always wondered is, why does Plarail use English words on the model, where it was made, name and on/off switch but they won't also have an English speaking versions. If they did I would have every Thomas set included in the Future World Collection.

[Trainboy90 Productions]

I might plan on getting this in November

[Muddy Poppins]

After watching the video I now have mixed feelings about this...
On one hand, I love the battery powered tender’s attractive design and color scheme, and it’s potential to be added to weaker engines for a “boost”, and I LOVE that Thomas’ eyes move, but I had thought that this was a fixed tender upgraded version of the basic FisherPrice type talking Thomas, so I am kind of disappointed to see that it’s a tender driven engine, because they are sloppy runners and very inherent to derailing and causing problems.

[Mister No]

I'll pass on that one. Tender/wagon driven engines are in general not my thing, they are prone to derailment, and just don't look good in motion. Besides, i don't like the colour of that wagon, in my opinion it's a bit too bright. Also, the rapid-eye-movement looks a bit scary.

[leylandvictory2]

i have a feeling this set will be selling like hot cakes.

[Muddy Poppins]

It looked like there was some way to make the eyes react differently in the video, so that might be fun to figure out, and yes, that green is a little bright, but it actually is a useful accent that’s been missing from Plarail’s pallet, and compliments a currently limited, but seemingly growing new color scheme being introduced.
It perfectly matches the green used in the Plarail Ashima break van, and if I am not mistaken the same green used in that Purple and Green Plarail Musky new release too right?
So it seems to be the trend.
After thinking about it today, I think that the Thomas can actually be put to great use by being pulled (and best filmed) from behind, using a works unit car, and Ashima will become a “double banger” with her new found tender and snappy matching break van!!

[Super]

I was thinking that the eyes responded differently with what he was saying or sounding. I do think its a neat Thomas for sure, taking a talking Thomas and animating him. I am agreeing with Leylands guess that this may be a big seller in Japan.

[Tharazero1]

I was looking at this set, and after realizing that the Thomas in this set is Tender Driven, you could possibly replace it with the motorized Annie from either the second generation Plarail Talking Thomas



Or you could replace it with the faster Motorized Annie from either the Plarail or Tomy Steam Along Thomas Trains with minor modifications to the coupling.





I think with any of these modifications it would make the set much more appealing, enjoyable and most importantly realistic to the show.

[Mister No]

Of course Thomas would look best with his coaches! Too bad no one in Takara Tomy followed the same train of thoughts, Tharazero... 

[Muddy Poppins]

Yes exactly!
That’s why I thought is was such a great idea, because I thought they were doing an updated old style Fisher Price type talking Thomas.
If I had know that it was tender driven I would have expected a new designed motorized Annie to complete with FisherPrice new 3D versions.
I do like Thara’s idea of using the existing motorized Annie to power him way better than using that green car though.

[Mister No]

I understand that tender driven trains are sometimes necessary option for special models like this one. Still, powered tenders, trucks, wagons, coaches etc. are just... not the way I like it. Locomotives should have "the power", and they shouldn't be pushed - they should pull the train, even the model train. (I still don't understand why Plarail Emily couldn't be powered.) "Powered tender" always sounded slightly heretical to me. 

[Chops]

A most interesting video, it looks to be a new BPT afficiando in the making. Clearly he is most engaged with this marvel. I like the carpeting forming a back scene- very clever.