How to Collect Wooden Thomas The Tank Engine Trains

Wooden Thomas the Tank Engine trains are wonderful toys and usually quite collectible. Older, discontinued wooden engines often sell for many times their original cost, while even the newer releases hold their values very well. Thomas the Tank Engine destinations have short offering periods and children and adult collectors alike value these. Read this primer as you begin to collect Thomas the Tank Engine wooden trains.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Learn about the different Thomas the Tank Engine characters and wooden destinations, made by Learning Curve. MyFavoriteToys.com has a good alphabetical character guide with pictures of the engines. Some collectors keep one of each wooden engine and train car made with little regard as to condition; others collect only mint boxed wooden engines never used for play.
2. Henry Look for rare Thomas the Tank Engine trains, such as the sad-faced Henry train or the first passenger car released by Learning Curve. Check for dates on the inside of the wheels.
3. Buy large lots of trains from eBay or Craig’s List to jump-start a collection. Sell off duplicates to help fund your collection. Look for gently-played-with Thomas the Tank Engine train lots and well-cared-for sets to maximize your investment.
4. Emily Keep abreast of new engine releases by visiting the Learning Curve web site and stores that sell wooden Thomas trains.
5. Organize your collection and choose a display. Curio cabinets will work, as well as custom-made wooden display shelves. Display your wooden Thomas & Friends engines by alphabetical order, release date or color.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out the wooden Thomas the Tank Engine toys on Amazon. See direct link under Resources.