Gordon's Hill receives Track Master expansion pack

Gordon's Hill has been recognised for its own Track Master playset for the first time.

The long-running location, dating back to the The Railway Series and the TV series' start, is new to the now relaunched Fisher Price series.

It's 57 piece set adapts the hill as a single track incline complete with bridge and track adaptors.

The description states; Your motorized engines will climb towards adventure as they race up this steep incline then descend with thrilling speed!

The possibilities are endless when you connect other Track Master expansion packs or playsets to create your own custom-made railway!

A Water Tower Starter Set including Thomas and a Sodor Spiral Expansion Pack too represent the new era of Track Master.

Track Master Gordon's Hill Expansion Pack from Fisher Price hits UK, US and Australian toy shelves now.

'Tale of the Brave' Take-n-Play receives Scrapyard set

An incoming Take-n-Play product related to the Tale of the Brave is due this summer.

Percy and new crane Reg are included in Fisher Price's Scrapyard Cleanup Team for next month.

The portable fold-out set has the green engine ready to push scrap metal down to the crane.

Percy is accompanied with an attachable plough while a turn function is applied to Reg, as are levels on a loop track.

A Roaring Dino Run playset, previewed in March at the New York Toy Fair, is also due.

Take-n-Play Scrapyard Cleanup Team from Fisher Price hits UK, US and Australian toy shelves in July.

Thanks to Bass Tbone for the alert.

New 'Tale' and future sets join Track Master relaunch

Fisher Price's Track Master for Thomas & Friends is to be relaunched for later this year.

The motorised road and rail franchise has been overhauled under the subtitle Track Master Revolution, bringing core characters back under redesigns and new packaging.

Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James and Percy are just some of the engines to be reflected of their CGI physiques.

Diesel, Diesel 10, Spencer, Hiro and Victor fill the new collection, to be accessorised with selected trucks.

A New Friends & Moments series will see Gator and Timothy in their own packs for the Tale of the Brave.

The unnamed green engine, who is to appear in future episodes, is to inspire a pack for the Dinos & Discoveries book double.

The brand new Track Master revolution sets from Fisher Price hit UK, US and Australian toy shelves in August.

SEE WHAT'S COMING UP FOR FISHER PRICE'S TRACK MASTER

Thanks to The Blue Sunil for the alert.

New engine Logan teased for book and Wooden Rail set

A brand new character for future series has been revealed by Mattel and Fisher Price.

Logan the Strong Little Shunter is earmarked as a limited-release for an upcoming book and playset combo for Wooden Railway.

The newcomer and Gordon are detailed for Logan and the Big Blue Engines. A diagram on its instruction sheet narrowly obscures Logan's physical appearance in wooden form.

The description reads; Meet Sodor’s new engine Logan! This strong steamie looks like a Diesel and works at the coal plant. This exciting story teaches a lesson about patience and how Logan rushes to make a mix-up turn out right.

Your little engineer can bring the story to life as he helps Logan shunt and couple cars and stops at the coal loader to lift a cargo car and drop a heavy load.

A lights-and-sounds mini Knapford Station, a signal house, a tunnel, rolling stock and track complete the 23 piece set.

A similar combo set involving James, Colin, Victor and Kevin is to arrive at a simultaneous period.

Wooden Railway Logan and the Big Blue Engines from Fisher Price is coming soon to UK, US and Australian toy shelves.

Thanks to Bass Tbone for the alert.

James and Gator releases for Wooden and Take-n-Play

Fisher Price is to release two products for the Wooden Railway and Take-n-Play merchandising lines.

For Wooden Rail, a set featuring James is on the horizon. The book and playset combo James Sorts it Out plots the red engine with Colin, Victor and Kevin in The Steamworks.

Decorations are applied to both James and sections of tracks, with Colin able for arm extensions and cargo and flatbeds also included.

Alternatively available as a Mysterious Cargo pack, Gator is due as a separate release in the summer.

The model offers slight differences compared to the aforementioned pack. A black running board and an olive green colour scheme are just some of the modifications present.

Wooden Railway James Sorts it Out and Take-n-Play Gator are coming soon to UK, US and Australian toy shelves.

Thanks to GeebMachine for the alert.

Arthur and new Talking engines join Take-n-Play range

Arthur is to come back in die-cast form under Fisher Price's Take-n-Play line.

The large tank engine first introduced in the Seventh Series is new to the merchandising series. He sports a brighter running board and specially designed artwork on his packaging.

Logging Loco Ferdinand is too re-introduced after companions Bash and Dash and a Misty Island Spills & Thrills themed pack.

As part of the franchise, the Talking characters range has been gradually increased, bringing in classics Edward, the Troublesome Trucks, Spencer and Diesel 10.

Modern engines Belle, fiery Flynn and Paxton are also applied with fresh additions Hiro and Den incoming.

The Take-n-Play products from Fisher Price hit UK, US and Australian toy shelves now.

Thanks to Bass Tbone and Lightninging63 for the alerts.

Bachmann responds to Hornby Thomas franchise state

The Thomas & Friends model rail products in the UK are still owned by Hornby, it has been reported.

The HO and further gauge line was thought to have been axed in the new year when chuFFers.com divulged on its apparent demise, leading to Hornby responding in February.

In a post by The SiF Blog, an update has been issued concerning possible involvement from Bachmann, with Hornby appearing to still hold the rights.

Bachmann, holding a licence to produce G scale products within the UK, have approached the licence owners to see if they could supply the OO/HO products into the UK as the current licence was expiring on 01 April 2014.

They have been advised that the licence for that remains exclusively with another manufacturer.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON THE SIF BLOG

'Tale' characters and sets detailed for Wooden Railway

Tale of the Brave's characters and set pieces have been detailed for Wooden Railway merchandise.

In the latest Wooden Railway Yearbook for 2014, available as a video on YouTube, the range's products reveal more on the newcomers starring in the special, starting with Timothy, confirming theories of his role.

Timothy is a cheerful little oil burning steam engine who works at the China Clay Pits. He is friendly, helpful, and loves being really useful.

Marion's too shares a similar background to Timothy; Marion will work at the China Clay Workings. She is bubbly and friendly and loves digging, talking, and talking about digging.

Gator's however identifies more on his being; Gator is a brave engine working in the high mountains whose real name is Gerald. He is nicknamed "Gator" because his long sloping water tank makes him look like an alligator!

The two spin-off packs James' Roaring Delivery and Oliver's Fossil Freight share inspiration from the special, while a plot spoiler for the Scrap Monster is amongst other incoming products and sets.

Thanks to jlouvier for the alert.

'Talking Porter' and Season 17 models for 'Take-n-Play'

Porter the Dockside Tank Engine is to appear in Take-n-Play form again for the Talking series.

The character is the latest for the spoken die-cast model line by Mattel and Fisher Price. 

Playing a role in this year's Tale of the Brave and introduced in Away from the Sea, Porter has provided supporting roles in The Smelly Kipper and Gone Fishing.

Other products to come include Smelly Scruff, based on Scruff's Makeover, and Whiff's Banana Blooper, incorrectly referred to the Spills & Thrills DVD.

The new Take-n-Plays from Fisher Price are out now to buy in the UK and US.

Thanks to Bass Tbone for the alert.

'Tale' MEGA BLOKS set 'Percy's Brave Adventure' due

A Tale of the Brave set by MEGA BLOKS has been presented this week in a YouTube video.

Percy's Brave Adventure is to include Percy and new character Marion in a China Clay Pits setting and was filmed at the New York Toy Fair by kids website BSCKiDS.

The video's description mentions the addition of six track pieces, special parts and over 85 pieces.

It is mistakenly referred to as Thomas and Percy's Brave Question, despite the former appearing to not be included.

Another product viewed is Thomas' Ultimate Adventure Table, seen as an amalgamation of previous sets including Knapford Station.

MEGA BLOKS Percy's Brave Adventure and Thomas' Ultimate Adventure Table from Mega Brands hits UK and US toy shelves later this year.

Earl of Sodor confirmed for 'Tale of the Brave' movie

Sir Robert Norramby is to appear in the next feature-length special, the Tale of the Brave.

The Ulfstead Castle estate owner, introduced in King of the Railway and voiced by Mike Grady, will play a role in the autumn special.

In a review of new Take-n-Play set Roar Dino Run at the New York Toy Fair, toy experts zooLert confirmed the character's involvement in a YouTube video.

The Earl tells him that those are the three missing bones he has been looking for so he can finish his megalosaurus.

The appearance of the said dinosaur species' bones plays a pivotal part in the monster themed plot.

Tale of the Brave: The Movie is coming soon to UK DVD and US Blu-ray in September.

Rare ERTL prototype and final models in ebay auction

Rare die-cast models of four characters from the Classic Series have appeared in an ebay auction online.

In a Buy it now only listing on the merchant's British site, the prototype and last ever produced ERTL models of Jack, Alfie, Fergus and Arthur are up for sale.

The four each come in their own specially made presentational tins and certificates proclaiming the proud owner of the last ever Ertl die-cast metal engine and it's prototype.

From FUJ of Scarborough, the North Yorkshire fudge shop details the history of the final products; The last six models released in 2004 were Murdoch, Arthur, Alfie, Jock, Jack and Fergus.

[RC2, ERTL owners] auctioned off the last ever models off of the production line together with their prototypes. These are the original hand made, hand painted prototypes that have passed through many hands at the factory.

The COA [Certificate of Authenticity] have the name of Robert Mann, Managing Director of RC2 printed on them, but they were actually signed by A. J. Chetwynd who was the designer.

Both Murdoch and Jock are banished from the £5,000 listing because of condition and unavailability issues.

VIEW THE LAST EVER ERTL MODELS' LISTING ON EBAY.CO.UK

Thanks to Adam Abrahart for the alert.

Culdee model officially confirmed for Take-n-Play

A character from The Railway Series is coming to the Take-n-Play range as a die-cast model.

Culdee the Mountain Engine, who appeared in stories from the book Mountain Engines by the Rev. W. Awdry, is the newest for the Fisher Price franchise.

His model contains a marginally darker purple colour scheme than his Take Along predecessor, a redesigned face and a squatter gold dome. A specially animated icon of Culdee appears on the packaging.

Its listing by the merchant amazon confirms the product as an official release after appearing on several ebay auctions.

The model's description by the merchant however quotes the Thomas & Friends Wikia's article of the engine.

Take-n-Play Culdee from Fisher Price is out now to buy in the UK and US.

Bachmann Thomas models and more in 2014 catalogue

Bachmann have revealed the first images of their upcoming models for the Thomas & Friends range.

The model maker's products for the year are seen in their 2014 catalogue, with Jeremy, the Red Coaches and the new resin buildings among those due.

Included are images of Arry and Bert in their HO guises while the fourth creation of a Troublesome Truck takes on a green livery.

A new listing however shows a Round Water Tower accessory joining the US range.

The Thomas & Friends 2014 range from Bachmann hit US model and hobby stores later this year.

VIEW THE 2014 CATALOGUE FROM BACHMANN

'Tale of the Brave' Wooden Railway images released

Images of the Tale of the Brave Wooden Railway models have been published by The Train Cellar.

The products, part of the 2014 range from Mattel, tie-in with the release of the hour long special.

Gator, Marion, Timothy and The Scrap Monster serve as newcomers to the wooden franchise with Reg and Percy at the Scrapyard to be available as a set.

A Fossil Discovery add-on coincides with packs including Thomas' Fossil Run, James' Roaring Delivery and Oliver's Fossil Freight.

Specialist items such as Merrick and the Rock Crusher, Tidmouth Tipping Bridge, Lumber Yard Waterfall Adventure and a Lights and Sound Ironworks follow suite.

The 2014 Thomas Wooden Railway range hits UK and US toy shelves later this year.

SEE THE 2014 WOODEN RAILWAY RANGE ON THE TRAIN CELLAR

Red Coach and Red Brake Coach join Bachmann range

Bachmann have announced the full line of new Thomas & Friends products due for their range.

The 2014 lineup will see new resin buildings mark their debut alongside the long promised models of a fourth Troublesome Truck, Jeremy, Arry and Bert after being named a full year ago.

New products for HO will now include Sodor's Red Passenger and Brake Coaches according to the official Bachmann messaging board.

In the Large Scale range, the Red Open Wagon and Cream Tanker introduced in the Eighth Series are also due alongside the previously assumed Blue Open Wagon and Raspberry Tanker.

The Thomas & Friends 2014 range from Bachmann hit US model and hobby stores later this year.

Thomas Wooden Railway range earns dedicated website

The Thomas Wooden Railway line is to receive its own dedicated website later this year.

The upcoming portal will house offers and details from the range customised train sets and personalised engines.

A product catalogue and a mail subscribed Data Transfer Catalogue are to coincide with the website's launch in the summer. A new Sodor Story collection featuring four engine and book sets are also for creation.

The push, taking the range into bigger territory, was agreed between Hit Entertainment, Mattel and Fisher Price at the start of February.

Fisher Price's Executive Vice President for Global Brands, Geoff Walker, spoke of the move.

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway originally launched through the specialty channel, giving the brand both heritage and equity as a premium franchise.

That, along with the property's rich storytelling, presented Mattel with an opportunity to drive both direct-to-consumer product sales, as well as generate incremental mainline product sales by diversifying distribution.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE FROM GLOBAL LICENSE

'Tale of the Brave' DVD and playset seen at Toy Fair

The Tale of the Brave: The Movie DVD and a new playset have been revealed at Toy Fair 2014.

The annual US event brought in the 2014 special's DVD release, with its front cover of Thomas and a worrisome Percy and James biding through the story's quarry setting.

Showcased was the latest playset from Fisher Price for their Trackmaster range, Avalanche Escape, which includes Thomas as the starring vehicle.

Laurie Leahey of Time to Play Mag, who was present at the New York event, gave a brief overview of the Trackmaster set.

The motorized Thomas engine [goes] up vertically a 30 degree incline. Lots of cool action points and lots of cool features for pre-schoolers who want to play out the action and adventure from the DVD.

Tale of the Brave: The Movie is coming soon to UK and US DVD.

WATCH 'TALE OF THE BRAVE' AT TOY FAIR 2014 ON YOUTUBE

Hornby gives statement on Thomas & Friends range

Hornby have commented on the future of their Thomas & Friends range in the United Kingdom.

The HO model railway line was reported last week to have ceased production since December 2013.

Issues with supplies and an annual loss of £1 million are suggested to have attributed to its end.

In a statement responding to fan queries, Matt Jordan of Hornby's Customer Care declared the state of the situation.

We are currently reviewing the Thomas range. Please keep an eye on the web site for more information when this becomes available.

The range, born in the mid 80s, saw its last set of products arrive in 2012. New products have not appeared on the model maker's recent 2014 catalogue.

Bachmann Jeremy and new buildings images published

Bachmann are to bring out new resin buildings to their Thomas & Friends line in the US.

Joining the incoming Arry and Bert and a Troublesome Truck this spring are Jeremy and scenery add-ons.

Images released show the jet plane's model along with a Signal Box, Brendam Warehouse, Maithwaite Station and Black Loch Folly.

The products, according to fans, bore strong resemblances to the Hornby range, questioning the future of UK Thomas model rail.

The new Bachmann products hit US model and hobby stores this spring.