It's been about 2 weeks since I've done a review. I think I'll make up for it by doing a different review, one that's not in my usual pros, cons, and final score format. Let's do it.

The first official Thomas toy rage was die-cast, and that format has gone a long way since its debut in 1985. Here I'll be looking at each range from ERTL to push-along.

ERTL 1984-2002/2005: as said above the ERTL range is the first range to be released to the public. While it is named as a classic toy range by many fans, and rightfully so, This range isn't without its flaws. One of the most common problems i see is that the models are very inconsistent with scale. For example, Toby and Henrietta tower over characters like Henry or Gordon, and toad being bigger than Oliver. Another problem were the couplings. Thought most of ERTL's history the engines and rolling stock had a pin-and-eye coupling system that could break if not careful. though the newer u-hook couplings were apparently stronger, they were pretty distracting from the rest of the model. However there are some good things about the models. For one thing this range is one of the few to have siderods, albiet not moving. And despite their inconsistencies with scale, they are mostly accurate to the tv series. Overall, the ERTL Thomas range is a classic, but people shouldn't overlook it's flaws just because it's an old toy.

Take along 2002-2009: after the ERTL era (or during it if you're an American) another die cast range was launched. This range was rather different from its predecessor as it was shorter, had no siderods, and had magnets. While this range was as mentioned above, different. It did have a few good things about it. For starters the magnets were much better and easier to use than the ERTL couplings. And the range had much better plastic than the ERTLs. However there is one thing wrong with the range, that being that the wheels cracked and broke after a long period of time. Thankfully said problem isn't too common. The take along range isn't as sophisticated as ERTL, but it's unique in its own way.

Take n play (original) 2010-2012: in 2009 the take along range was sold to Mattel and rebranded as take n play. There wasn't much difference in the range apart from different details and faces. I don't know if the wheels on this range break, but mostly not likely since no one else has this problem as far as I know.

Take n play (updated) 2013-2014: this range changed in both good and bad ways. The one good thing is that the wheels were designed just like the ones you'd see on hot wheels/matchbox cars, meaning the wheel-breaking problem was solved. The one thing that was bad was that the painted details scratched off very easily. This range is God, but the paint problem is the one big setback to this range.

Take n play (2.0) 2014-2017: this range changed the way die-cast Thomas was made, but not in a good way. The first big change was the magnets. While the ones on previous ones were small, these ones were big, bulky, and I daresay similar to the wooden railway couplings, not just with design, but functionality as they only work one way. Another big problem is that the cabs on these models are flat, giving them a small-squat look much like with bill and Ben. Not to mention the paint problem wasn't fixed. Overall this range was just a disaster.

Adventures 2017-2019: this range received a lot of backlash from fans when it was first announced, but everyone was relatively surprised by how good the range was. For one thing, the paint problem that plagued take n play was fixed here. Not to mention a new coupling system was designed for this range. The new couplings were plastic u kooks, that could rotate making them work either direction. While the squat-cabs were still here, the couplings definitely make up for it.

Trackmaster push along 2019-present: After the successful adventures range, there came a not-as-successful range. These you could say, were adventures with bulkier wheels and trackmaster couplings. While some engines are well-proportioned, others are either squashed, or too long. Not to mention the tenders having buffers on the front instead of the back. Finally, the couplings are bulkier trackmaster couplings, meaning loss of compatibility. overall This range isn't bad, but it's not great either., and I'd much rather prefer if it didn't exist.

All i can say is that I'm seriously concerned about the future of the Thomas toys.

Stay tuned for more clickety-clack reviews to come!