Since the television launch of Thomas the Tank Engine in the 1980s, this anthropomorphised steam locomotive has become a worldwide phenomenon. It likely would be difficult to find a child who doesn’t recognize Thomas’ round face and expressive eyes.
Lionel is no stranger to Thomas products; they started selling the O gauge version in 1993. Lionel has recently launched a product line they call “battery O.” These are starter sets aimed at kids and families. According to an interview I did with Howard Hitchcock, Lionel’s CEO, “we are trying to engage families … with a lower price point.”
I realize that a typical Classic Toy Trains reader may not be the intended customer. However, some of you may have children, grandchildren or a young relative to whom you can gift this set. You may also set up a display at a show or public venue (or even under the Christmas tree), and want an engine that will attract a child’s attention (or to spare your regular runners from little fingers).
You might notice that Thomas has gotten a bit of a makeover. His updated look matches a new 2D-animated series called Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go that debuted in 2021. This reboot focuses on younger versions of Thomas and his friends.
Opening the box
The set includes Thomas, Annie, and Clarabel, and three interchangeable faces for Thomas. It includes 10 pieces of straight track, 16 pieces of curved track, four switches (two right and two left), a crossover, road signs, two trees, road signs, and a handheld remote control. You’ll need 4 AA batteries for Thomas and 3 AAA for the remote (batteries not included).
Thomas measures about 6” long including the coupler, and Annie/Clarabel are about 8 ¾” each, including couplers. Set up was fast. The track easily snaps together. The instruction booklet has a few suggested starter track plan ideas inside, plus some other setup tips, a nice touch.
You’ll need a small set of screwdrivers to remove the screws from both Thomas and the handheld remote. Install the batteries. Use the small plastic squeeze bottle to add a few drops of water into Thomas’ smoke stack. On the back of Thomas’ cab is a small switch. Flip it to the on position and Thomas will start chirping. Turn on the remote and Thomas will automatically pair with the remote.
On the track
Operation is simple–Thomas can move both forward and in reverse. Turn the dial to the right and Thomas moves forward; left and Thomas moves in reverse. Neutral is when the arrow is in the top center position. The remote controls a number of sounds–the bell plays part of the series’ theme song. The microphone (announcement button) plays one of several Thomas greetings, and the horn button activates Thomas’ whistle.
The water vapor smoke is a neat addition. If you add too much water, like I did, tip the engine over to remove some water and try again.
Thomas has a headlight and four removable faces. Annie and Clarabel’s roofs are removable, so a child has the option to add a few figures (or other cargo) inside.
I assembled the track on a thick rug at home, fully expecting problems given the carpet fibers, but I had no operational issues. This set is compatible with most brands of track. I also ran the pieces on our in-house layout (Lionel FasTrack) and it had no problems, even through the turnouts. I also set the cars on pieces of MTH RealTrax and old Lionel tubular track, and they lined up perfectly. Given that this is a battery-operated set, you could run it on the floor without track.
Lionel CEO Howard Hitchcock, in my recent interview, stated that the fixed couplers would work with other Lionel pieces of rolling stock. Unfortunately, I could not get them to work with the Lionel, MTH, Atlas, or K-Line rolling stock we had on hand. The coupler shank hangs too low and the cars would not stay coupled together. This is not a deal breaker. Most kids would want to run Thomas with Annie and Clarabel anyway.
I should also note that the sound effects/voices for this set do not match the current Thomas & Friends All Engine Go theme song. Again, this isn’t a big deal and it’s always possible the sound set will be updated in the next release of this product. Please be aware that there is no way to adjust the volume or turn off the sound on this set.
Final thoughts
This is a fun set with a lot of play value. For the price, it has some nice features–water vapor smoke, a decent set of sound effects, and a good amount of track. This is a great way to introduce kids to toy trains.
It’s a lot of fun to operate, so it will likely appeal to all ages. Great job, Lionel. I look forward to more releases in this product line.
Thomas and Friends Battery Operated Train set (No. 712118)
MSRP: $79.99
Set includes: Thomas the Tank Engine locomotive, two passenger cars (Annie and Clarabel), remote control, 26 pieces of track, 4 switches, accessories
Features: sound, water vapor smoke
Website: lionel.com
