Knockoffs or real? - Help wanted

They are not knockoffs... these are leftover stock from Fisher Price that's been sold to second/third world countries. These were produced in 2013, but notice how none were released here, because that would be a horrible marketing decision if they were to proceed with releasing them to retail in the west, taking into account that Mattel's Trackmaster II was released. You can not continue to sell products for an older generation when the over-taker is in the market, that's how a company loses money.

There were for a FACT, only two, engines that did get slipped to the west, and that's the new Donald and Douglas. These two are impossible to find in the West packaging, but photography exists. I'm having difficulty finding hanging box versions for Hank, Dennis, and Duncan, supporting my theory those were not released here. And I'm gonna go as far as to saying if the international marketplace on eBay didn't exist, the Fisher Price Donald and Douglas models would be hands down two of the rarest Trackmaster items.


So if I'll give a few pointers, considering I'm close in the international business with these trains. If the toy is selling from China or Hong Kong, and the seller has an exceptionally high feedback rating and there is a photograph of it's box (with the official Fisher-Price logo and Thomas & Friends trademark on the packaging), it's legit. And of course, if you really want to confirm the legitimacy, all you have to do is look on the bottom for licensing and copyright information. If it's there saying something along the lines of "20## MATTEL" or something like that, it's 100% authentic, regardless of origin. Every knockoff train I've seen cannot put those on the bottom, or else they get traced back as illegal items- then the government within the country of manufacture has the right to take action. Hope this clears up this rather confusing thread!