HiT Toys TrackMaster (2007 - 2010) actually gave TAKARA TOMY Plarail a run for their money in regards to quality of the engines and character availability in the United States. Engines such as Donald, Douglas, BoCo, Bill, Ben, Splatter, Dodge, Rosie, and Rocky, previously available everywhere but the U.S., were found in great quantities at almost every major retailer for a total of $11.88 after tax; the company also introduced new characters Hank, Flora, Billy, Whiff, Madge, Hector, Hiro, Victor, and Kevin while also manufacturing characters long overdue-- Peter Sam, Rheneas, Duke, Bertram, Iron 'Arry, Iron Bert, Caroline, and Terence. Some were released under "Greatest Moments" or "New Friend", which leads handsomely to this next little point.
HiT Toys had done "Greatest Moments" engine and trucks packs with three half-straights included of various episodes; personally, one of their best was Duck in "A Close Shave" with the accuracy of his molded face. It made it easy to collect a novelty engine, some more rolling stock, and track for a decent price, which was not too upsetting to one's wallet.
The HiT Toy Company had also filled a void of the merchandise line from a cry heard from customers-- motorized road vehicles from the Pack were created (Jack, Alfie, and Ned) with free-wheeling of most of the Pack members (Patrick, Nelson, Kelly, Oliver, Byron, and Buster). A destination to combine the road and rail vehicles had been created and easily found for only $12.89 plus tax (Nelson at the Quarry).
The HiT Toy Company even went as far as to pioneer something completely brand new -- Truck and Track Packs. 11 different ones were made under this company's name, and the first four were my personal favourite with old TOMY USA rolling stock having a buffer beam added to their chassis, some completely new rolling stock having been manufactured (bolster wagon from Sodor Power Plant trucks), new cargo to be transferred amongst the rolling stock, and three half-straight pieces of track. Although the hiccup of narrow gauge intermingling with standard gauge rolling stock was present in some of the latter packs, these cost about the same price as a "Greatest Moments" or "New Friend" pack for the same value.
Problems were not to be left out, but I found them easily sorted out with a single email or phone call for replacement engines to compensate for faulty ones, a set of four track adapters sent to you free of charge, and a very warm, hospitable staff who did not mind answering questions from the consumers.
The quality of the engines and rolling stock the HiT Toy Company produced is absolutely stellar, rivaling the TAKARA TOMY Corporation in regards to quality, durability, and playability. On a scale of a 5 star scoring system, this former manufacturer of the TrackMaster range scores a solid 4.7 stars. Personally, I did not like the track for both the road and rail, but seeing all those positives I've listed above certainly made this company very worthy to have once had a loyal consumer like me.
Residential train-afficionado in training, and Thomas & Friends fan.