TrackMaster Bert & Arry Chinese knockoffs

Tons of Trackmasters · Tons of Trackmasters 03-09-2021, 08:47 PM Road vehicle collector

there is a bashdash crossover model that is all grey

GreatGordonFan · (This post was last modified: 03-09-2021, 08:51 PM by Super.)

Indeed there is Tons. I have seen it (on ebay)

**Super** · **Super** 03-09-2021, 08:52 PM Track Engineer

There is? All gray, what might that look like?

GreatGordonFan · GreatGordonFan 03-09-2021, 08:52 PM Rail and aviation enthusiast

Like that Super.

**Super** · **Super** 03-10-2021, 12:25 PM Track Engineer

LOL...wasn't what I pictured in my mind as all gray. The cab, boiler and wheels kinda look blueish. Thanks for the photo GGF.

leylandvictory2 · leylandvictory2 03-10-2021, 08:02 PM Posting Freak

i wonder if the the Chinese knock off 's motor is compatible to the Tomy versions.

chrisjo · chrisjo 03-10-2021, 10:12 PM Investigations Dept.

I can only repeat the point that has already been made at least once in this thread, which is that the Chinese 'knock-offs' or whatever you want to call them are indistinguishable in quality, both externally and internally, and in their packaging, from the 'real' thing.

They are made using the same moulds, most likely in the same factories that made them for Fisher Price. My experience is that they use the same motors, gears, etc. and they are good powerful and quiet runners. In fact the only real difference is that the money you pay for them goes direct to the Chinese makers and not to Mattel, and most likely whoever owns the rights to the 'Thomas' brand these days gets no royalties.

I personally have no qualms about buying them if I want them, I don't feel I have any obligation to Mattel / FP to give them my money (particularly in light of the direction they've taken in recent years) but of course it's a matter for each individual to decide for themselves where they stand on this question

confusedanddelayed · confusedanddelayed 03-10-2021, 10:46 PM Member

And as an added benefit, if you buy the grey market versions you can get The Rheneas’ little known relative “Rhenesa”! Smile

I have several of the grey market trains (including the all grey B/Dash), and I can attest to the fact that they run well and seem like decent quality plastics.

leylandvictory2 · leylandvictory2 03-10-2021, 11:23 PM Posting Freak

we buy things from Mattel solely to add Thomas and Friends characters to our growing fleet.

If you are one of those people who don't care about the character, some will consider to purchase the knock off variants to save money.

Trainboy90 Productions · Trainboy90 Productions 03-11-2021, 11:55 PM Customizer and Filmer

I primarally buy these knockoffs for the growing fleet or customs. I like to buy things from Plarail to add to the growing fleet or customs. Depending on which character I come up with. As much as I care for the characters, I also buy the knockoffs too to save money. I sometomes buy from mattel but I do tempt to buy from japan foer the best looking ones.

Most of the knockoffs, I buy for customs.