fall inside a hole

Thomas merchandising and accessories

First written December 23, 2024

Over the years I have come across a few different Thomas the Tank Engine badges and similar random merchandising and accessories that are interesting enough to photograph and write a little bit about.

A rubber James stamp from 1992 when the American merchandise was tied into Shining Time Station, a longer show that Thomas shorts were played as part of on PBS in the United States. In/Demand Enterprises of Glen Head, New York produced a range of these in the early marketing boom.

The stamp is stamped itself on the top and on the right with the character's name and licensing information.

Two Japanese badges from 1992, not too long after the television series had started airing in Japan. The plastic covers seem to have shrunken and split around where they were crimped into the metal plate. They are both marked as made by M.P.S. as well as not for sale and has an attribution to Sony Creative Products, who licensed Thomas the Tank Engine products in Japan.

This metal enamel James badge from 1999 was sold in Japan and was also sold in Thomas, Percy and Gordon versions.

These "Shoe Clip-Ons" were released in 2011 - I remember seeing (and owning) knockoff Thomas & Friends themed charms before this, and it seems more people remember the fake ones than these licensed ones - which were probably only sold in some regions. These were produced by Saw-Byte.

Two Thomas & Friends "card files" from 2016. I think these came randomly with some toys I bought several years ago.