Every night, I find myself dedicating around 20 minutes to tidying up my son’s ever-expanding collection of toys. A significant portion of that time is spent organizing his vast array of trains. His passion for trains is undeniable. He has an impressive assortment, thanks to friends and family who recognize and nurture his fascination. However, among them, there is one collection that stands out—his absolute obsession with Thomas the Train and his companions. Although he is just three years old, his depth of knowledge about the Island of Sodor is truly remarkable. He knows the ins and outs of the characters—their roles, relationships, and adventures.
When I sit down with him during playtime, I often ask questions about his trains. Sometimes he chooses to keep playing, but more often than not, he eagerly shares their names and stories with me. I’m genuinely amazed by how much he retains. It’s a reminder that when you’re passionate about something, the information sticks. Interestingly enough, I can relate because I had a similar obsession in my youth—boy bands! Just like my son, I could name every member, their birthdays, and even their favorite colors. My infatuation was definitely pricier, so I can’t really complain about his current obsession.
It all began with the show, which quickly led him to movies and longer features available on his tablet. Soon enough, he became enthralled with the toys. A trip to the toy store was never complete without a stop at the “Thomas store,” as he calls it, where he could spend hours exploring. He has his favorite characters like Gordon and Henry, yet he’s familiar with 90% of the cast. For me, it was the Backstreet Boys that opened the door to a world of fandom, and each new boy band only added to my collection of idols. I knew their stats just like my son knows his trains.
While my son gravitates towards the supporting characters, my own favorite was Justin Timberlake—the star of the show. The parallels between boy bands and trains are striking. The “Steam Team,” the main characters of the series, are akin to NSYNC—they shine both individually and collectively, while the Backstreet Boys remind me of streamlined engines focused on a specific audience. The Skarloey trains are like 98 Degrees, while the Diesels evoke the nostalgia of the New Kids on the Block—once popular, now a distant memory. Yes, I’ve thought this through quite a bit.
One significant similarity between my son’s attachment to Thomas and my youthful obsession with boy bands is the financial investment. The merchandising around boy bands was overwhelming; from CDs to T-shirts to concert tickets, the costs added up quickly. I attended numerous concerts—NSYNC three times, to be exact—spending an average of $100 per ticket. My parents likely spent thousands over the years, and while we haven’t reached that level with the trains yet, I’ve already spent a few hundred dollars in just one year. Thomas-themed shoes, pajamas, and toys have become staples in our household. My son insists on wearing the same pair of Thomas sneakers and is currently on his third pair. I even had to buy him Thomas snow boots to keep his style intact during the winter in New York City.
I’m fortunate to have family members who understand his love for trains and contribute to it, alleviating some financial stress. His grandparents send him trains, and other relatives gift us store cards to keep the collection growing. This past Christmas, I dedicated my entire gift budget to Thomas toys, as it was all he wanted. Finding clearance items is a small victory for me, similar to the thrill of locating rare CDs in my teenage years.
Every time I purchase another train, I gain a new appreciation for my parents. Being their only child, I often received whatever I requested. They would joke about me needing to focus more on schoolwork, but deep down, they were grateful I had a hobby that kept me engaged, regardless of its costs. While some may argue that I indulge my son too much, I invite them to spend an hour watching him play (he’s quite particular about how he wants to play). The joy he experiences and the creativity he demonstrates are undeniable. He not only reenacts scenes from the show but also invents his own narratives. As a mother who once reveled in creativity, it’s truly heartwarming to witness.
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In summary, my son’s fervent love for Thomas the Train not only brings him joy but also fosters his creativity and imagination. Although it comes with its costs, every penny spent is worth witnessing the happiness and learning it brings to his life.