Oh those were the best, Toy R Us gave me some of the best and worst birthdays. Thomas was always a joy to find in ERTL and it holds a deep place in my heart because it was where I spent the last birthday I ever had with my mother. I saw my Local one off as I had visited many times before, buying Diecast Thomas toys. It is why I am trying to get into the toy business with my own company, and yes I plan to make Trains like Mattel will never give us again. Dash Terrier Creations.
The best part of ERTL was that the toys made a genuine effort to resemble the actual locomotives they were based on, and often had trivia about those IRL machines on the back. As an American who didn't have access to The Railway Series or the internet until 1999, this was some of my first contact with the idea that these colorful model trains on TV had a connection to real life railroading history.
Bachmann, a leading global manufacturer of model trains: “No open cabs, sorry.” Ertl, an obscure toy company from a small town in Iowa: “Here you go, kitten. Daddy loves you.”
ERTLs were my childhood, damn it. Although I have a big basket of them all upstairs somewhere (and a bag of the miniature sets), one of them was selected to sit on my work desk and that honour went to Duck (1990). He's next to me at this very moment. ☺
I was born a year or two after ERTL stopped, so I was more a Take Along/n Play kid. Man, 2010 to 2014 Take n Play is where I'm nostalgic, especially leokimvideo's videos on the sets. I mainly experienced ERTL via eBay and I quite enjoy it. I especially love how there was a style of packaging that told you about the character's basis, giving it a bit of educational value.
man I still have all my Ertl toys at my parents, I have several sticker faced ones still surviving, mostly Edward, James, Percy and Toby. My first exposure to the Culdy Fell stories were through Ertl
I was an avid collector of the ERTL models as a child. Sometimes I find the odd one at a Boot sale, and it brings back the many memories of my childhood mostly spent playing with them.
Ertl was my jam back in the day. I use to have nearly every character. I'll never forget going into my local Toys R Us and seeing the massive display that would take up nearly half an aisle. In particular, I can recall one day I had to go with my mom while she ran errands in town. She said that if I behaved myself that we could go pick out a new toy, and that was the day I got Stepney. Good times...
Boy am I glad I kept all of my OG die cast models!!! Have a mix from 1990 through probably 1999/2000! Didn’t ever get any of the 80’s models, though one day * hopefully * I’ll score one or two!!! Great video as always thanks for the memories brotha!
Some time in 2016 or 2015 I watched the Leokimvideo review of the ertl miniature range, I was so hooked on it I saw the video dozens of times and convinced my parents to buy it for me. Woke up one day to the complete set on the kitchen table with all pieces and nearly all engines. A great memory
The following characters I have for ERTL are: Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, Percy, Toby, Oliver, Toad, Diesel, Daisy, Sir Topham Hatt with railway staff, Sir Handel, Peter Sam, Duncan, Stepney, S.C. Ruffey, Lady, Splatter and Dodge. Other characters I used to have but now long lost were Duck, Mavis and the troublesome trucks. If the ERTL Thomas line were still active, DEFINITELY we'd be curious of how the Hit era characters (Molly, Rosie, Neville, etc.) would've came out.
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids. I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines. Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition. It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
My childhood had a lot of these, I stopped around the time series 5 came out though have picked up some of the later UK only releases. Favourites include the four pull back models (Thomas, Percy, Toby and Bertie) because they had unique sculpts that better matched the show and the narrow gauge engines, and Jock and Frank, great range of toys
I agree 100% I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids. I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines. Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition. It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
1:28 They also made Theodore Tugboat Ertls too, just thought I share that info. Its crazy how all three shows that are very similar had Ertl models lol.
I still have all my ertl stuff. Ansolutely stunning. Some of them still look brand new. I wondered why some of the engines i had were never in the show. Eventually i got the complete collection of the books in 1 big omnibus. Still didnt learn who 16 was.
I grew up with these as well as the Ertl farm toys. Still have them all. I'm also a dealer in the farm toys today. Ertl has been owned by Tomy for a few years now. Sure wish I could order both ranges today!
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL specifically for T&f and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids. I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines. Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition. It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
I had so many of these, man. Hell, I had Flying Scotsman, before I even knew what the Flying Scotsman was, so I just treated them like a regular Gordon. They got lost in a move years ago, and I only have one left now, which is my old Thomas that I'd take everywhere. Poor guy's definitely had a rough life, but I'd say he deserves his spot on my desk, even if I've had to put blu-tack on his underside so he doesn't try to go out and see the world again.
I still have all my old Ertls, and shared them with my brother when he was a little guy. They'll be going to my nephew when he's a little older, though I'll hopefully have repaired and repainted a few of them by then.
In 2014 when I was like 2 somehow and I don't know how my dad did it ,but he gave me an ertl Toby. I don't have it now but it was crazy to find out that the ertl line was discontinued in 2004,and was lucky to even own an ertl Toby.Thanks Dad!
I still have all the ERTL Thomas toys I had as a child, all of them post-1990 as they have moulded faces, but none of them In particularly good condition … fair to say they’ve been well-loved! I collected them right from the year dot until the Line discontinued in the UK in 2004. I did technically buy a Take-Along Mike and a couple of wagons, but these didn’t feel right, especially since these weren’t in scale with the ERTL Jock & Frank I already had. All that being said, I’m so glad ERTL made these toys, they were my life as a kid. I’m even more glad that, as you mentioned, tgey made RWS characters: D199, Bear, Culdee, Godred, Lord Harry, Jock, Frank, Flying Scotsman, 16, Wilbert to name the ones from my own collection. Thank you for talking about these ERTLs, they definitely were the BEST!
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids. I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines. Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition. It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
I used to have ertl Thomas and friends when I was a kid. I love the back round music. Wii sports. Keep being awesome my friend. Ur the best my trainboy.
No idea how I ended up with it but I remember always having a James one around! And being so impressed how accurate it looked compared to the other toys :O Good memories!
You know it’s kinda ashamed that tug’s didn’t get the same popularity as Thomas did and I do kinda wish Ertl Thomas and friends lasted until the original Thomas and friends show got cancelled
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids. I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines. Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition. It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
I miss my childhood!! I had, probably close to every damn one of these. Wish i wouldnt have lost them in a move, even though they were chipped to hell. Oh simpler times how i miss you.
Did you know?: There was suppost to be a battery oparated Ertl thomas, but was cancelled. The reason for its cancelled is unknown, but most likely because of complex design, as the Engine would still be made out of metall, yet would still be able to free wheel (Similare to the Tomy design). Seeing as a gearbox would not be happening, a similare design to Trackmaster 2 (revolution) would need to be made, but it wouldnt free wheel. It would have used 2 button batteries and would have had a plastic looking metal switch. I have tried making a mock up/prototype of thus cancelled product with no sucsess. Still, I'll keep trying!
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids. I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines. Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition. It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
1:20 - That's my picture of the ERTL Godred and Culdee, not that I have a problem with it being used in this video. I was born too late to get an ERTL collection when I was younger; it wasn't until 2018 when I started collecting items from that range. Since then I've amassed a decently sized collection, with some of the highlights including: CFR No. 1 'Godred' CFR No. 4 'Culdee' City of Truro Percy (with a paper face) Terence Thomas Toby I've put my Thomas and Percy alongside the Take Along, Take n' Play, Adventures and Trackmaster Push-Along versions, in order to see the evolution of die-cast Thomas. Reminds me of something Leokimvideo may have done.
As someone who grew up on ERTL and is old enough to have seen them new in stores, I’d say they make better display pieces than actual play things. I’d say Take Alongs were better as play things, and I’m not surprised that those eventually replaced ERTLs… Still, ERTL is a cornerstone merchandise line!
I Adore the Ertl Thomas range. I have such fond Memories of it growing up. Sadly my collection today is very small consisting of Culdee, Duncan, Bertram, Catherine, S.C.Ruffy, Troublesome trucks, Thomas, Percy and Wilbert (with some road vehicles i use on my layout like the postvan, crane, soft sided truck. I do also have a Stepney, Breakdown crane and Falcon boxed but I'd love to get more. Oh and i mentioned road vehicles, also Have Alfie and probably the best thing i own, a pull back and go Bertie which i bought in a vehicle bundle thinking it was the regular Bertie
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids. I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines. Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition. It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
I was lucky enough to find a sticker face thomas, Henry and gordon in a 2nd hand shop and all of them were in mint condition with no damage whatsoever. I'm also slowly growing and ertl collection and I have engines like 16, toby and boco and I have henrietta and 2 tankers which is pretty cool.
I remember my mother buying me an ERTL Lady on a flea market, and getting my grandpa to cut off the coupling and buffers to screw in a... screw (yes, through the plastic) so that she could connect to my take alongs
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids. I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines. Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition. It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
Man these things were lit I remember having a few though I'm not sure what happened to them.. I do remember playing with some that my uncle had too though, iirc he had the main cast and some obscure characters too like the blue diesel and Culdee Fell engines. I definitely want to collect some again in the future honestly, especially the keychain and small miniature ones
I remember watching “10 years of Thomas” on VHS. And one of the kids on there had the ERTL Percy and at the time I didn’t know what tf it was because I was REALLY little. (And where I was growing up, the stores didn’t really have them around ) the first ever ERTL toy I got was Bertie The Bus. Then YEARS later in elementary school, we went on a trip to the Bemidji museum here in Minnesota. And to my surprise, there was an ERTL Ben on the play table. And what did I do? I took it😂 I still have it to this day… Ok so I guess what I’m trying to say is or point out is that I wasn’t really properly introduced to the ERTL world of Thomas until I was what 18? So I’m just getting started on the world of ERTL Thomas the Tank Engine! I love it so much! Lol, do more videos on this!
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids. I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines. Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition. It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
ERTL really is spectacular for at the least their character selection: Sixteen, Jock, Frank, City of Truro, Wilbert, Godred, Neil, Bluebell, Bear, Flying Scotsman, Bertram, LORD FREAKING HARRY... and I could go on.
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids. I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines. Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition. It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
When was younger I never saw any ertls in stores where I lived and I hate that cause I always wanted a ertl Henry and Edward if it hadn’t been discontinued I probably would’ve got lucky
I like all the videos but finally one I can really relate with. I still have some ERTL stuff. Bought a new gordon to replace what I had as a kid after watching this video.
ERTL Thomas & Friends definitely deserved better and it’s a shame that they got discontinued and replaced with Take Alongs and so many Die Cast merchandise has been getting replaced with new ones throughout the years like ERTLs Getting replaced with Take Alongs, Take Alongs getting replaced with Take N Plays, Take N Plays getting replaced with Adventures and Adventures getting replaced with Trackmaster Push Alongs and the only ERTL items I have are Gordon, a red express coach, an old coach, City Of Truro, Bluebell, Godred, Lord Harry and Lorry 2
Fun fact I actually did see some ERTL Thomas toys in a small local shop but the best part was it was actually in 2015 it was old stock just put up for sale so obviously i bought all 10 left😃😃
Ertl Thomas was my childhood even though I only had Toby until about 2 years ago when I bought some lots of ertl Thomas, how could it have been my childhoood if I never had any of the engines or rolling stock but Toby? Two words one legend, mad bomber by leokimvideo
I still have dreams of walking into a store and finding new ertls. Until that happens, keeping my eyes peeled on eBay. Managed to get hold of some of the rarer ones, like Murdoch and spencer
I have an entire bookshelf of these, bulk-bought and childhood collection alike, and my annoyance at their few shortcomings is about to have a long chat with a copy of CAD software and a 3d printer. It's only the end if you let it be. ...or if you try to sell it in bulk, of course.
I had a lot of the ERTL toys growing up and I can tell you I definitely didn’t take care of them, most of them lost their paint so they looked like abominations with the silver
Man, those days of walking into Toys R Us in the 90's and seeing that giant wall of ertl Thomas toys......Good times!!😊
You got that right homie- better days all around 😭❤️🔥
And actual rolling stock
Oh those were the best, Toy R Us gave me some of the best and worst birthdays. Thomas was always a joy to find in ERTL and it holds a deep place in my heart because it was where I spent the last birthday I ever had with my mother.
I saw my Local one off as I had visited many times before, buying Diecast Thomas toys. It is why I am trying to get into the toy business with my own company, and yes I plan to make Trains like Mattel will never give us again. Dash Terrier Creations.
The best part of ERTL was that the toys made a genuine effort to resemble the actual locomotives they were based on, and often had trivia about those IRL machines on the back. As an American who didn't have access to The Railway Series or the internet until 1999, this was some of my first contact with the idea that these colorful model trains on TV had a connection to real life railroading history.
Only OGs remember always breaking the couplings because they were so damn fragile.
I definitely think the U Hooks the UK 2003-04 ones have are a W in that regard.
Bachmann, a leading global manufacturer of model trains: “No open cabs, sorry.”
Ertl, an obscure toy company from a small town in Iowa: “Here you go, kitten. Daddy loves you.”
This also applies to character selection let’s be honest- 😭
My Ertl “special edition” City of Truro still sits on my desk today
ERTLs were my childhood, damn it. Although I have a big basket of them all upstairs somewhere (and a bag of the miniature sets), one of them was selected to sit on my work desk and that honour went to Duck (1990). He's next to me at this very moment. ☺
I was born a year or two after ERTL stopped, so I was more a Take Along/n Play kid. Man, 2010 to 2014 Take n Play is where I'm nostalgic, especially leokimvideo's videos on the sets. I mainly experienced ERTL via eBay and I quite enjoy it. I especially love how there was a style of packaging that told you about the character's basis, giving it a bit of educational value.
man I still have all my Ertl toys at my parents, I have several sticker faced ones still surviving, mostly Edward, James, Percy and Toby. My first exposure to the Culdy Fell stories were through Ertl
The 'Hot Wheels' of Thomas and Friends
Based. Very based. 🫡
Funny and ironic since Mattel owns Hot Wheels and now they own Thomas. 😂💀😭
True, ertl always gave me these vibes
I own an ertl henry and i can confirm he fits on my tracks. He is just too long for the super 6 lane raceway’s start gate. 😂
I was an avid collector of the ERTL models as a child. Sometimes I find the odd one at a Boot sale, and it brings back the many memories of my childhood mostly spent playing with them.
Ertl was my jam back in the day. I use to have nearly every character. I'll never forget going into my local Toys R Us and seeing the massive display that would take up nearly half an aisle. In particular, I can recall one day I had to go with my mom while she ran errands in town. She said that if I behaved myself that we could go pick out a new toy, and that was the day I got Stepney. Good times...
Toby just moonwalking outta the screen like the chad he is
Love the cathouse critter
still got my ertl collection... memories.
Boy am I glad I kept all of my OG die cast models!!! Have a mix from 1990 through probably 1999/2000! Didn’t ever get any of the 80’s models, though one day * hopefully * I’ll score one or two!!! Great video as always thanks for the memories brotha!
Still have a backpack full of them from my childhood. My kids loved playing with them
My sole surviving Ertl model is the exclusive Silver Thomas, which surprisingly has endured and still looks shiny today!
Some time in 2016 or 2015 I watched the Leokimvideo review of the ertl miniature range, I was so hooked on it I saw the video dozens of times and convinced my parents to buy it for me. Woke up one day to the complete set on the kitchen table with all pieces and nearly all engines. A great memory
Ertl is iconic among the fans for producing characters based around the classic series ( S1-7 ) and RWS exclusive characters.
At this point: Ertl has been discontinued for almost as long as they have been made.
Nice. I had a few Ertls as a kid. I miss this era of Thomas merchandise and toys.
The following characters I have for ERTL are: Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, Percy, Toby, Oliver, Toad, Diesel, Daisy, Sir Topham Hatt with railway staff, Sir Handel, Peter Sam, Duncan, Stepney, S.C. Ruffey, Lady, Splatter and Dodge.
Other characters I used to have but now long lost were Duck, Mavis and the troublesome trucks.
If the ERTL Thomas line were still active, DEFINITELY we'd be curious of how the Hit era characters (Molly, Rosie, Neville, etc.) would've came out.
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids.
I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines.
Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition.
It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
My childhood had a lot of these, I stopped around the time series 5 came out though have picked up some of the later UK only releases.
Favourites include the four pull back models (Thomas, Percy, Toby and Bertie) because they had unique sculpts that better matched the show and the narrow gauge engines, and Jock and Frank, great range of toys
Anyone else realize this the cast of Dirty Objects?
But ERTL.
I feel like ertl deserves more credit. I know many people love the range but some just say it’s bad. Nice video! 4:23 great part btw
I agree 100% I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids.
I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines.
Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition.
It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
1:28 They also made Theodore Tugboat Ertls too, just thought I share that info.
Its crazy how all three shows that are very similar had Ertl models lol.
Thomas was just finishing his breakfast when Bertie came steaming into the shed puffing with excitement.
These guys were before my time but damn they would make adorable o scale flatcar loads
I still have all my ertl stuff. Ansolutely stunning. Some of them still look brand new. I wondered why some of the engines i had were never in the show. Eventually i got the complete collection of the books in 1 big omnibus. Still didnt learn who 16 was.
I grew up with these as well as the Ertl farm toys. Still have them all. I'm also a dealer in the farm toys today. Ertl has been owned by Tomy for a few years now. Sure wish I could order both ranges today!
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL specifically for T&f and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids.
I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines.
Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition.
It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
I had so many of these, man. Hell, I had Flying Scotsman, before I even knew what the Flying Scotsman was, so I just treated them like a regular Gordon. They got lost in a move years ago, and I only have one left now, which is my old Thomas that I'd take everywhere. Poor guy's definitely had a rough life, but I'd say he deserves his spot on my desk, even if I've had to put blu-tack on his underside so he doesn't try to go out and see the world again.
I still have all my old Ertls, and shared them with my brother when he was a little guy. They'll be going to my nephew when he's a little older, though I'll hopefully have repaired and repainted a few of them by then.
In 2014 when I was like 2 somehow and I don't know how my dad did it ,but he gave me an ertl Toby. I don't have it now but it was crazy to find out that the ertl line was discontinued in 2004,and was lucky to even own an ertl Toby.Thanks Dad!
I still have all the ERTL Thomas toys I had as a child, all of them post-1990 as they have moulded faces, but none of them In particularly good condition … fair to say they’ve been well-loved!
I collected them right from the year dot until the Line discontinued in the UK in 2004. I did technically buy a Take-Along Mike and a couple of wagons, but these didn’t feel right, especially since these weren’t in scale with the ERTL Jock & Frank I already had.
All that being said, I’m so glad ERTL made these toys, they were my life as a kid. I’m even more glad that, as you mentioned, tgey made RWS characters: D199, Bear, Culdee, Godred, Lord Harry, Jock, Frank, Flying Scotsman, 16, Wilbert to name the ones from my own collection.
Thank you for talking about these ERTLs, they definitely were the BEST!
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids.
I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines.
Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition.
It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
I used to have ertl Thomas and friends when I was a kid. I love the back round music. Wii sports. Keep being awesome my friend. Ur the best my trainboy.
No idea how I ended up with it but I remember always having a James one around! And being so impressed how accurate it looked compared to the other toys :O Good memories!
Hello Larry
The artwork packaging with the character art at the top was the best
You know it’s kinda ashamed that tug’s didn’t get the same popularity as Thomas did and I do kinda wish Ertl Thomas and friends lasted until the original Thomas and friends show got cancelled
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids.
I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines.
Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition.
It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
I miss my childhood!! I had, probably close to every damn one of these. Wish i wouldnt have lost them in a move, even though they were chipped to hell. Oh simpler times how i miss you.
The earliest ETRL toys I ever owned were from '91, the year season 3 aired.
This brings back memories I have the old plastic gray tracks somewhere in storage
Percy is the one to say Here I Am present I'm here whenever the Teacher Calls for attendance
Did you know?:
There was suppost to be a battery oparated Ertl thomas, but was cancelled. The reason for its cancelled is unknown, but most likely because of complex design, as the Engine would still be made out of metall, yet would still be able to free wheel (Similare to the Tomy design). Seeing as a gearbox would not be happening, a similare design to Trackmaster 2 (revolution) would need to be made, but it wouldnt free wheel. It would have used 2 button batteries and would have had a plastic looking metal switch. I have tried making a mock up/prototype of thus cancelled product with no sucsess. Still, I'll keep trying!
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids.
I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines.
Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition.
It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
Ertl is a classic and probably underrated of all brands ofThomas and friends toys.
1:20 - That's my picture of the ERTL Godred and Culdee, not that I have a problem with it being used in this video.
I was born too late to get an ERTL collection when I was younger; it wasn't until 2018 when I started collecting items from that range. Since then I've amassed a decently sized collection, with some of the highlights including:
CFR No. 1 'Godred'
CFR No. 4 'Culdee'
City of Truro
Percy (with a paper face)
Terence
Thomas
Toby
I've put my Thomas and Percy alongside the Take Along, Take n' Play, Adventures and Trackmaster Push-Along versions, in order to see the evolution of die-cast Thomas. Reminds me of something Leokimvideo may have done.
As someone who grew up on ERTL and is old enough to have seen them new in stores,
I’d say they make better display pieces than actual play things.
I’d say Take Alongs were better as play things, and I’m not surprised that those eventually replaced ERTLs…
Still, ERTL is a cornerstone merchandise line!
I Adore the Ertl Thomas range. I have such fond Memories of it growing up. Sadly my collection today is very small consisting of Culdee, Duncan, Bertram, Catherine, S.C.Ruffy, Troublesome trucks, Thomas, Percy and Wilbert (with some road vehicles i use on my layout like the postvan, crane, soft sided truck. I do also have a Stepney, Breakdown crane and Falcon boxed but I'd love to get more. Oh and i mentioned road vehicles, also Have Alfie and probably the best thing i own, a pull back and go Bertie which i bought in a vehicle bundle thinking it was the regular Bertie
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids.
I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines.
Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition.
It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
I was lucky enough to find a sticker face thomas, Henry and gordon in a 2nd hand shop and all of them were in mint condition with no damage whatsoever. I'm also slowly growing and ertl collection and I have engines like 16, toby and boco and I have henrietta and 2 tankers which is pretty cool.
I remember my mother buying me an ERTL Lady on a flea market, and getting my grandpa to cut off the coupling and buffers to screw in a... screw (yes, through the plastic) so that she could connect to my take alongs
GET UP TRAIN BOY JUST DROPPED
My brother had loads of them. Still have a City of Truro and a few wagons. I remember an article about motorising Toby as he's not far off OO scale
This lads, this is what I’m talking about
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids.
I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines.
Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition.
It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
0:47 The Motorized Line I believe mirrored the Thomas, Henry and James thing
Toby: I see no god up here, OTHER THEN ME
I remembered my mom buying me ertl Percy from K.B. toy in the mall that still had 80s/90s toys
The only ERTL toy I have is the wind up Thomas that was limited edition back than
They’re always beautiful to own
Man these things were lit
I remember having a few though I'm not sure what happened to them.. I do remember playing with some that my uncle had too though, iirc he had the main cast and some obscure characters too like the blue diesel and Culdee Fell engines.
I definitely want to collect some again in the future honestly, especially the keychain and small miniature ones
I remember watching “10 years of Thomas” on VHS. And one of the kids on there had the ERTL Percy and at the time I didn’t know what tf it was because I was REALLY little. (And where I was growing up, the stores didn’t really have them around )
the first ever ERTL toy I got was Bertie The Bus.
Then YEARS later in elementary school, we went on a trip to the Bemidji museum here in Minnesota. And to my surprise, there was an ERTL Ben on the play table. And what did I do? I took it😂 I still have it to this day…
Ok so I guess what I’m trying to say is or point out is that I wasn’t really properly introduced to the ERTL world of Thomas until I was what 18? So I’m just getting started on the world of ERTL Thomas the Tank Engine! I love it so much! Lol, do more videos on this!
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids.
I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines.
Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition.
It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
Ertl ain’t crap. Take Along remains the king of diecast Thomas models
That’s your opinion and I respect it (you still gotta admit the sticker faces are somewhat charming tho)
I weep for the kids who grew up in a post ERTL world. Aside from Wooden Railway no other brand really hit the same highs that ERTL did
These were good toys, to say they least.
And they were further immortalized by The Mad Bomber (aka Bluebell).
ERTL really is spectacular for at the least their character selection:
Sixteen, Jock, Frank, City of Truro, Wilbert, Godred, Neil, Bluebell, Bear, Flying Scotsman, Bertram, LORD FREAKING HARRY...
and I could go on.
I think us fans should band together, hopefully get a licence to produce toys for T&F, set up a company to bring back ERTL and with the technology we have now, imagine how accurate they'd look and the improvements that could be made for 21st century collectors and kids.
I would love to release characters like Molly, Neville, Hank, Proteus and Hiro among others. Even some of the other rws characters like Stanley, Old Stuck Up and the NRM engines.
Also re release the season 6/7 newbies like Arthur, Murdoch and Spencer because they are rare and expensive to buy in good condition.
It's possible to do and honestly, who would complain about it?
Ain't no way you had that Toby as a kid it's mint condition!!!
When was younger I never saw any ertls in stores where I lived and I hate that cause I always wanted a ertl Henry and Edward if it hadn’t been discontinued I probably would’ve got lucky
I still have the shinning time station set, its been loved but i still have it.
I still have most of the US ERTL railway series engines amd cars. This makes me want to dig them out of storage.
4:22 I have no clue why I’m imagining Toby burped for some reason.😹😹😹
I like all the videos but finally one I can really relate with. I still have some ERTL stuff. Bought a new gordon to replace what I had as a kid after watching this video.
ERTL Thomas & Friends definitely deserved better and it’s a shame that they got discontinued and replaced with Take Alongs and so many Die Cast merchandise has been getting replaced with new ones throughout the years like ERTLs Getting replaced with Take Alongs, Take Alongs getting replaced with Take N Plays, Take N Plays getting replaced with Adventures and Adventures getting replaced with Trackmaster Push Alongs and the only ERTL items I have are Gordon, a red express coach, an old coach, City Of Truro, Bluebell, Godred, Lord Harry and Lorry 2
Fun fact I actually did see some ERTL Thomas toys in a small local shop but the best part was it was actually in 2015 it was old stock just put up for sale so obviously i bought all 10 left😃😃
Hear me out, take along is better.
HE SAID WHAT
When I heard 1/64 I giggled because that's the scale I model, S scale definitely needs a Thomas range lol
Ertl Thomas was my childhood even though I only had Toby until about 2 years ago when I bought some lots of ertl Thomas, how could it have been my childhoood if I never had any of the engines or rolling stock but Toby? Two words one legend, mad bomber by leokimvideo
I still have dreams of walking into a store and finding new ertls.
Until that happens, keeping my eyes peeled on eBay. Managed to get hold of some of the rarer ones, like Murdoch and spencer
I have an entire bookshelf of these, bulk-bought and childhood collection alike, and my annoyance at their few shortcomings is about to have a long chat with a copy of CAD software and a 3d printer. It's only the end if you let it be. ...or if you try to sell it in bulk, of course.
Fun fact: The large pull-back Thomas also had a Percy.
ERTL cooked amazingly with Lady
I have so many of these Ertl trains, I got ‘em from lots on eBay and I can’t really display them on a set so I have no idea what to do with them.
None of my childhood ERTL stuff survived sadly...
Had Spamcan, BoCo, Donald or Douglas, Culdee, Godred and Oliver.
9:34 James is probably freaking the fuck out run with him being seen in such an awful state.
Rn not RUN autocorrect!😾
A few years ago I bought all the original paper face trains in mint condition for $20
Happy to say I now own 20 of these
11:08-11:12 oh please do. He’s literally begging for it.
I had a HUGE amount of these. Hopefully they are still at my mums house 🤞
I think I had two Thomas' with different paper faces.
Dirty Objects, the ertl review lol
I still have an ERTL Thomas, Edward, a Shiny Percy, Dodge and Bulstrode from my childhood. If you want them, Trainboy, lmk
I had a lot of the ERTL toys growing up and I can tell you I definitely didn’t take care of them, most of them lost their paint so they looked like abominations with the silver
Let’s go my fav ttte merch line getting a vid by train boy ( I have a addiction)
no way we burped at the exact same time
I think ertl is the second best Thomas range. But Trackmaster is still better.
If I could go back in time I would tell myself to not lose my saved from scrap wagon and Trevor.
Why does boco look so accurate
I had ertl James years ago i would want to get thomas, Annie and clarabelle
you should buy the golden ertl thomas, it seems like a cool item
I have an Ertl toby as well, but mine is very wobbly and tips over easily. Does yours too?
Awesome video trainboy
I’ve got 4 ertl James… I’m not particularly attached to them, you could have one
finally someone agrees with me!
I have some, still in package with og faces.
My favourite ertl items is ny metallic thomas and percy then a boco