Last year my parents spent some time clearing out cupboards and the such and made a start on clearing their loft. Down came many, many books, and I will write more on these in the future, but as well as these there were some toys passed on to me for Daniel and Emma.
One of these was a Hornby Thomas the Tank Engine train set that must have belonged to my younger brother. We got this out for Daniel a week or so ago and earlier this week he wandered in carrying the rather delicate box and declared playing this one, Thomas. So, whilst Emma napped we set the track up on the floor and passed a good 40 minutes of so watching Thomas trundle around the track.
The train is operated by a clockwork mechanism and it still works perfectly now, some 20 years on. I’m going to repair the box when I get chance as I think this is going to be well used and well loved by Daniel and Emma over the coming months.
Daniel has really discovered Thomas recently, and he has been enjoying some of the original shows via YouTube – they are great as they are only five minutes long so good for distracting him when needed (for example when I was at the Doctors with Emma last week). He has a couple of large Thomas books which he just loves to sit and read (usually with his Grandma) and then a box of 68 small books that follows the adventures of all the engines, and includes some new ones that I am not sure I have heard of!
I spotted some Thomas activity books on The Book People website a few weeks ago so ordered those and we will be working through them over the Easter break when all our usual playgroups are off. I am sure Daniel will be really excited when he sees them.
The Hornby set is quite delicate and isn’t really aimed at two year olds, so we have to be careful with it of course, but Daniel is enjoying it and I’m so pleased that my parents had the wisdom to keep hold of some of these toys for my brother and I to pass on to our own children.
This set cost £14.99 from Toys R Us and I am sure if I ebayed it it would fetch a fair price – but some things are just priceless. For now Daniel (and Emma in time) can enjoy this simple toy
Do you have any items or handed down toys that your little ones enjoy?
That’s lovely. Its good that Daniel and Emma can enjoy toys and books that brought so much enjoyment to both you and Richard. I’m sure they’ll be more to come when we finish in the loft.
It’s great that all the pieces were saved & in a box too. There’s a 12 yr age gap between my two boys & I still have some of my eldest sons toys & special clothes etc that the youngest now has 🙂
So lovely that this was your brothers!
We have a few things that were Hayden’s when he was small and will pass them on to T as he gets old enough, he’s already found a batman and power ranger and was thrilled to bits!
Thanks for linking #toddlerapprovedtuesday x
That’s so lovely, such a lovely thought that there is so much joy in these toys and now they have another chance to share it again =)
I have some old sindy furniture in our dolls house and it is used almost everyday. It’s lovely that your children will get so much pleasure out of your train set.
Ahh this is so lovely. We don’t really have any of my old toys that I can pass on to Elsa because they are in such terrible condition but I do like to find vintage toys in charity shops and eBay.
The Mother says – My younger brother (who’s now in his 30’s) had this train set and the photos really brought back some memories. A friend of mine trawled through loads of charity shops trying to find all the original Thomas books as she loved their illustrations. What a lovely post :0 #ltkidsbekids
Aww cute! It’s great that your parents kept some of the toys from when you nd your brother were wee! My 3 year old just saw that clip and is asking if he can have one too! We have loads of secondhand toys that the kids absolutely love. They don’t care if they’re not brand new, it’s new to them!
Looks like a lovely train set and it is nice to see things being used again. We are a big fan of hand me down toys.
Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids
it really is, we love it 🙂
I love that your parents held onto things from yours and your brother’s childhood that you can both share with your children. Craig’s mum got his old Roland the rat cuddly toy out the other day and Sophie giggled every time she saw it! Not as cute as vintage Thomas though! Thanks for linking up to #playathometuesdays x
ah, my fave toy was my Roland rat and he still sits on my drawers in my room. It is threadbare though now and not sure it would stand up to much play from my two!
That’s lovely. My parents have kept a few things of ours too. The biggest hit is our old Barbies, My Little Ponies and Keepers. They are not in as pristine condition as your Thomas set though! #TwinkyTuesday
I love handing down toys! I always feel much better when a toy my kids loved, but has outgrown goes on to a new home! #TwinklyTuesday
Lovely! My children play with their father’s old things when they visit Grandma and Grandpa. Thanks for linking up at #TwinklyTuesday.