What is Tomy Plarail?
Sarah Martinez
Updated on April 04, 2026
Plarail (プラレール, Purarēru), pronounced in English as Play rail is a toy train and plastic track system made by Tomy and introduced in Japan in 1959. It was expanded into a battery-operated electric toy train system in October 1961.
Does Tomy still make Thomas toys?
Tomy continued producing preschool Thomas toys until the end of 2010. In 2011, Tomy merged with RC2 and acquired Learning Curve Brands, so the company briefly earned the Thomas license again and produced the Thomas Wooden Railway range until 2013, where Mattel bought the rights.
Is Plarail compatible with TrackMaster?
These adapters are compatible with the current Thomas and Friends Trackmaster (2014 Gray) sets, including SuperStation, Sky-High Bridge Jump, Avalanche and more and Plarail tracks.. Two adapters compatible with 2014 TrackMaster (Gray Tracks) and Plarail (blue) tracks. ✅ EXPAND YOUR LITTLE ONE’S CREATIVITY!
Did Fisher Price Buy Thomas the Train?
In 2013, Fisher Price acquired the Thomas Wooden Railway line from TOMY. The models from TOMY would continue to be made although over time these models began to evolve.
Is TrackMaster compatible with Tomy?
TrackMaster trains are plastic, all battery operated, and available for a range of prices. In 2007 it was rebranded to TrackMaster, and was made by HIT Toy Company. The new track was brown, and everything was compatible with the TOMY track with the help of adapters.
Who makes TrackMaster?
TrackMaster is a battery-operated toy system manufactured by Fisher-Price, Mattel in the US….
| ← Predecessor | Successor → |
|---|---|
| Plarail Thomas Motor Road and Rail | Motorized |
Why did Fisher Price discontinued Geotrax?
Fisher-Price Recalls Geo Trax Locomotive Toys Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard. Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y. Hazard: Surface paints on the toys contain excessive levels of lead.
What age is Geotrax for?
Children 2½ and older are the main users of this toy.
What is the difference between Tomy Trains and Plarail?
The trains were larger than the Plarail trains, and featured magnetic couplings, forward and reverse switches, and driver figures for the cab. In 1998, the Tomy Trains range was discontinued in the UK and replaced with the Plarail system, renamed as Tomica World.
Who makes Plarail trains?
Plarail is a battery-operated system made by Takara Tomy. It was first made in 1959. In 1992, Thomas and Friends trains and accessories were made. Since Takara Tomy is a separate branch of the Tomy company, they still have the license to make Thomas themed products.
What does Plarail mean?
Plarail (Japanese: プラレール purarēru) is a toy train and plastic track system made by Tomy and introduced in Japan in 1959. It was expanded into an battery-operated electric toy train system in October 1961.
What happened to Tomy Trains in the UK?
In 1998, the Tomy Trains range was discontinued in the UK and replaced with the Plarail system, renamed as Tomica World. The system featured some European based trains, but overall featured existing products from the Plarail system, including the Thomas and Friends series.