# Classic Toy Mashups Transformable Tomas Mixes Thomas the Tank Engine With Transformers By Michael Hines | Published 2010-08-14 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transformable-tomas References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2010/08/11/thomas-the-tank-transformer-robot/) & [theduty.tumblr](http://theduty.tumblr.com/post/501166023/meanwhile-in-japan) Transformable Tomas has successfully reignited my love for Thomas the Tank Engine. The classic children's toy features tame trains solving a variety of problems but never transforming into [giant robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robosen-soundwave) -- until now. Thomas and Transformers are such a natural fit. Transformable Tomas seriously looks badass. Transformable Tomas was spotted in Japan and there is no word yet on pricing and availability. Children need this toy, now. **Implications** - Not just children, expect attention from [collector's and grown-ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/san-diego-comiccon) who aren't necessarily ready to let go of this part of their childhood. Can you really fault them for that? I can't. These are [well designed and sharp](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zsiga-care-bears). Perfect for any mantle, desk top, or bookshelf. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Classic Toy Mashups:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create mashup toys that combine classic children's toys with unexpected elements to reignite nostalgia and appeal to both children and adults. - **Transformable Toys:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop toys that can transform or change in unexpected ways, adding a new level of excitement and playability for children and collectors alike. - **Nostalgic Collectibles:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Tap into the market of adults who crave nostalgia by creating well-designed collectible items that evoke childhood memories and can be displayed as decor. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Partner with popular franchises to create mashup toys that appeal to a wider range of customers and generate renewed interest in the toy industry. - **Collectibles:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Produce high-quality, nostalgic collectibles that cater to the growing market of adults seeking to rekindle their love for childhood toys and characters. - **Design and Merchandising:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative and visually appealing toys and collectibles that combine classic elements with unexpected twists, attracting both children and adults. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Transforming Crossover Dinosaur Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transformers-x-jurassic-park.md) - [Auto Cartoon Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transformers-reversible-plushies.md) - [Transforming Bullet Train Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shinkalion.md) - [Transforming Camera Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transforming-camera-toys.md) - [Transforming Racetrack Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/racetrack-toy.md) - [Train Simulations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thomas-friends-game.md) - [Cartoon Franchise Collab Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bape-and-transformers-1.md) - [Car-Branded Toy Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbase.md) - [Auto-Transforming Toy Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grimlock.md)