Notso we have Take and Play and we've noticed that the older sets are better quality than the newer ones.
They worked better and had more detail to them. I think the newer ones are badly put together and they don't actually fold away as well to take anywhere. The Blue Mountain Mystery quarry one is a pain for packing away.
The ones I would recommend are:
Tidmouth Sheds
Cranky at the Docks
The Dieselworks
Misty Island
The Engine Wash - I think that's what it's called, it's like a big figure 8 with a wash house attached to it and it's very good for making a big bit of track very easily but still being a bit more interesting that just plain track in a straight line.
Colin at the Wharf - smaller sets that can join up to track or bigger sets.
Percy and the Mail Delivery - smaller set as before.
Sets that are okay are:
Around the Rails - small but quite good
Knapford Station - Not my favourite, It's bulky and I don't think it's interesting enough, but it's alright.
The Lift and Repair Shop
Sodor Search and Rescue
Sets that I don't think are worth it:
The Shark Exhibit Set - it's wobbly, doesn't work that well, seems a bit pointless and the wagon that catches the shark isn't actually on the track.
Blue Mountain Quarry Climb - hard to fit together, hard to get the train on the magnet, is in separate pieces when taken apart so not great for taking anywhere really.
The new version of Sodor Shipping Co - was the first one we really thought the quality had dropped with, it's just somehow…lumpier and less finished looking than the earlier ones.
Any of the newer ones after these.
As Elvish says, eBay is fantastic for second hand but good condition Take and Play and I would strongly recommend you buy older sets rather than the newer ones as they are sturdier, better made and more detailed.
The older trains are better quality than the newer ones as well.