I agree that this is not narrow gauge, or even an American prototype, but the interest it generates may bring about more budding train fans. In that respect it could be a good thing.
My little guy is only 4 years old, but he's known all about Thomas for a couple of years. The shows stopped running on TV before he was born, but we sure have a collection of tapes (video and audio cassette). These things seem to sell well at both Caboose Hobbies and the Colorado RR Museum. The HO sized wooden railway has branchlines all over our family room, and he still wants more track, locos, and cars.
My two cents worth, Dave