Thomas the Train

“He was a fussy little engine, always pulling coaches about. [...] He was a cheeky little engine, too.” Thomas and Gordon, Thomas the Tank Engine.

Thomas the Train Videos

Thomas the Train is really a fictional steam locomotive made popular by by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his son Christopher for the Railway Series, in the 2nd book of a four-book series published in 1946. Thomas the Tank Engine began as a child’s small wooden push toy, created from a broomstick by the Reverend Awdry for his son Christopher.

Awdry recalls, "I bought Thomas in 1948 when I was writing "Tank Engine Thomas Again", and wanted to begin modeling once again after a lapse of some two decades. Thomas was certainly one of Stewart Reidpath's standard models with a heavy, cast white metal body, and was fitted together with his "Essar" motor and chassis. Stewart Reidpath is now dead, and his motors, not to mention spare parts for them, have been unobtainable for many years; but Thomas still keeps going! He's, as you may expect from his age, a temperamental old gentleman, and it has to be driven cautiously indeed." (Thomas Annual, Wilbert Awdry, 1979)



Thomas the Train Engine’s popularity grew quickly as soon as the character was featured in the TV series, Thomas and Friends in 1984. Thomas’ bright blue engine, accented with red details and the number one drove this character into the minds and hearts of children just about everywhere, resulting in the production of many Thomas and Friends train cars.

Thomas the Train Videos

Awdry hired illustrator Reginald Payne to create the look and feel of Thomas the Tank Engine, providing him with a real-life locomotive from which to draw inspiration, the 0-6-0 E2 Class of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, designed by Lawson Billinton. Payne received no credit for his work before the publication of Thomas the Tank Engine Man, created by Brian Sibley. The E2 Class ceased production in 1950, but Thomas the Tank Engine is constantly entertain and enthrall any age. Children are delighted because of the quality wooden train toys and their imagination can go wild creating wooden track railways on several leading brands of Thomas the Train tables.

Thomas the Train Table

Starting with book two of Awdry’s The Railway Series, “Thomas and Gordon”, Thomas the Tank Engine was referred to as living at Big Station, having six small wheels, a stumpy funnel, a short boiler and an equally stumpy dome. Thomas’ goal was to be useful for more than only a station pilot engine. He wanted to pull express trains like Gordon, but he was too inexperienced. During the fourth story within the series, “Thomas and the Breakdown Train”, Thomas the Tank Engine saves the day and is rewarded with supervision from the Ffarquhar branch, with help from supporting characters Clarabel, Annie, Percy and Toby. Ffarquhar is really a fictional village in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends TV series.



Thomas the Tank Engine includes a personality that all children can relate. He is bold and confident. He needs respect, and is frustrated when he doesn’t get it. While Percy and Toby hold their own, Annie and Clarabel often criticize Thomas. It's all simply a day in the life of the world’s most well-known tank engine.



Despite the fact that Thomas the Tank Engine is really a fictional character, he recognizes his fame.After having a visit to the National Railway Museum, Thomas was made an honorary member of the national Collection, alongside other memorable locomotives of times past. As the most popular character of the Thomas the Tank Engine series, Thomas & Friends make appearances in numerous DVD Movie specials and the movie Thomas and the Magic Railroad, a 2000 British/American film according to series. Because of the series’ popularity, Thomas and the Tank Engine merchandise continues to be lucrative. 5 different types of trains exist, manufactured by such legendary toymakers as Lionel, Lego and Hornby.



Today, “Day Out with Thomas” events take place around the world, sponsored by HiT Entertainment. People to this event can meet a replica of Thomas the Tank Engine and have a quick spin. No matter your age, this is a thrill everyone is able to enjoy.

Thomas the Train