Awdry's requested models, to which Lines Bros. subsidiary, Meccano Ltd, responded with Percy and wagons in 1967. [14] Hornby Hobbies launched their 'The World of Thomas the Tank Engine' in the 1985. This was a 00 gauge range of model railway train sets and models which they made for the next 30 years. For Thomas they used their 1979 model of a LB&SCR model of a Class E2 tank engine which they suitably altered with a face and extended tanks to look like Thomas. Many of the characters in the 'Railway Series' books were thus modelled (with faces) by Hornby, including characters added for the television series. They also supplied suitable coaches, wagons and lineside buildings within the series. The first Thomas model was not based on a prototype. [6] After Awdry's wife encouraged him to publish the stories, [7] the publisher of the second book in The Railway Series ( Thomas the Tank Engine) hired illustrator Reginald Payne. Awdry selected a real locomotive for Payne to work from to create authenticity: a Billinton designed 0-6-0 E2 Class of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway. [8] This may have been chosen simply because Awdry had a photograph to hand. [6]

The Trouble with Sheep - A stray dog is chasing sheep in the valley and Thomas has to make an emergency stop when he comes across it. He finds himself unable to move when he tries to set off again. Thomas is able to set off when his driver repairs his brakes, but Thomas leaves his guard behind.In 1996, the Thomas stories were segments for Mr. Conductor's Thomas Tales, again featuring George Carlin. Alec Baldwin portrayed Mr. Conductor in the first theatrical film, Thomas and the Magic Railroad (2000), and narrated the series for the US from 1998 to 2003. Michael Angelis narrated the series from 1991 to 2012 in the UK, while Michael Brandon narrated the series from 2004 to 2012 in the US. From 2013 to 2017, the series was narrated by Mark Moraghan. From 2018, the episodes were told from Thomas's point of view. In 2003, Allcroft stepped down as executive producer, making Urie the sole executive producer for Gullane Entertainment, and Jocelyn Stevenson the executive producer for HiT Entertainment. [ citation needed] Percy to the Rescue - The Vicar of Ffarquhar has promised to dress up as Father Christmas for a school Christmas party, but he leaves his costume at Ffarquhar and Percy has to bring the costume to the party.

Percy's Passengers - Percy is sorry for his guard having no passengers travelling in his brake van, but the guard gets company when some foreign visitors hitch a lift after missing their stop.Trapped by Trees - Gordon boasts about how he crossed the viaduct in a heavy wind. Gordon later has to stop at Wellsworth and is trapped by fallen trees. Trevor comes to the rescue, but Henry has already seen Gordon. Thomas and the Magic Railroad". BBC. 1 January 2004. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014 . Retrieved 11 August 2019. In The Adventure Begins which is a retelling of Thomas's early days on Sodor, he is a bluish-green colour when he first arrives on Sodor, his tanks are lettered "LBSC" (for the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway) with the number 70 on his bunker. The 70 is a reference to 2015 being the 70th anniversary for The Railway Series, while the LB&SCR E2 class were actually numbered from 100–109. The real life LBSC no. 70 is an A1 class. Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels App Review | Common Sense Media". www.commonsensemedia.org . Retrieved 14 May 2022.

Mattel partnered with several companies, including Budge Studios and Animoca Brands, to create apps based on Thomas & Friends. [58] [59] In 2010, Callaway Digital Arts created apps based on the brand. [60] [61] [62] [63] By mid-2011, thirteen Thomas apps were available. [64] HiT Entertainment and Mattel both released apps under their own names. [65] [66] During the 75th anniversary press release in 2020, Mattel mentioned an intent for more apps. [67] Reception Critical response In 1979, British writer and producer Britt Allcroft came across the books, [4] and arranged a deal to bring the stories to life as the TV series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends (later simplified to Thomas & Friends). The programme became an award-winning hit around the world, with a vast range of spin-off commercial products. The Good Old Days - Duke scolds Thomas for being cheeky to Gordon and tries to teach him about co-operation and teamwork. Thomas puts Duke's teachings into practice when the old engine fails and Thomas helps to choose the right engine to pull 'The Picnic' in his place.Signal Failure - James wishes there would be no signals since he was having trouble with them. His wish comes true when a hurricane damages a signal and workmen have to stand by the line and slowly keep the lines working. Clarke, Stewart (14 October 2017). "Mattel Sets Thomas The Tank Engine Makeover With Eye on Global Appeal". Variety. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018 . Retrieved 20 July 2019. Blowing Bubbles - Henry's paint is cleaned before he takes a train to an open day, but Henry is in such a rush the soap suds are not rinsed off and instead of blowing steam he blows bubbles. Mattel Television Announces "Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go"and Unveils New Creative Approach to Thomas Content". Mattel, Inc. Ant-Man granted Thomas the Tank cameo as long as train wasn't evil". The Independent. 30 July 2015 . Retrieved 27 December 2022.