Thomas & Friends
| Thomas & Friends | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Wilbert Vere Awdry Britt Allcroft |
| Starring | Ringo Starr (1984–86) Michael Angelis (1991– U.K. series) George Carlin (1991–98 U.S. series) Alec Baldwin (1998–2003 U.S. series) Michael Brandon (2004– U.S. series) |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| No. of episodes | 234 |
| Production | |
| Running time | five minutes (series 1-7) seven minutes (series 8-) |
| Original release | |
| Network | ITV (UK) (1984-91, 2003+) Nick Jr. (UK) (1998+) BBC Kids (2001+ occasionally airs) PBS (USA)(2004+) |
| Release | September 9 1984 – Present |
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Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends (changed into Thomas & Friends) is a children's television series which was first broadcast in 1984.
The series was based on The Railway Series, a series of books created by the Reverend W.V. Awdry. They deal with the adventures of a group of anthropomorphised trains and road vehicles who live on the fictional Island of Sodor. The books were based on stories Awdry told to entertain his son Christopher during his recovery from the measles. Many of the stories are based on events from Awdry's personal experience. During the 1980s the television rights were sold to Britt Allcroft and she began producing the series. The show has been narrated by, amongst others, Ringo Starr, George Carlin and Alec Baldwin.
Characters from the series
- Characters with a * only appear in the TV Series
- Characters with a ^ no longer appear in the TV Series (although they may appear again in series 10)
Passenger Rolling Stock
- Annie - Thomas' first beloved coach. She can only hold passengers. She and her sister Clarabel were rewarded to Thomas after he assisted in the aftermath of a derailment. Together they are used for frequent passenger service on the Ffarqhuar branch line.
- Clarabel - Thomas' second beloved coach. She is much more versatile then her sister Annie, for she can take passengers, luggage and the guard. Together they have provided many years of efficient service, but do require frequent overhaul for better service.
- Henrietta - Toby's own beloved tramway coach who has been by his side ever since he was transferred to East Anglia. She was once proud and loved by all those around her, but she became deeply depressed when she and Toby received fewer passengers and goods. Had the Fat Controller not rescued them, Henrietta was originally fated to become a hen-house. She now lives on the Ffarqhuar branch, and is used for occasional passenger service. Her main use, however, is to take workmen too and from the quarry at the end of the branch. Henrietta is a quiet, sensitive soul who cannot bare to be detached from Toby for very long.
- Old Slow Coach*^
- Emily's New Coaches - A set of 0-6-0 carriages rewarded to Emily after she saves Oliver and Thomas from a severe accident. She and her new coaches are inseparable, and she often takes them with her along the Black Loch Route, a popular sight-seeing destination for holiday-makers.
- The Refreshment Lady's Teashop^ - A 'mobile' refreshment stand used to serve customers up and down the narrow-gauged railway and run by the Refreshment Lady herself. This was originally a railway coach found in the aftermath of a storm by Peter Sam and Rusty. The coach was later overhauled and refurbished into a teastand, pressed immediately into successful service. Peter Sam is the engine responsible for pulling it up and down the line.
Goods/Freight Rolling Stock
- Troublesome Trucks
- S.C. Ruffey^
- Toad the brake van^
- NW Brakevan AKA Spiteful Brake Van^
- 'The Breakdown Train^ - Railway salvage unit, consists of a Workers Unit Coach, flatbeds and two large cranes. Whenever there's an accident the breakdown train is shunted there to help lift stock back to the rails. Harvey is now in charge of its maintenance. It was used for the first time when James derailed on his first day, and has proved to be highly useful and efficient since.
Based on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales.
- 1 Skarloey
- 2 Rheneas
- 3 Sir Handel (Falcon)^
- 4 Peter Sam (Stuart)
- 5 Rusty the diesel
- 6 Duncan the Rock 'n' Rolling Engine
- N/A Duke the Lost Engine
- N/A Mighty Mac the Double-Ended Fairlie*
- N/A Bertram the Old Warrior*^
- N/A Duncan's Ghost (appeared only in 'Duncan Gets Spooked and the magic lamp)*^
- N/A Proteus the magic lamp Engine*^
Mid-Sodor Railway
- 1 Duke the Lost Engine (later moved to the Skarloey Railway)
- 2 Smudger (called Stanley/No.2 in the book version)^
- 3 Falcon (Sir Handel)^
- 4 Stuart (Peter Sam)
Visiting Engines
- The Diesel (aka D261)^
- Stepney (Known as the "Bluebell Engine")^
- Flying Scotsman^
- City of Truro^
- Spencer the Silver Bullet Engine*^
Road vehicles
- Bertie the Bus
- Bulgy the Double Decker Bus^
- Elizabeth the Sentinel Lorry*^
- George the Steamroller
- Terence the Tractor^
- Trevor the Traction Engine
- Lorry 1*, Lorry 2*, Lorry 3* (Horrid Lorries)^
- Butch Breakdown*
- Thumper*^
- Caroline the car
Other Characters
- Harold the Helicopter
- Cranky (crane)*
- Bulstrode the Sea Barge^
- Tiger Moth^ - An infamous and troublesome Bi-Plane, he is notorious for risk-taking and 'barnstorming'. He has given Harold a lot of grief in the past, but the Fat Controller soon put him in place with harsh words.
- Red Balloon^ - A famous and common sight in the skies above Sodor, the red hot air balloon gives rides to holiday-makers through the countryside. At first James was cautious, thinking that the balloon would steal the railways passenger traffic. But after an amusing mishap, he saw beyond his mistake and realised that the balloon's popularity brought more holiday-makers then ever to the island, meaning more work for the engines.
- The Queen of Sodor^ - An old and rusty coal barge that had seen better days. It was scheduled for overhaul and cleaning on the day that James was pressed into service to escort her to the workshops. Through chance or even miracle, James managed to escape the task without a speck of dirt. During the journey, the Queen lost her funnel after was it knocked off by a low-hanging pipe across the rails.
- The Chinese Dragon^ - A strange but comical fellow, who left a memorable mark on Thomas and Percy. The dragon was made of paper and scheduled for appearence in the local carnival. On the night before the carnival, Thomas was sent to collect it from the harbour. On his way to the town, Thomas passed Percy, who was trapped on a siding overnight due to jamemd points. The sight of the dragon, covered in protective lights, was enough to scare Percy beyond his imagination. But the terrifying occurance also allowed the engines to repair their strained friendship.
Sodor Construction Company (The Pack)
Note: The following characters were created by Phil Ferle for a spin-off television series called Jack and the Pack. However, when Gullane Entertainment was taken over by Hit Entertainment, the show was scrapped. So far the characters have only appeared in the two pilot episodes, "Jack Jumps In" and "A Friend in Need".
- 11 Jack the Front Loader*^
- 12 Alfie the Excavator*^
- 14 Byron the Bulldozer*^
- 15 Max the Dump Truck*^
- 16 Oliver the Big Excavator*^
- 17 Kelly the Crane*^
- 19 Ned the Steam Shovel*^
- 22 Isabella the Lorry*^
People
- Cyril the Fogman*^
- Jem Cole
- Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller
- Lady Hatt
- Bridget Hatt
- Stephen Hatt
- Dowager Hatt, The Fat Controller's mother Mrs. Hatt*
- The Vicar of Wellsworth (Reverend Charles Laxley)^
- Mrs. Kyndley
- Lord Callan^
- The Policeman^
- Sir Topham's butler^
- Tom Tipper (The Postman)^
- Miss Jenny Packard*^
- Alicia Botti*^
- Nancy the Guard's Daughter^
- Mr. Percival*
- Farmer McColl*^
- Headmaster Hastings*^
- Old Bailey the fogman*^
- French Painter*^
- Mrs. Kyndley's daughter*^
- Duke and Duchess of Boxford*^
- The Refreshment Lady^
- The Cricketers^
- Sodor Brass Band*^
- Gentlemen of Railway Board*^
Animals
- Dilly the Duck^
- Bluebell the Cow^
- Gremlin the Dalmation*^
- Alicia the Mouse*^
- Pegasus the Cart Horse*^
- Champion the Bull^
Season Episodes
- Thomas and Friends - Season 1
- Thomas and Friends - Season 2
- Thomas and Friends - Season 3
- Thomas and Friends - Season 4
- Thomas and Friends - Season 5
- Thomas and Friends - Season 6
- Thomas and Friends - Season 7
- Thomas and Friends - Season 8
- Thomas and Friends - Season 9
- Thomas and Friends - Season 10
- Thomas and Friends - Season 11
Movies
- Thomas and the Magic Railroad (Theaterical)
- Calling All Engines (Direct to Video)
Thomas Songs
- Thomas We Love You/Thomas' Anthem
- Gone Fishing
- Don't Judge a Book by its Cover
- Really Useful Engine
- That's What Friends are For
- Let's have a Race
- Toby
- Island Song
- Night Train
- Accidents Will Happen
- Thomas' Anthem Grand Finale
- Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
- It's Great to be an Engine
- The Snow Song
- Donald's Duck
- Come for the Ride
- Sir Topham Hatt
- Harold the Helicopter
- Percy's Seaside Holiday/Percy's Seaside Trip
- James the Really Splendid Engine
- Rules and Regulations
- Down by the Docks
- Boo! Boo! Choo Choo
- Little Engines
- Never, Never, Never Give Up
- Winter Wonderland
- Five New Engines in the Shed
- Engine Roll Call
- The Sounds Song
- There's no one Quite Like Emily
- Surprises
- Determination
- Patience is a Virtue
- Ode to Gordon
- A World around You
- The Red Balloon
- There Once was an Engine Who Ran Away
- Salty
- Troublesome Trucks
- Buffer Up and Share
- Party Time
- Night and Day
- Decisions
- Bravery
- Seasons
Calling All Engines Songs
- Busy
- Try to do Things Better
- Together (We Made it Happen)
- Dream Song
- New Engine Roll Call
Thomas on television and in film
The series was first broadcast in 1984 on ITV in the United Kingdom. It was shown throughout the late eighties and into the early 90s when it was taken off the terrestrial UK network following broadcast of the third series. Between 1993 and 2003, Thomas was never shown on terrestrial UK networks, although did make a comeback on satellite through Cartoon Network in the mid 1990s, and then Nick Jr in 1999/2000, where it has remained since and become a popular fixture, even stretching to their involvement with Gullane and HIT Entertainment on recent series of the popular children's series.
Thomas also made a comeback on ITV in January 2003 with its sixth series of five minute stories. The sixth and seventh series were shown in their entirety in 2003/4, with the eighth only having 13 episodes aired, possibly on account of the new format for the programme. Due to a new agreement between ITV and the Programming Authority which allowed them to cut their children's TV output in mid 2005, there is no definite guarantees that the remainder of Series 8 will be aired, or that any of Series 9 will be broadcast either.
In 1989, Thomas and Friends was shown in North America, in a television series called Shining Time Station which was broadcast on PBS. There were two other spinoffs of Thomas. They were "Storytime with Thomas" and "Thomas and the Railway Show". Today, Thomas and Friends is broadcast in more than twenty languages around the world. In 2000 Thomas moved to the big screen, with the release of Thomas and the Magic Railroad. The film was not a great success at the box office. Another film (only for DVD and video release) called Calling All Engines was released in Autumn 2005.
The Thomas and Friends stories were five minutes long. The first two series showed two episodes at a time, with a show of the characters in the middle. It changed to one at a time in series three. In each series until series eight, the number of trains on the railway increases as the railway expands.
In 2004, the series began using computer animated special effects and the story length changed from five to seven minutes. A half-hour show format (aired on PBS and Treehouse TV in North America and on Nick Jr in the UK from 2004) was also adopted, showing three episodes plus puzzles, songs, and mini stories. The new series made major changes, such as changing the famous theme tune, and took on a more moralistic stance than previous series, using the morals for episode story themes.
Production history
The series has gone through numerous changes throughout its run. The producer is in charge of every aspect of the show for the relevant season(s)
- Seasons 1–2: Britt Allcroft (executive producer), David Mitton, and Robert D. Cardona
- Seasons 3–5: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton
- Seasons 6–7: Phil Fehrle
- Seasons 8– : Simon Spencer
Originally the series was produced by Britt Allcroft Ltd (Britt Allcroft's company) and Clearwater Features Ltd (David Mitton and Robert D. Cardona's company). Clearwater closed down in 1990 and Britt Allcroft Ltd (which changed to Gullane Ltd in 2000) produced solo until 2003, when HIT Entertainment bought the company and now runs its operation. HIT Entertainment was bought over in 2005 by Private Equity firm - Apax. Contrary to speculation and rumour, Apax are NOT a production company, and there is very little change likely to be made to the production side of HIT.
The series has always been filmed at Shepperton Studios.
Television series trivia
- Since 1984, the show has been filmed at West London's Shepperton Studios. The layouts are expansive and fit in a hangar-sized room. The train miniatures are set on remote control and filmed using a 35mm camera, in order to get quality shots from such small objects. [1]
- Stories were adapted from The Railway Series books in the first four series.
- From 1998 onwards stories were written especially for television. First by the then producers of the show Britt Allcroft and David Mitton (series 5), and then by a much larger team of hired writers (series 6 onwards).
- Throughout series 6 and 7, David Mitton continued to provide storylines and wrote his final script during the show's sixth run, "Edward the Very Useful Engine".
- The narrator provides the story and the character voices.
- In the Japanese version, individual voice actors did the characters' voices instead of the narrator.
- In some episodes, old models used in Thomas' short-lived sister show, TUGS appear.
- Season 7 had the most stock footage.
- Season 7 was the last season to use 35mm film and the Original Thomas the Tank Engine Theme Song
- In the American version of the first two seasons and in other few seasons, the episodes had different titles.
- Mike O'Donnell and Junior Campbell composed the show's original theme song and music from the years 1984 to 2003. In 2004, Robert Hartshorne took their place as composer, while Ed Welch wrote the new theme tune and the songs.
- In America, the original music in season 7 was revised to the new season 8 music for some reason.
- The director was David Mitton until he retired in 2003. However, Steve Asquith replaced him from 2004.
- The new Thomas & Friends theme song is "Engine Roll Call".
- A "New Engine Roll Call" song will be an extra on the DVD Calling All Engines
- Thomas the Tank Engine was in The Guinness Book of World Records 2004 for the world's largest model railway for the Thomas & Friends Big Live tour 2002; the model in question was a model of James. Gordon, who is bigger than James, did appear in the show, although a full model of him was not made. His front was seen sticking out of the shed in the scenes at the shed.
- Lady isn't actually based on any existing steam engine
- Boco has not been in any seasons so far, post-season 5, despite a remade model on the official website.
- Peter Sam, Donald and Douglas have no dialogue in Season 5.
- Toad is absent in Season 6, and Oliver and Stepney make cameos.
- Duck and Stepney have no dialogue in Season 7.
- In the Season 8 songs, Duck, Donald and Douglas, Oliver, Rusty and Rheneas made cameos!
- Season 8's "Percy and the Magic Carpet" marks the last appearance of Murdoch so far.
- Season 8 does not feature Duck, Terence, Oliver, Bill, Ben, Stepney, Fergus, Bulgy, Derek, or the Narrow-Gauge Engines.
- Donald and Douglas star in Season 8, they appear in "Edward the Great", but it was only a deleted scene. They were mentioned in the episode "You Can Do It, Toby!".
- The Fat Controller appears every Season 8 episode except for "Don't Tell Thomas".
- Season 9 is the first season where Thomas appeared in all 26 episodes.
- Season 9 doesn't feature Oliver, Murdoch, Fergus, Spencer, Elizabeth, Stepney, Bulgy, Terence, Sir Handel, Bertram, Derek or Duck.
- Arthur and Toad make cameos in Season 9, Arthur appears in 2 of the songs, and Toad appears in 1 of the songs!
- "Bold and Brave" was the only episode where Ben appeared, without Bill!
- Bill & Ben return in Season 9, they appear in "Thomas's New Trucks!"
- Season 9 was broadcast in America from September 2005, and on Nick Jr in the UK during November 2005.
- Daisy's face is the same as Boco's Face used with make-up and eye lashes
- Elizabeth and Isabella have the same face and model, only painted different colours
- Bertram the Old Warrior has Duke's body repainted, and Smudger's face!
- Thomas and Percy have had a few face switches, from time to time as did Duke who had Sir handel's face on once.
- According to Britt Allcroft, Bertram is supposed to be a tank engine, not a tender engine!
- Thomas appears in every season 8 episode except for "Squeak, Rattle And Roll"..
- In Peter Sam And The Refreshment Lady Henry had Gordon's face on and in Edward And Gordon Edward had James' face on!
- The Fat Controller appears in every season 6 episode except for "Jack Jumps In" and "A Friend In Need" He appears in every season 7 episode except for "Bill, Ben And Fergus" and "Best Dressed Engine", although he was mentioned in those episodes.
- Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, Toby, Bertie, Annie, Clarabel and The Fat Controller are the only characters to appear in every series of the show.
Narrators
- Ringo Starr (U.K. narrator: 1984–1986; U.S. narrator: 1989). Starr was the first narrator of the series; in 1989, he portrayed the Mr Conductor character for "Shining Time Station". In 1998, Starr narrated half of the second season in the British version; in 1991, he narrated the first season and the second season in the series to pursue his musical career. Starr did the narration because his grandchildren had wanted him to.
- Michael Angelis (U.K. narrator from 1991; U.S. narrator 2003-04). Angelis has narrated the series since 1991, and been the longest standing narrator for the series in its history. He began in the 3rd series, and continues to narrate the British series as narrator today; he wasn't mentioned in the credits in the fifth season of the British series. Angelis also replaced Baldwin for the beginning of the seventh season of the U.S. version for only one DVD called "New Friends for Thomas". He has also narrated special straight to DVD episode - Calling All Engines
- George Carlin (U.S. narrator: 1991–1994). Carlin was the first American to narrate the series; he replaced Starr in 1991 for the American series and "Shining Time Station" as the Mr Conductor character. In the American series, Carlin re-narrated the first two seasons due to Shining Time; in 1998, he left the series to pursue his career in comedy.
- Alec Baldwin (U.S. narrator: 1998–2003). Baldwin replaced Carlin in 1998 for the U.S. series; he left the series to pursue film roles. In the American Series, Baldwin renarrated seasons 5-6 due to Storytime With Thomas
- Michael Brandon (U.S. narrator from 2004). Brandon renarrated part of the 6th series for television broadcast and narrated the 7th, 8th and 9th seasons, as well as the straight to video special - Calling All Engines, he continues to narrate the series in America today.
Thomas video games
- Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, for Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis.
- There was also games written for the Commodore 64, Commodore Amiga, and the PC. A sequel to the PC version, Thomas the Tank Engine 2 was also produced.
Thomas models
Hornby Railways produce a range of OO scale Thomas Models. The models are not particularly detailed, but suitable in their role of toys. In the United States, Lionel offers a range of Thomas models in the larger O scale. Ertl, now defunct, produced a range of die-cast and plastic models. Learning Curve of Chicago produces and distributes the Thomas Wooden Railway System, which includes most characters, wooden track, stations, bridges, tunnels, and buildings, designed as educational and learning tools for young children. They also produce the "Take Along Thomas" range of travel Thomas playsets. Tomy produce a Motor Road and Rail plastic train model set with battery powered engines and a wide range of track types and Thomas characters. Other Thomas models and toys can be found below under 'Thomas Merchandise'.
Day Out with Thomas
Preserved Railways in Britain regularly run "Friends of Thomas" weekends. A "Thomas" locomotive is brought in, and the resident locomotives have faces attached to them. The Mid Hants Railway even went so far as to rebuild one of their engines completely in order to produce an exact replica of Thomas. Other railways generally repaint a similar-looking engine in Thomas' distinctive blue livery. According to the National Railway Museum, there are currently seven engines masquerading as Thomas in the UK. However, this number is subject to change.
Perhaps the earliest example of an engine being repainted in Thomas livery was the Talyllyn Railway's Sir Haydn, which was repainted in the early 1980s to resemble Sir Handel as a tribute to Rev. W. Awdry, a lifelong member of the railway and whose books had played a significant part in advertising the line. Christopher Awdry repaid the favour in the book Great Little Engines, in which Sir Handel actually visits the Talyllyn Railway. Since then, the railway has always had at least one engine appearing as its opposite number from the Railway Series. Peter Sam and Duncan have also been recreated, Duncan being the current engine.
The first Thomas replica was the Nene Valley Railway's Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0, whose story is told on the railway's website. This engine was built in 1947 to work the Peterborough factory of the British Sugar Corporation. This engine was acquired as a shunter by the railway society, and its blue livery meant that it was quickly nicknamed 'Thomas'. In 1971 Rev. W. Awdry made the name official.
Since then, the number of Thomas characters who have appeared on preserved railways have become almost uncountable. It seems that nearly every character has been represented at some point, and the railways often create their own characters by adding a face to one of their locomotives. In addition, the railway's staff often join in the fun- there is nearly always a larger member of the Society to dress in top hat and tailcoat as the Fat Controller.
Days Out With Thomas have divided the preservation movement. There are many who feel that to repaint a locomotive as a Thomas character is to rob it of its dignity, particularly in the case of main line engines. Other objectors feel that these events are too commercial. More than once, railways have clashed with Gullane and HIT Entertainment over matters of accuracy. For example, certain 'Fat Controllers' have been banned for such offences as having beards and not being quite as large as HIT or Gullane felt the role required. They have also insisted that each event should have a Thomas character approved by the entertainment company. The Awdrys, it should be noted, generally take the side of the preserved railways in such disputes.
Perhaps the ultimate example of this clashing was when the copyright holders demanded that the Talyllyn Railway's 'Peter Sam' should have his face changed in order not to resemble the engine as he appeared in the books because they felt it violated copyright. This caused a certain amount of outrage among preservationists who felt that, since Peter Sam was based on the Talyllyn Railway's Edward Thomas in the first place, it was unreasonable for such a complaint to be made. Nevertheless, Peter Sam's face was remodelled, and Talyllyn characters since then have carried faces that do not resemble anything from the books.
In defiance of the entertainment companies' rules, some railways chose to devise their own non-Thomas events, such as the Embsay Railway's 'Happy Tank Engines Weekend', which resembled a Thomas event in all but name.
It is important to note, however, that Thomas events do have a valuable part to play in the preservation movement. They are significant fundraisers, attracting large numbers of families who might not otherwise visit a steam railway. For some lines, this monetary boost can mean the difference between life and death.
There are other benefits to these events. Thomas characters visiting other lines can act as "roving ambassadors" for their railways, advertising them far from home. They also mean that smaller engines, which might have little practical use in everyday service, to make money for the line. Many railways have a Class 08 diesel shunter normally used for moving engines and coaches that is repainted black and dressed up as 'Diesel' for the events.
In the United States, somewhat similar events take place on tourist railroads. The Thomas for these events normally is the one owned by the Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is full sized and fully functional.
It began life as Brooklyn East Terminal District locomotive 15. For years it moved freight around the Docks of the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The Strasburg Railroad bought it after it had been retired, moved it to its shops in East Strasburg, and rebuilt it from the ground up into a Thoma