Thomas & Friends
Thomas the Tank Engine
Format	Children's television series
Created by	Wilbert Vere Awdry Britt Allcroft Robert D. Cardona (1984-1986) David Mitton (1984-2003) Simon Spencer (2004-present) Steve Asquith (2004-present)
Starring	Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends
Narrated by	Ringo Starr (1984–1991 (UK and U. Thomas the Tank Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Tank locomotive created by the Rev Children's television series are Television programs designed for and marketed to Children normally broadcast during the Morning and Afternoon Wilbert Vere Awdry, OBE, ( 15 June 1911 &ndash 21 March 1997) better known as the Reverend W Britt Allcroft (born Britney Allcroft in Johannesburg, South Africa) was the co-founder of The Britt Allcroft Company Robert D Cardona (born in New York City, March 8 1938 is an American writer producer director and animator who has enjoyed the majority of his success in Britain David Nelson Godfrey Mitton ( July 13, 1938 - May 23, 2008) was a producer and a director as well as an experienced Thomas the Tank Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Tank locomotive created by the Rev Ringo Starr, MBE (born Richard Starkey on 7 July 1940 is an English Musician, Singer, Songwriter and Actor S. series) Michael Angelis (1991–2008) (UK series) George Carlin (1991–1998 (U. Michael Angelis (b 18 January 1952, Liverpool) is an English Actor. George Denis Patrick Carlin (May 12 1937 – June 22 2008 was an American stand-up comedian, often considered one of the best of all time S. series) Alec Baldwin (1998–2003) (U. Alexander Rae "Alec" Baldwin III (born April 3 1958 is an Academy Award -nominated and Emmy - and Golden Globe Award -winning American S. series) Michael Brandon (2003–2008) (U. For the pornstar with the same name see Michael Brandon (porn star Michael Brandon (born April 20, 1945) is an American S. series) Pierce Brosnan (2008–) (UK and U. Pierce Brendan Brosnan, OBE Honour and so holds an honorary OBE S. series)
Composer(s)	Junior Campbell & Mike O'Donnell (1984–2003)
Country of origin	United Kingdom
No. Junior Campbell (born William Campbell, May 31, 1947, Glasgow, Scotland) is a Scottish composer and musician Mike O'Donnell (born September 20, 1939) is an Irish film and TV composer The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located  of episodes	302
Production
Running time	four and a half minutes (season 1-7) seven minutes (season 8-12)
Broadcast
Original channel	ITV (1984-1991) (2002-2003), Cartoon Network (1995-2001), Nick Jr., Noggin and Milkshake PBS, PBS Kids Sprout ABC, Nick Jr. Australia Tokyo MX Rede Manchete, TVO, BBC Kids, Treehouse TV Super RTL Rai Due, Rai Tre RTM2, Astro Ceria Azteca 7, Azteca 13, Proyecto 40 Discovery Kids Nickelodeon TV3 NRK 1 3ABN Telenyanya (First Channel Worldnet) TV4, MiniMini Cadena Tres
Original run	September 4, 1984 – Present

Thomas & Friends (formerly Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends) is a British children's television series, first broadcast on Anglia Television in September of 1984. Independent Television (generally known as ITV) is a public service network of British commercial television broadcasters set up under the Independent For Nick Jr in United States, see Nick Jr. Nick Jr is a television channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland For former name of the block on Nick Jr UK, see Nick Jr Classics. Milkshake! is a television programming block on Five for young children The Public Broadcasting Service ( PBS) is a Non-profit Public broadcasting Television service with 354 member TV stations in the PBS KIDS Sprout (sometimes The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly abbreviated to the 'ABC' is Australia's national public broadcaster. Nick Jr Australia is a 24-hour children's channel in Australia designed for pre-schoolers is the only commercial television station in Tokyo Japan that exclusively serves the city Rede Manchete was a Television network from Brazil. It first aired on June 5, 1983 in Rio de Janeiro and simultaneously in other TVOntario, often referred to only as TVO, ( Call signs CICA, CICE, CICO) is a publicly-funded educational English language BBC Kids is a Canadian English language category 2 Digital cable Specialty channel owned by CW Media (a division of Canwest Treehouse TV is a Canadian English language Cable television Specialty channel with programming targeted towards Preschoolers that Super RTL is a Cologne -based German Television network operated by RTL Disney Fernsehen GmbH & Co Rai Due is one of the three main Television channels broadcast by Italian public television company RAI alongside with Rai Uno and Rai Rai Tre is part of RAI, the Italian government broadcasting agency which owns other channels such as Rai Uno and Rai Due (amongst others RTM2 is a Television station in Malaysia that is owned by the Malaysian Government through Radio Televisyen Malaysia. Astro Ceria is a 24-hour Malay language television channel that is broadcast on the Astro satellite television service XHIMT (Channel 7 analog and Channel 24 digital is a Television station in Mexico City, Owned and operated by TV Azteca. XHDF (Channel 13 analog and Channel 25 digital HDTV is a Television station in Mexico City, Owned and operated by TV Azteca; it is XHTVM-TV channel 40 also known as Proyecto 40, is a TV channel operated by TV Azteca in Mexico City Mexico, owned by Televisora del Valle de Discovery Kids is an American Digital cable Television channel, owned by Discovery Communications with programming for Education of The Dutch version of Nickelodeon, seen in the Netherlands, launched on September 1 2002 TV3 is a commercial Television station in New Zealand. It began broadcasting on November 26 1989 as the first privately owned television network in the The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation ( Norwegian: Norsk rikskringkasting AS) which is usually known as the NRK, is the Norwegian Three Angels Broadcasting Network, or 3ABN for short is a nonprofit 24-hour television and Radio networks which primarily focuses on Christian TV 4 is a private Polish TV station TV 4 was created through the amalgamation of the stations Nasza TV and Polsat 2 and started broadcasting Events 476 - Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) The present is the Time that is perceived directly not as a recollection or a speculation The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Children's television series are Television programs designed for and marketed to Children normally broadcast during the Morning and Afternoon } Anglia Television is the ITV station for the East of England which has been broadcasting since 27 October 1959.

It is based on The Railway Series of books created by the Reverend Wilbert V. Awdry. We know how exciting this is but WPTHOMAS/FAQ explains WikiProject Thomas' Wilbert Vere Awdry, OBE, ( 15 June 1911 &ndash 21 March 1997) better known as the Reverend W These deal with the adventures of a group of subanthropomorphised trains and road vehicles who live on the fictional Island of Sodor. Anthropomorphism is the attribution of uniquely Human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings natural and supernatural phenomena material states and objects Sodor is a fictional island in the Irish Sea used as the setting for The Railway Series books by the Rev The books were based on stories Awdry told to entertain his son Christopher during his recovery from measles. Christopher Awdry (born 1940 is a British Author best known for his contributions to The Railway Series of books featuring Thomas the Tank Engine Measles (rubeola is a Disease caused by a virus specifically a Paramyxovirus of the genus Morbillivirus. Many of the stories are based on events from Awdry's personal experience.

During the 1980s, the television rights were sold to Britt Allcroft, who started producing the television series. Television ( TV) is a widely used Telecommunication medium for sending ( Broadcasting) and receiving moving Images, either monochromatic Britt Allcroft (born Britney Allcroft in Johannesburg, South Africa) was the co-founder of The Britt Allcroft Company It premiered in the UK in 1984. The show has been narrated by Ringo Starr (1984-90), Michael Angelis (1991-2007), George Carlin (1991-97), Alec Baldwin (1998-03), Michael Brandon (2003-07) and the upcoming series will be narrated by Pierce Brosnan. Ringo Starr, MBE (born Richard Starkey on 7 July 1940 is an English Musician, Singer, Songwriter and Actor Michael Angelis (b 18 January 1952, Liverpool) is an English Actor. George Denis Patrick Carlin (May 12 1937 – June 22 2008 was an American stand-up comedian, often considered one of the best of all time Alexander Rae "Alec" Baldwin III (born April 3 1958 is an Academy Award -nominated and Emmy - and Golden Globe Award -winning American For the pornstar with the same name see Michael Brandon (porn star Michael Brandon (born April 20, 1945) is an American Pierce Brendan Brosnan, OBE Honour and so holds an honorary OBE

Many businesses have been eager to cash-in on the world-wide popularity of the series. 'Thomas'-themed merchandise has appeared in almost every form imaginable, from books and magazines, through vast series of models, to duvet covers, cutlery, soft drinks and even spaghetti shapes.

Heritage railways have also benefitted from the series. A heritage railway ( United Kingdom) preserved railway ( United Kingdom) or tourist railroad ( United States and Canada) is a "Day Out With Thomas" events, where passengers are given the chance to ride on full-size trains pulled by Thomas or his friends, provide a considerable source of income, and attract those who might not otherwise visit the railway. Thomastrainjpg|thumb|right|Thomas on the Watercress Line Alresford]] Day Out With Thomas is a trade name licenced by HIT Entertainment, for tourist events that take

Contents 1 Format and animation 2 Series history 3 Characters 4 List of productions 4.1 Television Seasons 4.2 Cinema movies 4.3 Direct-to-video sequels 4.4 Future installments 5 Thomas on television and in film 6 Narrators 6.1 UK versions 6.2 US versions 6.3 Upcoming Narrator 6.4 International versions 7 Production history 8 Behind the Scenes 8.1 Popularity with autistic audience 9 Commercialisation 9.1 Merchandise 9.2 Day Out with Thomas 9.3 Thomas in Amusement Parks 9.4 Thomas the Tank Engine Live 10 References 11 See also 12 External links

Format and animation

Each episode consists of a four and a half-minute (seasons 1-7) or seven-minute (season 8 onwards) story, told by a narrator.

The series is animated using live-action models, seen at the time of first production as the most effective way of realising the stories without the cost and expense of conventional animation. The bouncing ball animation (below consists of these 6 frames The locomotives and other vehicles move, but people and animals are generally static. Stop-motion is generally used for instances in which a human or animal character is seen to move. Stop motion (or frame-by-frame) animation is an Animation technique to make a physically manipulated object appear to move on its own In recent seasons, CGI has been used to generate smoke and other effects. Computer animation Computer-generated imagery (also known as CGI) is the application of the field of Computer graphics or more specifically 3D computer graphics

The use of a narrator removes the need to make characters' mouths move when they speak. However, their eyes do move by use of remote controlled mechanisms. The characters' faces are sculpted from foam rubber. Each character has several different faces to convey different emotions.

The models were initially built to the 1:32 scale, known in model railway circles as "Gauge 1". Model railroading (US or Railway modelling (UK Australia and Canada is a Hobby in which Rail transport systems are modeled at a reduced scale Gauge 1 is a model railroading and Toy train standard popular in the early 20th century particularly with European manufacturers They used chassis made by Märklin with specially made bodies. Märklin ( MÄRKLIN or MAERKLIN in capital letters is a German Toy company founded in 1859 As well as the eye mechanisms, these bodies also include smoke generators. Coaches and trucks were made using Tenmille kits. Models were later constructed entirely from scratch.

From Season 5 onwards, some larger scale models were used for the narrow gauge characters, in order to make it easier to fit the complex mechanisms into them while retaining a sufficient level of detail. On the Fictional Island of Sodor in The Railway Series by Rev In Season 6, the characters known as "the Pack" (construction machines) were also constructed to a large scale, and large models of Thomas and Percy were made to interact with them. Thomas the Tank Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Tank locomotive created by the Rev Percy the Small Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic steam engine from The Railway Series of children's books written by the Reverend Wilbert Beginning with the ninth season, the Thomas model also interacted with the narrow gauge engines. It was joined by a large version of James in the tenth season. James the Red Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Tender locomotive from The Railway Series of children's books by

Series history

For the first two seasons the series was closely based on stories from the Railway Series. We know how exciting this is but WPTHOMAS/FAQ explains WikiProject Thomas' The first season took stories from the first eight books, along with one specially written by the Rev. W. Awdry, Thomas's Christmas Party. Wilbert Vere Awdry, OBE, ( 15 June 1911 &ndash 21 March 1997) better known as the Reverend W

The second season took stories from Book 9 (Edward the Blue Engine) to Book 30 (More About Thomas the Tank Engine). Edward the Blue Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Steam locomotive from The Railway Series by Rev W Thomas the Tank Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Tank locomotive created by the Rev This last book was unusual, in that it was written specifically by Christopher Awdry in order to be adapted for the series, as a contractual obligation of the series at that time was that it could not create original stories that had not previously appeared in print. Christopher Awdry (born 1940 is a British Author best known for his contributions to The Railway Series of books featuring Thomas the Tank Engine The series also adapted a story from a Thomas Annual, 'Thomas and Trevor', and an especially written stand-alone story, Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree.

The third season (1991) – made at a cost of £1. 3 million^[1] – was a combination of episodes derived from the Railway Series, from stories in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends magazine and original stories. There were two primary reasons for diverging from the original books. The first was that many of the books not yet adapted featured large numbers of new characters, and so would be expensive to produce. The second was that the producers wanted more stories centering on Thomas, the nominal main character. Thomas the Tank Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Tank locomotive created by the Rev The Rev. W. Awdry complained that the new stories were unrealistic and not true to the spirit of the books (see Henry the Green Engine for more details on this) ^[1]. Henry the Green Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic 4-6-0 Steam locomotive from The Railway Series books

For the fourth season (1995), the producers planned to introduce some "new" female characters, including Caroline the car, Nancy the guard's daughter and The Refreshment Lady. The television series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends features many fictional people and animals who interact with the engine characters and form the basis for many of The television series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends features many fictional people and animals who interact with the engine characters and form the basis for many of ^[2]. Some commentators took this as a response to a number of accusations of sexism that had been levelled against the series two years earlier^[3]. Sexism is the belief or attitude that one Gender or Sex is inferior to or less valuable than the other and can also refer to a Hatred or distrust towards In reality, they were not "new" characters, but creations of the Rev. Awdry, borrowed from The Railway Series.

Season 4 was almost entirely based on the Railway Series, the last season to do so. The narrow gauge engines were introduced, greatly increasing the number of stories that could be produced. A narrow gauge railway (or narrow gauge railroad) is a Railway that has a Track gauge narrower than the of Standard gauge railways Only one original story was used, namely 'Rusty to the Rescue', but this took certain elements of plot and dialogue from the book Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine. This list consists all of The Railway Series books by both the Rev

The fifth season was a radical departure, as it was entirely original. This season saw the introduction of new characters and more action-packed storylines.

Following this season, the film 'Thomas and the Magic Railroad' was released. Thomas and the Magic Railroad is a 2000 American Film based on the well-known TV series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends It featured only a small number of characters from the television series and was rather more fantasy based. Despite high production values and the popularity of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, the movie was criticised for being confusing, badly written, poorly directed, poorly acted and not true to the spirit of either the Railway Series or the television adaptation by UK audiences. It was well received by young children at whom it was aimed and made $16 million at the box office; however, no reference to the film has ever been made in the television series. New episodes that had been written by Britt Allcroft and director David Mitton were from then on scripted by hired-in writers.

The sixth and seventh seasons continued the policy of action-packed storylines and new characters. The sixth season was notable for its attempt to create a spin-off series. A spin-off (or spinoff) is a new Organization or Entity formed by a split from a larger one such as a Television series based on a pre-existing In this sixth season, two episodes were produced centering around a group of new characters known as 'The Pack'. These were construction machines, and it has been speculated that this was an attempt to cash in on the success of Bob the Builder. Bob the Builder is a Children's television character created by Keith Chapman. The spin-off never materialised, and as the models of the Pack were incompatible with the other characters in the series (having been built to a larger scale), they have not been seen in the series since. However, they have recently appeared in a straight-to-video spin-off release called On Site with Thomas which could presumably be that spinoff that never materialized (a possible hint would be old Tidmouth sheds is still there and the fact that it is filmed with the 35 min camera from season 1-7). Jack and the Pack is a direct-to-video release of the series Thomas and Friends.

Starting with Season 7, the title was shortened to Thomas & Friends.

Following Season 7, a number of significant changes took place. The series was taken over by HIT Entertainment (the owners of Bob the Builder). HIT Entertainment PLC was established in 1989, and was originally the international distribution arm of Jim Henson Productions called Henson International Bob the Builder is a Children's television character created by Keith Chapman. Episode length was increased from four and a half to seven minutes, and a new theme tune was composed. The number of characters was greatly reduced, with stories focusing on Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, Toby and Emily. Thomas the Tank Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Tank locomotive created by the Rev Edward the Blue Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Steam locomotive from The Railway Series by Rev W Henry the Green Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic 4-6-0 Steam locomotive from The Railway Series books Gordon the Big Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Tender locomotive in The Railway Series James the Red Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic Tender locomotive from The Railway Series of children's books by Percy the Small Engine is a Fictional Anthropomorphic steam engine from The Railway Series of children's books written by the Reverend Wilbert Toby is a Fictional Tram engine from The Railway Series by Rev Emily is a fictional locomotive from the television series Thomas and Friends. Following complaints from parent action groups concerning the number of accidents in the series, the stories' emphasis was moved from action to character, with episodes generally focusing upon morals.

Shortly before the release of Series 9, a straight-to-video film, 'Calling All Engines', was released. Calling All Engines is a straight-to-DVD feature based on the TV series Thomas the Tank Engine and This featured characters from 'Thomas and the Magic Railroad', but was not a sequel as such. It proved successful, and more direct-to-video specials are being made for the future. ^[4]

Series 9 and 10 featured the introductions of new characters, as well as returns of several older ones. The show format generally remained the same as Series 8. Season 10, which aired in 2006, became the first season to ever feature 28 episodes, as opposed to the standard 26 episodes per season.

The eleventh season came in 2007, and was the first to be filmed in the increasingly popular high definition format. Only 20 episodes aired freely. However, six other episodes focusing on the Skarloey Railway were released on a DVD called "Engines and Escapades".

Characters

The characters are split to separate pages. These pages are:

• Railway Engines
• Narrow Gauge Engines
• Rolling Stock
• People and animals
• Non-rail vehicles
• Movie Characters

List of productions

Television Seasons

Season 1 (1984) Season 2 (1986) Season 3 (1991-1992)

Season 4 (1994-1995) Season 5 (1998) Season 6 (2002)

Season 7 (2003) Season 8 (2004) Season 9 (2005)

Season 10 (2006) Season 11 (2007) Season 12 (Projected - 2008)

Cinema movies

• Thomas and the Magic Railroad (2000)

Direct-to-video sequels

• Calling All Engines (2005) (Feature length special)
• On Site with Thomas (2006) (Direct-to-video spin-off episodes)
• Engines and Escapades (2007) (Direct-to-video Season 11 episodes)
• The Great Discovery (2008) (Feature length special)

Future installments

At least three more seasons are planned to be produced after the eleventh season, as well as another two direct-to-DVD specials (after The Great Discovery). There is no verifiable information about Season 13 onward at present This article is for characters For information regarding the narrow gauge characters in This article lists the rolling stock that has featured in the Thomas and Friends children's television series The television series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends features many fictional people and animals who interact with the engine characters and form the basis for many of The television series Thomas and Friends is well known for its anthropomorphic railway engines Here is a list of characters that have appeared in both Thomas and Friends movies Thomas and Friends is a Children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor, and is Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Thomas and Friends is a Children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor, and is based Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) Thomas and Friends is a Children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor, and is Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Thomas and Friends is a Children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor, and is based Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends is a Children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Thomas and Friends (previously known as Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends) is a Children's television series about the engines and other characters See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Thomas and Friends (previously known as Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends) is a Children's television series about the engines and other characters Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Thomas and Friends (previously known as Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends) is a Children's television series about the engines and other characters "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Thomas and Friends (previously known as Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends) is a Children's television series about the engines and other Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Thomas and Friends (previously known as Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends) is a Children's television series about the engines and other characters Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Thomas and Friends, later renamed Thomas and Friends is a Children's television series, based on The Railway Series, and which was first broadcast Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, later renamed Thomas and Friends is a Children's television series, based on The Railway Series of children's 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Thomas and the Magic Railroad is a 2000 American Film based on the well-known TV series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. A sequel is a work in Literature, Film, or other media that portrays events following those of a previous work Calling All Engines is a straight-to-DVD feature based on the TV series Thomas the Tank Engine and Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Jack and the Pack is a direct-to-video release of the series Thomas and Friends. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Engines And Escapades was a DVD of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, containing episodes unseen on TV Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Great Discovery is a feature based on the popular TV series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common These will all be narrated by Pierce Brosnan. Pierce Brendan Brosnan, OBE Honour and so holds an honorary OBE ^[4]

Thomas on television and in film

The series was first broadcast in 1984 on ITV's Children's ITV in the United Kingdom. Independent Television (generally known as ITV) is a public service network of British commercial television broadcasters set up under the Independent CITV (short for Children's ITV or Children's Independent Television) is the brand name used for the Majority of Children's television output The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located 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 1994 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 lasted until 2001, which was 5 seasons, and then Nick Jr in 2001/2002, 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 Children's ITV in January 2003 with its sixth series of four and a half minute stories. The sixth and seventh series were shown in their entirety in 2002 and 2003. The eighth series was broadcast in 2004, but only 13 episodes were aired, possibly on account of the new format for the programme; it wasn't until July 2006 that the remaining 13 episodes were broadcast. Due to a new agreement between ITV and the Programming Authority (Ofcom) which allowed them to cut their children's TV output in mid 2005, five bought the rights to the series. The Office of Communications (Y Swyddfa Gyfathrebiadau or as it is more often known Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the Communication The ninth series began showing on 10 October 2006, followed one month later on 10 November 2006 by the tenth. Events 680 - Battle of Karbala: Shia Imam Husayn bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, is decapitated Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1444 - Battle of Varna: The crusading forces of King Vladislaus III of Varna (aka Ulaszlo I of Hungary and Wladyslaw Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The channel now shows series 8-10 in rotation.

In 1989, Thomas and Friends was shown in North America, in a television series called Shining Time Station, which was broadcast on PBS. Shining Time Station was an American Television sequel of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends series co-created by Britt Allcroft The Public Broadcasting Service ( PBS) is a Non-profit Public broadcasting Television service with 354 member TV stations in the Storytime with Thomas is another American spin-off that aired in 1999 on the Fox Family Channel. Storytime with Thomas was a Children's television series that aired on Fox Family in 1999 that was a spinoff to Shining Time Station ABC Family is an American Cable television network currently owned by Disney-ABC Television Group, a division of The Walt Disney Company 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. Thomas and the Magic Railroad is a 2000 American Film based on the well-known TV series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends However, the film was not a success.

The Thomas and Friends stories were four and a half 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. Computer-generated imagery Computer animation is the art of creating moving images with the use of Computers It is a subfield of Computer graphics A half-hour show format (aired on PBS and Treehouse TV in North America and on Nick Jr. in the UK from 2004-2008) was also adopted, showing three episodes plus puzzles, songs, and mini stories. The Public Broadcasting Service ( PBS) is a Non-profit Public broadcasting Television service with 354 member TV stations in the Treehouse TV is a Canadian English language Cable television Specialty channel with programming targeted towards Preschoolers that This article is about the US television block of programming on Nickelodeon. The new series made major changes, such as changing the famous theme tune, and took on a more moralistic stance than previous series. Starting Season 10, only two episides aired, with the middle story being replaced with Places around Sodor, a recurring mini-story which features major locations and recaps episodes from Seasons 8-10 that take place at the location. Season 11, also only two episodes aired, and Places around Sodor was replaced by Fun times with One of Sodor Engines.

Narrators

UK versions

• Ringo Starr (UK narrator Seasons 1-2): Starr narrated the first two seasons of the show. Ringo Starr, MBE (born Richard Starkey on 7 July 1940 is an English Musician, Singer, Songwriter and Actor

• Michael Angelis (UK narrator Seasons 3-11; US narrator in the New Friends for Thomas DVD release). Michael Angelis (b 18 January 1952, Liverpool) is an English Actor. Angelis narrated the series beginning in 1991 and will leave in 2008, making him the longest-standing narrator for the series in its history. He began in the third season, and continued to narrate the British series until Season 11 sixteen years later, and briefly served as the U. S. narrator for the DVD release New Friends for Thomas before being succeeded by Michael Brandon. He also narrated the direct-to-video release Calling All Engines and the first three volumes of The Railway Series for CD. We know how exciting this is but WPTHOMAS/FAQ explains WikiProject Thomas' Volume 1 was released in the UK in March 2006.

US versions

• Ringo Starr (US narrator Seasons 1-2): In 1989 Beatles Drummer Ringo Starr re-narrated the first and second seasons in the US. Ringo Starr, MBE (born Richard Starkey on 7 July 1940 is an English Musician, Singer, Songwriter and Actor He also played the Mr. Conductor character in season 1 of Shining Time Station.
• George Carlin (US narrator Seasons 1-4). George Denis Patrick Carlin (May 12 1937 – June 22 2008 was an American stand-up comedian, often considered one of the best of all time Carlin, a well known stand-up comedian in the United States, was the first American to narrate the series; he replaced Starr in 1991 for the American series and Shining Time Station as the Mr. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Conductor character. In the American series, Carlin re-narrated the first two seasons for Shining Time. In 1998, he left the series to return to his career in comedy.
• Alec Baldwin (US narrator Seasons 5-6). Alexander Rae "Alec" Baldwin III (born April 3 1958 is an Academy Award -nominated and Emmy - and Golden Globe Award -winning American Baldwin replaced Carlin in 1998 for the U. S. series, but later left to pursue film roles. In the American series, Baldwin narrated Season 5 & 6. He also appeared in the movie Thomas and the Magic Railroad, where he became the third actor to play Mr. Thomas and the Magic Railroad is a 2000 American Film based on the well-known TV series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Conductor.
• Michael Brandon (US narrator Seasons 7-11). For the pornstar with the same name see Michael Brandon (porn star Michael Brandon (born April 20, 1945) is an American Brandon narrated the seventh through tenth seasons. Brandon also narrated the straight to DVD releases Calling All Engines and On Site with Thomas. In the American series, Brandon re-narrated some Season 6 episodes for Television Broadcast. Season 11 was the last season to feature Brandon's narration.

Upcoming Narrator

• Pierce Brosnan (UK and US narrator, projected: Seasons 12-?). Pierce Brendan Brosnan, OBE Honour and so holds an honorary OBE It was announced in July 2007 that former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan would take over narration duties for the series. James Bond 007 is a Fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve Novels and two Short story After narrating the DVD-exclusive The Great Discovery in Autumn 2008, Brosnan will narrate two more direct-to-DVD specials and three seasons of TV episodes, starting with Season 12. ^[4]

International versions

• Leo Morimoto is the narrator of the Japanese version of the series. Unlike the other versions, voices for the characters were provided by individual voice actors. Starting from Season 9, the narrator as well as the voice actors have been replaced.
• The Mexican/Spanish narrators have been Jorge Arvizu (Seasons 1-2), Eduardo Tejedo (Seasons 3-4), Salvador Delgado (Seasons 5-7), Arturo Mercado Jr. (Seasons 8-11), and Carlos Segundo (Season 12-Present). Jorge Arvizu is a Mexican voice actor who was the first Spanish voice of Bugs Bunny. Eduardo Tejedo is a Latin American voice actor Filmography Ragetti in Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End (2007 Ragetti Salvador Delgado (born July 24, 1961 in Tepalcatepec, Michoacán, México) is a Latin American voice actor Arturo Mercado Jr is a Latin American Voice actor and son of Mexican voice acting legend Arturo Mercado (known as the voice of Radar O'Reilly
• In the Portuguese, Polish (TV4 only) and Swedish versions, the narrator is a woman. TV 4 is a private Polish TV station TV 4 was created through the amalgamation of the stations Nasza TV and Polsat 2 and started broadcasting
• In Denmark the narrators have been Poul Dissing and later Tommy Kenter. The Kingdom of Denmark ( ˈd̥ænmɑɡ̊ (archaic ˈd̥anmɑːɡ̊ commonly known as Denmark, is a country in the Scandinavian region of northern Europe
• In Hungary the narrator is Zoltán Csankó, and the series is running under the title Thomas és barátai (Thomas and his friends). Hungary (Magyarország 'mɔɟɔrorsaːg) officially in English the Republic of Hungary ( Magyar Köztársaság, literally Magyar (Hungarian Republic
• In the German version, the Narrator is Sky Du Mont, and the series title is named, Thomas und seine Freunde (Thomas and his Friends). Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Sky du Mont (b Caetano Bremme Gaspar Neven DuMont May 20, 1947 in Buenos Aires, Argentina) is a German Actor
• In the Netherlands, Erik de Zwart, a former D.J., is the narrator and the series is running under the title Thomas de stoomlocomotief. The Netherlands ( Dutch:, ˈnedərlɑnt is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of the Netherlands the Netherlands Erik de Zwart ( Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 16 June 1957) is a Dutch Radio - en televisionmaker, former A disc jockey (also known as DJ or deejay) is a person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience

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)

• 1984 to 1990: Britt Allcroft (executive producer), David Mitton, and Robert D. Cardona
• 1991 to 2000: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton
• 2001 to 2003: Phil Fehrle
• 2004 to Present: Simon Spencer

Originally the series was produced by The Britt Allcroft Company and Clearwater Features Ltd (David Mitton and Robert D. Cardona's company). Britt Allcroft (born Britney Allcroft in Johannesburg, South Africa) was the co-founder of The Britt Allcroft Company David Nelson Godfrey Mitton ( July 13, 1938 - May 23, 2008) was a producer and a director as well as an experienced Robert D Cardona (born in New York City, March 8 1938 is an American writer producer director and animator who has enjoyed the majority of his success in Britain Britt Allcroft (born Britney Allcroft in Johannesburg, South Africa) was the co-founder of The Britt Allcroft Company David Nelson Godfrey Mitton ( July 13, 1938 - May 23, 2008) was a producer and a director as well as an experienced The Britt Allcroft Company was a company created by Britt Allcroft and Angus Wright in 1983 Clearwater Features (1986 Ltd was a film production company in Shepperton, England that produced the first two seasons of the children's television series Thomas David Nelson Godfrey Mitton ( July 13, 1938 - May 23, 2008) was a producer and a director as well as an experienced Robert D Cardona (born in New York City, March 8 1938 is an American writer producer director and animator who has enjoyed the majority of his success in Britain Clearwater closed in 1990 and The Britt Allcroft Company (which changed to Gullane Entertainment in 2000) was the sole producer until 2002, when HIT Entertainment bought the company and now runs its operation. Gullane Entertainment was a company that produced TV shows for the whole family and was formerly called The Britt Allcroft Company. HIT Entertainment PLC was established in 1989, and was originally the international distribution arm of Jim Henson Productions called Henson International HIT Entertainment was acquired in 2005 by the private equity firm Apax.

The series has always been filmed at Shepperton Studios. Shepperton Studios, located in Shepperton, Surrey, England is a film studio with a long history of film making

Behind the Scenes

• Since 1984, the show has been filmed at West London's Shepperton Studios. West London is the area of Greater London to the west of Central London. Shepperton Studios, located in Shepperton, Surrey, England is a film studio with a long history of film making The layouts are expansive and fit in a hangar-sized room. A hangar is an enclosed structure to hold Aircraft in protective storage The train miniatures are set on remote control and filmed using a 35mm camera, in order to get quality shots from such small objects. A remote control is an electronic device used for the remote operation of a Machine. [1]
• Season 7 was the last season to use 35mm film and the original Thomas the Tank Engine theme tune.
• Mike O'Donnell and Junior Campbell composed the show's original main title theme, songs, and incidental music from the years 1984 to 2003 ( Seasons I to Season VII - 182 episodes). Mike O'Donnell (born September 20, 1939) is an Irish film and TV composer Junior Campbell (born William Campbell, May 31, 1947, Glasgow, Scotland) is a Scottish composer and musician In 2004, Robert Hartshorne took their place as composer, while Ed Welch wrote the new theme tune and the songs.
• Thomas the Tank Engine was in The Guinness Book of World Records 2004 as the world's largest model railway. Guinness World Records, known until 2000 as The Guinness Book of Records (and in previous U The model of James for "Thomas and Friends Live" holds the record as the world's largest model engine.
• Three real engines have been featured on the show - Stepney has made a number of appearances, and City of Truro and Flying Scotsman (Cameo) played minor roles in two Season 3 episodes. There is no verifiable information about Season 13 onward at present

Popularity with autistic audience

• In June and July 2001, the National Autistic Society conducted a survey of 81 parents of children with autism and Asperger syndrome to investigate their putative 'special relationship' with Thomas the Tank Engine. The National Autistic Society (NAS is a charitable organization in the United Kingdom for people with Autism. Language development. The terminology Asperger syndrome (also called Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's disorder, Asperger's or AS) is the Autism spectrum disorder (ASD The survey confirmed the organization's assumption from anecdotal evidence that children with autism spectrum disorders associate far more strongly with Thomas the Tank Engine than with other children's characters. ^[5].
• In the National Autistic Society's April 2007 survey, conducted with 748 UK parents of children under 10 with autism, 58% of parents reported Thomas was the first children's character their children enjoyed, with about 1/3 of parents reported their children were able to learn basic facial expressions from the characters, as all of Thomas's friends have easy-to-read expressions. 54% of parents reported that the stories contributed to their child's sense of security. ^[6]

Commercialisation

Merchandise

Main article: Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends merchandise

A wide range of merchandise has been manufactured to cash-in on the success of the TV Series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends merchandise describes the variety of different Merchandise that has been manufactured to cash-in on the success of the TV Series Thomas In Marketing, a product is anything that can be offered to a Market that might satisfy a want or need It is down to the popularity and longevity of the series – having originated in 1945 with the first of The Railway Series books by the Rev. W. Awdry – that large numbers of manufacturers have sought to produce 'Thomas'-branded items. We know how exciting this is but WPTHOMAS/FAQ explains WikiProject Thomas' Wilbert Vere Awdry, OBE, ( 15 June 1911 &ndash 21 March 1997) better known as the Reverend W

The most popular and wide-ranging items of merchandise are the models of the characters, which have been produced in many different ranges, some including accompanying railway systems. Other popular products include videos, books and magazines, and computer games. Magazines, periodicals or serials are Publications generally published on a regular schedule containing a variety of articles, generally However, 'Thomas' merchandise has also included such diverse items as: audiobooks, annuals, colouring and activity books, jigsaws, board games, stationery, clothing, cutlery, household items such as curtains, duvet covers and lampshades, and even soft drinks and spaghetti shapes. An annual publication, more often called simply an annual, is a book or a Magazine, Comic book or Comic strip published yearly Stationery has historically meant a wide gamut of materials Paper and Office supplies, Writing implements Greeting cards etc

Day Out with Thomas

Main article: Day Out With Thomas

"Day Out with Thomas", is a marketing name used by HIT Entertainment for special events held at heritage railways in the UK. Thomastrainjpg|thumb|right|Thomas on the Watercress Line Alresford]] Day Out With Thomas is a trade name licenced by HIT Entertainment, for tourist events that take HIT Entertainment PLC was established in 1989, and was originally the international distribution arm of Jim Henson Productions called Henson International A heritage railway ( United Kingdom) preserved railway ( United Kingdom) or tourist railroad ( United States and Canada) is a The characteristic features of these events include locomotives wearing 'faces' to resemble 'Thomas' characters, and a "Fat Controller" character, usually performed by one of the railway's volunteers. Sir Topham Hatt, (less formally but more commonly referred to as the Fat Controller) is the head of the railway in The Railway Series of books written The general idea is that the public have the chance to ride in a train pulled by 'Thomas' or one of his friends.

In the US the name also refers to "Come Ride the Rails with Thomas" [2] which is a US tour by real trains modelled after Thomas the Tank Engine. The Thomas engine visits various historic railroads across the United States allowing visitors to play games, meet Sir Topham Hatt and to ride on a passenger car pulled by the engine. HIT Entertainment sponsors the event to promote the Thomas and Friends brand. HIT Entertainment PLC was established in 1989, and was originally the international distribution arm of Jim Henson Productions called Henson International

Thomas in Amusement Parks

In the 2007 summer Six Flags season, a Thomas and Friends attraction opened at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Formerly Six Flags Marine World) in Vallejo, CA and at Six Flags New England in Springfield, Massachusetts. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Six Flags Inc (commonly Six Flags) is one of the world's largest chains of Amusement parks and Theme parks, based on quantity of properties Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, formerly Six Flags Marine World, Marine World, The New Marine World Theme Park, and Marine World Africa USA Vallejo (vəˈleɪoʊ or /vəˈleɪhoʊ/ in English /baˈjeho/ in the original Spanish) is the largest city in Solano County Six Flags New England, or SFNE, is a Theme park in the Six Flags chain of parks named for the New England region in which it is located Springfield is a City in and the County seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. "Thomas Town"s were also opened at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles Californa and in Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta Georgia. Six Flags Magic Mountain is an Amusement park located in Valencia, California north of Los Angeles. Six Flags Over Georgia is a 230-acre theme park located west of Atlanta, in Austell Georgia.

On 15 March 2008 Drayton Manor in the UK opened their own Thomas Land just like Japan's Amusement Park which attracts 1. Events 44 BC - Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Drayton Manor Theme Park is a Theme park in the grounds of the former Drayton Manor, near Tamworth in Staffordshire, England. 7 million fans every year.

Thomas the Tank Engine Live

• Thomas and Friends The Big Live Tour (2002 - 2003)

• Thomas and Friends The All Aboard Live Tour (2004)

• Thomas and Friends 60th Anniversary Party (2005)

• Thomas and Friends The All Aboard Live Tour (2006)

• Thomas and Friends Live On Stage (2007-2008)

• Thomas & Friends Live At Dutch Wonderland (2008)

References

See also

• List of Thomas & Friends Songs
• Shining Time Station
• TUGS

External links

• Official Thomas and Friends website
• Awdry Family Site
• Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends at the Internet Movie Database
• Thomas showtimes and info on Fancast

Mike O'Donnell and Junior Campbell wrote songs for the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends TV series from 1994 until 2003, Series 4 - 7 Shining Time Station was an American Television sequel of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends series co-created by Britt Allcroft TUGS is a British Children's television series, first broadcast in 1989

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