Thomas & Friends

**Thomas & Friends** is a British children's television series created by **Rev. W. Awdry.** It is based on **The Railway Series** books by **Rev** and his son **Christopher** and was developed for television by **Britt Allcroft**. The series was produced by **Clearwater Features** and **Britt Allcroft Ltd./Britt Allcroft (Thomas)** from 1984-1986, **The Britt Allcroft Company** / **Gullane Entertainment** from 1991-2003, **HIT Entertainment** from 2003-2017 and by **Mattel Television** from 2017-2021.

The series first premiered on **ITV** on October 9, 1984. In 2006, the series was transferred to **Channel 5's Milkshake** block. It ended on January 20, 2021. The series was also broadcast on **PBS Kids**, with American-dubbed voices, replacing the original British voices.

From 1984-1986, the show was originally titled **Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends,** then later to **Thomas The Tank Engine** and **Thomas & Friends**, also known as **Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!** from seasons 22-24.

**Premise**

The series follows the adventures of **Thomas**, an anthropomorphic blue steam locomotive on the fictional **North Western Railway** on the **Island of Sodor** and several other locomotives, including **Edward**, **Henry**, **Gordon**, **Percy**, **James** and **Toby**. They work for **Sir Topham Hatt** (**The Fat Controller**), proving themselves to be "**really useful engines**". Halfway through the episodes, a in-between segment or song is usually shown before the next episode. In the series' ending before the credits roll, The song "**Engines' Roll Call**" is played.

In the United States, it was first broadcast with the spin-off series **Shining Time Station** on **PBS** in 1989.

The rights to the series are currently owned by **HIT Entertainment** (a subsidiary of **Mattel**), which acquired **Gullane Entertainment** in July 2002.

A new 2D-animated series, **Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go**, produced by **Nelvana** and **Mattel Television**, premiered on September 13, 2021 on **Cartoon Network's** preschool block, **Cartoonito**.

## History

**Predecessors**

The first attempt to adapt Awdry's stories for television came in 1953, when the editor of the **Railway Series** books, **Eric Marriott**, was approached by the **BBC**, who wished to use live-action model trains to re-create two stories from Awdry's first book, **The Three Railway Engines**. 00 gauge Hornby Dublo models appeared on sets that reflected the style of the original illustrations. The first episode (based on "**The Sad Story of Henry**") was broadcast live on the evening of June 14, 1953 from **Lime Grove Studios**. The live broadcast did not fare well: a failure to switch the points caused the model of Henry to derail and it had to be replaced on the rails by one of the operators. The models moved jerkily, and all effects and music had to be superimposed.

News of the broadcast hit the front pages of **The Daily Telegraph** and the **Daily Mail**. **Awdry** branded the episode "**unprofessional**", and the point-switching debacle an "**elementary mistake**". As a result, the second episode scheduled for June 28, 1953 was put on hold, and then later cancelled. The **BBC** offered **Awdry** and the **Railway Series** publishers greater creative control over the production, but the publishers declined, preferring to focus on publishing new books for the series.

Nearly 20 years later, the **BBC** featured Awdry's stories in the television story-telling show **Jackanory,** Fourteen years before **Thomas and Friends** was aired, **Ted Ray** (sitting in a stationmaster's office) read five books of **The Railway Series** in episodes that aired between September 20 to October 2, 1970.

In 1973, **Andrew Lloyd Webber** (who had read **The Railway Series** as a child) approached publisher **Kaye & Ward** with a proposal for a musical television series, with songs from himself and lyricist **Peter Reeves**. However, the publishers and the author refused to give Lloyd Webber's company "**control of almost everything**", which Lloyd Webber's lawyers argued was necessary in order to "**secure the investment money from America which would be needed to pay for the animation and the film-making**." The status of the project seemed uncertain, and while **Stanley Pickard** (**Kaye & Ward's managing director at the time**) told **Awdry** that he was **"maintaining personal contact with Andrew and still had a slight hope that there might be a way out**", Awdry remained apprehensive, saying that "**Once the Americans get hold of it the whole series would be vulgarized and ruined.**" Eventually, an agreement was reached and Awdry received an advanced payment of **£500**. A pilot episode was commissioned from Granada, which would feature 2D cutouts of the engines moving along a background in a style reminiscent of **Ivor the Engine**, with involvement from animator Brian Cosgrove. The cutouts and backgrounds were based on illustrations from The Railway Series. The pilot episode was completed by early 1976, but Granada ultimately decided not to produce a full series, as they feared that at the time Awdry's stories were not popular enough outside the UK to justify the time and money needed to make the series. Andrew Lloyd Webber later established the **Really Useful Group** in 1977, a name derived from the phrase "**Really Useful Engine**". He would go on to work on a musical loosely inspired by **The Railway Series**, called **Starlight Express**, which premiered in 1984, and became one of his most well-known works.

**Early years and the series' success**

In 1979, British television producer, **Britt Allcroft** was producing a documentary on the **Bluebell Railway**, a heritage railway in **Sussex** which featured in **The Railway Series** book **Stepney the Bluebell Engine**. As part of her research before filming, Allcroft read some books in The Railway Series and was highly entertained and impressed with the stories which Awdry had written, later remarking that "**there was something in the stories that I felt I could develop that would connect with children. I saw a strong emotional content that would carry with little children's experiences with life**."

**Allcroft** worked to convince **Awdry** that she could, with funding, convert the stories into a successful television show. Her efforts were successful, and she purchased the television rights from the publishers of **The Railway Series** at a cost of what was then **£50,000** (**$74,000** in **U.S. dollars** at the time). Allcroft still had to work to raise the money to finance production and (despite showing a keen interest) wanted a level of creative control which she did not want to forego. In the end, after several years of searching and having to place a second mortgage on her home, Allcroft raised sufficient funding from her local bank manager.

By 1981, Allcroft had secured the finances to produce the show, she started to assemble the crew, including producer and director **David Mitton**, also the founder of **Clearwater Features Ltd**.; crew member **Steve Asquith**; American-born producer **Robert D. Cardona**; and composers and songwriters **Mike O'Donnell** and **Junior Campbell**, who are also musicians.

**As a 5-minute TV segment (October 1984 - May 2000)**

The series started production in 1984 by **Clearwater Features Ltd**. (**Mitton** and **Cardona's** company) and **ITV's Central Independent Television** region. The series was originally shot and produced with live action models at the **Clearwater** in house studio in **Battersea**, a suburb of London, for Season 1. It later relocated to **Shepperton Studios**, **Surrey**, southwest of London for subsequent series. The use of moving models was seen at the time of the series' conception as an effective method of animating the stories. Locomotives and other vehicles were operated by radio controls, while humans and animals were static figures. Stop-motion was occasionally employed for instances in which a human or animal character would move. Hand-drawn animation was used in season 3 to create bees (as seen in the episode "**Buzz Buzz**").

The first series (1984) used stories from the first eight books, along with one specially written by the **Rev. W. Awdry**, **Thomas's Christmas Party**. The second series (1986) used stories from Book No.9 (**Edward the Blue Engine**) to Book No.30 (**More About Thomas the Tank Engine**). The latter book was unusual, as it was written specifically by **Christopher Awdry** to be adapted by the show. At that time, it was a contractual obligation that the series could only adapt stories that appeared in print. The series also used a story from a **Thomas Annual**, "**Thomas and Trevor**", and a specially written stand-alone story, **Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree**. One episode ("**The Missing Coach**") was in the process of being filmed, but was cancelled mid-way through filming as Allcroft decided it was too confusing for young viewers. The production team went on to use "**Better Late Than Never**" instead. The story "**Gordon Goes Foreign**" from the **Railway Series** book **The Eight Famous Engines** was also planned to be adapted but was scrapped due to budgetary limitations.

In-between production of the second and third series, the production team were focused in producing two other television series: **Tugs**, a British children's series which ran for one season in 1989 for **Television South (TVS)**; and the American television series **Shining Time Station**, which repackaged **Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends** for the American television market from 1989 to 1996 on **PBS**.

Just before production of season three, **Clearwater** closed its business on December 31, 1990, with **The Britt Allcroft Company** becoming the sole producer. Series three was broadcast in 1992 on **CITV**. It was made at a cost of **£1.3 million** (approximately **$9.3. million** in U.S. dollars at the time). The series was a combination of episodes derived from **The Railway Series**, stories in the **Thomas the Tank Engine And Friends** magazine (written by **Andrew Brenner**, who would later become the show's head writer starting in Season 16), and a couple of original stories by **Allcroft** and **Mitton**.

One of the primary reasons for diverging from the original books was that many of the stories not yet used featured large numbers of new characters, which would be expensive to produce. Another reason was that the producers wanted more stories about Thomas (the nominal main character). Awdry complained that the new stories would be unrealistic. **Robert D. Cardona** left as producer, while **Britt Allcroft** joined **David Mitton** as co-producer. Angus Wright took over as executive producer.

Season 4 was first released directly to video between 1994 and 1995 before its broadcast debut on **ITV**. The producers planned to introduce some new female characters, including motor car **Caroline**, **Nancy**, and **The Refreshment Lady**. Some commentators took this as a response to accusations of sexism levelled against the series two years earlier. In reality, these were not "**new**" characters, but creations of **Awdry** from the original **Railway Series** books. Season four was almost entirely based on **The Railway Series**. The narrow gauge engines were introduced, and were the focus of a number of episodes. Only one original story ("**Rusty to the Rescue**", written by **Allcroft** and **Mitton**) was used, but this took certain elements of plot and dialogue from **Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine**.

Season 5 (1998) (also first released directly to video before its television airings on **Cartoon Network**) was a radical shift, as all episodes were written by **Allcroft** and **Mitton** with no further stories being adapted from the **Railway Series**. This series saw the introduction of new characters, such as Cranky, The **Horrid Lorries** and **Old Slow Coach**. It also focused on more dramatic and action-oriented plot-lines, with more severe accidents, than in the earlier series. After season 5, **Angus Wright** stepped down as executive producer. It was also the final series broadcast on **Cartoon Network**, as **Nickelodeon UK** would eventually acquire the broadcast rights to the show for it to air on their newly launched **Nick Jr.** channel in 1999. CN continued to air older series until their broadcast rights fully expired in 2001.

**Later years**

**The Britt Allcroft Company** (which changed its name to **Gullane Entertainment** in 2000) was purchased by **HIT Entertainment** in September 2002, a company specializing in children's entertainment.

The sixth and seventh seasons (2002-2003) were the first released directly to VHS and DVD as forty-six episodes in the US and fifty-two in the UK and continued to introduce action-packed storylines and new characters. These saw the introduction of a writing staff. The sixth series (2002) was an attempt to create a spin-off series based on the successful **Bob the Builder** series. Two episodes introduced a group of construction machine characters known as "**The Pack**". The spin-off did not materialize for some time. Eventually, in 2006, thirteen episodes were released straight to DVD in two collections: **On Site with Thomas and *and* Thomas' Trusty Friends**. It was the first series broadcast on **ITV** since season 3.

The fact that older sets were used and the episodes were shot on 35mm camera (as opposed to the digital camera used at the time of the episodes' release) suggest it was filmed some time before season 8. In Season 7 (2003) the program title was officially shortened to **Thomas & Friends**, this name having been used on merchandise and video covers for three years previously. **Phil Fehrle** replaced **Allcroft** and **Mitton** as producer, though Mitton remained as the director. Executive producer **Angus Wright** was replaced by **Peter Urie** and **Allcroft** as executive producers for season 6.

In 2003, **Allcroft** stepped down as executive producer, making **Urie** the sole executive producer **Gullane Entertainment** and **Jocelyn Stevenson** was the executive producer **HIT Entertainment.**

The eighth season (2004) was the first released directly to VHS and DVD as four episodes in the US and six in the UK were released before airing on television on **Nick Jr.** in the UK and PBS in the US. It introduced a number of significant changes to the show. Many of the original founding team involved in the original show since 1984 left the production, including **Britt Allcroft**, director and writer **David Mitton**, and original composers **Mike O'Donnell** and **Junior Campbell**. The latter two had been embroiled in a protracted legal dispute with **HIT** before their departure. **Asquith**, who was part of the original production team since 1984, took over as director, while **Simon Spencer** replaced **Phil Fehrle** as producer.

A new theme song and incidental music were composed by **Ed Welch** and **Robert Hartshorne**, respectively. Episode runtime was increased to seven minutes. The series was produced using digital video camera, creating a somewhat different look for the show. Other changes included the additions of CGI educational sequences and transitions between stories. Executive producer **Peter Urie** also left, while **Jocelyn Stevenson** remained in her role as executive producer. **Sam Barlow** became the story executive, while **Abi Grant** and **Paul Larson** served as script editors. This series saw the adoption of a centralized cast, including **Thomas**, **Edward**, **Henry**, **Gordon**, **James**, **Percy**, **Toby** and **Emily**.

**HIT Entertainment** was itself then acquired by **Apax Partners**, a private equity company, in March 2005.

A straight-to-video film (**Calling All Engines!**) was released shortly before season 9 in 2005. While featuring characters from **Thomas and the Magic Railroad**, it was not a direct sequel. It proved successful, which resulted in more direct-to-video specials being produced.

Seasons 9 (2005) and 10 (2006) saw the expansion of the supporting cast with new and old characters. From Season 9, the narrator would call out the episodes' names and from Season 11 the theme song was sung starting with the sound of a train whistle. Season 10 aired with twenty-eight episodes rather than the twenty-six of previous years. Season 11 (2007) was filmed in high definition format. Twenty episodes aired in the original broadcast, while six were released directed to DVD as **Engines and Escapades**. **Jocelyn Stevenson** had stepped down as executive producer after Season 10, with **Christopher Skala** taking her place as executive producer for season 11. **Sharon Miller** became the script editor from Seasons 9-11.

Season 12 (2008) saw the introduction of CGI effects (provided by **HIT Entertainment's** subsidiary **Hot Animation**), with the intent of producing the show entirely in CGI-animation the following year. The traditional models and sets were still used, but with computer animated faces superimposed on the models to allow for changing facial expressions. Humans and animals were fully computer animated to allow for walking movement. Only twenty episodes were produced and broadcast (the U.S. broadcast featured six additional episodes from **Engines And Escapades**). **Sharon Miller** became the head writer, starting with season 12.

**HIT** announced multiple changes to the show beginning in 2009. One new aspect was the introduction of live-action host segments to **Thomas'** home video releases. The host took the form of a character who worked on The **Fat Controller's** (**Sir Topham Hatt's**) railway, who would instruct viewers in craft projects. For the final 2 DVD sets released for Season 12 in 2009, the host was named **Mr. Arkwright**, played by **Robert Slate**. In 2010, beginning with the DVD "**Splish Splash Splosh**", the host, played by **Ben Forster**, was named **Mr. Perkins**. Upon Forster's death in 2017, he was replaced by **Mark Moraghan**, who played "**Mr. Evans**" in the web series.

For budgetary reasons, the other major changes were a move to production in CGI, rather than using physical models, and the addition of a voice cast to support the established narrator. The DVD feature (**Hero of the Rails**) was the first **Thomas & Friends** production to showcase these changes, and Season 13 was the first television series in the new format. The CGI-animation for the series was provided by **Nitrogen Studios of Vancouver**.

In September 2010, **Apax** was preparing to sell off **HIT Entertainment** and its franchises, including Thomas – regarded as the single most valuable asset – in order to help clear **HIT's** debts, and in February 2012, sold the company, along with the Thomas properties, to "**US toy giant**", **Mattel**.

During production of season 16 (2012), **Sharon Miller** stepped down as head writer, and **Andrew Brenner** (who had written some *Thomas* stories in the third series) assumed the role after serving as script editor for "**Blue Mountain Mystery**". Additionally, **Sam Barlow** stepped down as story executive after the sixteenth series, and the production of the CGI animation was moved from **Nitrogen Studios** (of **Vancouver**) to **Arc Productions** (of Toronto). **King of the Railway** and Season 17, both released during 2013, serve as the first special and series developed by the new animation and production teams respectively.

2014 saw **Tale of the Brave** and season 18, the second special and series animated by **Arc**, respectively. 2015 saw **The Adventure Begins**, a special coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the franchise, and **Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure**; Season 19 began airing that same year. 2016 viewed some changes; longtime composers **Robert** and **Peter Hartshorne** (father and son team) left the series and **Chris Renshaw** and **Oliver Davis** took over. 2016 also saw **Thomas & Friends: The Great Race** and Series 20 began airing the same year. Season 20 was the last series of the show to air on **PBS Kids**; when season 21 began airing in 2017, the American broadcast of the show was moved to **Nick Jr.**, ending a period of almost 28 years of **Thomas & Friends** on American public television. 2017 also saw **Journey Beyond Sodor**. The show was pulled away from **Nick Jr.** at the end of 2019.

A twenty-second series of **Thomas and Friends** was announced consisting of 26 episodes with many changes, such as **Edward**, **Henry** and **Toby** being removed from the **Steam Team** to make room for two new female steam engines named **Nia** (**Africa**) and **Rebecca** (**UK**), and the narrator being replaced with Thomas talking to the audience (however, **Mark Moraghan**, the previous narrator has said that he will still work on the series). Series 22 is set after **Big World! Big Adventures!**, which came out on July 20, 2018. It introduces gender-balanced and multicultural characters, and features a new theme tune. The series is split into two-halves; the first half sees Thomas travelling around the world and visiting **India**, **Australia**, and **China**, while the second half takes place back on the Island of Sodor. The series was released on **Netflix**, **Amazon** and **Hulu** in the late half of 2018.

**Thomas & Friends** was renewed for a 23rd series which debuted in 2019.

The 24th series was released in September 2020. The series was also the final series animated by **Jam Filled Toronto**, also the last series of the entire original series.

A second live-action/animated **Thomas & Friends** film is in development at **Mattel** with **Marc Forster** serving as director.

## Characters & Cast

**Main** (*For more information about the characters, visit Thomas & Friends Wiki)*

* **Thomas** (voiced by **Ben Small** and **John Hasler** in the UK and **Martin Sherman** and **Joseph May** in the US) is a blue tank engine who works on the **North Western Railway**, and is numbered 1. He initially worked as the station pilot at the Big Station. After helping rescue **James** from a nasty accident, Thomas was rewarded with two faithful coaches, **Annie** and **Clarabel**, and permanently assigned to the **Ffarquhar Branch Line**.
* **Edward** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and **William Hope** in the US) is a blue mixed-traffic tender engine who runs his own branch line with **BoCo**, which travels from **Wellsworth** to **Brendam**, and is numbered 2. He is one of the oldest engines on **Sodor** and is occasionally made fun of for his age. After a berth at **Tidmouth Sheds** was destroyed, Edward moved to **Wellsworth Sheds**.
* **Henry** (voiced by Keith Wickham in the UK and Kerry Shale in the US) is a green mixed-traffic tender engine who works on the Main Line, and is numbered 3. He was originally a prototype engine that needed special **Welsh** coal to operate properly. Following an accident while pulling the **Flying Kipper**, Henry was rebuilt, giving him a new shape and greater reliability, eliminating the need for the expensive special coal. Henry moved from **Tidmouth Sheds** to **Vicarstown Sheds** in order to be closer to his work.
* **Gordon** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and **Kerry Shale** in the US) is a big blue tender engine who works on the **Main Line**, and is numbered 4. He is one of the fastest and strongest engines on Sodor and his main task is to pull the railway's express train. At times, this leads him to feel superior. He's mainly used for passenger duties but has occasionally pulled goods trains, much to his disliking, as he believes that these are below him.
* **James** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** and **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and **Kerry Shale** and **Rob Rackstraw** in the US) is a red mixed-traffic tender engine who works on the **North Western Railway**, usually on the **Main Line**, and is numbered 5. He is proud of his splendid red paintwork, but tends to be vain, boastful and overconfident, and does not like getting dirty. Despite being a mixed-traffic engine, he does not like pulling trucks, and feels superior to the others except the big engines.
* **Percy** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** and **Nigel Pilkington** in the UK and **Martin Sherman** and **Christopher Ragland** in the US) is a little green saddle tank engine who was brought to Sodor to help run the railway during Henry, Gordon, and James' strike, and is numbered 6. He is Thomas' best friend and one of the junior engines on the **North Western Railway**, often getting into trouble when he tries to play tricks on the other engines. His favorite job is to deliver the mail and he works on **Thomas' Branch Line** as a goods engine. He happily huffs and puffs on the tracks.
* **Toby** (voiced by **Ben Small** and **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and **William Hope** in the US) is a brown square tram engine who used to work on his own railway near Thomas' Branch Line, and is numbered 7. Toby originally worked on a tramway between **Lower Arlesburgh** and **Arlesdade End** to **Ffarquhar Quarry**. His line would later be reopened as part of the North Western Railway, with Toby being reallocated to his old shed. After it closed, he was bought by **Sir Topham Hatt** and now works on both **Thomas' Branch Line**, with his coach **Henrietta**.
* **Duck** (voiced by **Steven Kynman** in the UK and US) is a **Great Western** tank engine who runs his own branch line with Oliver, and is numbered 8. He thinks there are two ways of doing things, the Great Western way and the wrong way. Duck's real name is **Montague**, but he is nicknamed Duck because he "**waddles**".
* **Donald** (voiced by **Joe Mills** and **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) and **Douglas** (voiced by **Joe Mills** in the UK and US) are twin black mixed-traffic tender engines from Scotland, and their numbers are 9 and 10. They tend to work together on the railway, although they can be argumentative. They speak with Scottish accents.
* **Oliver** (voiced by Joe Mills in the UK and US) is a **Great Western** tank engine who works with Duck on his branch line, and is numbered 11. He and his brake van Toad made a daring escape to Sodor from being scrapped, and were almost caught at the last moment, but they were saved by Douglas. He speaks with a Cornish accent. Oliver is not to be confused with Oliver the Excavator.
* **Emily** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and **Jules de Jongh** in the US) is an emerald tender engine who is bighearted, acts as a sisterly figure to the other engines despite being fussy and impulsive at times. She is number 12, but she never had a number on her until Season 24. She works mostly on the Main Line in odd jobs and mixed-traffic duties, and once ran the **Misty Valley Branch** Line. Following her rescue of **Gordon** from a collapsing bridge and **James**, **Percy**, and **Rebecca** from a derailment, Emily became Sodor's safety engine. She has her own set of coaches given to her because of her bravery saving Oliver. She is based on a **GNR Stirling 4-2-2**.
* **Bill** (voiced by **Jonathan Broadbent** and **Rasmus Hardiker** in the UK and US) and **Ben** (voiced by **Jonathan Broadbent** and **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and US) are yellow saddle tank engine twins owned by the **Sodor China Clay Company**. They're mischievous and love to play pranks on the other engines. For a brief time, they worked at **Centre Island Quarry**, where the task of keeping them in order fell to Mavis. They both work at the docks and the company's clay pits.
* **Diesel** (voiced by **Kerry Shale** in the UK and **Michael Brandon**, **Martin Sherman** and **Kerry Shale** in the US) is a black diesel engine who works at the smelters and scrapyards of the Sodor Ironworks, has an oily, devious, scheming and malicious nature and holds a grudge against steam engines. Despite hold a grudge against the steam locomotives, he readily gets used to them. In **Thomas & Friends**, Diesel eventually becomes a permanent resident of **Sodor**. Despite this, he still desires to be a useful engine. He is based on a **British Rail Class 08**.
* **Daisy** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** and **Tracy-Ann Oberman** in the UK and the US) is a green diesel railcar who came to work on **Thomas' Branch Line** after he crashed into the stationmaster's house. She now works on the **Harwick Branch Line** carrying out passenger duties, while **Ryan** runs the goods duties. She is based on a **British Rail Class 101**.
* **BoCo** is a green mixed-traffic diesel engine that works at the goods station on Edward's Branch Line and occasionally on the Main Line. He, along with **Edward**, is a mentor to **Bill & Ben**.
* **The City of Truro -** one of the only three real-world tender engines to have appeared in the television series, the others being Stephenson's Rocket and Flying Scotsman. In the episode "Gordon and the Famous Visitor", he is only referred to as "**The Famous Engine**", although a banner outside the sheds features his name and number. He normally resides at the **National Railway Museum** on the **Mainland**. He is believed to be the first engine in the world to attain the speed of 100 mph.
* **Mavis** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and **Jules de Jongh** and **Teresa Gallagher** in the US) is a diesel engine who works for the **Ffarquhar Quarry Company**, based at **Ffarquhar Quarry**. In the television series, she also works at the **Sodor Slate Quarry**. Her main job is to shunt trucks around the quarry, but she also takes occasional goods trains to **Brendam Docks**. Like Salty, she is indifferent to the rivalry between the steam engines and diesel engines.
* **The Flying Scotsman** (voiced by **Rufus Jones** in the UK and US) is one of the only three real-world tender engines to have appeared in the television series, the others being **Stephenson's Rocket** and the **City of Truro**. He works on the Mainland and is Gordon's younger brother, despite teasing Gordon by calling him "**little brother**" in reference to having achieved greater feats than Gordon. He has two tenders, one for coal and water, and one strictly for water. In addition, **The Flying Scotsman** has been described as the world's most famous steam locomotive. He is named after a service that runs from **London Kings** across to **Edinburgh Waverley**.
* **Stepney -** A "**bluebell**" tank engine painted Improved Engine Green who works on the **Bluebell Railway**. Rusty saved him from being scrapped. His friendly, enthusiastic attitude makes him a welcome visitor on **Sir Topham Hatt's** railway. His real-life basis can be seen at the Bluebell Railway in **West Sussex**.
* **D261** is a big green diesel engine that was brought to Sodor to help the other engines. He sucked in an inspector's bowler hat through his air-pipe, which lead to his engine failing. He has not officially returned to Sodor after that incident, though he has appeared in many tie-in magazine stories. He is based on a **British Rail Class 40**.
* **Derek** is a large green diesel engine who was known for his initial "**teething**" troubles. He was not officially named until merchandise was released. He is friends with **Bill** and **Ben**. He is based on a **British Rail Class 17**.
* **Arry** (voiced by **Kerry Shale** in the UK and US) and **Bert** (voiced by **Kerry Shale** and **William Hope** in the UK and US) are twin diesel engines. They have also been seen frequently working at **Ffarquhar Quarry**. They're often as mischievous as Diesel and frequently try to scrap any steam engine that wanders into the Sodor Ironworks. Like Diesel, 'Arry and Bert are based on a **British Rail Class 04**.
* **Lady** (voiced by the series creator **Britt Allcroft**) is a small tank engine who serves as the guardian of the **Magic Railroad**, using her magic to keep the worlds of Shining Time and Sodor alive. She is the key to producing gold dust. She is owned and protected by **Burnett Stone**, her caretaker and driver. She speaks with a Victorian accent.
* **Diesel 10** (voiced by **Neil Crone** in the film and **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and US) is an evil diesel engine with an excavator claw arm, which he has named "**Pinchy**" who does not like steam engines. He once had two minions named **Splatter** and **Dodge**, but they eventually turned on him. He is based on a **British Rail Class 42**.
* **Splatter** (voiced by **Neil Crone**) & **Dodge** (voiced by **Kevin Frank**) are two diesel engines, which were Diesel 10's minions. They're collectively called "**Splodge**" by Diesel 10. Like **Diesel**, '**Arry** and **Bert**, **Splatter** and **Dodge** are based on a **British Rail Class 04**.
* **Salty** (voiced by Keith Wickham in the UK and US) is a dockyard diesel engine from the Mainland who works at **Brendam Docks**. He also enjoys telling stories revolving around the sea and fantasy. He is often blunt about his indifference to the rivalry between steam engines and diesel engines. He speaks with a West Country accent. He is based on a **British Rail Class 07**.
* **Harvey** (voiced by Keith Wickham in the UK and US) is a maroon tank engine with a crane mounted on top of his boiler, which makes him look rather unusual. He lives and works at the Sodor Water Works. He is very cheerful and helps clean up after other engines' crashes. He speaks with a Scottish accent. He is based on **Shelton Iron & Steel Works No. 4101**, or "**Dusby**".
* **Fergus** is a small railway traction engine who works at the **Sodor Cement Works**. He is strict with the rules.
* **Arthur** is a big maroon tank engine who runs the **Norramby Branch Line**. He was very proud of his spotless record, which was broken when he crashed into Duck's goods train. He is based on an **LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T**.
* **Murdoch** is an orange tender engine with ten drive wheels. He is one of Sodor's largest and strongest tender engines, who hauls goods trains on the Main Line and lives at **Knapford Sheds**. He is based on a **BR Standard Class 9F**.
* **Spencer** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and **Glenn Wrage** in the US) is a silver streamlined tender engine from the Mainland who is privately owned by the **Duke And Duchess of Boxford** and is also Gordon's cousin and arch-rival. He commonly visits the Island of Sodor with his owners. He is based on an **LNER Class A4**.
* **Molly** is a strong yellow tender engine. She is based on a **GER Class D56**.
* **Neville** is a ubiquitous, square-shaped tender engine. He looks like a diesel engine. He is based on an SR Q1 class.
* **Dennis** is a lazy diesel who dislikes hard work, but enjoys making other engines do it for him. He is based on a **British Rail 11001**.
* **Rosie** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK, **Jules de Jongh** in the US and **Nicola Stapleton** in the UK and US) is a lively little tank engine who used to idolize Thomas, which bothered him. She works as both a shunting engine and a mixed-traffic engine. She used to work mainly at the **Knapford Shunting Yards**, but is now based at **Vicarstown**. She was originally lavender in Season 10 until she was repainted red in Season 21. She is based on an **SR USA class**.
* **Whiff** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and **William Hope** in the US) is a grubby green tank engine who wears glasses. His main task is to collect rubbish and scrap, which explains his dirty appearance and smell. He is based on an **NER 66 Aerolite**.
* **Billy -** An bubbly orange tank engine with prominent buckteeth.
* **Stanley** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and by **Ben Small**, **David Menkin** and **Rob Rackstraw** and then **John Schwab** in the US) is a silver tank engine who works as both a shunting engine and a mixed-traffic engine.
* **Hank -** An American tender engine. When he first arrived on Sodor, a welcome party was shortly thrown for him. He is based on a **Pennsylvania** **Railroad class K4**.
* **Flora** is a bright yellow steam tram who works for Sodor Tramways in Great Waterton. She has her own tram car, which is her pride and joy.
* **Hiro** (voiced by **Togo Igawa** in the UK and US) is an old and wise Japanese tender engine who is famously known as the "Master of the Railway". He was eventually brought to Sodor as its first and oldest engine. He soon broke down and was left on a siding for many years before Thomas rediscovered him. He was restored and pulls goods trains on the Main Line. He was sent back to Japan several times but ends up staying on Sodor for a while. He is based on a JNR Class D51.
* **Charlie** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and **Glenn Wrage**, followed by **Ben Small**, later **Steven Kynman** in the US) is a playful purple saddle tank engine who loves to tell jokes and have fun. He can usually be found working at **Knapford Yards**.
* **Bash & Dash** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** and **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and **William Hope** and **Kerry Shale** in the US) are fun-loving tank engine twins that were sent to **Misty Island** as punishment for causing chaos on the **Mainland**. They now work on **Sir Topham Hatt's** railway while supplying them with the **Jobi Wood** from Misty Island. They also finish each other's sentences.
* **Ferdinand** (voiced by **Ben Small** in the UK and **Glenn Wrage** in the US) is a fun-loving tender engine that was sent to Misty Island with Bash and Dash as punishment for causing chaos on the **Mainland**. He now works on the Fat Controller's railway with the twins while supplying them with the **Jobi Wood** from **Misty Island**. He also says "**That's right!**" almost every time. He is based on a **Climax** locomotive.
* **Scruff** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and **Kerry Shale** in the US) is a lime green **Sentinel** boxy tank engine who works at the **Waste Dump** with Whiff.
* **Belle** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and US) is a large blue tank engine who is part of the **Sodor Search And Rescue Team**. She has a loud bell and fitted with water cannons on top of her tanks. She is based on a **BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T**.
* **Flynn** (voiced by **Rupert Degas**, followed by **Ben Small**, later **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) is a fire engine who is part of the **Sodor Search And Rescue Team**. He is equipped to operates as a road-rail vehicle, both on road and rail, and is also accompanied with two trailers designed for rail and road usage respectively. He speaks with a **New York** accent.
* **Den** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is a big hydraulic diesel engine who runs the **Vicarstown Dieselworks** with his best friend and assistant, **Dart**. He is based on the **Rolls-Royce C** range engines.
* **Dart** (voiced by **Rupert Degas**, now **Steve Kynman** in the UK and US) is a small diesel engine who assists Den in running the **Vicarstown Dieselworks**.
* **Paxton** (voiced by **Steve Kynman** in the UK and US) is a kind and friendly green diesel engine who often brings slate down from the **Blue Mountain Quarry** to other parts of Sodor. He speaks with a Cockney accent. Like **Diesel**, **'Arry**, **Bert**, **Splatter** and **Dodge**, Paxton is based on a **British Rail Class 08**.
* **Norman** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is an orange diesel engine with a unibrow. He is often seen working around **Vicarstown**. He is Dennis' twin.
* **Sidney** (voiced by **Kerry Shale** and **Bob Golding** in the UK and US) is a forgetful blue diesel engine who is good friends with Percy. He often takes goods trains to the Mainland. He been lifted on a hoist at the **Dieselworks** for two years, waiting for his new wheels to come. As a Christmas present, Percy gave Sidney a new set of wheels, and he is now a really useful engine again. He is yet another **British Rail Class 08**.
* **Winston** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and US) is **Sir Topham Hatt's** red track inspection car and his private mode of transportation on the **North Western Railway**. He is based on a **Wickham** trolley.
* **Stafford** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and the US) is a battery-electric engine who usually works at **Knapford Yards** and **Knapford Station** **Yard**.
* **Stephen** (nicknamed "**The Rocket**") (voiced by **Bob Golding** in the UK and US) is an early steam engine, who works at **Ulfstead Castle**, where he takes visitors around the castle grounds and across the rest of **Sodor**. He speaks with a **Northern English** accent.
* **Connor** (voiced by **Jonathan Forbes** in the UK and US) is an aquamarine streamlined tender engine from the **Mainland**, who is designed and built for speed. He pulls passenger trains from **Ulfstead Castle** to **Vicarstown Station** and the other way around. He is based on the **New York Central Hudson**.
* **Caitlin** (voiced by **Rebecca O'Mara** in the UK and US) is a magenta streamlined tender engine from the Mainland, who is designed and built for speed. She pulls passenger trains from **Ulfstead Castle** to **Vicarstown Station** and the other way around. She speaks with a faint Irish accent. She is based on the **Baltimore and Ohio P-7**.
* **Porter** (voiced by **Steven Kynnman** in the UK and **David Menkin** in the US) is a viridian tank engine who works with **Salty** at **Brendam Docks**, usually shunting trucks. He speaks with a **Brooklyn** accent.
* **Gator** (voiced by **Clive Mantle** in the UK and US) is a large green tank engine who resembles as an alligator. He ends up on Sodor for some random reason. During his time there, he becomes friends with **Percy**. His real name is **Gerald**, but he is nicknamed "**Gator**" because his sloping water tank.
* **Timothy** (voiced by **Tim Whitnall** in the UK and US) is a little oil-burning saddle tank engine who works at the **Sodor China Clay Company** with **Bill**, **Ben**, and **Marion**.
* **Marion** (voiced by **Olivia Colman** in the UK and US) is an orange self-propelled steam shovel who works at the **China Clay Pits** with **Bill**, **Ben**, and **Timothy**. She is very talkative and loves to tell stories of her discoveries.
* **Samson** (voiced by **Robert Wilfort** in the UK and US) is a dark teal cabless tank engine who works on the **Mainland**. He has a brake van named **Bradford**.
* **Glynn** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is a "**coffee-pot**" engine that used to work on **Thomas' Branch Line** before being abandoned. He was restored and now works alongside **Stephen** and **Millie** at **Ulfstead Castle**. Prior to Thomas' arrival, Glynn was notably the railway's number one.
* **Philip** (voiced by **Rasmus Hardiker** in the UK and US) is a cheery little diesel boxcab who works as a shunting engine at **Knapford Station**. He lives at **Wellsworth Sheds** with Edward.
* **Ryan** (voiced by **Eddie Redmayne**, later **Steven Kynman** in the UK and US) is a purple tank engine who used to work on the Great Northern Railway. He takes goods on the **Harwick Branch Line**, while Daisy takes passengers. He has the number 1014 on his bunker. He is based on a **GNR Class N2.**
* **Skiff** (voiced by **Jamie Campbell Bower** in the UK and US) is a railboat who helped his owner, **Sailor John**, and Thomas look Captain Calles' lost treasure, thinking that they are going to give it to the museum, until he found out Sailor John was intending to keep it for himself. After **Sailor John** was defeated and arrested for stealing the treasure, Skiff now gives railboat tours around **Arlesburgh Harbor** with his new owner, Captain Joe.
* **Hugo** (voiced by **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) is a silver rail zeppelin, unique for being fitted with a propeller. He is a very fast engine, whose spinning propeller makes him very popular with passengers. He is based on the **Schienenzeppelin**.
* **Ashima** (voiced by **Tina Desai** in the UK and US) is a large pink tank engine, who worked on the **Nilgirl Mountain Railway** and then **Indian Railways**. She was made one out of many engines to participate in the **Great Railway Show** and competed in the **Shunting Challenge**. She has become very close friends with Thomas after the events. She is based on the **Nilgiri Mountain Railway X** class.
* **Vinnie** (voiced by **John Schwab** in the UK and US) is a streamlined North American tender engine who competed in the **Great Railway Show** for the **Strongest Engine** competition. He speaks with a New Jersey accent. He is based on the **Grand Trunk Western U4-a**.
* **Frieda** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and US) is a big streamlined German tender engine who competed in the **Great Railway Show** for the **Strongest Engine** competition. She is based on a DB Class 10.
* **Ivan** (voiced by **Bob Golding** in the UK and US) is a Russian diesel who competed in the **Great Railway Show** for the **Shunting Challenge** at least twice.
* **Axel** (voiced by **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) is a Belgian streamlined tender engine who competed in the **Great Railway Show** for the **Great Race**. He is based on the **SNCB Type 12**.
* **Gina** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and US) is an Italian tank engine who competed in the **Great Railway Show** for the **Shunting Challenge**.
* **Yong Bao** (voiced by **Dan Li** in the UK and US) is a Chinese tender engine competed in the **Great Railway Show** for the **Best Decorated Engine** parade. He is based on the **China Railways RM**.
* **Raul** (voiced by **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) is a vertical-boiler tank engine who works on the **Brazilian Railway**. He competed in the **Great Railway Show** for the **Shunting Challenge** at least twice and was a former champion.
* **Shane** (voiced by Shane Jacobson in the UK and US) is an Australian tender engine who competed in the **Great Railway Show** for the **Strongest Engine** competition. He is based on the **South Australian Railways 520 class**.
* **Carlos** (voiced by **David Bedella** in the UK and US) is a small Mexican tender engine who competed in the **Great Railway Show**, every year since the event's inspection. During the most recent one, he competed in the **Best Decorated Engine** parade.
* **Rajiv** (voiced by **Nikhil Parmar** in the UK and US) is an Indian tank engine who was a contestant in the **Great Railway Show**. He competed in and won the **Best Decorated Engine Parade**, which he won. He usually transports passengers and goods from **Kolkata** to the north of India on the East Indian Railway. He is based on the **Fairy Queen** locomotive.
* **Etienne** (voiced by **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) is a French electric engine who participated in the **Great Railway Show**. He was a contender in the **Great Race**, which he won. He is based on the **SNCF BB 9003-9004**.
* **Theo** (voiced by **Darren Boyd** in the UK and US) is a shy experimental railway traction engine who works at the **Steelworks** on the Mainland.
* **Lexi** (voiced by **Lucy Montgomery** in the UK and US) is a boisterous cab forward engine who works at the **Steelworks** on the **Mainland**. She speaks with a Scottish accent.
* **Merlin** (voiced by **Hugh Bonneville** in the UK and US) is an experimental tender engine with three funnels who believes he has the power to turn invisible. He has the number 783.
* **Hurricane** (voiced by **Jim Howick** in the UK and US) is a large tank engine who works at the **Steelworks** on the **Mainland** along with **Frankie**. He has the number 20 and is based on the **GER Class A55**.
* **Frankie** (voiced by **Sophie Colquhoun** in the UK and US) is a diesel engine who works at the **Steelworks** on the **Mainland** along with **Hurrican**e. Frankie has the number 4002 on her bufferbeam.
* **Sam** (voiced by **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) is a giant American tender engine originally from the **Virginian Railway**. He briefly helped parts to the museum, and helped doing the important job of bring the bell for Percy after his accident.
* **Nia** (voiced by **Yvonne Grundy** in the UK and US) is an orange tank engine who originally lived in **Kenya** before joining Thomas on his journey around the world. She is now a permanent resident on the North Western Railway and a member of the Steam Team. She often helps out at the **Sodor Animal Park**. When Thomas returned to Sodor, Nia revealed she did not have a home to go to since her shed was destroyed, so Thomas invited her to live on **Sodor**, taking Edward's place at **Tidmouth Sheds**. She is based on the **KUR ED1 class**.
* **Kwaku** (voiced by **Abubakar Salim** in the UK and US) is a large Garratt engine from Tanzania. He is close friends with Nia. He is an **EAR 59 class**.
* **Natalie** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and US) is a small American diesel who works in **San Francisco**.
* **Beau** (voiced by **Kerry Shale** in the UK and US) is an American mining engine with a moustache who works near the **Grand Canyon**. He befriended Thomas during his journey around the world, after Thomas derailed outside of a railway mine.
* **Fernando** (voiced by **Gabriel Porras** in the UK and US) is a teal diesel who works on a railway near Brazil. He is another **B.R. Class 08**.
* **Shankar** (voiced by **Sanjeev Bhaskar** in the UK and US) is a diesel engine who works on the **Indian Railway**.
* **Hong-Mei** (voiced by **Chipo Chung** in the UK and US) is a Chinese tank engine Thomas met during his stay at China. She has her own pair of coaches, **An-An** and **Yin-Long**, who are occasionally used by Thomas. One of her main jobs is to pull the **Mail Train**.
* **Rebecca** (voiced by **Racheal Louise Miller** in the UK and US) is a big yellow tender engine who was originally from the Mainland. Rebecca has taken Henry's place at **Tidmouth Sheds**. She is a very cheerful and uplifting engine who always sees the best in everyone. She often helps Gordon pull the express during busy periods, but she also pulls goods trains on the **Main Line**. She is based on the **SR West Country** and **Battle of Britain classes**.
* **Tamika** (voiced by **Rose Robinson** in the UK and US) is an Australian steam railmotor.
* **Noor Jehan** (voiced by **Sheena Bhattessa** in the UK and US) is a diesel engine who works on **Indian Railways**. She is known for taking visitors on a tiger safari, in set of express coaches painted in the same livery as her.
* **Gabriela** (voiced by **Monica Lopera** in the UK and US) is a tank engine who works at **Gunabara Bay** in Brazil. She is good friends with **Cassia**.
* **Lorenzo** (voiced by **Vincenzo Nicoli** in the UK and US) is an Italian tender engine from Verona. He has a coach named **Beppe**.
* **Gustavo** (voiced by **Francisco Labbe** in the UK and US) is a large electric engine who works on the **Brazilian Railway**.
* **Marcia** (voiced by **Laura Cucurullo** in the UK and US) and **Marcio** (voiced by **Federico Trujillo** in the UK and US) are two wood-burning tender engines who work on the **Eucalyptus Railway** in Brazil.
* **Sonny** (voiced by **Joe Swash** in the UK and US) is a well tank engine from the **Mainland** who brought his two owners, **Baz** and **Bernie**, to Sodor to steal an invention from the **Technology Fair** for money. After meeting Thomas and helping out at the fair, Sonny wanted to be a really useful engine rather than a thief. After **Baz** and **Bernie** were captured and arrested for their crimes, **Sir Topham Hatt** decided to give Sonny a second chance by letting him work on his railway. He speaks with a Cockney accent.
* **Kenji** (voiced by **Matt McCooey** in the UK and US) is a high-speed electric engine from Japan, who visited Sodor for the **Technology Fair**.
* **Duchess** (voiced by **Rosamund Pike** in the UK and US) is a large cream-colored tender engine that works on the **Mainland**. Her job is to transport the **Royal Family** to all their royal appointments.

**Narrow Gauge Engines**

* **Skarloey** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is a red narrow gauge saddle tank engine and the oldest engine on the **Skarloey Railway**, and is numbered 1. In the higher-quality episodes of the series, Skarloey is portrayed as wise and dedicated like he was in the original books. He speaks with a Welsh accent.
* **Rheneas** (voiced by **John Hasler** and **Ben Small** in the UK and US) is a vermilion narrow gauge well tank engine and the Skarloey Railway's second engine, and is numbered 2. He is calm and easygoing, and proved capable of getting his train home when he failed on a stormy day, earning him the nickname '**Gallant Old Engine**'. He also speaks with a Welsh accent.
* **Sir Handel** (originally known as "**Falcon**") (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is a blue narrow gauge saddle tank engine who lives and works on the **Skarloey Railway**, and is numbered 3. He first worked on the Mid Sodor Railway. **Sir Handel** is occasionally zealous, overly proud and not above sneaking out of jobs he deems are below him, but he works hard nevertheless, and is also a goodhearted locomotive.
* **Peter Sam** (originally known as "**Stuart**") (voiced by **Steven Kynman** in the UK and US) is a green narrow gauge saddle tank engine who lives and works on the **Skarloey Railway**, and is numbered 4. He first worked on the **Mid Sodor Railway**. Peter Sam is very eager and hardworking, although he is susceptible to being easily influenced.
* **Rusty** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and US) is a little narrow gauge diesel engine who carries out maintenance work and odd jobs around the **Skarloey Railway**, and is numbered 5. He has a heart of gold and is not afraid to stick up for his work or an engine in trouble. He speaks with a West Country accent.
* **Duncan** (voiced by **Tom Stourton** in the UK and US) is a grumpy narrow gauge well tank engine, who came to the **Skarloey Railway** as a "**spare engine**" after Peter Sam's accident with some slate trucks, and is numbered 6. He is not work-shy but he has a tendency to criticize a lot about general matters. Despite his rough ways, he deeply cares for his friends. He is also well-meaning, hardworking, willing to help out his friends, and has a heart of gold. He speaks with a Scottish accent.
* **Freddie** is an old narrow gauge warhorse tank engine on the **Skarloey Railway**, and is numbered 7. He has a fun sense of humor, and is modelled on the **Welsh Highland Railway's** **Russell**. He is possibly one of the other engines from the **Mid Sodor Railway**, as **Sir Handel** recognized him immediately when he witnessed Freddie's return.
* **Duke** is an orange-brown narrow gauge tank-tender engine who is widely respected and considered a hero amongst all the engines. He is also one of the oldest engines on Sodor, having been ordered by and named after "**His Grace**" th**e Duke of Sodor** for the **Mid Sodor Railway**. Duke is wise and faithful but stands for no nonsense. He was left in his old shed after his railway closed, but was eventually rescued for a new lease of life on the **Skarloey Railway**.
* **Smudger** was an olive green narrow gauge tank engine who used to work on the **Mid Sodor Railway** and was later turned into a generator due to his tendency to misbehave and derail frequently. His fate was not revealed.
* **Bertram** (nicknamed "**The Old Warrior**") is an old narrow gauge tank-tender engine that worked at the mines. He lived on a remote part of the island that was once very rarely visited. His railway has since been restored and he now pulls passenger trains on it.
* **Mighty Mac** are a blue double-ended **Fairlie** duplex engine and conjoined twins. Mighty is the "**older**" of the two and is distinguished by a small flick of hair. **Mac** is the "**younger**" half and is distinguished by his youthful features, round nose, and freckled cheeks. Despite the opposing personalities of the two ends, they're technically one engine.
* Proteus is a legendary yellow narrow gauge saddle tank engine with a magic lamp hung upon his funnel.
* **Victor** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and **David Bedella** in the US) is a dark red narrow gauge tank engine from **Cuba** who works at the **Sodor Steamworks** with his assistant, **Kevin**.
* **Luke** (voiced by **Michael Legge** in the UK and US) is a green narrow gauge saddle tank engine who works primarily at the **Blue Mountain Quarry** on the **Skarloey Railway**. He speaks with an Irish accent.
* **Millie** (voiced by **Miranda Raison** in the UK and US) is **Sir Robert Norramby's** private light blue narrow gauge engine who works at **Ulfstead Castle**. She works on the **Estate Railway**. She speaks with a French accent.

**Minature** / **Minimum Gauge Engines**

* **Rex** (voiced by **Tom Stourton** in the UK and US) is a small green tender engine who lives and works on the **Arlesdale Railway**. He enjoys nothing more than teasing Mike. He is a hard worker, but sometimes has problems with traction. He is a natural leader but can get very cocky at times.
* **Mike** (voiced by **Tim Whitnall** in then UK and US) is a small strong grumpy red tender engine who prefers goods trains to passengers. He works on the Arlesdale Railway and is the youngest of the **Arlesdale Railway** engines.
* **Bert** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is a small blue tender engine who is the oldest and quietest of the **Arlesdale Railway** engines.

**Rolling Stock**

* **Annie & Clarabel** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and US) are Thomas' two faithful orange-brown coaches, whom he loves dearly and would never dream of being separated from them.
* **Henrietta** (voiced by **Maggie Ollerenshaw** in the UK and US) is a tram coach that travels with Toby. Percy usually takes her when Toby is absent.
* **The Troublesome Trucks** (also called **Cars** or **Freight Cars**, originally **Foolish Freight Cars**, in the US) (voiced by **Christopher Ragland** and **Ben Small** in the UK and US) are pieces of rolling stock that are nicknamed so because they can be very troublesome and loved to play tricks on the engines. They can be **Open Wagons**, **Vans**, **Tankers**, or **Brake Vans**, depending on the type.
* **The Spiteful Brake Van** was a troublesome brake van, who was subsequently crushed into pieces by **Douglas**, on the back of James' goods train.
* **Toad** (voiced by **Joe Mills** in the UK and US) is Oliver's loyal brake van who escaped from scrap with the help of Douglas.
* **S.C.Ruffey** is a cruel **Troublesome Truck** who is the ringleader of the other **Troublesome Trucks**. He was once split into pieces by Oliver, but in the end, he survived.
* **Old Slow Coach** is a Great Western Railway clerestory brake coach. She was known for her luxurious interior.
* **Rocky** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and **William Hope** the US) is a large red breakdown crane who is part of the **Sodor Search And Rescue Team**. He can lift heavy objects such as engines, coaches and trucks. He takes pride in his work and is always happy to help.
* **Hector** (acronym for "**Heavily Engineered Coal Truck On Rails**") is a large coal hopper truck who is good friends with Thomas and James.
* **The Slip Coaches** (voiced by **Johnathan Broadbent**, **Rebeca O'Mara** and **Steven Kynman** in the UK and US) are three **Great Western** bogie coaches that work with **Duck** on the **Little Western**. They have the ability to be uncoupled without stopping at a station. They are special as they can be uncoiled at stations without the engine stopping. Duck calls them **Slippies**.
* **Judy** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and US) and **Jerome** (voiced by **Tim Whitnall** in the UK and US, respectively) are the two large sage green breakdown cranes on the **Arlesburgh Branch Line**. They were originally stationed at **Knapford Station**.
* **Bradford** (voiced by **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) is Samson's trustworthy brake van who lives on the **Mainland**.
* **Hannah** (voiced by **Lucy Montgomery** in the UK and US) is a "**hasty**" coach that once traveled with **Toby**. She is **Henrietta's** wacky sister.
* **An-An** (voiced by **See-See Hung** in the UK and US) and **Yin Long** (voiced by **Windson Long** in the UK and US) are two Chinese coaches who help transport passengers on the China Railway.
* **Aubrey** (voiced by **Genevieve McCarty** in the UK and US) and **Aiden** (voiced by **Tim Bain** in the UK and US) are Shane's pair of coaches. Thomas met and worked with them during his time in Australia.
* **Lei** (voiced by **Windsor Long** in the UK and US) is a Chinese van who helps transport goods and materials on the **China Railway**.
* **Dexter** (voiced by **Mark Moraghan** in the UK and US) is an old brake coach. He was being abandoned on an overgrown siding, until he rediscovered by **Duck** and restored as a classroom.
* **Beppe** (voiced by **Vincenzo Nicoli** in the UK and US) is a small coach from Italy who works with **Lorenzo**.

**Non-Rail Vehicles**

* **Terence** (voiced by **Tom Stourton** in the UK and US) is an orange caterpillar tractor who usually works near **Thomas' Branch Line**. He is owned and driven by **Farmer Finney**.
* **Bertie** (voiced by **Rupert Degas** and **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is a red bus who works alongside **Thomas' Branch Line**. He is owned by **Sodor Roadways**.
* **Trevor** (voiced by **Nigel Pilkington** in the UK and **Christopher Ragland** in the US) is a traction engine who resides at the **Wellsworth Vicarage Orchard**. He is owned by the **Vicar Of Wellsworth** and driven by **Jem Cole**. He speaks with a **West Country** accent in the UK and with a Southern accent in the US.
* **Harold** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and **Kerry Shale** in the US) is a white helicopter who patrols the skies of the Island of Sodor, nicknamed "**whirlybird**" by the engines, searching for emergencies. In the television series, he is part of the **Sodor Search And Rescue Team** and is operated by two pilots.
* **Bulgy** (voiced by **Colin McFarlane** in the UK and US) is a bad-tempered double-decker bus with an ideological opposition to railways. His favorite phrase is "**Free the roads!**".
* **George** is a green, grumpy steamroller whose interactions with engines generally lead to trouble. He is owned by the Sodor Island Council. Whenever George is flattening a road, he is seen rebelling by saying "**Railways are no good! Turn them into roads! Pull 'em up! Turn them into roads!**". Despite being bad-tempered and mean to the trains, he readily learns his lesson after the events of "**Bye George!**".
* **Caroline** is an elderly car owned by a cricketer from the **Elsbridge Cricket Club**. She tends to overheat when traveling at high speeds.
* **Bulstrode** is a self-propelled barge that used to work at **Knapford Harbor**. He now resides on a beach as a children's play structure.
* **Cranky** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and **Glenn Wrage** in the US) is an olive green tower crane situated at **Brendam Docks**.
* **The Horrid Lorries** are three small lorries that came to Sodor to take over the engines jobs, but were sent away following a series of accidents. All three have number plates, which read **"LOR 1"(LOR 1), "LOR 2" (LOR 2) and "LOR 3" (LOR 3)**.
* **Butch** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and **Glenn Wrage** in the US) is a yellow and navy blue breakdown lorry who is part of the **Sodor Search And Rescue Team**. He is kept busy in construction areas, clearing rubble, towing broken-down or stranded vehicles or assisting in engine rescues.
* **Tiger Moth** is a yellow and red biplane, who is described to be reckless and daring. In the magazines, **Tiger Moth** has a face.
* **Thumper** is a driller with two arms and caterpillar tracks. He is used for loosening rocks.
* **Elizabeth** is a vintage Sentinel lorry, formerly owned by **Sir Topham Hatt**. She often works alongside the **Skarloey Railway**.
* **Jeremy** is a jet plane who lives at the **Sodor Airport**.
* **Madge** is a green and cream snub-nosed lorry with a three-wheeled cab and a flatbed. She works alongside the **Skarloey Railway**.
* **Colin** is a stationary steam crane who works at the Wharf. He is good friends with **Freddie**.
* **Kevin** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and **Kerry Shale** in the US) is a yellow mobile crane who works at the **Sodor Steamworks** alongside Victor. His catchphrase is "**It was a slip of the hook!**"
* **Captain** (voiced by Keith Wickham in the UK and US) is a blue, red and yellow coast guard lifeboat who is part of the **Sodor Search And Rescue Team**. He speaks with a Cockney accent.
* **Merrick** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and US) is a sleepy, snoring gantry crane who is stationed at the **Blue Mountain Quarry**.
* **Owen** (voiced by **Ben Small** and **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) is an orange incline engine who is stationed at the **Blue Mountain Quarry**.
* **Reg** (voiced by **Tim Whitnall** in the UK and US) is a rail-based grappling crane at **Crocks Scrap Yard** on **Edward's Branch Line**.
* **Carly** (voiced by **Lucy Montgomery** in the UK and US) is a yellow rolling gantry crane from China who works at **Brendam Docks** with **Cranky** and **Big Mickey**. She speaks with a **Liverpudlian** accent.
* **Big Mickey** (voiced by **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) is a large hammerhead crane who works at **Brendam Docks**, alongside **Cranky** and **Carly**. He is the only character to appear in both **Tugs** and **Thomas & Friends**.
* **Beresford** (voiced by **Colin McFarlane** in the UK and US) is a blue rolling gantry crane who works at a canal on the Mainland. He speaks with a Jamaican accent.
* **Ace** (voiced by **Peter Andre** in the UK and US) is an Australian rally car who inspired Thomas to become the first engine to travel around the world.
* **Emerson** (voiced by **Gabriel Porras** in the UK and US) is an aeroplane from Brazil.
* **Kobe** (voiced by **Abubakar Salim** in the UK and US) is a hammerhead crane who works at **Dar es Salaam Docks** in Tanzania. He unloads cargo from ships.
* **Cassia** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher**, **Laura Cucurullo** and **Rachael Miller** in the UK and US) is a rolling portal crane who works at **Gunabara Bay** in Brazil. She is good friends with **Gabriela**.
* **Carter** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and US) is a green gantry crane who works at a dock in San Francisco, California.
* **Isla** (voiced by **Rachael Louise Miller** in the UK and US) is an air ambulance who befriends Thomas during his time working in Australia.
* **Ester** (voiced by **Flaminia Cinque** in the UK and US) is an excavator, who works for the **Italian Construction Company**.
* **Stefano** (voiced by **Antonio Margo** in the UK and US) is a huge amphibious cargo ship from Sicily, Italy.
* **Cleo** (voiced by **Harriett Kershaw** in the UK and US) is a road engine who was built by Ruth out of locomotive parts, giving her an unusual appearance.

**Sodor Construction Company**

In Season 6, a new set of characters was introduced called "**The Pack**". The characters were devised by then-producer **Phil Fehrle** with the intention of being turned into a spin-off series, possibly as a rival to **HIT Entertainment's** other successful show and brand **Bob the Builder**. This spin-off was partially filmed alongside the seventh series the following year but was not aired. The few completed episodes were released direct-to-DVD in 2006.

* **Jack** (voiced by **Steven Kynman** in the UK and **David Menkin** in the US) is a friendly and enthusiastic front loader who works for the **Sodor Construction Company**, and is numbered 11. He wants to be very useful but is so anxious he tries to do the other machine's job. Jack loves his job and is so eager to please that he often takes on tasks he probably should not do. Despite a couple of accidents, he proved to be brave and useful when he saved Thomas from disaster. He is Alfie's best friend. He was intended to be the main character of the spin-off.
* **Alfie** (voiced by **Nathan Clarke** and **Tom Stourton** in the UK and US) is a little green excavator who works for the **Sodor Construction Company**, and is numbered 12. He makes the hardest job seem like play. He is friendly, helpful and loves to do all the dirty work. Alfie loves to spin around like a top, but he never gets dizzy. He also has his own enthusiasm to the Pack. He is Jack's best friend, and his favorite expression is "**More dirt means more fun!**".
* **Oliver** (voiced by **Tim Whitnall** in the UK and US) is a big excavator who works for the **Sodor Construction Company**, and is numbered 14. He carries out demolition and digging work. He is capable of switching tools, including his usual bucket, a chisel for digging, a scissor claw, and a wrecking ball for demolition, plus a jackhammer. Oliver is good-mannered and hardworking and never complains about his work. He often is assigned to do the jobs that **Jack** wants to do. Oliver likes to be really useful and reliable too. He speaks with an Irish accent. Oliver is not to be confused with **Oliver the Western Engine**.
* **Max** (voiced by **Tim Whitnall** in the UK and **Kerry Shale** in the US) and Monty (voiced by **Ramus Hardiker** in the UK and **Rob Rackstraw** in the US) are devious and troublesome red dump truck twins who work for the **Sodor Construction Company**, and their numbers are 15 and 16. They frequently misunderstand one another, which creates a whole heap of trouble for the Pack.
* **Kelly** is a mobile crane who works for the **Sodor Construction Company**, and is numbered 17. He is the oldest member of the Pack, and originally belonged to Jenny Packard's father. He is considered as the team leader and knows his way around construction sites. Kelly will not be hurried. He understands that you take one task at a time. He is sometimes bossy but will be helpful whenever he can and always there to watch over the machines and help them out of trouble.
* **Byron** is a giant bulldozer with a big blade belonging to the **Sodor Construction Company**, and is numbered 18. He carries out bulldozing work along with leveling the ground. He is very proud and does not like to waste his talents on jobs he feels are beneath his stature. Byron is the envy of all the other vehicles...or, at least, he think he is. He has a booming voice and likes to work hard.
* **Ned** is a steam shovel who works for the **Sodor Construction Company**, and is numbered 19. Ned does not understand everything, the simpler the better. Even so, Ned always puts his best effort into any job and is always appreciated by the team.
* **Isobella** is a yellow steam lorry who looks almost identical to **Elizabeth**, and is numbered 22. She works for the **Sodor Construction Company**. She is a hard worker but does not enjoy getting dirty.
* **Buster** is a simple steamroller who looks almost identical to George, and goes about his job with pride and content. He works for the **Sodor Construction Company**. What Buster lacks in imagination, he makes up for in heart, commitment and hard work and is liked by all the machines in **Jenny Packard's** yard.
* **Patrick** is a boastful concrete transport truck who works for the **Sodor Construction Company**, and is numbered 23. As part of the construction team, Patrick takes pride in his work and makes sure that each job is correctly, but this sometimes makes him cocky. He has been on lots of job sites and knows many different ways to accomplish a task. Patrick will gladly explain how things are done.. and how they could be done better. Patrick is not to be confused by **Patrick the Mountain Engine**.
* **Nelson** is a ballast tractor who works for the **Sodor Construction Company**, and is numbered 10. As the bearer of such weighty loads, Nelson naturally feels put upon. While he will never offer up a complaint, Nelson is the first comment on what is going wrong at the construction site. He is proud of his paint job and is happiest when he looks his best. He is accompanied by a low loader trailer.
* **Brenda** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and US) is a bulldozer who works for the **Sodor Construction Company**, and is numbered 24. She is the second newest member of the team. Even so, she can get carried away and be overly fussy about small objects and tracks from other vehicles on her flat ground, but always corrects her mistakes and has good intentions.
* **Darcy** (voiced by **Harriet Kershaw** in the UK and US) is a tunnel boring machine who works for the **Sodor Construction Company**. She is the newest member of the team.

**Humans**

* **Sir Topham Hatt** (also known as "**The Fat Controller**") (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and **Kerry Shale** in the US) is the controller of the **North Western Railway**. He first appeared in **The Railway Series**. He is one of the most iconic characters in the Thomas franchise, along with other characters such as **Thomas and the Steam Team**.
* **Lady Hatt** (voiced by **Jules de Jongh** in the UK and US) is **Sir Topham Hatt's** wife. She is very kind towards the engines.
* **Stephen Topham Hatt** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** and **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and **William Hope** in the US) is **Sir Topham Hatt's** grandson and Bridget Hatt's older brother. In the **Railway Series**, he took over his father's role as controller of the **North Western Railway** in 1984 and became **Sir Topham Hatt III** in 1997.
* **Bridget Amanda Hatt** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and **Jules de Jongh** in the US) is Sir Topham and Lady Hatt's granddaughter and Stephen Hatt's younger sister.
* **Farmer Finney** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is Terence's driver. He owns a battery farm and a barn.
* **Mrs. Kyndley** is an elderly lady who lives her husband in a cottage near **Hackenbeck Tunnel**.
* **Jem Cole** (voiced by **Christopher Ragland** in the UK and US) is the operator of **Trevor** and **George** and is a good friend of the **Rev. Charles Laxey**. He has his own yard at **Killaban**.
* **The Reverend Charles Laxey** (sometimes simply known as **The Vicar**) is the **Vicar of Wellsworth**. He is also the owner of **Trevor** the **Traction Engine** and lives in the vicarage at **Wellsworth**.
* **Farmer Trotter** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and **Kerry Shale** in the US) is the owner and operator of a pig farm. He also keeps beehives and has been known to heard sheep. According to a magazine article, he also keeps cows and chickens and grows carrots and potatoes. Jem Cole, **Terence** and **Trevor** sometimes work on his farm.
* **The Refreshment Lady** is worked at **Lakeside** where she owned a small cafe called **Neptune Refreshments**. She later opened a mobile tea shop made from an old coach discovered by **Rusty** and **Peter Sam**.
* **Nancy** is a guard's daughter who lived near the **Skarloey Railway** and occasionally polished the engines.
* **Tom Tipper** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is a postman who services Callan.
* **Dowager Hatt** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is **Sir Topham Hatt's** elderly mother.
* **Old Bailey** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and **Kerry Shale** in the US) is a fogman and is also the current stationmaster of the **Hawin Lake** station.
* **Mr. Conductor** (portrayed by **Alec Baldwin**) is a centimeters tall conductor who narrated the television series episodes that aired on **Shining Time Station**. He has a cousin named **Junior**.
* **Burnett Stone** (portrayed by **Peter Fonda**) is the caretaker of **Muffle Mountain** and can be rather grumpy at times. He is Lily's grandfather and Lady's driver.
* **Lily Stone** (portrayed by **Mara Wilson**) is Burnett's granddaughter who lives in the city with her mother. With the help of her grandfather Patch and Thomas, they helped restore Lady to her former glory and returned to the **Magic Railroad**.
* **Mr. Conductor Jr.** (also known as "**C Junior**" or "**Junior**" for short) (portrayed by **Michael E. Rodgers**) is Mr. Conductor's lazy cousin. Like his cousin, he is at a regular height on **Sodor** and the **Magic Railroad** - anywhere else, he shrinks to a height of 24 centimeters (10 inches). He speaks with a Scottish accent.
* **Patch** (portrayed by **Cody McMains**) is a young teenage boy who lives in **Shining Time**. He works with **Burnett Stone**.
* **Stacy Jones** (portrayed by **Didi Conn**) is the manager of Shining Time Station. **Didi Conn** reprised the role she played in **Shining Time Station**.
* **Billy Twofeathers** (portrayed by **Russell Means**) is the Native American resident railroad engineer on the **Indian Valley Railroad** and driver of the **Rainbow Sun**, as well as the handyman at **Shining Time Station**. In the series **Shining Time Station**, Billy was played by **Tom Jackson**.
* **Mrs. Stone** (portrayed by **Lori Hallier**) is Lily's mother and Burnett's wife who lives in the big city with her daughter.
* **Tasha Stone** (portrayed by **Laura Bower**) is Burnett's late wife and Lily's deceased grandmother. It was her death, along with Burnett's inability to make Lady steam, that made him really depressed.
* **Cyril** (voiced by **Kerry Shale** in the UK and US) is a fog signalman who lives in a small cottage in **Misty Valley**. Aside from being a fogman, he has also been shown to be a lighthouse keeper and farmhand.
* **Jenny Packard** (affectionally known as **Miss Jenny**) (voiced by **Harriet Kershaw** in the UK and US) is a woman who is the owner of the **Sodor Construction Company** and takes responsibility for a number of the bigger building projects around Sodor along with the **Foreman**. She speaks with an Irish accent.
* **The Foreman** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is Miss Jenny's second-in-command and a member of the **Sodor Construction Company**.
* **Farmer McColl** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** and **William Hope** in the UK and William Hope in the US) owns a farm on **Thomas' Branch Line**. He also owns the field across the line from the farm and a farm on the **Main Line**. Toby enjoys visiting him and his animals.
* **Allicia Botti** (voiced by **Jules de Jongh** in the UK and US) is a famous opera singer from Italy.
* **The Sodor Brass Band** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is a group of musicians who originally came from the **Mainland**. They play music using brass instruments at special events and locations.
* **Lord Callan** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and US) is the lord and owner of the **Callan Castle** and nearby surrounding land, including the infamous Black Loch. He lives at **Callan Castle**, where he often holds special events and celebrations.
* **The Duke** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and William Hope in the US) and **Duchess of Boxford** (voiced by **Teresa Gallagher** in the UK and **Jules de Jongh** in the US) often visit Sodor with their private engine, Spencer. However, since the fifteenth season, they appear to have lived at the summer house.
* **Mr. Peregrine Percival** (also known as "**The Thin Controller**") (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and **Kerry Shale** in the US) is the current controller of the **Skarloey Railway** and the **Culdee Fell Railway**. He also has been known to act the substitute controller of the **North Western Railway**, particularly while **Sir Topham Hatt** is busy elsewhere.
* **The Mayor of Sodor** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and **David Bedella** in the US) is in charge of the Island.
* **Sir Lowham Hatt** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and **Kerry Shale** in the US) is the jolly twin brother of **Sir Topham Hatt**.
* **Mr. Kuffy Bubbles** (also known as **Kuffy** and **Mr. Giggles**) (voiced by **Keith Wickham** in the UK and **Michael Brandon** in the US) is a clown famous for blowing very big bubbles and performing with very large balloons.
* **Sir Robert Norramby** (voiced by **Mike Grady** in the UK and US) is the current **Earl of Sodor**. He owns **Stephen**, **Millie**, **Glynn** and **Ulfstead Castle**, and is a good friend of **Sir Topham Hatt**. In the television series, he is also Duke's current grace.
* **Sailor John** (voiced by **John Hurt** in the UK and US) is a pirate who was in the navy, Skiff's previous owner and the main antagonist in **Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure**.
* **Captain Joe** (voiced by **Matt Wilkinson** in the UK and US) is Skiff's current captain and the lighthouse keeper at **Alesburgh Harbor**.
* **Mr. Fergus Duncan** (also known as "**The Small Controller**") (voiced by **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) is the **General Manager** of the **Arlesdale Railway**. He is actually taller than both **Sir Topham Hatt** and **Mr. Peregrine Percival**; his nickname refers to the fact that is railway often called the "**Small Railway**".
* **The Thin Clergyman** (voiced by **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) is an English Anglican clergyman, railway enthusiast, and children's author. He is a fictionalized version of **Wilbert Awdry**, the author of **The Railway Series**.
* **The Fat Clergyman** (voiced by **Tom Stourton** in the UK and US) is a railway enthusiast and a close friend of **The Thin Clergyman**, the author of The Railway Series. He is a fictionalized version of **Teddy Boston**.
* **Willie** (voiced by **Keith Wickham** and **Steven Kynman** in the UK and US) is an idle farm hand and tractor driver, who lives near the **Arlesdale Railway**.
* **Charubala** (voiced by **Sheena Bhattessa** in the UK and US) is the controller of the **Indian Railway**.
* **Mia** (voiced by **Montserrat Lombard** in the UK and US) is the head of the **Museum of Archeology** in Italy. She is an expert in archeology and is good friends with **Gina**.
* **Dame Bella Canto** (voiced by **Becky Overton** in the UK and US) is a famous Italian opera singer.
* **Ruth** (voiced by **Dominique Moore** in the UK and US) is an inventor who lived in her own Workshop on the **Ffarquhar Branch Line**. She moved from the **United States** to the **Island of Sodor** after the **Technology Fair**, aiding engines of the **North Western Railway** whenever her technical expertise is required.
* **Baz** (voiced by **Bob Golding** in the UK and US) and **Bernie** (voiced by **Rob Rackstraw** in the UK and US) are two criminals from the **Mainland** who visited the **Technology Fair**.

## Episodes, Films & Specials

**Episodes**

**List of Thomas & Friends episodes...**

**Direct-to-video films & specials**

* Thomas And The Magic Railroad
* Calling All Engines!
* The Great Discovery
* Hero Of The Rails
* Misty Island Rescue
* Day Of The Diesels
* Blue Mountain Mystery
* King Of The Railway
* Tale Of The Brave
* The Adventure Begins
* Sodor's Legend Of The Lost Treasure
* The Great Race
* Journey Beyond Sodor
* Big World! Big Adventures!

**Home video history**

Home media releases of **Thomas & Friends...**

* UK Home Video Releases
* US & Canadian Home Video Releases
* Australian Home Video Releases

**Foreign Releases**

* Japanese Home Video Releases
* Korean Home Video Releases
* Malaysian Home Video Releases
* Danish Home Video Releases
* Finnish Home Video Releases
* French Home Video Releases
* German Home Video Releases
* Dutch Home Video Releases
* Welsh Home Video Releases
* Greek Home Video Releases
* Swedish Home Video Releases
* Scandinavian Home Video Releases
* South African Home Video Releases
* Philippine Home Video Releases

## Productions

**Storytelling**

Up until Season 12, narration and dialogue were performed by a single storyteller. Starting from Season 22 up until Season 24, **Thomas the Tank Engine** himself takes over as the narrator and breaks the fourth wall.

**Models**

The original live action models were filmed on an extensive model railway layout built at the studios. The models were built to the 1:32 scale, known in model railway circles as "**Gauge 1**". From Seasons 1-3, the locomotives used chassis made by **Märklin** with specially made bodies. Along with the moving-eye and eyelid mechanisms and resin faces, these bodies also included smoke generators. Coaches and trucks were made using **Tenmille** kits. Later models were constructed entirely from scratch. Some of the models from the sister television series **Tugs** were reused in later episodes of the series.

From Seasons 5-12, some larger-scale models were used for the narrow gauge characters, to more easily fit the complex mechanisms into them while retaining a sufficient level of detail. In Series 6, the characters known as "**The Pack**" (**construction machines**) were also constructed on a large scale, and larger models of **Thomas** and **Percy** were made to interact with them. In the ninth series, another larger Thomas model was built to the same scale as the narrow gauge engines to provide greater possibilities for interaction. It was joined by a large version of James in the tenth series. In 2009, some of these models were put on display in a special exhibit at **Drayton Manor Theme Park's Thomas Land**. **Nitrogen Studios** (who provided the animation for the series from seasons 12-16) also had some of the original models on display.

**Animation Techniques**

The live action models used in 1984 could not lip sync. **HIT's** subsidiary **HOT Animation** introduced the use of CGI in the show about 20 years later, to add smoke and other effects. In 2009, **HIT** introduced a fully CGI-animated series. In Season 12, CGI by **Nitrogen Studios** was used to animate the characters' faces and to make people and animals move. Season 13 was the first to be fully animated with CGI-animation.

**Music**

**Mike O'Donnell** and **Junior Campbell** composed the show's original main title theme, incidental music and songs, which were used for series 1–7 comprising 182 episodes between 1984 and 2003. The instruments for seasons 1–2 was the **Roland Jupiter-6** and instrumentals for seasons 3–7 was the **E-mu Proteus** sound module.

In 2004, **Robert Hartshorne** took **O'Donnell** and Campbell's place as composer, while Ed Welch became the show's songwriter from Series 8 to ***The Great Discovery***, and Welch left after The Great Discovery. **Hartshorne** took his place as songwriter from Season 12 and onwards. From **Day of the Diesels**/2011-2016, Robert's son Peter Hartshorne helped him with the music.

In 2016, the **Hartshorne**s left the series, and **Chris Renshaw** and **Oliver Davis** took their places.

A new opening theme song was introduced in 2018.

**Head Writer**

Since Season 12, there has been a head writer for the series. Prior to the introduction of a head writer, the script editor performed similar duties. Sharon Miller served as head writer from seasons 12–16. She was replaced by **Andrew Brenner**, who had written many "**Thomas**" stories for various magazines as well as his own original stories, several of which were later adapted for television episodes for Season 3 and Season 5, for which he had remained uncredited. **Brenner** had been a writer of several other children's animated series, such as **Angelina Ballerina**, **Tractor Tom**, **Fireman Sam**, **Spot**, **Poppy Cat**, and **Binka**, as well as being the creator of **Caribou Kitchen**, and **Humf** and writer for several magazines featuring children's characters such as **The Real Ghostbusters**, **Fireman Sam**, and Thomas's sister series **Tugs** and has written scripts and took over as head writer for Thomas for **King of the Railway** until the 23rd season. **David Stoten** succeeded him as head writer for the twenty-fourth series. **Sharon Miller** has also been the voice director since the second CGI-animated film **Misty Island Rescue**, and continues to work on the series in this capacity.

**Script Editors**

* **Abi Grant** (Season 6)
* **Jan Page** (Season 7)
* **Abi Grant** and **Paul Larson** (Season 8)
* **Sharon Miller** (Season 9-11)
* **Becky Evans** (Season 16, last few episodes)

**Head Writer**

* **Sharon Miller** (Seasons 12–16)
* **Andrew Brenner** (Seasons 17–23)
* **David Stoten** (Season 24)

## Broadcast

In the United Kingdom, **Thomas & Friends** was originally broadcast on **ITV** until 2006. Since then, the series has been broadcast on **Channel 5's Milkshake!** strand.

In the United States, the series had first appeared only as sequences on **Shining Time Station** during the program's run from 1989 to 1995 on **PBS**. The sequences of the series later aired in 1996 on **Mr. Conductor's Thomas Tales**. The series aired as **Storytime With Thomas** on **Fox Family** (now **Freeform**) from 1999 to 2000. When **Thomas & Friends** returned on several direct-to-video releases during Season 6 from 2002-2003 and as a stand-alone half-hour program on **PBS Kids**, it was first distributed from 2004 to 2007 by **Connecticut Public Television**, and then by **WNET** from 2008 to 2017. It also aired on **Sprout** from 2005 to 2015. The rights to broadcast the series through **PBS** expired in December 2017, thus ending a period of almost 30 years of programming related to **Thomas & Friends** on American public television. In 2018 and 2019, **Nickelodeon** held exclusive rights to the series in the United States. In 2020, the streaming rights were sold to **Netflix**, with traditional television rights (if any) left unresolved. It also airs on **Kabillion**. Seasons 6-11 has also been revived and now currently streaming on **RainPaw** since January 8, 2022.

The program airs in Australia on **ABC Kids** and on the **Four** network in New Zealand. In France, Southeast Asia, Spain and Italy, it airs on **Disney Junior**. In Canada, it formerly aired on **TVOKids**, **Family Jr.** and the **Knowledge Network** as a part of its **Knowledge Kids** block, and currently airs on **Treehouse TV**. In the Middle East, the show airs on **MBC 3** and **Spacetoon**, and in the United Arab Emirates on **e-Junior**.

## Apps

**Mattel** partnered with several companies to create apps based on **Thomas & Friends**, including **Budge Studios** and **Animoca Brands**. In 2010, **Callaway Digital Arts** created apps based on the brand. By mid-2011, 13 Thomas mobile apps were available. **HIT Entertainment** and **Mattel** both released apps under their own names. During the 75th anniversary press release in 2020, Mattel mentioned an intent for more apps.

## Reception

**Common Sense Media** rated the show a four out of five stars, writing, "**Parents can be assured that this series has educational aspects as well as behavioral modelling. The Thomas the Tank Engine stories were conceived by a young British boy early in the 20th century, who would listen to the trains as they chuffed through the countryside. The stories he told his son – who has consequently passed them on to his own son – have been documented in books and toy train models. Since the series was introduced to television viewers in the 1980s, Thomas & Friends has seen a healthy fan base sprout worldwide**."

**Jessica Roake** wrote in **Slate** that the series reflects "**true** '**white man's burden' style British imperialism**", and in regards to **Hatt**, "**One suspects that Sir Topham Hatt spent some time in colonial India**." **Roake** acknowledged that the show since 2003 had more diverse characters. **Jia Tolentino** in **The New Yorker** acknowledged that as a girl she did not "**take in anything that was actually happening**", but after reviewing the show and internet posts about it as an adult, criticized what she saw as the "**show’s repressive, authoritarian soul**."

**University Of Alberta** professor **Shauna Wilton** wrote "**A Very Useful Engine**: **The Politics of Thomas and Friends**". **Wilton** (who justified her study by arguing that socialization of children is an important aspect) wrote that she received "**a combination of outrage, disbelief, and condescending dismissal**" when she announced she was going to study the politicization of the series, although some people gave her thanks. She stated that despite the inclusion of female characters by the 2000s, in the era after major social revolutions in real life the series was "**largely unchanged**" from when it was "**created in a context of rigid social hierarchies, male dominance in the public sphere, and a strong social culture of good behavior, respecting authority, and following the rules**".

## Books

Book releases of **Thomas & Friends...**

**Thomas & Friends Books**

## Games

Game releases of **Thomas & Friends...**

There have been video game and educational **PC-Rom** releases based off the series.

Thomas & Friends Video Games

**Flash Games**

* **Color Me Game!**
* **Racing Engines**
* **Thomas' Track Game**
* **Thomas' Alphabet Game**
* **Know Your Engines**
* **Gold Rush**
* **Count The Cars**
* **Thomas' Ticket Troubles**
* **Cranky At The Quarry**
* **Harold's Balloon Adventure**
* **Find James' Features**
* **Paint Game**
* **Thomas & Friends Word Jumble**
* **Thomas Slider Puzzle**
* **Dot-To-Dot**
* **Coloring In**
* **Paint An Engine**
* **Sodor Race**
* **Memory Match**
* **Railway Journey**
* **Build An Engine**
* **Building Game**
* **Jigsaws**
* **Celebration Game**
* **Decorate Tidmouth Sheds**
* **Thomas At Canyon Action**
* **Remote Control Thomas**
* **Whistle And Peep**
* **Matching Game**
* **Strength Game**
* **Balloon Game**
* **Emotion Game**
* **The Great Discovery**
* **Lift, Load And Haul!**
* **Catch The Kippers**
* **Splish Splash Squelch**
* **Marion's Mystery Dig**
* **Look Out! They're All About**
* **Share And Haul**
* **Sodor Paint Shop**
* **Spot The Difference**
* **Matching Pairs**
* **Design Your Engine**
* **Steam Team Relay**
* **Tangled Rail Tales**
* **Track Repair**
* **Track Builder**
* **Steam Team Snapshots**
* **Engine Repair**
* **Many Moods**

## Albums & Soundtracks

Album releases of **Thomas & Friends...**

* **Thomas' Train Yard Tracks**
* **Thomas The Tank Engine Original Songs 1**
* **Thomas The Tank Engine Original Songs 2**
* **Thomas' Songs & Roundhouse Rhythms**
* **Lullabies**
* **Nursery Rhymes**
* **Happy Birthday, Thomas!**
* **Sodor Summertime**
* **All-Star Tracks**
* **Steam, Rattle & Roll Thomas**
* **The Hero Of The Rails**
* **It's Christmas Time**
* **It's Halloween**
* **My Thomas Audiobook Library**
* **Thomas & His Friends: Part 1**
* **Thomas & His Friends: Part 2**
* **Thomas & His Friends: Part 3**
* **Thomas And The Magic Railroad (Soundtrack)**

**Thomas & Friends Albums & Records**

## Songs

* **Thomas Anthem**
* **Let's Have A Race**
* **Gone Fishing**
* **Toby**
* **Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover**
* **The Island Song**
* **He's A Really Useful Engine**
* **It's Great To Be An Engine**
* **Sir Topham Hatt**
* **Accidents Will Happen**
* **Night Train**
* **Snow Song**
* **Harold, The Helicopter**
* **Donald's Duck**
* **Percy's Seaside Trip**
* **Every Cloud Had A Silver Lining**
* **Come For The Ride**
* **James, The Really Splendid Engine**
* **Little Engines**
* **Down By The Docks**
* **Winter Wonderland**
* **Boo Boo Choo-Choo!**
* **Never, Never, Never Give Up**
* **Five New Engines In The Shed**
* **The Red Balloon**
* **There Was Once An Engine Who Ran Away**
* **Troublesome Trucks**
* **Whistle Song**
* **Sounds**
* **Emily**
* **Surprises**
* **A World Around You**
* **Determination**
* **Patience**
* **Ode To Gordon**
* **Roll Call**
* **Busy**
* **Trying To Do Things Better**
* **The Dream Song**
* **Together**
* **Brave**
* **Day And Night**
* **Party Time**
* **Every Day's A Special Day On Sodor**
* **Buffer Up And Share**
* **Togetherness Song**
* **One Friendly Family**
* **Doing It Right**
* **Favorite Place**
* **H Is For Harold**
* **Navigation**
* **Old And New**
* **What Makes An Engine Happy**
* **Strength**
* **The Narrow Gauge Engines**
* **Thomas And James Are Racing**
* **There's A Job For Everyone**
* **Where, Oh Where Is Thomas**
* **Thomas, You're The Leader**
* **Go, Go Thomas**
* **Roll Along**
* **Roll Call Song**
* **Misty Island Rescue**
* **All You Need Are Friends**
* **Sir Topham Hatt's Song**
* **Day Of The Diesels**
* **Hear The Engines Coming**
* **Thomas & Percy Song**
* **Working Together**
* **Blue Mountain Mystery Song**
* **Working Together Again**
* **Searching Everywhere**
* **It's Gonna Be A Great Day**
* **Hey, Hey Thomas!**
* **On A Journey Today**
* **Monsters Everywhere**
* **Our Tale Of The Brave**
* **Let's Be Brave**
* **It's Christmas Time**
* **Best Friends Express**
* **Really Useful Engine (2015)**
* **Troublesome Trucks (The Adventure Begins)**
* **There's Snow Place Like Home**
* **Let's Go!**
* **You're The Leader**
* **Race With You**
* **Spring Is Here!**
* **Never Overlook A Little Engine**
* **We Make A Team Together!**
* **Glynn's Christmas Wish**
* **It's Halloween**
* **Will You, Won't You**
* **Streamlining Song**
* **Full Of Surprises**
* **Somebody Has To The Favorite**
* **Who's Thomas?**
* **The Hottest Place In Town**
* **I Want To Go Home**
* **We Can't Do Anything**
* **The Most Important Thing Is Being Friends**
* **Set Friendship In Motion**
* **Wake Up**
* **Free And Easy!**
* **All The Girls Around The World**
* **Let's Dream!**
* **Lorenzo's Song**
* **The Sodor Construction Crew**
* **Don't Stop**
* **Party Train**
* **How Does It Work?**
* **Fall Is So Much Fun**
* **The Little Engine Who Believed**
* **New Year's Day With Thomas**
* **Six Small Wheels**
* **The Shooting Star Is Coming Through**
* **Be Who You Are And Go Far**
* **The Steam Team!**
* **Rainbow Engines!**
* **Where In The World Is Thomas?**
* **Rules And Regulations**
* **That's What Friends Are For**
* **The Sound Song**
* **I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside**

## Gallery

Thomas & Friends - TV PosterThomas The Tank Engines & Friends - LogoThomas & Friends - Logo