The Great Race

The Great Race is the 2016 special.

Description
Thomas wants to go to the Great Railway Show, but the big engines only laugh at him. They say he's not strong or big enough to compete from the best around the world, but Thomas is determined to find a way. First, he tries to get himself streamlined, but the Fat Controller decides that it would better be suited for Gordon. Then, he tries to get himself repainted like a brightly coloured engine named Ashima, from India. His plans go horribly wrong. Thomas learns how to be himself when he finally discovers a way to compete. Thomas nearly gets to the show when Diesel threatens his chance once again.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Henry
 * Gordon
 * James
 * Percy
 * Flying Scotsman
 * Diesel
 * Dart
 * Den
 * Philip
 * Harold
 * Sir Topham Hatt

Characters Introduced

 * Ashima
 * Vinnie
 * Frieda
 * Gina
 * Ivan
 * Raul
 * Yong Bao
 * Axel
 * Carlos

The rest of the Steam Team, Donald and Douglas, Oliver, Spencer and Gator are also likely to appear. Three other international engines will also appear.

UK and AUS

 * Mark Moraghan as the Narrator
 * John Hasler as Thomas
 * Keith Wickham as Henry, Gordon, Den, Harold and Sir Topham Hatt
 * Nigel Pilkington as Percy
 * Kerry Shale as Diesel
 * Steven Kynman as Dart
 * Rasmus Hardiker as Philip
 * Joe Mills

US

 * Mark Moraghan as the Narrator
 * Joseph May as Thomas
 * Kerry Shale as Henry, Gordon, Diesel and Harold
 * Christopher Ragland as Percy
 * Keith Wickham as Den and Sir Topham Hatt
 * Steven Kynman as Dart
 * Rasmus Hardiker as Philip
 * Joe Mills

Locations

 * Vicarstown
 * Vicarstown Bridge

Bonus Features

 * Four new songs

Trivia

 * This special will introduce the most new characters to date, at a total of twelve.
 * This special will be released in the same year Flying Scotsman returned to service in real-life.
 * This special marks the first of a few things:
 * The first full appearance of Flying Scotsman in the television series, and his first appearance since the third season.
 * The first appearance of Vicarstown station in the television series.

Merchandise
{{Scroll box|

Wooden Railway

 * Ashima
 * Gina
 * Vinnie
 * Frieda
 * Vicarstown Station
 * Race Day Relay set
 * Diesels in Disguise Pack

Take-n-Play

 * Ashima
 * Ivan
 * Raul
 * Racing Vinnie
 * Shooting Star Gordon
 * Streamlined Thomas

TrackMaster

 * Thomas' Sky High Bridge Jump Playset
 * Thomas and Percy's Railway Race set
 * Flying Scotsman
 * Shooting Star Gordon
 * Trophy Thomas}}