The cancelled 2009 special was an outline written by Simon Spencer prior to his leave when the series transitioned to full computer-generated animation. The special was planned to be the next special after The Great Discovery, but it ultimately went unused and its place was taken by Hero of the Rails.[1]
Plot[]
Thomas is accidentally put on a ship bound for the Mainland at Brendam Docks. While trying to find his way home again, he meets a foreign engine who helps to guide him back to Sodor.[2]
Characters[]
The rest of the original Steam Team and Sir Topham Hatt would have likely also appeared.
Characters Introduced[]
The special would have introduced at least one new engine from the Mainland.
Locations[]
Trivia[]
- According to Simon Spencer, the Mainland in the special was envisioned as being a non-specific country inspired by various Asian cultures, rather than the United Kingdom as it is depicted as in the rest of the series. Accordingly, the new engine who helps Thomas find his way back to Sodor was also intended to be based on an Asian locomotive.[3]
- Elements of this special may have later inspired Misty Island Rescue, in which Thomas is put on a ship for the Mainland, but accidentally ends up on Misty Island instead. The Asian locomotive may also have later been the inspiration for Hiro in Hero of the Rails.
References[]
- ↑ @ThomasTheorist on Twitter
- ↑ @ThomasTheorist on Twitter
- ↑ @ThomasTheorist on Twitter
