The Circus Train is a train made up of colourful rolling stock, which is used by the circus when it comes to Sodor.
History
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Series 4 "Topham Circus" logo (Bandai)
When the circus first visited Sodor, special "Topham Circus" trucks were delivered by ship. The Fat Controller arranged for the engines to shunt the special trucks; this cheered up Henry, Gordon and James who were originally in a bad mood. The engines soon forgot to be tired and cross, until, much to the dismay of Gordon and Henry, James was chosen to pull the Circus Train away.
At some stage during transit, an elephant managed to escape the Circus Train and hid in Henry's Tunnel. Henry was sent to deal with it along with some workmen. Eventually, after the elephant left the tunnel, its keeper was able to take it away.[1]
Series 8 "Circus" logo
When the circus visited Sodor for a second time, the Fat Controller gave Thomas the job of taking the Circus Train with Annie and Clarabel carrying the performers. Thomas was told to share the load due to its weight; Thomas, however, wanted all the glory, so he tried to pull the circus train alone. Eventually, his side rods broke from the strain of pulling the heavy train and he was forced to stop. Fortunately, James and Percy came to his rescue, and the three were able to pull the train together.[2]
7-Plank Trucks
Two 7-Plank Trucks were used as part of the Circus Train when it first visited Sodor.
Technical Details
Basis
These trucks are based on 7-plank trucks.
Livery
These trucks are painted white with red patterns around their edges. The word "CIRCUS" is written in red on a large yellow banner painted along each of their sides.
Appearances
Trivia
- After production of the fourth series, all these trucks were repainted back into regular trucks, most carrying reddish-brown liveries.
- Some 7-plank trucks painted in the same livery as the LNER 12 Ton Vans from the eighth series, are featured on the Lady's Carousel ride at Drayton Manor Resort.
Merchandise
- Thomas Engine Collection Series (discontinued)
- Nakayoshi (discontinued)
- Motor Road and Rail (discontinued)
LNER 12 Ton Vans
Several LNER 12 Ton Vans were used as part of the Circus Train during both its first and second visits to Sodor. During its first, three were used, with a fourth van being added for the second visit.
Technical Details
Basis
These vans are based on LNER diagram 102 12 ton ventilated vans.
Liveries
In the fourth series, these vans are painted white with red patterns around their edges. They have brown ends and dark grey roofs. The words "TOPHAM CIRCUS" are written in red on large yellow banners painted along each of their sides.
In the eighth series, the vans are painted in four different liveries. Each has either a red or dark blue body, with the sides of their deck being in the opposing colour. They have yellow trapezium-shaped sections on each side, with white diagonal lines either side containing red, yellow and blue stars. The roofs, wheel rims and buffer holds of each van are painted white. All four carry the circus logo on their sides.
Appearances
Books
- 2005 - Thomas Goods Encyclopedia
- 2009 - Thomas and the Circus and Thomas and the Circus (Chinese book)
- 2010 - 10 Books Special Collection
Trivia
- After production of the fourth series, these vans were repainted back into regular vans, most carrying reddish-brown liveries.
- The vans from the eighth series circus train were later reused for the Funfair Train, albeit with the logos removed.
- The vans from the eighth series circus train were on display at the Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition for a brief time in 2009, but were later returned to storage. As of 2020, they have been put back on display.
- In the TrackMaster and Capsule Plarail merchandise ranges, they share the same tooling as the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Vans.
- In the Toybox range, they are based on the LBSC Railway 8 Ton Vans.
Merchandise
- Thomas Engine Collection Series (discontinued)
- Nakayoshi (discontinued)
- Hornby (discontinued)
- TrackMaster (discontinued)
- Capsule Plarail (discontinued)
- Toybox (discontinued)
- Bachmann (sold as "Funfair Vans"; blue and red)
Salt Vans
Two Salt Vans were used as part of the Circus Train when it first visited Sodor.
Technical Details
Basis
The salt vans are based on 10 ton salt vans.
Livery
The salt vans are painted white with red patterns around their edges. One has brown ends, while the other has cream ends; both have dark grey roofs. The words "TOPHAM CIRCUS" are written in red on large yellow banners painted along each of their sides.
Appearances
Trivia
- After production of the fourth series, these vans were repainted back into regular salt wagons.
GWR Cattle Trucks
Two GWR Cattle Trucks were used as part of the Circus Train when it first visited Sodor.
Technical Details
Basis
The cattle trucks are based on GWR MEX B Diagram W8 cattle wagons.
Livery
These cattle trucks are painted white with red stripes along each side. They have brown ends and black roofs.
Appearances
Trivia
- After production of the fourth series, these trucks were repainted back into regular cattle trucks.
- In the Capsule Plarail merchandise range, they share the same tooling as the mainstream Capsule Plarail JNR 3000 series livestock wagon.
Merchandise
- Hornby (discontinued)
- Capsule Plarail (discontinued)
TVR Macaw G Flatbeds
Several TVR Macaw G Flatbedswere used as part of the Circus Train during both its first and second visits to Sodor. During its first, only one was used, with two more being added for the second visit.
Technical Details
Basis
The flatbeds are based on the Taff Vale Railway Macaw G.
Livery
In the fourth series, the flatbed was painted white with black bracing.
In the eighth series, the flatbeds were painted yellow with red bufferbeams and solebars.
Appearances
Thomas & Friends
Specials
Music Videos
|
Books
Magazine Stories
|
Trivia
- The flatbed from the fourth series retained its circus colours after this series, unlike most other circus rolling stock.
- The flatbed from the eighth series circus train was later reused for the Funfair Train.
- The flatbed from the eighth series circus train was on display at the Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition for a brief time in 2009, but was later returned to storage. As of 2020, it has been put back on display.
Merchandise
- Hornby (discontinued)
Utility Van
A Utility Van was used as part of the Circus Train when it first visited Sodor.
Technical Details
Basis
The utility van is based on a Southern Railway Diagram 3101 Covered Carriage Truck (CCT) with added bogies.
Livery
This van is painted white with red stripes along each side. It has brown ends and a black roof. The words "TOPHAM CIRCUS" are written in red on large yellow banners painted along each of its sides.
Appearances
Trivia
- At some stage between the fourth and sixth series, the Topham Circus banners were removed from the van, however - unlike most other circus rolling stock - it retained its circus colours.
- The van was recreated by Nitrogen Studios in the CGI Series and appeared between fourteenth to sixteenth series.
- In the Hornby merchandise range, it shares the same tooling as the Works Unit Van. In the Bachmann merchandise range, they share the same tooling as the Mail Vans.
Merchandise
- Hornby (discontinued)
- Bachmann (discontinued; sold as "Live Lobsters Car")
- TrackMaster (discontinued; sold as "Ice Cream Vans")
Horse Box Wagons
Three Horse Box Wagons were used as part of the Circus Train during its second visit to Sodor.
Technical Details
Basis
The horse boxes are a freelance design and are not known to be based on any specific type of wagon. Although, their design appears to be heavily influenced by the GWR cattle wagons. The chassis is recycled from a 1-Plank Truck.
Livery
The horse boxes are painted red and yellow with white bracing and grey roofs. They have yellow stars on each door with a red outline.
Appearances
Thomas & Friends
Music Videos
- Series 8 - A World Around You
- Series 9 - Party Time and Buffer Up and Share
Books
- 2008 - Thomas, Percy and the Funfair
- 2009 - Thomas and the Circus and Thomas and the Circus (Chinese book)
- 2010 - 10 Books Special Collection and Movie Theater
- 2015 - Thomas Goods Encyclopedia
Trivia
- These trucks were later reused for the Funfair Train.
- These trucks were on display at the Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition for a brief time in 2009, but were later returned to storage. As of 2020, they have been put back on display.
- In the Motor Road and Rail and Capsule Plarail merchandise ranges, they share the same tooling as the JNR 3000 series vans.
- In the Hornby merchandise range, they are based on the LMS Cattle Wagons.
Merchandise
- Hornby (discontinued)
- Motor Road and Rail (discontinued)
- Capsule Plarail (discontinued)
1-Plank Trucks
Twelve 1-Plank Trucks with containers were used as part of the Circus Train during its second visit to Sodor.
Technical Details
Basis
The 1-plank trucks are based on real 1-plank open wagons. While, the containers are based on those used on the BR Conflats.
Liveries
The 1-plank wagons came in three different liveries: brown (3), red (7) and yellow (2), each with black bracing. Each container is painted in a different colour scheme, though all twelve carry the circus logo on their sides.
Appearances
Thomas & Friends
Music Videos
- Series 8 - A World Around You
- Series 9 - Party Time, Pride and Buffer Up and Share
Books
Trivia
- These trucks were later reused for the Funfair Train, albeit with the logos removed.
- These trucks were on display at the Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition for a brief time in 2009, but were later returned to storage. As of 2020, they have been put back on display.
- In the Hornby merchandise range, the containers are moulded onto the 1-plank trucks as one piece.
Merchandise
- Hornby (discontinued)
Other Rolling Stock
Several other pieces of rolling stock are also used by the circus. These have appeared in the books, live stage shows, theme parks and merchandise ranges.
Technical Details
Basis
These are a freelance design, based on no particular type of rolling stock.
Liveries
In the 1990 book adaptation of Henry and the Elephant, the circus rolling stock is painted yellow with light grey roofs (for the vans and coaches) and red wheels. Each piece of rolling stock has red lining on their sides with the word "CIRCUS" painted in the middle in light blue.
In the Step into Reading adaptation of Henry and the Elephant, the circus rolling stock is painted yellow with red bufferbeams, solebars and wheels. The open wagon has the word "CIRCUS" written on its sides in red inside of a white panel with red outlines. The coaches, meanwhile, have the words "MILLER CIRCUS" written on their sides in red.
Appearances
Books
- 1988 - James Pulls the Circus Train
- 1990 - Henry and the Elephant
- 2003 - A Magnetic Complete-the-Picture Book
- 2007 - Henry and the Elephant (Step into Reading)
- 2010 - Railway Adventures
- 2015 - Thomas Goods Encyclopedia
Official Description
From Official Media:[1]
| “ | Circus Train: This colorful train consists of three cars and four animals including a zebra, elephant, lion, and circus bear. | ” |
Trivia
- The "Miller Circus" coaches are likely a nod to writer Sharon Miller, who later became head writer in the year following the book's publication.
- Two circus-liveried cabooses are featured on the Lady's carousel ride at Drayton Manor Resort.
Merchandise
- Wooden Railway (discontinued)
- Take Along (discontinued)
- Take-n-Play (discontinued)
- Motor Road and Rail (discontinued)
- TrackMaster (discontinued)
- Capsule Plarail (discontinued)
References
- ↑ T&F S4 #19 "Henry and the Elephant"
- ↑ T&F S8 #16 "Thomas and the Circus"