Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia
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(Not sure why I didn't add this a year ago when I found out about it, but eh, better late than never I guess...)
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{{Tab|tab1=Main Page|tab2=Gallery}}[[File:Hornbylogo.jpg|thumb]]
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{{Infobox merchandise
'''Hornby Railways''' launched its official ''[[Thomas & Friends]]'' range in 1985, shortly after the debut of the television series. It primarily utilises modified versions of existing Hornby engines to produce replicas of Thomas characters, as well as existing rolling stock and accessories. In the early 1980s, there was a range of unofficial models released in the Playtrains range whereby the engines were Ex-Nellie/Polly locomotives on push-along chassis. The engines created were Thomas, James, Percy and Gordon, all with their original colour schemes but red wheels for most. Two other locomotives called Dixie and Pixie were released alongside, but only Dixie had blue wheels. More info can be found on [http://daveangell.co.uk/index.php?pg=Nellie Dave Angell's website]. In 2014, the range was discontinued, with Hornby releasing a statement saying that it was "under review". In 2015, Hornby reintroduced the Thomas line with selected models, rolling stock and sets released in December 2015 and into 2016. The reintroduced models retain their original faces; Edward, Gordon and James received improved tender driven motors and Henry was upgraded with a loco driven chassis, which allows for being equipped for Digital Command Control (DCC) via a standard 8-pin socket.
 
  +
|title1=Hornby Railways
  +
|image1=File:Hornbylogo.jpg
  +
|manufacturer=Hornby Hobbies Limited
  +
|main_material=Plastic
  +
|released=
  +
* 1985 {{Note|old range}}
  +
* 2015 {{Note|new range}}
  +
|discontinued=
  +
* 2014 {{Note|old range}}
  +
* 2018 {{Note|new range}}
  +
}}
  +
'''Hornby Railways''' launched its official ''[[Thomas & Friends]]'' range in 1985, shortly after the debut of the television series. It primarily utilises modified versions of existing Hornby engines to produce replicas of Thomas characters, as well as existing rolling stock and accessories. In the early 1980s, there was a range of unofficial models released in the Playtrains range whereby the engines were Ex-Nellie/Polly locomotives on push-along chassis. The engines created were Thomas, James, Percy and Gordon, all with their original colour schemes but red wheels for most. Two other locomotives called Dixie and Pixie were released alongside, but only Dixie had blue wheels. More info can be found on [http://daveangell.co.uk/index.php?pg=Nellie Dave Angell's website].
  +
In 2014, the range was discontinued, with Hornby releasing a statement saying that it was "under review". In 2015, Hornby reintroduced the Thomas line with selected models, rolling stock and sets released in December 2015 and into 2016. The reintroduced models retain their original faces; Edward, Gordon and James received improved tender driven motors and Henry was upgraded with a loco driven chassis, which allows for being equipped for Digital Command Control (DCC) via a standard 8-pin socket.
   
 
Parts from Hornby's 00 gauge models were used to make the engines and rolling stock for the 1953 television adaptation of [[The Sad Story of Henry (1953)|The Sad Story of Henry]].
 
Parts from Hornby's 00 gauge models were used to make the engines and rolling stock for the 1953 television adaptation of [[The Sad Story of Henry (1953)|The Sad Story of Henry]].
   
Hornby produced a series of 00 gauge model railway engines, track, accessories and box sets based on ''Thomas & Friends''. The track and couplers were Hornby's standard; therefore, the range was compatible with other Hornby products.
+
Hornby produced a series of 00 gauge model railway engines, track, accessories and box sets based on ''Thomas & Friends''. The track and couplers were Hornby's standard; therefore, the range was compatible with other Hornby products.
   
The ''Thomas & Friends'' range was retired at the end of 2018 due to "changing trends and toy safety age restrictions".
+
The ''Thomas & Friends'' range was retired at the end of 2018 due to "changing trends and toy safety age restrictions." As of 2019, [[Bachmann]] secured the rights to distribute their HO/OO scale products in the UK and Ireland with further availability stated to expand in 2020.
   
==Locomotives, Rolling Stock, Buildings and Accessories==
+
==Locomotives==
  +
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
  +
|-
  +
! scope="col"|'''Model'''
  +
! scope="col" style="text-align: center;"|'''Original Release Year'''
  +
! scope="col" style="text-align: center;"|Item Number
  +
! scope="col"|Notes
  +
|-
  +
|[[Thomas]] the Tank Engine
  +
|1980 (Early Playtrains Push-Along); 1985 (official)
  +
|
  +
|Made using a London, Brighton and South Coast Railway E2 tank engine model with added splashers and a modified cab; reissued in 2015
  +
|-
  +
|[[Percy]] the Saddle Tank Engine
  +
|1980 (Early Playtrains Push-Along); 1985 (official)
  +
|
  +
|Made from a brand new moulding utilising the standard Hornby 0-4-0 chassis; reissued in 2015
  +
|-
  +
|[[Gordon]] the Big Blue Engine
  +
|1980 (Early Playtrains Push Along); 1986 (official)
  +
|
  +
|Made using the Tri-ang LNER A1 class tooling with a modified cab and six-wheeled tender; reissued in 1995 and 2016.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Duck]]
  +
|1986
  +
|
  +
|Made using the old Tri-ang GWR 57xx class tooling with a modified cab; reissued in 1995.
  +
|-
  +
|[[James]] the Red Engine
  +
|1980 (Early Playtrains Push Along) 1988 (official)
  +
|
  +
|Made using a Tri-ang LMS 3F class tooling with altered moulding around the smokebox and extended frames and an added pony truck; reissued in 2016
  +
|-
  +
|[[Diesel|Devious Diesel]]
  +
|1987
  +
|
  +
|Made using the Tri-ang 0-6-0 class 08 diesel shunter mould; reissued in 2002
  +
|-
  +
|[[Toby]] the Tram
  +
|2001
  +
|
  +
|Made from a brand new moulding utilising a custom Hornby 0-4-0/0-6-0 chassis
  +
|-
  +
|[[Bill and Ben]]
  +
|2001
  +
|
  +
|Made from a brand new moulding utilising a custom Hornby 0-4-0/0-6-0 chassis; both released separately
  +
|-
  +
|[[Henry]] the Green Engine
  +
|2002
  +
|
  +
|Made using Hornby's old LMS Stanier 5MT tooling; reissued in 2016
  +
|-
  +
|[[Edward]]
  +
|2006
  +
|
  +
|Made using a repainted LNER D49 class model with a taller funnel and without the external cylinders and valve gear; reissued in 2016
  +
|-
  +
|[['Arry and Bert]]
  +
|2003
  +
|
  +
|Made using the Tri-ang 0-6-0 class 08 diesel shunter mould; both released separately
  +
|-
  +
|[[Class 40]]
  +
|2003
  +
|
  +
|Made with Hornby's BR Class 37 tooling
  +
|-
  +
|[[Oliver]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|Made using a repainted GWR 14xx class tooling
  +
|-
  +
|[[Stepney]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|Made using a London, Brighton and South Coast Railway A1X class tooling; reissued in 2012 for a limited time
  +
|-
  +
|[[Bear|D7101]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|Made using a BR class 35 tooling
  +
|-
  +
|[[Flying Scotsman]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|Made using an LNER A1/A3 class tooling
  +
|-
  +
|[[Emily]]
  +
|2007
  +
|
  +
|Made using a repainted GWR Dean Achilles class model; was supposed to be released in 2006, but her release was delayed
  +
|-
  +
|[[Spencer]]
  +
|2008
  +
|
  +
|Made using a repainted LNER A4 class model; reissued in 2012 for limited production
  +
|-
  +
|[[Dart]]
  +
|2011
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[Murdoch]]
  +
|2011
  +
|
  +
|Made using a repainted BR 9F class model
  +
|}
   
=== 1980 ===
+
==Rolling Stock==
  +
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
* Early Playtrains Push-Along Thomas - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* Early Playtrains Push-Along James - (''retired'')
 
  +
! scope="col"|'''Model'''
* Early Playtrains Push-Along Percy - (''retired'')
 
  +
! scope="col" style="text-align: center;"|'''Original Release Year'''
* Early Playtrains Push-Along Gordon - (''retired'')
 
  +
! scope="col" style="text-align: center;"|Item Number
  +
! scope="col"|Notes
  +
|-
  +
|[[Annie and Clarabel]]
  +
|1985
  +
|
  +
|Produced using Hornby's standard four-wheeled coaches; reissued in 2015
  +
|-
  +
|[[Animal Wagons|Cattle Wagon]]
  +
|1985
  +
|
  +
|Made using the Tri-ang moulding; only available in the Percy Set until 1986; reissued in 2005
  +
|-
  +
|[[Tankers#Milk Tankers|Milk Tanker]]
  +
|1985
  +
|
  +
|Made using a standard four-wheeled tanker
  +
|-
  +
|Open Wagon
  +
|1985
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Closed Van
  +
|1985
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[Brake Vans|Brake Van]]
  +
|1985
  +
|
  +
|Made using a BR standard brake van
  +
|-
  +
|[[Express Coaches#Green Express Coaches|Gordon's Express Coaches]]
  +
|1986
  +
|
  +
|Made using the GWR Composite and Brake Coaches in a green and cream livery
  +
|-
  +
|[[Express Coaches#Red Express Coaches|James' Express Coaches]]
  +
|1988
  +
|
  +
|Made using the GWR Composite and Brake Coaches in a red and cream livery; reissued in 2001 and 2015
  +
|-
  +
|[[Tankers#Tar Tankers|Tar Tanker]]
  +
|1989
  +
|
  +
|Reissued in 1998
  +
|-
  +
|[[The Breakdown Train|Breakdown Crane]]
  +
|1989
  +
|
  +
|Reissued in 2005 and 2011
  +
|-
  +
|[[Tankers#Fuel Tankers|Sodor Fuel Tanker]]
  +
|2002
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[Troublesome Trucks]]
  +
|2002
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Sodor Scrap Co. Wagon
  +
|2002
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[S.C. Ruffey]]
  +
|2003
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[Toad]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[Old Slow Coach]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[Tankers#Raspberry Syrup Tankers|Raspberry Syrup Tanker]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[Vans|Ice Cream Wagon]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[Tankers#Cream Tankers|Cream Tanker]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[The Circus Train|9 Circus Vans]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[The Circus Train|Circus Cattle Wagon]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[The Circus Train|Circus Flatbeds]]
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|Both released separately
  +
|-
  +
|[[Tankers#Oil Tankers|Weathered Oil Tanker]]
  +
|2006
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Red Open Wagon
  +
|2006
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Light Blue Open Wagon
  +
|2006
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[Mail Vans|Sodor Mail Coach]]
  +
|2006
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[Vans#Utility Vans|Cream Utility Wagon]]
  +
|2006
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Light Grey Vent Van
  +
|2006
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Red Oxide Vent Van
  +
|2006
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|[[Vans|Lime Wagon]]
  +
|2011
  +
|
  +
|Both Grey and Brown versions available
  +
|-
  +
|[[The Breakdown Train|Works Unit Van]]
  +
|2011
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Sodor Mail Operating Coach
  +
|2011
  +
|
  +
|Eight wheel version only available in the Percy & The Mail Train Set
  +
|-
  +
|[[Express Coaches#Special Express Coaches|Spencer's Coaches]]
  +
|2012
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Tanker Wagon Pack
  +
|2012
  +
|
  +
|Features an Oil Tanker, Milk Tanker and a Fuel Tanker; reissued as the Tanker Triple Pack in 2015
  +
|-
  +
|Open Wagon Pack
  +
|2012
  +
|
  +
|Features a Brake Van, Sodor Scrap Truck and S.C.Ruffey; reintroduced as the Wagon Triple A Pack
  +
|-
  +
|Closed Van Wagon Pack
  +
|2012
  +
|
  +
|Features a Cattle Truck, Light Grey Vent Van and Red Oxide Vent Van; reintroduced as the Wagon Triple B Pack
  +
|}
   
===1985===
+
==Accessories==
  +
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
* [[Thomas]] the Tank Engine - made using a London, Brighton and South Coast Railway E2 tank engine model with added splashers and a modified cab - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* [[Percy]] the Saddle Tank Engine - a brand new moulding utilising the standard Hornby 0-4-0 chassis - (''retired'')
 
  +
! scope="col"|'''Model'''
* [[Annie and Clarabel|Annie]] - produced using Hornby's standard four-wheeled coaches - (''retired'')
 
  +
! scope="col" style="text-align: center;"|'''Original Release Year'''
* [[Annie and Clarabel|Clarabel]] - produced using Hornby's standard four-wheeled coaches - (''retired'')
 
  +
! scope="col" style="text-align: center;"|Item Number
* [[Animal Wagons|Cattle Wagon]] - made using the Tri-ang moulding - only available in the Percy Set until 1986 - (''retired'')
 
  +
! scope="col"|Notes
* [[Tankers#Milk Tankers|Milk Tanker]] - made using a standard four-wheeled tanker - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* Open Wagon - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Station and platform
* Closed Van - (''retired'')
 
  +
|1985
* [[Brake Vans|Brake Van]] - made using a BR standard brake van - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Station and platform - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
* [[Water Towers|Water tower]] and crane - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* [[Signals]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|[[Water Towers|Water tower]] and crane
* [[Signal Boxes|Signal Box]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|1985
* Platform with canopy - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Footbridge - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
* Tunnel - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* Engine shed - (''retired'')
 
  +
|[[Signals]]
* Goods shed - (''retired'')
 
  +
|1985
 
  +
|
===1986===
 
  +
|
* [[Gordon]] the Big Blue Engine - made using the Tri-ang LNER A1 class tooling with a modified cab and six-wheeled tender - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* [[Duck]] - made using the old Tri-ang GWR 57xx class tooling with a modified cab - (''retired'')
 
  +
|[[Signal Boxes|Signal Box]]
* [[Express Coaches#Green Express Coaches|Gordon's Composite Coach]] - made using the GWR Composite Coach in a green and cream livery - (''retired'')
 
  +
|1985
* [[Express Coaches#Green Express Coaches|Gordon's Brake Coach]] - made using the GWR Brake Coach in a green and cream livery - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[Sir Topham Hatt|The Fat Controller]], [[Drivers|Driver]] and [[Firemen|Fireman]] - (''cancelled'')
 
  +
|Reissued in 2005 and 2006; intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
 
  +
|-
===1987===
 
  +
|Platform with canopy
* [[Diesel|Devious Diesel]] - made using the Tri-ang 0-6-0 class 08 diesel shunter mould - (''retired'')
 
  +
|1985
 
  +
|
===1988===
 
  +
|Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
* [[James]] the Red Engine - made using a Tri-ang LMS 3F class tooling with altered moulding around the smokebox and extended frames and an added pony truck - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* [[Express Coaches#Red Express Coaches|James' Composite Coach]] - made using the GWR Composite Coach in a red and cream livery - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Footbridge
* [[Express Coaches#Red Express Coaches|James' Brake Coach]] - made using the GWR Brake Coach in a red and cream livery - (''retired'')
 
  +
|1985
 
  +
|
===1989===
 
  +
|Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
* [[Tankers#Tar Tankers|Tar Tanker]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* [[The Breakdown Train|Breakdown Crane]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Tunnel
 
  +
|1985
Sometime between 1990 and 1994, Gordon, Duck, Diesel, the breakdown crane, the closed van, the cattle wagon, the tar tanker and James' coaches were quietly retired from the range for unknown reasons.
 
  +
|
 
  +
|Reissued in 2005
===1995===
 
  +
|-
* Gordon the Big Blue Engine - (''reintroduction; retired'')
 
  +
|Engine shed
* Duck - (''reintroduction; retired'')
 
  +
|1985
 
  +
|
===1998===
 
  +
|Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
* Tar Tanker - (''reintroduction; retired'')
 
  +
|-
 
  +
|Goods shed
===2001===
 
  +
|1985
* [[Toby]] the Tram - a brand new moulding utilising a custom Hornby 0-4-0/0-6-0 chassis - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[Bill and Ben|Bill]] - a brand new moulding utilising a custom Hornby 0-4-0/0-6-0 chassis - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
* [[Bill and Ben|Ben]] - a brand new moulding utilising a custom Hornby 0-4-0/0-6-0 chassis - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* James' Composite Coach - (''reintroduction; retired'')
 
  +
|[[Sir Topham Hatt|The Fat Controller]], [[Drivers|Driver]] and [[Firemen|Fireman]]
* James' Brake Coach - (''reintroduction; retired'')
 
  +
|1986
 
  +
|
===2002===
 
  +
|Cancelled before release
* [[Henry]] the Green Engine - made using Hornby's old LMS Stanier 5MT tooling - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* Devious Diesel - (''reintroduction; retired'')
 
  +
|Country Station
* [[Tankers#Fuel Tankers|Sodor Fuel Tanker]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|2002
* [[Troublesome Trucks|Troublesome Truck]] 1 - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Troublesome Truck 2 - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Sodor Scrap Co. Wagon - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* Country Station - (''retired'')
 
* Water Tower and Signal Box pack - (''retired'')
+
|Water Tower and Signal Box pack
  +
|2002
* Radio-Controlled Sound System - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
 
  +
|
===2003===
 
  +
|-
* [['Arry and Bert|'Arry]] - made using the Tri-ang 0-6-0 class 08 diesel shunter mould - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Radio-Controlled Sound System
* [['Arry and Bert|Bert]] - made using the Tri-ang 0-6-0 class 08 diesel shunter mould - (''retired'')
 
  +
|2002
* [[Class 40]] - made with Hornby's BR class 37 tooling - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[S.C. Ruffey]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
 
  +
|-
===2005===
 
  +
|[[Bertie]] the Bus
The range got a huge revamp because of the 60th anniversary of the [[The Railway Series|Railway Series]], so characters from the Railway Series were introduced and other items were based on the [[Series 8|eighth series]].
 
  +
|2005
 
  +
|
* [[Oliver]] - made using a repainted GWR 14xx class tooling - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Reintroduced from the Thomas and Bertie Set
* [[Stepney]] - made using a London, Brighton and South Coast Railway A1X class tooling - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* [[Bear|D7101]] - made using a BR class 35 tooling - (''retired'')
 
  +
|[[Maithwaite|Maithwaite Station]]
* [[Flying Scotsman]] - made using an LNER A1/A3 class tooling - (''retired'')
 
  +
|2005
* [[Bertie]] the Bus - (''reintroduced from the Thomas and Bertie Set; retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[Toad]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[Old Slow Coach]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* Brake Van - Grey - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Water Tower
* Cattle Wagon - (''reintroduction; retired'')
 
  +
|2005
* [[Tankers#Raspberry Syrup Tankers|Raspberry Syrup Tanker]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[Vans|Ice Cream Wagon]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[Tankers#Cream Tankers|Cream Tanker]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* [[The Circus Train|9 Circus Vans]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Double Engine Shed
* [[The Circus Train|Circus Cattle Wagon]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|2005
* [[The Circus Train|Circus Flatbed]] No. 1 - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Circus Flatbed No. 2 - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Breakdown Crane - (''reintroduction; relabelled as "Large Breakdown Crane"; retired'')
 
  +
|-
* [[Maithwaite|Maithwaite Station]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Goods Yard Crane
* Water Tower - (''retired'')
 
  +
|2005
* Signal Box - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Double Engine Shed - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Tunnel - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* Goods Yard Crane - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Three circus tents and three circus stalls
 
===2006===
+
|2006
  +
|
* [[Edward]] - made using a repainted LNER D49 class model with a taller funnel and without the external cylinders and valve gear - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[Tankers#Oil Tankers|Weathered Oil Tanker]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* Red Open Wagon - (''retired'')
 
  +
|[[Dryaw|Dryaw Station]]
* Light Blue Open Wagon - (''retired'')
 
  +
|2006
* [[Mail Vans|Sodor Mail Coach]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[Vans#Utility Vans|Cream Utility Wagon]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Light Grey Vent Van - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* Red Oxide Vent Van - (''retired; still available in the 2011 and the 2015 Percy & The Mail Train Sets'')
 
  +
|[[The Windmill#Tower Mill|Windmill]]
* Three circus tents and three circus stalls - (''retired'')
 
  +
|2006
* [[Dryaw|Dryaw Station]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[The Windmill#Tower Mill|Windmill]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Signal Box - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
 
  +
|[[Great Waterton]] Station
===2007===
 
  +
|2008
* [[Emily]] - made using a repainted GWR Dean Achilles class model - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
 
  +
|
Emily was supposed to be released in 2006, but her release was delayed until 29 January 2007.
 
  +
|-
 
  +
|Stanley's Shed
===2008===
 
  +
|2008
* [[Spencer]] - made using a repainted LNER A4 class model - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[Great Waterton]] Station - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Stanley's Shed - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* Waterton Butchers - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Waterton Butchers
* Blacksmiths - (''retired'')
 
  +
|2008
* Post Office - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Ben's Books - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Ed's Garage - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* Great Waterton Station Platform - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Blacksmiths
 
  +
|2008
===2009===
 
  +
|
* Tired face Thomas - (''limited production of 500 models, exclusive to now defunct "ModelZone" retailers; retired'')
 
  +
|
 
  +
|-
===2011===
 
  +
|Post Office
* [[Dart]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|2008
* [[Murdoch]] - made using a repainted BR 9F class model - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* [[Vans|Lime Wagon]] - Grey - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Lime Wagon - Brown - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
* [[The Breakdown Train|Works Unit Van]] - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Ben's Books
* Breakdown Crane - (''reintroduction; retired'')
 
  +
|2008
* Sodor Mail Operating Coach - (''eight wheel version only available in the 2011 and the 2015 version of the Percy & The Mail Train Sets'')
 
  +
|
* Station and platform - (''cancelled'')
 
  +
|
* Engine shed - (''cancelled'')
 
  +
|-
* Goods shed - (''cancelled'')
 
  +
|Ed's Garage
* Signal box - (''cancelled'')
 
  +
|2008
* Water tower and crane - (''cancelled'')
 
  +
|
* Footbridge - (''cancelled'')
 
  +
|
* Platform with canopy - (''cancelled'')
 
  +
|-
 
  +
|Great Waterton Station Platform
1,000 special edition models each of Thomas, Percy and James were released, celebrating 100 years of the birth of the [[Wilbert Awdry|Rev W. Awdry]] which included a Royal Mail covered envelope with a stamp of a character and a certificate. This year was also notable for retiring a great number of items from the range.
 
  +
|2008
 
  +
|
===2012===
 
  +
|
* Spencer - (''Limited production of 1,000; retired'')
 
  +
|}
* Stepney - (''Limited production of 1,000; retired'')
 
* [[Express Coaches#Special Express Coaches|Spencer's Composite Coach]] - (''retired'')
 
* [[Express Coaches#Special Express Coaches|Spencer's Brake Coach]] - (''retired'')
 
* Tanker Wagon Pack - (''retired'')
 
* Open Wagon Pack - (''retired'')
 
* Closed Van Wagon Pack - (''retired'')
 
 
===2015===
 
* Thomas the Tank Engine - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Percy - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Annie and Clarabel - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Troublesome Trucks - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* James' Composite Coach - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* James' Brake Coach - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Gordon's Composite Coach - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Gordon's Brake Coach - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Tanker Triple Pack - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Wagon Triple Pack A - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Wagon Triple Pack B - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Old Slow Coach - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
 
===2016===
 
* Edward - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Henry - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Gordon - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* James - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
* Thomas the Tank Engine 70th Anniversary Limited Edition - (''retired'')
 
   
 
==Train Sets==
 
==Train Sets==
The newer sets are supplied with a "Midi-Mat" with printed scenery and track layout, enough track to create a basic oval, one or two engines and rolling stock, a transformer, controller and a power clip. Customers were encouraged to purchase further Thomas-branded "track packs", "building packs" and other models to complete the layout printed on the mat. The older sets had cut out figures (such as The Fat Controller) and tunnel and the sets also advertised the buildings and accessories within the range.
+
The newer sets are supplied with a "Midi-Mat" with printed scenery and track layout, enough track to create a basic oval, one or two engines and rolling stock, a transformer, controller, and a power clip. Customers were encouraged to purchase further Thomas-branded "track packs", "building packs" and other models to complete the layout printed on the mat. The older sets had cut out figures (such as the Fat Controller) and tunnel and the sets also advertised the buildings and accessories within the range.
  +
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
 
  +
|-
===1985===
 
  +
! scope="col"|'''Model'''
* Thomas Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
! scope="col" style="text-align: center;"|'''Original Release Year'''
* Percy Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
! scope="col" style="text-align: center;"|Item Number
 
  +
! scope="col"|Notes
===1987===
 
  +
|-
* Gordon Passenger Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Thomas Set
* Duck Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|1985
* Devious Diesel Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
 
  +
|
===1988===
 
  +
|-
* James Passenger Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Percy Set
* Thomas and Bertie Battery Powered Set - A battery-powered set including an unpowered Thomas, a motorised Annie, Clarabel, Bertie and a copy of [[Thomas and Bertie and Thomas Down the Mine]], which allowed children to recreate the story of [[Thomas and Bertie]] (the book was omitted from 1995 onwards, however). The track for this set was double sided; one side for Thomas and one side for Bertie - (''retired'')
 
  +
|1985
 
  +
|
===1995===
 
  +
|
* Thomas 'Musical Ride' Battery Powered Set - A musical set with an 0-4-0 Thomas, Annie, Clarabel and a battery powered station. Whilst Thomas moved around the track, the original theme music would play - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
 
  +
|Gordon Passenger Set
===1997===
 
  +
|1987
* Thomas and Percy Electric Train Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Thomas and Station Battery Powered Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
 
  +
|-
===2002===
 
  +
|Duck Set
* Radio-Controlled Thomas Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|1987
* Radio-Controlled Thomas and Percy Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Radio-Controlled Toby Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
 
  +
|-
===2005===
 
  +
|Devious Diesel Set
* Thomas Passenger Set - (''reintroduction; retired'')
 
  +
|1987
* James Passenger Set - (''reintroduction; retired'')
 
  +
|
* Percy Set - Circus - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
* Thomas & Bill Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|-
 
  +
|James Passenger Set
===2008===
 
  +
|1988
* Thomas & [[The Great Discovery]] Set - contained an exclusive tired and weathered Thomas, weathered versions of Annie and Clarabel and weathered versions of the red open wagon and the light blue open wagon, which also came with loads - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
 
  +
|Reissued in 2005
===2009===
 
  +
|-
* Thomas Train Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Thomas and Bertie Battery Powered Set
* Thomas & Percy Electric Train Set - (''reintroduction; cancelled'')
 
  +
|1988
* Thomas Passenger & Goods Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|
 
  +
|A battery-powered set including an unpowered Thomas, a motorised Annie, Clarabel, Bertie, and a copy of [[Thomas and Bertie and Thomas Down the Mine]], which allowed children to recreate the story of [[Thomas and Bertie]] (the book was omitted from 1995 onwards, however). The track for this set was double sided; one side for Thomas and one side for Bertie
===2011===
 
  +
|-
* Percy & The Mail Train Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|Thomas 'Musical Ride' Battery Powered Set
 
  +
|1995
===2012===
 
  +
|
* Thomas & The Breakdown Train Set - (''retired'')
 
  +
|A musical set with an 0-4-0 Thomas, Annie, Clarabel and a battery powered station. Whilst Thomas moved around the track, the original theme music would play
 
  +
|-
===2015===
 
* Percy & The Mail Train Set - (''reintroduction, retired'')
+
|Thomas and Percy Electric Train Set
  +
|1997
* Thomas the Tank Engine Train Set - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
  +
|
* Thomas Passenger and Goods Train Set - (''reintroduction, retired'')
 
  +
|Intended to be reissued in 2009, but cancelled before release
 
  +
|-
  +
|Thomas and Station Battery Powered Set
  +
|1997
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Radio-Controlled Thomas Set
  +
|2002
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Radio-Controlled Thomas and Percy Set
  +
|2002
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Radio-Controlled Toby Set
  +
|2002
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Percy Circus Set
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Thomas & Bill Set
  +
|2005
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Thomas & [[The Great Discovery]] Set
  +
|2008
  +
|
  +
|Featured an exclusive tired and weathered Thomas, weathered versions of Annie and Clarabel and weathered versions of the red open wagon and the light blue open wagon, which also came with loads
  +
|-
  +
|Thomas Train Set
  +
|2009
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Thomas Passenger & Goods Set
  +
|2009
  +
|
  +
|Reissued in 2015
  +
|-
  +
|Percy & The Mail Train Set
  +
|2011
  +
|
  +
|Reissued in 2015
  +
|-
  +
|[[Thomas and the Breakdown Train|Thomas & The Breakdown Train Set]]
  +
|2012
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|}
 
==Clockwork Train Sets, Locomotives, Rolling Stock, Buildings and Accessories==
 
==Clockwork Train Sets, Locomotives, Rolling Stock, Buildings and Accessories==
Hornby also produced Thomas and some of his friends in clockwork form. The sets were available as 'Playtrains' (plastic track) or as standard Hornby track. The playtrain coaches and wagons had simple up and down couplings and plastic playtrain wheels which meant that they were not compatible on normal Hornby track. The rolling stock on the normal Hornby 00 gauge track clockwork sets were exactly the same as the electric versions.
+
Hornby also produced Thomas and some of his friends in clockwork form. The sets were available as 'Playtrains' (plastic track) or as standard Hornby track. The playtrain coaches and wagons had simple up and down couplings and plastic playtrain wheels which meant that they were not compatible on normal Hornby track. The rolling stock on the normal Hornby 00 gauge track clockwork sets was exactly the same as the electric versions.
   
 
===1985===
 
===1985===
* Thomas Passenger Set - plastic track - (''retired'')
+
* Thomas Passenger Set - plastic track
* Thomas Passenger Set - metal track - (''retired'')
+
* Thomas Passenger Set - metal track
* Thomas Goods Set - plastic track - (''retired'')
+
* Thomas Goods Set - plastic track
* Thomas Goods Set - metal track - (''retired'')
+
* Thomas Goods Set - metal track
* Percy Goods Set - plastic track - (''retired'')
+
* Percy Goods Set - plastic track
* Percy Goods Set - metal track - (''retired'')
+
* Percy Goods Set - metal track
   
 
Additional sections of playtrain track including points and buffers were available.
 
Additional sections of playtrain track including points and buffers were available.
 
===1990===
 
Thomas and Percy were available separately - (''both retired'')
 
   
 
===1995===
 
===1995===
Line 270: Line 600:
 
===1997===
 
===1997===
 
* [[Bertie]]
 
* [[Bertie]]
* Annie and Clarabel were available separately - (''both retired'')
+
* Annie and Clarabel were available separately
   
 
===1998===
 
===1998===
This year saw a revamp in the clockwork Thomas system. The system was now only available as clockwork 'Playtrains'. Thomas' chassis was remodelled to an 0-6-0 chassis rather than the inaccurate 0-4-0 previously carried. Also, the plastic track had a totally new design. The models, accessories and sets were as follows:
+
This year saw a revamp in the clockwork Thomas system. The system was now only available as clockwork 'Playtrains'. Thomas' chassis was remodelled to an 0-6-0 chassis rather than the inaccurate 0-4-0 previously carried. Also, the plastic track had a totally new design. The models, accessories, and sets were as follows:
   
* Toby - (''retired'')
+
* Toby
* Bill - (''retired'')
+
* Bill
* Ben - (''retired'')
+
* Ben
* Troublesome Truck 1 - (''retired'')
+
* Troublesome Truck 1
* Troublesome Truck 2 - (''retired'')
+
* Troublesome Truck 2
* Thomas No.1 Set - (''retired'')
+
* Thomas No.1 Set
* Thomas and Ben Wind-up Train Set - (''listed as Thomas No.2 Set; retired'')
+
* Thomas and Ben Wind-up Train Set
* Signal Box/Water Tower pack - (''retired'')
+
* Signal Box/Water Tower pack
* Thomas Station - (''retired'')
+
* Thomas Station
* Turntable pack - (''retired'')
+
* Turntable pack
   
 
In 2003, the entire clockwork system was retired from the Thomas line.
 
In 2003, the entire clockwork system was retired from the Thomas line.
   
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
  +
* In the early 1980's, Hornby had made use of an existing tooling of the locomotive commonly referred to as a "Nellie" to make variants of Thomas, Percy, James and Gordon. Not much is actually known about them as they were probably not officially licensed, but they were released under the "Playtrains" brand and featured a yellow chassis with red wheels, whilst Dixie another locomotive made had blue wheels. There is a sixth called Pixie too.
* To date, this has been the longest-running brand of merchandise in the history of ''Thomas and Friends'', spanning 33 years from the early days of the television series in 1985 to 2018.
 
  +
* To date, this was the longest-running brand of merchandise in the history of ''Thomas & Friends'', spanning 33 years from the early days of the television series in 1985 to 2018.
 
* The 1997, 1998 and 1999 Hornby catalogues are the only catalogues that did not illustrate the Thomas and Friends range since its debut in 1985. Instead, the range was listed in the price lists and published its own catalogues.
 
* The 1997, 1998 and 1999 Hornby catalogues are the only catalogues that did not illustrate the Thomas and Friends range since its debut in 1985. Instead, the range was listed in the price lists and published its own catalogues.
* Thomas (clockwork and 0-4-0 shell only), Percy, Toby, Bill and Ben are the only engines to have their tooling created from scratch. Coincidentally, these are the most accurate television series looking characters to date, with Thomas (clockwork/free-rolling) and Percy being the closest to their [[Series 1|first series]] models (although Percy is eight millimetres too long).
+
* Thomas (clockwork and 0-4-0 shell only), Percy, Toby, Bill and Ben are the only engines to have their tooling created from scratch. Coincidentally, these are the most accurate television series looking characters to date, with Thomas (clockwork/free-rolling) and Percy being the closest to their [[Series 1|first series]] models (although Percy is eight millimetres too long).
 
* Bertie is the only non-rail Thomas character to have been released.
 
* Bertie is the only non-rail Thomas character to have been released.
* Flying Scotsman, [[Bear]], Spencer and Murdoch have sprung buffers, whilst Spencer and Murdoch have detailed handrails and loco drive motors. This is likely due to them being made using newer toolings than some of the locomotives made before them.
+
* Flying Scotsman, [[Bear]], Spencer and Murdoch have sprung buffers, whilst Spencer and Murdoch have detailed handrails and loco drive motors. This is likely due to them being made using newer toolings than some of the locomotives made before them.
 
* The Thomas and Bertie Battery Powered set was later reused as a Fireman Sam set with different figures, vehicles and scenery.
 
* The Thomas and Bertie Battery Powered set was later reused as a Fireman Sam set with different figures, vehicles and scenery.
* The close-up pictures on the prototype box cover of the musical Thomas set showed pictures from Hornby's station master train set, as using the same tooling. The same set was later used as the 'My first Hornby' set.
+
* The close-up pictures on the prototype box cover of the musical Thomas set showed pictures from Hornby's station master train set, as using the same tooling. The same set was later used as the 'My first Hornby' set.
* Hornby also made toys for one of [[Britt Allcroft]]'s other major productions, ''Magic Adventures of Mumfie''.
+
* Hornby also made toys for one of [[The Britt Allcroft Company]]'s other major productions, ''[[Wikipedia:Magic Adventures of Mumfie|The Magic Adventures of Mumfie]]''.
 
* There have been several instances where the Hornby Thomas range has been featured in pop-culture:
 
* There have been several instances where the Hornby Thomas range has been featured in pop-culture:
 
** Several models were featured in a sketch on ''Bobby Davro's TV Weekly'' called ''Thomas the Tanked Up Engine''.
 
** Several models were featured in a sketch on ''Bobby Davro's TV Weekly'' called ''Thomas the Tanked Up Engine''.
 
** An Annie or Clarabel model along with the early cattle wagon appear briefly on an episode of ''Last of the Summer Wine''.
 
** An Annie or Clarabel model along with the early cattle wagon appear briefly on an episode of ''Last of the Summer Wine''.
** The promotional photo of the Thomas model is used in a recurring gag on ''The NRL Footy Show'' in Australia, with [[Wikipedia:Paul Gallen|Paul Gallen]]'s face edited over Thomas'.
+
** The promotional photo of the Thomas model is used in a recurring gag on ''The NRL Footy Show'' in Australia, with [[Wikipedia:Paul Gallen|Paul Gallen]]'s face edited over Thomas'.
 
** A model of Thomas made a cameo on a 2003 Comic Relief parody of Harry Potter.
 
** A model of Thomas made a cameo on a 2003 Comic Relief parody of Harry Potter.
 
** A model of Percy along with a tar tanker and a Mail Van were seen briefly in ''James May's Top Toys''.
 
** A model of Percy along with a tar tanker and a Mail Van were seen briefly in ''James May's Top Toys''.
** In 2014, when artist Jenny Bell decided to paint a mural of the nativity at Nottingham railway station for Christmas, she added a golden model of Thomas into the picture, using the wind-up model of him as a guide, akin to how the Rev's models were used for the book illustrations.
+
** In 2014, when artist Jenny Bell decided to paint a mural of the nativity at Nottingham railway station for Christmas, she added a golden model of Thomas into the picture, using the wind-up model of him as a guide, akin to how the Rev's models were used for the book illustrations.
  +
** The blue open wagon featured in "[[Mr. Perkins]]' Railway".
  +
** A Troublesome Truck made a cameo in a episode of ''TV Burp''.
 
* Thomas' model originally came fitted with traction tyres on the centre wheels which helps give the model grip on the rails. However, these have been omitted from Thomas models produced in recent years, likely to improve its running performance.
 
* Thomas' model originally came fitted with traction tyres on the centre wheels which helps give the model grip on the rails. However, these have been omitted from Thomas models produced in recent years, likely to improve its running performance.
 
* Thomas' 1985 model had a face that resembles his appearance in [[The Railway Series]], but was changed the following year to match his appearance in the television series. Earlier models of Thomas also featured the red lining on his back.
 
* Thomas' 1985 model had a face that resembles his appearance in [[The Railway Series]], but was changed the following year to match his appearance in the television series. Earlier models of Thomas also featured the red lining on his back.
Line 320: Line 653:
 
* Bill and Ben's models are oversized and their prototype models had yellow wheels.
 
* Bill and Ben's models are oversized and their prototype models had yellow wheels.
 
* Stepney and Class 40's buffers are black instead of silver.
 
* Stepney and Class 40's buffers are black instead of silver.
* Flying Scotsman appears in the Railway Series and Television Series with two tenders, but the Hornby model only has one.
+
* Flying Scotsman appears in the Railway Series and Television Series with two tenders, but the Hornby model only has one. The lining on his tender is incorrectly shaped as if it was for a Fowler tender.
 
* Emily's coal load is removable.
 
* Emily's coal load is removable.
 
* Murdoch's name is written in black on his nameplates instead of gold/yellow.
 
* Murdoch's name is written in black on his nameplates instead of gold/yellow.
Line 328: Line 661:
 
** His tender buffer-beam is red.
 
** His tender buffer-beam is red.
 
** The 2008 model had silver handrails, while the 2012 version had black handrails.
 
** The 2008 model had silver handrails, while the 2012 version had black handrails.
* For unknown reasons, 'Arry and Bert's faces look like [[Splatter and Dodge|Splatter and Dodge's]]. Interestingly, however, their prototype faces resemble that of their [[Ertl Company|Ertl]] faces. Their prototype models also had red buffer-beams.
+
* For unknown reasons, 'Arry and Bert's faces look like [[Splatter and Dodge]]'s. Interestingly, however, their prototype faces resemble that of their [[Ertl Company|Ertl]] faces. Their prototype models also had red buffer-beams.
* Dart is the only CGI characters to be introuduced to Hornby's range
+
* Dart is the only CGI character to be introduced into Hornby's range.
 
* Dart's model has side rods, due to using an inaccurate tooling.
 
* Dart's model has side rods, due to using an inaccurate tooling.
 
** In addition to that, Dart is also far taller than he is depicted in the show.
 
** In addition to that, Dart is also far taller than he is depicted in the show.
* The brown [[series 1|first series]] style Troublesome Open Wagon originally had a 5 plank wagon tooling, but its non-faced replacement has a 7 plank tooling.
+
* The brown [[series 1|first series]] style Troublesome Open Wagon originally had a 5 plank wagon tooling, but its non-faced replacement has a 7 plank tooling.
 
* Although the milk tanker usually carried blue lettering, several earlier models were done with red lettering; these are extremely rare and are likely to be factory errors.
 
* Although the milk tanker usually carried blue lettering, several earlier models were done with red lettering; these are extremely rare and are likely to be factory errors.
 
* Oddly, earlier releases of the cattle wagon carried the words "TO BE RETURNED TO LEWES" on it; this was removed on the 2005 re-release.
 
* Oddly, earlier releases of the cattle wagon carried the words "TO BE RETURNED TO LEWES" on it; this was removed on the 2005 re-release.
* The mail coach originally had four wheels due to being tooled from a CCT van, though not of southern origin as the show ones were; however now the mail coaches have eight after being reintroduced in the Percy and the Mail Train Set using the toolings of the existing Royal Mail Operating Coach.
+
* The mail coach originally had four wheels due to being tooled from a CCT van, though not of southern origin as the show ones were; however now the mail coaches have eight after being reintroduced in the Percy and the Mail Train Set using the toolings of the existing Royal Mail Operating Coach.
 
* Toad is painted brown instead of grey.
 
* Toad is painted brown instead of grey.
 
* The prototype models of Spencer's coaches were LNER Gresley coaches painted red.
 
* The prototype models of Spencer's coaches were LNER Gresley coaches painted red.
Line 341: Line 674:
 
* Toby, Bill and Ben all share a chassis designed specifically for them which can be in either 0-6-0 or 0-4-0 configurations respectively.
 
* Toby, Bill and Ben all share a chassis designed specifically for them which can be in either 0-6-0 or 0-4-0 configurations respectively.
 
* D7101 (Bear) is the only character exclusively from the Railway Series to be released from Hornby.
 
* D7101 (Bear) is the only character exclusively from the Railway Series to be released from Hornby.
* [[The Great Discovery]]'s Behind the Scenes was filmed for Hornby.
+
* The Prototype images of "[[The Great Discovery]] Collector Buildings" series were [[The Great Discovery/Behind the Scenes|Behind the Scenes]].
  +
* Stanley's Shed is depicted with one less window on each side.
* Product pictures of "Great Waterton Footbridge" and "Stanley's Shed" are photos of Behind the Scenes.
 
  +
* The Thomas model made for the Thomas and Bertie set has a variation with flanged wheels, similar to the 0-4-0 clockwork engine. However, they likely got quickly replaced; no-one is quite sure whether it was a first production run or simply just an error. In any case they are very rare and hard to come by and so far only YouTube user [https://www.youtube.com/user/flyingtardis flyingtardis] is known to own one of these. However, another was sited by YouTube user [https://www.youtube.com/user/adamjptoy Blue Tank Engine Pictures] a while ago.
* In the early 1980's, Hornby had made use of an existing tooling of the locomotive commonly referred to as a "Nellie" to make variants of Thomas, Percy, James and Gordon. Not much is actually known about them as they were probably not officially licensed, but they were released under the "Playtrains" brand and featured a yellow chassis with red wheels, whilst Dixie another locomotive made had blue wheels. There is a sixth called Pixie too.
 
* The light blue open wagon featured in "[[Mr. Perkins]]' Railway".
 
* The Thomas model made for the Thomas and Bertie set has a variation with flanged wheels, similar to the 0-4-0 clockwork engine. However, they likely got quickly replaced; no-one is quite sure whether it was a first production run or simply just an error. In any case they are very rare and hard to come by and so far only YouTube user [http://www.youtube.com/user/flyingtardis flyingtardis] is known to own one of these. However, another was sited by YouTube user [https://www.youtube.com/user/adamjptoy Blue Tank Engine Pictures] a while ago.
 
 
* Thomas' 0-4-0 counterpart can be seen re-liveried as well as carrying a smokebox door in Hornby's main range; these include:
 
* Thomas' 0-4-0 counterpart can be seen re-liveried as well as carrying a smokebox door in Hornby's main range; these include:
 
** Billy
 
** Billy
Line 353: Line 684:
 
** Transatlantic Industries No.585
 
** Transatlantic Industries No.585
 
** Queen Elizabeth II No.60
 
** Queen Elizabeth II No.60
* Hornby's James model was a tooling modified in a similar fashion to the Reverend W. Awdry's model by re-using a Tri-ang 4F with extended running board and pony wheel fitted to the front.
+
* Hornby's James model was a tooling modified in a similar fashion to the [[Wilbert Awdry|Reverend W. Awdry]]'s model by re-using a Tri-ang 4F with extended running board and pony wheel fitted to the front.
* Emily, although based on a GNR Stirling Single, was inaccurately made from a GWR Dean Single. This is due to Hornby not producing a Stirling Single, even though many other versions of "Singles" do exist.
+
* Emily, although based on a GNR Stirling Single, was inaccurately made from a GWR Dean Single. This is due to Hornby not producing a Stirling Single, even though many other versions of "Singles" do exist.
 
* D261 (A.K.A. The Diesel) is inaccurately depicted as a BR Class 37 rather than a BR Class 40. Hornby owned Lima by this point who made a Class 40 model with the number D261 in the years prior.
 
* D261 (A.K.A. The Diesel) is inaccurately depicted as a BR Class 37 rather than a BR Class 40. Hornby owned Lima by this point who made a Class 40 model with the number D261 in the years prior.
* Edward, Gordon and James all have Southern tenders fitted rather than LMS Fowler tenders, which is strange due to the aforementioned Lima ownership and their 4F does have a Fowler tender.
+
* Edward, Gordon and James all have Southern tenders fitted rather than LMS Fowler tenders, which is strange due to the aforementioned Lima ownership and their 4F does have a Fowler tender.
  +
* [[Märklin]] HO scale Thomas series was the Hornby models with additional pickup shoes. Therefore, they were only available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
* Stanley's Shed is depicted with one less window on each side.
 
   
==Video==
+
==Videos==
 
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small" bordersize="none">
 
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small" bordersize="none">
 
File:Hornby Thomas the Tank Engine Train Set - Corporate Video
 
File:Hornby Thomas the Tank Engine Train Set - Corporate Video
Line 367: Line 698:
   
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
  +
*[https://www.hornby.com/ Hornby Trains] {{Note|[https://web.archive.org/web/20190118085931/https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/shop/brands/thomas-friends.html Thomas & Friends™], [https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/news/thomas-and-friends-news-april18 Announcement]}}
*[http://www.hornby.com/ Hornby Trains]
 
*[http://www.hornby.com/uk-en/shop/brands/thomas-friends.html Hornby Trains Thomas & Friends™]
 
*[https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/news/thomas-and-friends-news-april18]
 
 
*[https://twitter.com/hornby Twitter account]
 
*[https://twitter.com/hornby Twitter account]
 
*[https://www.youtube.com/user/hornbyhobbiesltd YouTube channel]
 
*[https://www.youtube.com/user/hornbyhobbiesltd YouTube channel]
   
 
{{Hornby}}
 
{{Hornby}}
  +
  +
==See also==
  +
* [[Märklin]]
 
[[pl:Hornby]]
 
[[pl:Hornby]]
 
[[Category:Merchandise]]
 
[[Category:Merchandise]]

Revision as of 03:02, 20 May 2020

Main Page

Hornby Railways launched its official Thomas & Friends range in 1985, shortly after the debut of the television series. It primarily utilises modified versions of existing Hornby engines to produce replicas of Thomas characters, as well as existing rolling stock and accessories. In the early 1980s, there was a range of unofficial models released in the Playtrains range whereby the engines were Ex-Nellie/Polly locomotives on push-along chassis. The engines created were Thomas, James, Percy and Gordon, all with their original colour schemes but red wheels for most. Two other locomotives called Dixie and Pixie were released alongside, but only Dixie had blue wheels. More info can be found on Dave Angell's website. In 2014, the range was discontinued, with Hornby releasing a statement saying that it was "under review". In 2015, Hornby reintroduced the Thomas line with selected models, rolling stock and sets released in December 2015 and into 2016. The reintroduced models retain their original faces; Edward, Gordon and James received improved tender driven motors and Henry was upgraded with a loco driven chassis, which allows for being equipped for Digital Command Control (DCC) via a standard 8-pin socket.

Parts from Hornby's 00 gauge models were used to make the engines and rolling stock for the 1953 television adaptation of The Sad Story of Henry.

Hornby produced a series of 00 gauge model railway engines, track, accessories and box sets based on Thomas & Friends. The track and couplers were Hornby's standard; therefore, the range was compatible with other Hornby products.

The Thomas & Friends range was retired at the end of 2018 due to "changing trends and toy safety age restrictions." As of 2019, Bachmann secured the rights to distribute their HO/OO scale products in the UK and Ireland with further availability stated to expand in 2020.

Locomotives

Model Original Release Year Item Number Notes
Thomas the Tank Engine 1980 (Early Playtrains Push-Along); 1985 (official) Made using a London, Brighton and South Coast Railway E2 tank engine model with added splashers and a modified cab; reissued in 2015
Percy the Saddle Tank Engine 1980 (Early Playtrains Push-Along); 1985 (official) Made from a brand new moulding utilising the standard Hornby 0-4-0 chassis; reissued in 2015
Gordon the Big Blue Engine 1980 (Early Playtrains Push Along); 1986 (official) Made using the Tri-ang LNER A1 class tooling with a modified cab and six-wheeled tender; reissued in 1995 and 2016.
Duck 1986 Made using the old Tri-ang GWR 57xx class tooling with a modified cab; reissued in 1995.
James the Red Engine 1980 (Early Playtrains Push Along) 1988 (official) Made using a Tri-ang LMS 3F class tooling with altered moulding around the smokebox and extended frames and an added pony truck; reissued in 2016
Devious Diesel 1987 Made using the Tri-ang 0-6-0 class 08 diesel shunter mould; reissued in 2002
Toby the Tram 2001 Made from a brand new moulding utilising a custom Hornby 0-4-0/0-6-0 chassis
Bill and Ben 2001 Made from a brand new moulding utilising a custom Hornby 0-4-0/0-6-0 chassis; both released separately
Henry the Green Engine 2002 Made using Hornby's old LMS Stanier 5MT tooling; reissued in 2016
Edward 2006 Made using a repainted LNER D49 class model with a taller funnel and without the external cylinders and valve gear; reissued in 2016
'Arry and Bert 2003 Made using the Tri-ang 0-6-0 class 08 diesel shunter mould; both released separately
Class 40 2003 Made with Hornby's BR Class 37 tooling
Oliver 2005 Made using a repainted GWR 14xx class tooling
Stepney 2005 Made using a London, Brighton and South Coast Railway A1X class tooling; reissued in 2012 for a limited time
D7101 2005 Made using a BR class 35 tooling
Flying Scotsman 2005 Made using an LNER A1/A3 class tooling
Emily 2007 Made using a repainted GWR Dean Achilles class model; was supposed to be released in 2006, but her release was delayed
Spencer 2008 Made using a repainted LNER A4 class model; reissued in 2012 for limited production
Dart 2011
Murdoch 2011 Made using a repainted BR 9F class model

Rolling Stock

Model Original Release Year Item Number Notes
Annie and Clarabel 1985 Produced using Hornby's standard four-wheeled coaches; reissued in 2015
Cattle Wagon 1985 Made using the Tri-ang moulding; only available in the Percy Set until 1986; reissued in 2005
Milk Tanker 1985 Made using a standard four-wheeled tanker
Open Wagon 1985
Closed Van 1985
Brake Van 1985 Made using a BR standard brake van
Gordon's Express Coaches 1986 Made using the GWR Composite and Brake Coaches in a green and cream livery
James' Express Coaches 1988 Made using the GWR Composite and Brake Coaches in a red and cream livery; reissued in 2001 and 2015
Tar Tanker 1989 Reissued in 1998
Breakdown Crane 1989 Reissued in 2005 and 2011
Sodor Fuel Tanker 2002
Troublesome Trucks 2002
Sodor Scrap Co. Wagon 2002
S.C. Ruffey 2003
Toad 2005
Old Slow Coach 2005
Raspberry Syrup Tanker 2005
Ice Cream Wagon 2005
Cream Tanker 2005
9 Circus Vans 2005
Circus Cattle Wagon 2005
Circus Flatbeds 2005 Both released separately
Weathered Oil Tanker 2006
Red Open Wagon 2006
Light Blue Open Wagon 2006
Sodor Mail Coach 2006
Cream Utility Wagon 2006
Light Grey Vent Van 2006
Red Oxide Vent Van 2006
Lime Wagon 2011 Both Grey and Brown versions available
Works Unit Van 2011
Sodor Mail Operating Coach 2011 Eight wheel version only available in the Percy & The Mail Train Set
Spencer's Coaches 2012
Tanker Wagon Pack 2012 Features an Oil Tanker, Milk Tanker and a Fuel Tanker; reissued as the Tanker Triple Pack in 2015
Open Wagon Pack 2012 Features a Brake Van, Sodor Scrap Truck and S.C.Ruffey; reintroduced as the Wagon Triple A Pack
Closed Van Wagon Pack 2012 Features a Cattle Truck, Light Grey Vent Van and Red Oxide Vent Van; reintroduced as the Wagon Triple B Pack

Accessories

Model Original Release Year Item Number Notes
Station and platform 1985 Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
Water tower and crane 1985 Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
Signals 1985
Signal Box 1985 Reissued in 2005 and 2006; intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
Platform with canopy 1985 Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
Footbridge 1985 Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
Tunnel 1985 Reissued in 2005
Engine shed 1985 Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
Goods shed 1985 Intended to be reissued in 2011, but cancelled before release
The Fat Controller, Driver and Fireman 1986 Cancelled before release
Country Station 2002
Water Tower and Signal Box pack 2002
Radio-Controlled Sound System 2002
Bertie the Bus 2005 Reintroduced from the Thomas and Bertie Set
Maithwaite Station 2005
Water Tower 2005
Double Engine Shed 2005
Goods Yard Crane 2005
Three circus tents and three circus stalls 2006
Dryaw Station 2006
Windmill 2006
Great Waterton Station 2008
Stanley's Shed 2008
Waterton Butchers 2008
Blacksmiths 2008
Post Office 2008
Ben's Books 2008
Ed's Garage 2008
Great Waterton Station Platform 2008

Train Sets

The newer sets are supplied with a "Midi-Mat" with printed scenery and track layout, enough track to create a basic oval, one or two engines and rolling stock, a transformer, controller, and a power clip. Customers were encouraged to purchase further Thomas-branded "track packs", "building packs" and other models to complete the layout printed on the mat. The older sets had cut out figures (such as the Fat Controller) and tunnel and the sets also advertised the buildings and accessories within the range.

Model Original Release Year Item Number Notes
Thomas Set 1985
Percy Set 1985
Gordon Passenger Set 1987
Duck Set 1987
Devious Diesel Set 1987
James Passenger Set 1988 Reissued in 2005
Thomas and Bertie Battery Powered Set 1988 A battery-powered set including an unpowered Thomas, a motorised Annie, Clarabel, Bertie, and a copy of Thomas and Bertie and Thomas Down the Mine, which allowed children to recreate the story of Thomas and Bertie (the book was omitted from 1995 onwards, however). The track for this set was double sided; one side for Thomas and one side for Bertie
Thomas 'Musical Ride' Battery Powered Set 1995 A musical set with an 0-4-0 Thomas, Annie, Clarabel and a battery powered station. Whilst Thomas moved around the track, the original theme music would play
Thomas and Percy Electric Train Set 1997 Intended to be reissued in 2009, but cancelled before release
Thomas and Station Battery Powered Set 1997
Radio-Controlled Thomas Set 2002
Radio-Controlled Thomas and Percy Set 2002
Radio-Controlled Toby Set 2002
Percy Circus Set 2005
Thomas & Bill Set 2005
Thomas & The Great Discovery Set 2008 Featured an exclusive tired and weathered Thomas, weathered versions of Annie and Clarabel and weathered versions of the red open wagon and the light blue open wagon, which also came with loads
Thomas Train Set 2009
Thomas Passenger & Goods Set 2009 Reissued in 2015
Percy & The Mail Train Set 2011 Reissued in 2015
Thomas & The Breakdown Train Set 2012

Clockwork Train Sets, Locomotives, Rolling Stock, Buildings and Accessories

Hornby also produced Thomas and some of his friends in clockwork form. The sets were available as 'Playtrains' (plastic track) or as standard Hornby track. The playtrain coaches and wagons had simple up and down couplings and plastic playtrain wheels which meant that they were not compatible on normal Hornby track. The rolling stock on the normal Hornby 00 gauge track clockwork sets was exactly the same as the electric versions.

1985

  • Thomas Passenger Set - plastic track
  • Thomas Passenger Set - metal track
  • Thomas Goods Set - plastic track
  • Thomas Goods Set - metal track
  • Percy Goods Set - plastic track
  • Percy Goods Set - metal track

Additional sections of playtrain track including points and buffers were available.

1995

The clockwork playtrain sets now had the normal Hornby logo rather than the Playtrains logo.

1997

  • Bertie
  • Annie and Clarabel were available separately

1998

This year saw a revamp in the clockwork Thomas system. The system was now only available as clockwork 'Playtrains'. Thomas' chassis was remodelled to an 0-6-0 chassis rather than the inaccurate 0-4-0 previously carried. Also, the plastic track had a totally new design. The models, accessories, and sets were as follows:

  • Toby
  • Bill
  • Ben
  • Troublesome Truck 1
  • Troublesome Truck 2
  • Thomas No.1 Set
  • Thomas and Ben Wind-up Train Set
  • Signal Box/Water Tower pack
  • Thomas Station
  • Turntable pack

In 2003, the entire clockwork system was retired from the Thomas line.

Trivia

  • In the early 1980's, Hornby had made use of an existing tooling of the locomotive commonly referred to as a "Nellie" to make variants of Thomas, Percy, James and Gordon. Not much is actually known about them as they were probably not officially licensed, but they were released under the "Playtrains" brand and featured a yellow chassis with red wheels, whilst Dixie another locomotive made had blue wheels. There is a sixth called Pixie too.
  • To date, this was the longest-running brand of merchandise in the history of Thomas & Friends, spanning 33 years from the early days of the television series in 1985 to 2018.
  • The 1997, 1998 and 1999 Hornby catalogues are the only catalogues that did not illustrate the Thomas and Friends range since its debut in 1985. Instead, the range was listed in the price lists and published its own catalogues.
  • Thomas (clockwork and 0-4-0 shell only), Percy, Toby, Bill and Ben are the only engines to have their tooling created from scratch. Coincidentally, these are the most accurate television series looking characters to date, with Thomas (clockwork/free-rolling) and Percy being the closest to their first series models (although Percy is eight millimetres too long).
  • Bertie is the only non-rail Thomas character to have been released.
  • Flying Scotsman, Bear, Spencer and Murdoch have sprung buffers, whilst Spencer and Murdoch have detailed handrails and loco drive motors. This is likely due to them being made using newer toolings than some of the locomotives made before them.
  • The Thomas and Bertie Battery Powered set was later reused as a Fireman Sam set with different figures, vehicles and scenery.
  • The close-up pictures on the prototype box cover of the musical Thomas set showed pictures from Hornby's station master train set, as using the same tooling. The same set was later used as the 'My first Hornby' set.
  • Hornby also made toys for one of The Britt Allcroft Company's other major productions, The Magic Adventures of Mumfie.
  • There have been several instances where the Hornby Thomas range has been featured in pop-culture:
    • Several models were featured in a sketch on Bobby Davro's TV Weekly called Thomas the Tanked Up Engine.
    • An Annie or Clarabel model along with the early cattle wagon appear briefly on an episode of Last of the Summer Wine.
    • The promotional photo of the Thomas model is used in a recurring gag on The NRL Footy Show in Australia, with Paul Gallen's face edited over Thomas'.
    • A model of Thomas made a cameo on a 2003 Comic Relief parody of Harry Potter.
    • A model of Percy along with a tar tanker and a Mail Van were seen briefly in James May's Top Toys.
    • In 2014, when artist Jenny Bell decided to paint a mural of the nativity at Nottingham railway station for Christmas, she added a golden model of Thomas into the picture, using the wind-up model of him as a guide, akin to how the Rev's models were used for the book illustrations.
    • The blue open wagon featured in "Mr. Perkins' Railway".
    • A Troublesome Truck made a cameo in a episode of TV Burp.
  • Thomas' model originally came fitted with traction tyres on the centre wheels which helps give the model grip on the rails. However, these have been omitted from Thomas models produced in recent years, likely to improve its running performance.
  • Thomas' 1985 model had a face that resembles his appearance in The Railway Series, but was changed the following year to match his appearance in the television series. Earlier models of Thomas also featured the red lining on his back.
  • Thomas and Percy's models originally had a blue and green running board respectively, but since their 2015 re-releases, they have both gained a splash of white, Thomas on his front valence and Percy up to the front of his cab.
  • In 2016, Thomas gained a lamp on the front of his running board.
  • Edward's model is incorrectly depicted as LNER D49 with pistons and corresponding linkage removed and funnel changed.
  • Henry's 2016 re-release is the only tender engine in the revised Hornby Thomas range to be given a loco driven chassis, while the 2016 Edward, Gordon and James models have improved tender driven motors.
  • Gordon's prototype model had a different face when he was featured in the 1986 catalogue. Duck and Diesel's prototype models also share this distinction in the 1987 catalogue.
  • The original Gordon models (1986-2013) had oval buffers, whereas the 2016-2017 present models have round buffers.
  • Percy's prototype model was originally a modified Caledonian Pug, but it was decided to use a new-build tooling, likely to make it look closer to his appearance in the television series.
  • Toby's model is oversized and is too tall to fit under most shed doors and tunnels because of it.
  • On Duck's model:
    • His handrails are painted gold, similar to his earlier appearances in the second series.
    • His wheel arches are green, when they should be painted black.
  • Oliver and Stepney's models state 2004 underneath them, despite not being released until 2005. It is likely that they were meant for release in 2004, but were delayed to the following year.
  • Bill and Ben's models are oversized and their prototype models had yellow wheels.
  • Stepney and Class 40's buffers are black instead of silver.
  • Flying Scotsman appears in the Railway Series and Television Series with two tenders, but the Hornby model only has one. The lining on his tender is incorrectly shaped as if it was for a Fowler tender.
  • Emily's coal load is removable.
  • Murdoch's name is written in black on his nameplates instead of gold/yellow.
  • On Spencer's model:
    • The wheels and tender corridor are black.
    • He has a double-chimney instead of a single one.
    • His tender buffer-beam is red.
    • The 2008 model had silver handrails, while the 2012 version had black handrails.
  • For unknown reasons, 'Arry and Bert's faces look like Splatter and Dodge's. Interestingly, however, their prototype faces resemble that of their Ertl faces. Their prototype models also had red buffer-beams.
  • Dart is the only CGI character to be introduced into Hornby's range.
  • Dart's model has side rods, due to using an inaccurate tooling.
    • In addition to that, Dart is also far taller than he is depicted in the show.
  • The brown first series style Troublesome Open Wagon originally had a 5 plank wagon tooling, but its non-faced replacement has a 7 plank tooling.
  • Although the milk tanker usually carried blue lettering, several earlier models were done with red lettering; these are extremely rare and are likely to be factory errors.
  • Oddly, earlier releases of the cattle wagon carried the words "TO BE RETURNED TO LEWES" on it; this was removed on the 2005 re-release.
  • The mail coach originally had four wheels due to being tooled from a CCT van, though not of southern origin as the show ones were; however now the mail coaches have eight after being reintroduced in the Percy and the Mail Train Set using the toolings of the existing Royal Mail Operating Coach.
  • Toad is painted brown instead of grey.
  • The prototype models of Spencer's coaches were LNER Gresley coaches painted red.
  • The stickers on Bertie's 2005 model are different from those on his 1988 model.
  • Toby, Bill and Ben all share a chassis designed specifically for them which can be in either 0-6-0 or 0-4-0 configurations respectively.
  • D7101 (Bear) is the only character exclusively from the Railway Series to be released from Hornby.
  • The Prototype images of "The Great Discovery Collector Buildings" series were Behind the Scenes.
  • Stanley's Shed is depicted with one less window on each side.
  • The Thomas model made for the Thomas and Bertie set has a variation with flanged wheels, similar to the 0-4-0 clockwork engine. However, they likely got quickly replaced; no-one is quite sure whether it was a first production run or simply just an error. In any case they are very rare and hard to come by and so far only YouTube user flyingtardis is known to own one of these. However, another was sited by YouTube user Blue Tank Engine Pictures a while ago.
  • Thomas' 0-4-0 counterpart can be seen re-liveried as well as carrying a smokebox door in Hornby's main range; these include:
    • Billy
    • LBSCR No.629
    • Mosley Tarmacadam
    • BR No.43209
    • Transatlantic Industries No.585
    • Queen Elizabeth II No.60
  • Hornby's James model was a tooling modified in a similar fashion to the Reverend W. Awdry's model by re-using a Tri-ang 4F with extended running board and pony wheel fitted to the front.
  • Emily, although based on a GNR Stirling Single, was inaccurately made from a GWR Dean Single. This is due to Hornby not producing a Stirling Single, even though many other versions of "Singles" do exist.
  • D261 (A.K.A. The Diesel) is inaccurately depicted as a BR Class 37 rather than a BR Class 40. Hornby owned Lima by this point who made a Class 40 model with the number D261 in the years prior.
  • Edward, Gordon and James all have Southern tenders fitted rather than LMS Fowler tenders, which is strange due to the aforementioned Lima ownership and their 4F does have a Fowler tender.
  • Märklin HO scale Thomas series was the Hornby models with additional pickup shoes. Therefore, they were only available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Videos

External links

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For more information, check out the Hornby Wiki.

See also