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Series 5

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The fifth series of Thomas & Friends first aired on television in September 1998 in the UK and September 1999 on Storytime with Thomas in the US. It had twenty-six episodes narrated by Michael Angelis in the UK and Alec Baldwin in the US.

Production

Following the death of creator Wilbert Awdry in 1997, the decision was made to write a full series of original stories penned chiefly by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton, instead of adapting any more books of The Railway Series. One reason for this was producer Britt Allcroft's desire to create a theatrical Thomas the Tank Engine film and requested that director David Mitton test and refine his modelling skills to accommodate higher-budgeted action and atmosphere. The fifth series also boasted numerous darker plot lines and included much more intense action and crashes.

Some inspiration for the episodes came from a former LMR manager named David Maidment. In 1997, Maidment met with Steven Wright about the possibility of supporting the Railway Children charity and while Wright told him the series' staff commonly received such requests, they would consider. During their meeting, Maidment relayed stories about his railway experiences working in South Wales and as the manager at Crewe station. Maidment received a call asking if he would allow some of his stories to be used as material – the stories from the Railway Series were frequently based on true events and Allcroft and Mitton preferred this. Maidment agreed and was also asked to review each story to make sure that the railway in the show operated realistically, acting as a "railway consultant" in place of the deceased Wilbert Awdry. As a result, Maidment received writing credit alongside Allcroft and Mitton on several episodes, particularly those based on nonfictional railway incidents (such as "A Better View for Gordon"). £10,000 (British pounds) were later donated to the Railway Children for his work. For unknown reasons, Maidment would not be rehired for subsequent production cycles, leaving the show without a "railway consultant" from the sixth to the sixteenth series.

The design for each new character would be chosen by David Eves and given to David Mitton for approval. The series was filmed from 1 September 1997 to 30 April 1998. For ease of filming, the fifth series would introduce larger-scale versions of the narrow gauge engines and from the sixth to twelfth series, these larger models were used almost exclusively. They were built to a larger scale than the gauge 1 engines and ran on O gauge track; they were close to 16mm scale but slightly larger. Alongside them, nine human figures were made (eight engine crews and a workman). The small scale models were still used in this series for the in between shots where they would interact with the gauge 1 scaled characters and sets until the latter could be scaled up. Originally, the character Bertram was intended to have his own model but the financial difficulty in building a new model made them repaint Duke's model with Smudger's face.

Episodes

Screenshot Title Original UK release date Episode
number #
Cranky Bugs 14 September 1998 #01
A new crane called Cranky arrives at the docks and causes trouble for Thomas and Percy but he eventually needs their help after a storm.
Horrid Lorry 15 September 1998 #02
Three very Horrid Lorries arrive on Sodor and start taking over the engines' jobs. Eventually, the tables are turned and the lorries all end in failure.
A Better View for Gordon 16 September 1998 #03
Gordon complains about the plainness of a new station and longs for a panoramic view, which he gets unexpectedly.
Lady Hatt's Birthday Party 17 September 1998 #04
The Fat Controller runs into a series of problems, like his car getting a flat tyre, Caroline being broken down again and falls from George into a muddy ditch, which ruins his suit on his way to Lady Hatt's birthday party.
James and the Trouble with Trees 18 September 1998 #05
James' bragging prevents him from listening to Henry, Percy and Terence's warnings about trees that are too close to the line.
Gordon and the Gremlin 21 September 1998 #06
Gordon has problems with his fire and the others joke of gremlins. Later, a special visitor arrives and her dog runs away into Thomas' cab.
Bye George! 22 September 1998 #07
George causes a great deal of trouble for Percy, Thomas, Duck and Gordon. After the Fat Controller finds out everything, George eventually gets punished.
Baa! 23 September 1998 #08
A "Best Dressed Station" contest is being held across Sodor. However, as Percy is helping decorate Maithwaite station, a hungry ram is found at the station and the decorations are ruined.
Put Upon Percy 24 September 1998 #09
Percy complains that he is overworked. While working at the coal mine, some runaway trucks escape and crash inside the mineshaft, which causes the mine to collapse.
Toby and the Flood 25 September 1998 #10
Toby is sent to inspect a dam and discovers a few leaks in it. It eventually collapses and causes an unsafe bridge to break, causing him to drift towards a waterfall and it is up to Harold to save him from falling down it.
Haunted Henry 28 September 1998 #11
Henry refuses to believe in ghosts, until he and his crew encounter a series of spooky events during the night.
Double Teething Troubles 29 September 1998 #12
Bill and Ben are worried when they hear that a malfunctioning diesel is going to help them work in the clay pits. In the end, it turns out that the diesel is friendly.
Stepney Gets Lost 30 September 1998 #13
The Fat Controller invites Stepney to work with Toby and Mavis at the quarry. Stepney gets lost on the way home, eventually arriving at the smelter's yard with two diesels until the Fat Controller finds him.
Toby's Discovery 1 October 1998 #14
Toby takes the Hatts on an expedition, finding a castle and an old mine. The destinations are reopened but Toby is spooked by Thomas' story about "The Old Warrior".
Something in the Air 2 October 1998 #15
Henry is cross when Thomas delays him and refuses to listen to his warning about a line eroded by high tides, which he ended up plunging in the sea.
Thomas, Percy and Old Slow Coach 5 October 1998 #16
Thomas and Percy discover an old coach named Old Slow Coach in the scrapyard and want to save her.
Thomas and the Rumours 6 October 1998 #17
The engines discover that Harold has been hired to show a special visitor around the island and fear being replaced until the Fat Controller told Thomas that he should not listen to rumours.
Oliver's Find 7 October 1998 #18
Oliver is put on mail duty but ends up going down to an old branch line, forcing the Fat Controller to search for Oliver and discovering an old abandoned house.
Happy Ever After 8 October 1998 #19
Mrs. Kyndley asks Percy and his driver to make a "good luck package" for her daughter's wedding, which he succeeded in doing so.
Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday 9 October 1998 #20
The Hatt family go on holiday, even though things start to go wrong for them and Tiger Moth.
A Surprise for Percy 12 October 1998 #21
Percy moans about his work in the coal mines and wants something exciting to happen. His wish comes unexpectedly true when a line of trucks breaks away from him on the hill, so he and Bertie must stop them.
Make Someone Happy 13 October 1998 #22
James sees Mrs. Kyndley, who is upset that her sister cannot come and visit. A "mystery tour" is arranged for her and James is chosen for the special job.
Busy Going Backwards 14 October 1998 #23
Toad is feeling bored about going backwards all the time and confesses to Oliver that he wishes to go forwards for a change. On Gordon's Hill, the coupling snaps and Toad goes on a wild ride with the trucks through the Main Line.
Duncan Gets Spooked 15 October 1998 #24
Duncan teases Peter Sam after some trucks fall into a ravine but, when he crosses the old iron bridge, he gets a very spooky surprise.
Rusty and the Boulder 16 October 1998 #25
Rusty is suspicious of a strange boulder lodged in the mountains, which chases him and the other engines until it demolishes the nearby shed, narrowly avoiding Percy in the process.
Snow 19 October 1998 #26
Thomas is cross with the snow, so Rusty tells him about Skarloey's own experience in an avalanche.

Screenshot Title Original US release date Episode
number #
A Big Surprise for Percy 6 September 1999 #01
Percy moans about his work in the coal mines and wants something exciting to happen. His wish comes unexpectedly true when a line of freight cars breaks away from him on the hill, so he and Bertie must stop them.
Snow 6 September 1999 #02
Thomas is cross with the snow, so Rusty tells him about Skarloey's own experience in an avalanche.
Bye George! 7 September 1999 #03
George causes a great deal of trouble for Percy, Thomas, Duck and Gordon. After Sir Topham Hatt finds out everything, George eventually gets punished.
Double Teething Troubles 7 September 1999 #04
Bill and Ben are worried when they hear that a malfunctioning diesel is going to help them work in the clay pits. In the end, it turns out that the diesel is friendly.
Happy Ever After 8 September 1999 #05
Mrs. Kyndley asks Percy and his driver to make a "good luck package" for her daughter's wedding, which he succeeded in doing so.
Busy Going Backwards 8 September 1999 #06
Toad is feeling bored about going backwards all the time and confesses to Oliver that he wishes to go forwards for a change. On Gordon's Hill, the coupling snaps and Toad goes on a wild ride with the freight cars through the Main Line.
Something in the Air 9 September 1999 #07
Henry is cross when Thomas delays him and refuses to listen to his warning about a line eroded by high tides, which he ended up plunging in the sea.
Oliver's Find 9 September 1999 #08
Oliver is put on mail duty but ends up going down to an old branch line, forcing Sir Topham Hatt to search for Oliver and discovering an old abandoned house.
Cranky Bugs 10 September 1999 #09
A new crane called Cranky arrives at the docks and causes trouble for Thomas and Percy but he eventually needs their help after a storm.
Horrid Lorry 10 September 1999 #10
Three very Horrid Lorries arrive on Sodor and start taking over the engines' jobs. Eventually, the tables are turned and the lorries all end in failure.
Thomas, Percy and Old Slow Coach 11 September 1999 #11
Thomas and Percy discover an old coach named Old Slow Coach in the scrapyard and want to save her.
Thomas and the Rumors 11 September 1999 #12
The engines discover that Harold has been hired to show a special visitor around the island and fear being replaced until Sir Topham Hatt told Thomas that he should not listen to rumors.
James and the Trouble with Trees 12 September 1999 #13
James' bragging prevents him from listening to Henry, Percy and Terence's warnings about trees that are too close to the line.
Make Someone Happy 12 September 1999 #14
James sees Mrs. Kyndley, who is upset that her sister cannot come and visit. A "mystery tour" is arranged for her and James is chosen for the special job.
Lady Hatt's Birthday Party 13 September 1999 #15
Sir Topham runs into a series of problems, like his car getting a flat tire, Caroline being broken down again and falls from George into a muddy ditch, which ruins his suit on his way to Lady Hatt's birthday.
Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday 13 September 1999 #16
The Hatt family go on holiday, even though things start to go wrong for them and Tiger Moth.
Stepney Gets Lost 14 September 1999 #17
Sir Topham Hatt invites Stepney to work with Toby and Mavis at the quarry. Stepney gets lost on the way home, eventually arriving at the smelter's yard with two diesels until Sir Topham Hatt found him.
Rusty and the Boulder 14 September 1999 #18
Rusty is suspicious of a strange boulder lodged in the mountains, which chases him and the other engines until it demolishes the nearby shed, narrowly avoiding Percy in the process.
Toby and the Flood 15 September 1999 #19
Toby is sent to inspect a dam and discovers a few leaks in it. It eventually collapses and causes an unsafe bridge to break, causing him to drift towards a waterfall and it is up to Harold to save him from falling down it.
Toby's Discovery 15 September 1999 #20
Toby takes the Hatts on an expedition, finding a castle and an old mine. The destinations are reopened but Toby is spooked by Thomas' story about "The Old Warrior".
A Better View for Gordon * 16 September 1999 #21
Gordon complains about the plainness of a new station and longs for a panoramic view, which he gets unexpectedly.
Gordon and the Gremlin 16 September 1999 #22
Gordon has problems with his fire and the others joke of gremlins. Later, a special visitor arrives and her dog runs away into Thomas' cab.
Haunted Henry October 1999 #23
Henry refuses to believe in ghosts, until he and his crew encounter a series of spooky events during the night.
Duncan Gets Spooked October 1999 #24
Duncan teases Peter Sam after some cars fall into a ravine but, when he crosses the old iron bridge, he gets a very spooky surprise.
Baa! October 1999 #25
A "Best Dressed Station" contest is being held across Sodor. However, as Percy is helping decorate Maithwaite station, a hungry ram is found at the station and the decorations are ruined.
Put Upon Percy October 1999 #26
Percy complains that he is overworked. While working at the coal mine, some runaway cars escape and crash inside the mineshaft, which causes the mine to collapse.

Screenshot Title Original JPN release date Episode
number #
クレーンのクランキー (Cranky Bugs) 12 December 1998 #01
A new crane called Cranky arrives at the docks and causes trouble for Thomas and Percy but he eventually needs their help after a storm.
3だいのトラック (Horrid Lorry) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #02
Three very Horrid Lorries arrive on Sodor and start taking over the engines' jobs. Eventually, the tables are turned and the lorries all end in failure.
ゴードンのまど (A Better View for Gordon) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #03
Gordon complains about the plainness of a new station and longs for a panoramic view, which he gets unexpectedly.
ハットきょうふじんのたんじょうび (Lady Hatt's Birthday Party) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #04
Sir Topham runs into a series of problems, like his car getting a flat tire, Caroline being broken down again and falls from George into a muddy ditch, which ruins his suit on his way to his wife Lady Hatt's birthday.
ジェームスがあぶない (James and the Trouble with Trees) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #05
James' bragging prevents him from listening to Henry, Percy and Terence's warnings about trees that are too close to the line.
ゴードンとおばけ (Gordon and the Gremlin) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #06
Gordon has problems with his fire and the others joke of gremlins. Later, a special visitor arrives and her dog runs away into Thomas' cab.
バイバイ ジョージ (Bye George!) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #07
George causes a great deal of trouble for Percy, Thomas, Duck and Gordon. After Sir Topham Hatt finds out everything, George eventually gets punished.
パーシーとひつじ (Baa!) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #08
A "Best Dressed Station" contest is being held across Sodor. However, as Percy is helping decorate Maithwaite station, a hungry ram is found at the station and the decorations are ruined.
ゆうかんなパーシー (Put Upon Percy) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #09
Percy complains that he is overworked. While working at the coal mine, some runaway trucks escape and crash inside the mineshaft, which causes the mine to collapse.
ながされたトビー (Toby and the Flood) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #10
Toby is sent to inspect a dam and discovers a few leaks in it. It eventually collapses and causes an unsafe bridge to break, causing him to drift towards a waterfall and it is up to Harold to save him from falling down it.
きりのなかのできごと (Haunted Henry) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #11
Henry refuses to believe in ghosts, until he and his crew encounter a series of spooky events during the night.
なかよくやろうよ (Double Teething Troubles) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #12
Bill and Ben are worried when they hear that Derek, a malfunctioning diesel, is going to help them work in the clay pits. In the end, it turns out that Derek is a friendly diesel.
まいごになったステップニー (Stepney Gets Lost) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #13
Sir Topham Hatt invites Stepney to work with Toby and Mavis at the quarry. Stepney gets lost on the way home, eventually arriving at the smelter's yard with two diesels until Sir Topham Hatt found him.
トビーのたんけん (Toby's Discovery) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #14
Toby takes the Hatts on an expedition, finding a castle and an old mine. The destinations are reopened but Toby is spooked by Thomas' story about "The Old Warrior".
みどりのくじら (Something in the Air) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #15
Henry is cross when Thomas delays him and refuses to listen to his warning about a line eroded by high tides, which he ended up plunging in the sea.
トーマスとふるいきゃくしゃ (Thomas, Percy and Old Slow Coach) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #16
Thomas and Percy discover an old coach named Old Slow Coach in the scrapyard and want to save her.
トーマスとうわさばなし (Thomas and the Rumours) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #17
The engines discover that Harold has been hired to show a special visitor around the island and fear being replaced until Sir Topham Hatt told Thomas that he should not listen to rumors.
オリバーのはっけん (Oliver's Find) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #18
Oliver is put on mail duty but ends up going down to an old branch line, forcing Sir Topham Hatt to search for Oliver and discovering an old abandoned house.
めでたし めでたし (Happy Ever After) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #19
Mrs. Kyndley asks Percy and his driver to make a "good luck package" for her daughter's wedding, which he succeeded in doing so.
トップハム・ハットきょうのきゅうか (Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #20
The Hatt family go on holiday, even though things start to go wrong for them and Tiger Moth.
パーシーびっくり (A Surprise for Percy) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #21
Percy moans about his work in the coal mines and wants something exciting to happen. His wish comes unexpectedly true when a line of trucks breaks away from him on the hill, so he and Bertie must stop them.
ひとだすけ (Make Someone Happy) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #22
James sees Mrs. Kyndley, who is upset that her sister cannot come and visit. A "mystery tour" is arranged for her and James is chosen for the special job.
うしろむきのトード (Busy Going Backwards) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #23
Toad is feeling bored about going backwards all the time and confesses to Oliver that he wishes to go forwards for a change. On Gordon's Hill, the coupling snaps and Toad goes on a wild ride with the Troublesome Trucks through the Main Line.
まんげつのよるのできごと (Duncan Gets Spooked) 1 January 1999 (VHS) #24
Duncan teases Peter Sam after some trucks fall into a ravine but, when he crosses the old iron bridge, he gets a very spooky surprise.
いわのボルダー (Rusty and the Boulder) 1 July 1999 (VHS) #25
Rusty is suspicious of a strange boulder lodged in the mountains, which chases him and the other engines until it crashes into the nearby shed, destroying it and narrowly avoiding Percy in the process.
ゆき (Snow) 1 December 1999 (VHS) #26
Thomas is cross with the snow, so Rusty tells him about Skarloey's own experience in an avalanche.

Screenshot UK title (top)
US title (bottom) 		Written By Episode
number #
Cranky Bugs Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #01
A new crane named Cranky arrives at the docks and causes trouble for Thomas and Percy but he eventually needs their help after a storm.
Horrid Lorry Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #02
Three horrid lorries arrive on Sodor and start taking over the engines' jobs. Eventually, the tables are turned and the lorries all end in failure.
James and the Trouble with Trees Britt Allcroft
David Mitton
David Maidment		 #03
James's bragging prevents him from listening to Henry, Percy and Terence's warnings about trees that are too close to the line.
Lady Hatt's Birthday Party Britt Allcroft
David Mitton
David Maidment		 #04
The Fat Controller runs into a series of problems, like his car getting a flat tyre, Caroline being broken down again and falls from George into a muddy ditch, which ruins his suit on his way to his wife Lady Hatt's birthday.
Make Someone Happy Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #05
James sees Mrs. Kyndley, who is upset that her sister cannot come and visit. A "mystery tour" is arranged for her and James is chosen for the special job.
Gordon and the Gremlin Britt Allcroft
David Mitton
David Maidment		 #06
Gordon has problems with his fire and the others joke of gremlins. Later, a special visitor arrives and her dog runs away into Thomas's cab.
Bye George! Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #07
George causes a great deal of trouble for Percy, Thomas, Duck and Gordon. After the Fat Controller finds out everything, George eventually gets punished.
Baa! Britt Allcroft
David Mitton
David Maidment		 #08
A "Best Dressed Station" contest is being held across Sodor. However, as Percy is helping decorate Maithwaite station, a hungry ram is found at the station and the decorations are ruined.
Put Upon Percy Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #09
Percy complains that he is overworked. While working at the coal mine, some runaway trucks escape and crash inside the mineshaft, which causes the mine to collapse.
Toby and the Flood Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #10
Toby is sent to inspect a dam and discovers a few leaks in it. It eventually collapses and causes an unsafe bridge to break, causing him to drift towards a waterfall and it is up to Harold to save him from falling down it.
Haunted Henry Britt Allcroft
David Mitton
David Maidment		 #11
Henry refuses to believe in ghosts, until he and his crew encounter a series of spooky events during the night.
Double Teething Troubles Britt Allcroft
David Mitton
David Maidment		 #12
Bill and Ben are worried when they hear that a diesel engine is going to help them work in the clay pits. In the end, it turns out that Derek is a friendly diesel.
Stepney Gets Lost Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #13
The Fat Controller invites Stepney to work with Toby and Mavis at the quarry. Stepney gets lost on the way home, eventually arriving at the smelter's yard with two diesels until the Fat Controller found him.
A Better View for Gordon Britt Allcroft
David Mitton
David Maidment		 #14
Gordon complains about the plainness of a new station and longs for a panoramic view, which he gets unexpectedly.
Something in the Air Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #15
Henry is cross when Thomas delays him and refuses to listen to his warning about a line eroded by high tides, which he ended up plunging in the sea.
Thomas, Percy and Old Slow Coach Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #16
Thomas and Percy discover an old coach named Old Slow Coach in the scrapyard and want to save her.
Thomas and the Rumours
Thomas and the Rumors		 Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #17
The engines discover that Harold has been hired to show a special visitor around the island and fear being replaced until the Fat Controller told Thomas that he should not listen to rumours.
Oliver's Find Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #18
Oliver is put on mail duty but ends up going down to an old branch line, forcing the Fat Controller to search for Oliver and discovering an old abandoned house.
Happy Ever After Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #19
Mrs. Kyndley asks Percy and his driver to make a "good luck package" for her daughter's wedding, which he succeeded in doing so.
Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #20
The Hatt family go on holiday, even though things start to go wrong for them and a biplane named Tiger Moth.
A Surprise for Percy
A Big Surprise for Percy		 Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #21
Percy moans about his work in the coal mines and wants something exciting to happen. His wish comes unexpectedly true when a line of trucks breaks away from him on the hill, so he and Bertie must stop them.
Toby's Discovery Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #22
Toby takes the Hatt family on an expedition, finding a castle and an old mine. The destinations are reopened but Toby is spooked by Thomas' story about "The Old Warrior". It then turns out that The Old Warrior is actually a narrow-gauge tender engine named Bertram who wants to meet Toby.
Busy Going Backwards Britt Allcroft
David Mitton
David Maidment		 #23
Toad is feeling bored about going backwards all the time and confesses to Oliver that he wishes to go forwards for a change. On Gordon's Hill, the coupling snaps and Toad goes on a wild ride with the trucks through the Main Line.
Rusty and the Boulder Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #24
Rusty is suspicious of a strange boulder lodged in the mountains, which chases him and the other engines until it demolishes the nearby shed, narrowly avoiding Percy in the process.
Snow Britt Allcroft
David Mitton		 #25
Thomas is cross with the snow, so Rusty tells him about Skarloey's own experience in an avalanche.
Duncan Gets Spooked Britt Allcroft
David Mitton
David Maidment		 #26
Duncan teases Peter Sam after some trucks fall into a ravine but, when he crosses the old iron bridge, he gets a very spooky surprise.

Songs

Screenshot Title Composers Original release date
It's Great to Be an Engine Mike O'Donnell
Junior Campbell		 5 October 1998 (UK, cassette)
Oh, yes, it's great to be an engine and go steaming along
Puff puff puffing along, peep peep peeping along…
Sir Topham Hatt Mike O'Donnell
Junior Campbell		 5 October 1998 (UK, cassette)
His name is Sir Topham Hatt. Some people say he's Stout!!
Rather rotund, really quite round but he doesn't see it like that…
Accidents Will Happen Mike O'Donnell
Junior Campbell		 5 October 1998 (UK, cassette)
Thrills and spills on the railway, it's a life of happiness
But sometimes impatience can lead to carelessness…
Night Train Mike O'Donnell
Junior Campbell		 5 October 1998 (UK, cassette)
See how the night sky glows.
See the light from the night train…
The Snow Song Mike O'Donnell
Junior Campbell		 5 October 1998 (UK, cassette)
You wake to the silence, the bright afterglow.
Now there's a surprise, for what do you know…
Harold the Helicopter Mike O'Donnell
Junior Campbell		 5 October 1998 (UK, cassette)
Who do you call when the chips are down
When your back is against the wall…
Donald's Duck Mike O'Donnell
Junior Campbell		 5 October 1998 (UK, cassette)
I found a quacker in my tender.
She was very, very tame…
Percy's Seaside Trip Mike O'Donnell
Junior Campbell		 5 October 1998 (UK, cassette)
The sun is shining, it's a lovely day
It won't be long before we're on our way…
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining Mike O'Donnell
Junior Campbell		 5 October 1998 (UK, cassette)
Life is full of surprises, full of ups and downs
And so to have a silver lining, first there must be cloud…
Come for the Ride Mike O'Donnell
Junior Campbell		 5 October 1998 (UK, cassette)
All your friends on the railway would like you all to see
Just how much fun rocking on the railway can be…


PC Game

Cover Title Composers Original release date
Magical Adventure Mike O'Donnell
Junior Campbell		 17 July 1998 (Japan, PC)
Players get to drive as Thomas, Gordon or Percy and they can play a few minigames, as well as watching a few episodes from the series.


Characters

Characters Introduced

Locations

Trivia

  • This was the first series of several things:
    • The first series not to have any episodes based on stories from The Railway Series by Wilbert and Christopher Awdry.
    • The first series to introduce original characters with no connection to The Railway Series.
    • Alec Baldwin's first series as the US narrator.
    • The first series not to air on Shining Time Station due to the show ending in 1996. Episodes from this series (as well as the first four) were aired on FOX Family's Storytime with Thomas.
    • The first series to use a Proteus 2000 synthesizer to compose the music.
    • The first series in which the phrase "confusion and delay" is said.
    • The first series with an episode in which some railway on Sodor is referred to as "railroad", its American term. This occurs in Duncan Gets Spooked.
    • The first series in which Douglas, Bulgy, Sir Handel, Duke, Smudger, Class 40, S.C. Ruffey, Bulstrode and Elizabeth II do not appear since their debuts.
    • The first series in which Edward does not have any major roles in any of his appearances.
    • The first series in which Peter Sam does not speak in any of his appearances since his debut.
    • The first series in which Elsbridge does not appear.
    • The first series in which food items are transported in open wagons.
    • The first series to refer to Sudrian locations by their actual names instead of nicknames such as "the big station" or "the harbour".
    • The first series to feature Thomas' alarmed and jolly faces, Gordon's astonished face and Bertie's shocked face.
    • The first series to feature Henry's ill face and Gordon's weary/grumpy face since their appearances in the first series.
    • The first series to feature Percy's smug face, Gordon's shocked face and Duck's shocked face since their debuts in the second series.
    • The first series not dubbed in Ukrainian.
    • The first series dubbed by The Maidstone Studios.
    • The first series narrated by Kim Il for re-dub in South Korea.
    • The first series aired by EBS, Tooniverse and Daekyo Kids TV in South Korea.
    • The first series that released completely on VHS and DVD in South Korea.
    • The first series to feature stereo audio in Albania and for DVD in South Korea.
    • The first series to have two dubs until the twelfth series in South Korea but they had three dubs.
    • The first series that was not aired on television in Sweden.
    • The first series dubbed at "Studio Hamburg Synchron" in Germany. It was also the first series featuring Henning Stegelmann as the translator and dialogue director of the German dub.
    • The first series in which Aku Laitinen was credited in the intro instead of in the ending credits in the Finnish dub.
  • According to an interview with David Mitton before his death in 2008, this series was supposed to be a showcase for Thomas and the Magic Railroad.
  • This series features more songs than any other, at a total of ten.
  • This was also the final series of several things:
    • The last series made by Gullane Entertainment under its original name The Britt Allcroft Company.
    • Britt Allcroft's final series as writer and producer.
    • David Mitton's final series as producer.
    • Angus Wright's last series as executive producer.
    • The last series to premiere in the UK on Cartoon Network. This is also the last time the franchise would debut on said network in an English-speaking country until Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go over 20 years later.
    • The last series filmed completely in 4:3 fullscreen. However, the first six episodes of the next series would also be filmed in 4:3, with some scenes being filmed in 16:9 widescreen.
    • The last series released on VHS in New Zealand, albeit incomplete.
    • The last series to feature BoCo.
    • The last series to be released in the 1990s, the twentieth century and the second millennium.
    • The last series shown first to run fully on American television until the eighth series. The sixth series would be released exclusively on home video in the United States until 2005 and the seventh series would run concurrently with the eighth series.
    • The last series shown in Germany, Latin America (not counting four sixth series episodes and two seventh series episodes) and Brazil until the eighth series.
    • The last series released by DVD Acadamy in South Korea.
    • The last series to have voice over English dubs in South Korea.
    • The last series to have two dubs in Poland.
    • The last series to have a railway consultant until the seventeenth series.
    • The last series in which Annie and Clarabel speak in more than one episode.
    • The last series to use the sound effects in Dolby Surround Sound for diesel engines, though the sound system is still used for steam engines, road vehicles, rolling stock and people.
    • The last series to have all its episodes released on VHS in the UK and Australia.
    • The last series before the release of Thomas and the Magic Railroad.
    • The last series narrated by Manfred Steffen in Germany.
    • The last series aired by TVP3 for original Polish dub in Poland.
    • The last series that had not released a music video completely on DVD in South Korea.
    • The last series to feature Thomas' second smiling face, James' duplicate happy face and Percy's original wincing, drowsy and smug faces.
    • The last series where Thomas' shocked face has its buck tooth.
  • This was also the only series of several things:
    • David Maidment's only series as railway consultant and writer.
    • The only series where Donald appears without Douglas, although the latter appears in music videos.
    • The only series not to feature Diesel since his introduction in the second series. Despite not appearing in any released episodes, Diesel does make a few appearances in music videos and a deleted shot from Cranky Bugs.
    • The only series in which BoCo, Derek, Caroline and Toad were voiced by Alec Baldwin in the US.
    • The only series in which Knapford does not appear.
    • The only series to have Naoki Kinoshita as part of the Japanese voice cast.
    • The only series to feature Kirk Ronan until All Engines Go.
    • The only series mixed in Dolby Surround.
    • The only series that was not released completely on VHS in New Zealand (the only two episodes that were not released on VHS in the country were Bye George! and Something in the Air).
    • The only series to feature Thomas' jolly face.
  • Michael Angelis was not credited in the opening titles for the UK dub. However, he is credited as narrator in the Hindi dub despite the episodes being re-dubbed.
  • In addition to the US dub, Alec Baldwin is credited in the opening titles for the Spanish and French dubs despite the episodes being re-dubbed.
  • Korean DVD releases of this series from C4U Media and Adongmoonhak credit Michael Angelis as the narrator despite the episodes being re-dubbed.
  • In the Vietnamese dub, Michael Angelis' dub can be heard in the background as a dubbing track was not used. Additionally, he is also credited as the narrator despite the episodes being re-dubbed.
  • In Finland, all of the episodes were never released on home video. they were shown exclusively on television by MTV3 in 2009.
  • This series was filmed in the same room that Tugs was filmed in.
  • The Japanese video game Magical Adventure utilises specially shot footage from this series.
  • According to a news article in the Daily Mirror, this series was planned to air on the BBC.[1] Had this series aired on the BBC as initially planned, it would have been the first in the television series to do so.
  • Eighteen sets of rushes from this series on hi-8 tape are currently in the possession of Twitter/YouTube user ThomasTankMerch.
  • James' tender still had its fourth series black lining, as it has not been updated in the fifth series. It is visible in the episodes Cranky Bugs, Horrid Lorry, A Better View for Gordon, Gordon and the Gremlin, Put Upon Percy, Something in the Air, Thomas and the Rumours and beginnings of James and the Trouble with Trees, Baa! and Make Someone Happy.

Reference

  1. ↑ Daily Mirror, 20 March 1997


<< Series 4

Series 5

Series 6 >>

#01 Cranky Bugs #10 Toby and the Flood #19 Happy Ever After
#02 Horrid Lorry #11 Haunted Henry #20 Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday
#03 A Better View for Gordon #12 Double Teething Troubles #21 A Surprise for Percy
#04 Lady Hatt's Birthday Party #13 Stepney Gets Lost #22 Make Someone Happy
#05 James and the Trouble with Trees #14 Toby's Discovery #23 Busy Going Backwards
#06 Gordon and the Gremlin #15 Something in the Air #24 Duncan Gets Spooked
#07 Bye George! #16 Thomas, Percy and Old Slow Coach #25 Rusty and the Boulder
#08 Baa! #17 Thomas and the Rumours #26 Snow
#09 Put Upon Percy #18 Oliver's Find
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