Anyone who has preschool kids (or little 'grands') is generally familiar with 'Thomas the Train', and its television shows, videos, and toys!.
The May issue of TRAINS had carried an ad for the Midland Railway; after investigation, my wife had found there was going to be a 'visit' from Thomas and Percy (wkends of 06/01 to 06 thru 06/10).
Baldwin City, Ks. was a doable drive, so plans were laid. I had not attended one of these 'Days Out with Thomas' . We were booked to ride both Thomas and Percy at the site of the Midland Rwy Historical Society, in Baldwin City. It was quite a carnival-like experience. The train rides were the centerpiece, and there were plenty of other things to keep the little people happy, and the parents satisfied. It was Hot, but there was plenty of water and drinks available, and the 'Thomas and Percy' fans had visits with Sir Topham Hatt. The Midland Rwy Historical Society had lots of volunteer helpers around to help visitors. There was shade and picnic tables available, not to mention some air conditioning for those who watched the videos while waiting for their scheduled rides. Capped the day off with a motel visit and swiming pool...Not to mention, happy kids, and parents.
P.S. To add a note: The Midland Rwy is the home of an Alco RS-3 (m)#142 one of a number of Alco RS- type switchers modified by the MKT [Added a 1500 hp EMD 16-576c Engine, and GP style- long hood in 1959 at the Parsons.Ks. shop.] It still operates every week at Baldwin City,Ks. see link @ https://www.midlandrailway.org/about/equipment-list/
We did the same event several years ago. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, but it is a busy time for staff and volunteers alike.
I was Thomas' "driver" for the entire event. Forty-eight trips.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
And I'm sure you were a "...very responsible railway worker..." as the Reverend Audrey would have put it, old chap!
samfp1943Anyone who has preschool kids (or little 'grands') is generally familiar with 'Thomas the Train', and its television shows, videos, and toys!.
I'm 30-some. I had Thomas toys when I was a little kid. That show goes back a ways.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.
About ten years ago our three year old grandson spent a lot of time with us. He was a big Thomas fan, and he used to sit on my lap and watch Thomas videos on my computer and play the Thomas games and puzzzles and other activities. He was a lot of fun, but that theme song ran through my head day and night. I'd go to bed with my head going, "Tum-tum-tum-tum-tum-ta-dahhh!"
_____________
"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
My grandchildren have been annually attending Day Out With Thomas at the North Carolina Transportation Museum for more than 10 years. We have both Thomas the Tank Engine and Hogwart's Express, in HO, on our layout. Both of them have been converted to DCC.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I was first introduced to Thomas a good 25 years ago during a visit to Lady Firestorm's sister's family for a Thanksgiving get-together.
So there we were, my three year-old niece Stephanie, me sitting on her right and my brother-in-law "Big B" sitting on her left watching "Shining Time Station," which is where Thomas made his US debut. Hey, "Big B" and myself are both railfans and toy train afficionados, how could we NOT watch Thomas?
Pretty funny when you think about it, a three-year-old and two mature men watching a kids train show!
Afterwards, "Big B" grumped, "Huh! Too much 'Station,' not enough Thomas!"
PS: I think "Thomas The Tank Engine" was better with models, not CGI like it is now!
Firelock76 "Shining Time Station," which is where Thomas made his US debut.
"Shining Time Station," which is where Thomas made his US debut.
Now that brings back some memories for me! Stacy Jones, Schemer, the jukebox band, UP 844 in the credits and of course Ringo Starr as Mr. Conductor. And convincing Mom & Dad to set up the VCR to record it when we couldn't be home (ahh, the 1990s...).
Thomas always was the best part. And George Carlin did a terrific job too when he took over as the narrator/Mr. Conductor.
It was quite a shock when, years later, I heard "seven dirty words" for the first time!
Firelock76 PS: I think "Thomas The Tank Engine" was better with models, not CGI like it is now!
Agree. They did some really creative things with that layout, like real running water and fake smoke/steam piped under the track at stations and other places.
From the older stories you can really tell that Rev. Awdrey was a railfan who paid attention to everything. Most of the engines are based off real British designs, and there are numerous references to dieselization, the Beeching Axe and even a infamous strike.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
Oh brother, George Carlin's "Seven Words You Can't Say On Television," I remember that routine well. More than likely when he took over as "Mr. Conductor" there were plenty of moms and dads ready to leap across the room to cover those little one's ears.
But I'll say this much for ol' George, he was a pro! "Time and a place for everything." He did a good job.
"A Day Out With Thomas" is a big "do" for the Strasburg Railroad in Pennsylvania as well. So many people show up for that one they call him "Thomas The BANK Engine!"
Matter of fact, here's a 5 minute video of the Strasburg's live-steam Thomas, a re-built American 0-6-0, and a remarkable job they did with it too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAXHR1hNZgI
Both of my kids (now 21 & 14) were huge Thomas fans, and we've attended "Day Out With Thomas" both at Durango & the Colorado RR Museum. Looking forward to doing the same with grandkids someday!
I agree with the posters who liked the "live action" Thomas over the CGI version...
I really wish I had known about this sooner, my son would love it and I'm not that far away. Sadly next weekend is booked for us.
Is there a schedule anywhere of where and when Thomas will be?
IbanezGuiness I really wish I had known about this sooner, my son would love it and I'm not that far away. Sadly next weekend is booked for us. Is there a schedule anywhere of where and when Thomas will be?
https://www.ticketwebdowt.com/
The little blue engine gets around.
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad (Boone IA) has hosted Thomas for years. The first years were with a converted plymouth diesel, I believe it was built and owned by the Green Bay museum. After a few years someone else built/converted a larger engine and that's what visits there now. Thomas the Bank Engine indeed.
I always liked Shining Time Station, and agree not enough Thomas. At first it was hard to see Ringo Starr as Mr. Conductor, and even harder when Gerorge Carlin was announced to take over. But both did great jobs. So much for preconceived notions.
I still occasionally watch Thomas and Friends on PBS. (It beats The Real Kardashian Housewives of Swamp People Survivors Got Talent. You might get the impression that I don't care for most of the "reality" programs that dominate TV these days. You'd be right.) Put my vote in for the original models over cgi.
Jeff
jeffhergertI still occasionally watch Thomas and Friends on PBS. (It beats The Real Kardashian Housewives of Swamp People Survivors Got Talent. You might get the impression that I don't care for most of the "reality" programs that dominate TV these days. You'd be right.) Put my vote in for the original models over cgi. Jeff
The only thing real about reality shows is the script.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
jeffhergertThe little blue engine gets around.
There are three replica and one live steam "Thomas." The replicas are little more than shove platforms with a smoke generator, headlight, and whistle.
And I'm no fan of "reality" shows, either.
tree68And I'm no fan of "reality" shows, either.
+1
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