Exclusive: The Railway Series unlikely to be continued

Future titles for The Railway Series are unlikely to be published in the near future.

The Wilbert and Christopher Awdry collection of Thomas' beginnings saw its last entry released in 2011 with the 42nd book, Thomas and His Friends.

During the Tale of the Brave premiere in London's Leciester Square last month, Roll Along Thomas caught up with Alf Fortnam, widow of the late Hilary Fortnam, about its continuation.

No, [Christopher] is finished with it. He feels that the last one was the real closing chapter. It did say "THE END" at the last page.

He likes to keep a low profile [in the public eye] and wants it to stay that way.

Fortnam also discussed how his late wife Hilary was very serious about her Christianity and fought about the TV series' handling of the winter holidays debate, something that Hilary felt very strongly to correct.

Unlike the books, audio adaptation series The Railway Stories is in development for a return in the future, with new owners Random House Audio taking on the reigns of production.

'Tale of the Brave' story and sticker books pushed back

Tale of the Brave's story and sticker books for the UK have been pushed back.

The two guides of the 2014 feature-length special were intended for release on July 31st.

Both will come out almost a month later in late August on the day of the last screenings at Vue cinemas.

It now allows UK fans the chance to avoid spoilers from the special in book format before the DVD release.

The Tale of the Brave Storybook and Sticker Books from Egmont hit UK book shelves at the new date of August 28th.

PRE-ORDER THE 'TALE OF THE BRAVE' BOOKS FROM AMAZON.CO.UK

THE MOVIE STORYBOOK

STICKER ACTIVITY BOOK

Thanks to SodorSteamworks for the alert.

'Dinos & Discoveries' DVD and two new episodes due

New episodes and a DVD are to appear in the next year with the arrival of tie-in books.

The origins of the Dinos & Discoveries book double with Emily Saves the World are unveiled for a DVD release of the same name.

One of Random House's next books for January comes in the form of Thomas and the Volcano. Its artwork of Millie and Thomas places them against a backdrop of a dinosaur and an erupting volcano.

Teasing, As seen on DVD! Dinos & Discoveries, its summary tells more; Thomas and his friends see a volcano in the new Dinosaur Park! Could it erupt?

Boys who love trains will thrill to this Step into Reading adventure, featuring a shiny foil cover and two sheets of stickers, and based on an episode from the newest Thomas & Friends DVD release, Dinos & Discoveries!.

Another title due on the same date is Thomas and the Dinosaur, sharing the same themed setting.

Thomas the Tank Engine and his friend Percy are startled and scared to see a dinosaur in the forest! Train and dinosaur obsessed boys will get a double thrill from this Thomas & Friends Little Golden Book.

The three Dinos & Discoveries books from Random House hit US book shelves on January 6th 2015.

PRE-ORDER THE 'DINOS & DISCOVERIES' BOOKS FROM AMAZON.COM

DINOS & DISCOVERIES/EMILY SAVES THE WORLD

THOMAS AND THE VOLCANO

THOMAS AND THE DINOSAUR

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Railway Series anniversary collection pushes October

Egmont's celebratory release of The Railway Series has been pushed forward to this year.

In March, Roll Along Thomas revealed plans by the bookmakers to publish a 70th anniversary compilation of the Rev. W. Awdry books, leaving the Christopher Awdry era out.

Initially set for 2015, the year of The Three Railway Engines, the collection has instead been brought forward to the autumn.

A detailing of the collection has appeared on amazon.co.uk, with pre-ordering now available.

The Rev. Awdry's first book in the classic Railway Series, The Three Railway Engines, was published exactly 70 years ago. This elegant slipcase brings together the all 26 books from this famous series in one stunning volume.

The ultimate gift for all those who delight in the adventures of this cheeky little engine and his friends and a delightful present for new babies who are sure to grow up to be firm Thomas fans.

The Railway Series Complete Collection: 70th Anniversary Collection from Egmont hits UK book shelves on October 9th.

PRE-ORDER 'THE RAILWAY SERIES: 70TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION FROM AMAZON.CO.UK

Season 18 episodes and new character teased for book

Two new stories due to appear in a US book title have been teased for the 18th Series.

A 2 in 1 release called Dinos & Discoveries/Emily Saves the World is being published by Random House for January 2015.

The latter cover depicting Emily pulling a flatbed of a prop globe of the earth appears to form a new still.

Thomas however is seen with an unknown green engine behind a prehistoric landscape for a Dinos promo shot.

A previous double book installment of Spills & Thrills/No More Mr. Nice Engine for Season 17 was made available earlier this year.

Season 18 meanwhile is on course for an autumn broadcast in the US and in fall 2014 for the UK.

Dinos & Discoveries/Emily Saves the World from Random House hits US book shelves on January 6th 2015.

PRE-ORDER 'DINOS & DISCOVERIES/EMILY SAVES THE WORLD' FROM AMAZON.COM

'All About' engine books heading to UK and Australia

A retrospective line of books on the engines of Sodor are to be published in the UK and Australia.

The All About series will examine the facts of Thomas, Percy, Edward and James to be available as individual titles.

Hardie Grant, Egmont's Australian subsidiary who already publish Thomas & Friends books for the latter and the UK, are to release the four All Abouts at the start of May.

Boasting amazing facts, stories and quizzes and over 50 stickers, the retrospectives are spun-off from 2011's The Big Book of Engines.

The All About books from Hardie Grant Egmont hit UK and Australian book shelves on May 1st.

'Tale of the Brave' UK books and 2015 Annual revealed

Three new books for the UK have been revealed by amazon for release at the end of July.

Coinciding with the Tale of the Brave are storybook and sticker book editions of the upcoming feature-length special.

With both reliving the action from the movie, the storybook's description reveals more on the plot of the film.

When Thomas discovers a mysterious footprint in the clay pits, everyone is curious about where it came from, but poor Percy is just scared!

Can a new friend convince Percy there is no such thing as monsters or will his fear lead him to leave Sodor Island forever?! Fans of Thomas & Friends can relive all the action from the hit movie in this action-packed storybook!

Also due simultaneously is the Thomas & Friends 2015 Annual. The 72 page book is to hold an another assortment of stories, character profiles and activities.

The Tale of the Brave books and the 2015 Annual hit UK book shelves on July 31st.

PRE-ORDER THE NEW BOOKS ON AMAZON.CO.UK

TALE OF THE BRAVE: THE MOVIE STORYBOOK

TALE OF THE BRAVE: THE MOVIE STICKER BOOK

THOMAS & FRIENDS: 2015 ANNUAL

'Tale of the Brave' book covers reveal more characters

Another two book covers concerning the Tale of the Brave special have been published by Random House.

The Little and Big Golden Book versions of the story show Thomas and Percy against quarry backdrops on both covers, with James on the latter.

The Big Golden Book however presents another fleeting appearance from the unknown Colombian Steam Locomotive on a bridge, while a small dark blue engine follows from behind, both hauling trucks.

Another unknown character, a steam shovel, is seen on top of a mountain, bearing a resemblance to Jack and the Pack's Ned.

Three more titles adapting the special are also due, with all formally divulged in late October.

The five Tale of the Brave books from Random House and Golden Books hit US book shelves on July 22nd 2014.

PRE-ORDER THE 'TALE OF THE BRAVE' BOOKS ON AMAZON.COM

BRAVE LITTLE ENGINES

THOMAS AND THE MONSTER

THE MONSTER OF SODOR

THE FEARSOME FOOTPRINTS/THOMAS THE BRAVE
TALE OF THE BRAVE

Thanks to TheDirtyTrain1 for the alert.

'Tale of the Brave' double book release cover published

Another two book covers for the Tale of the Brave special have been published by Random House.

Five tie-in books were revealed for release in July coinciding with the 2014 film's release in the fall.

For the double release Thomas and the Fearsome Footprints/Thomas the Brave, Percy and Thomas are seen depicted in the rainy night for the Thomas the Brave art.

Fearsome Footprints' cover meanwhile, sees an astonished Thomas on an industrial estate discovering a reptile's footprints on the ground.

This week also saw an unknown engine, due to be introduced in the special, appear on the Brave Little Engines cover.

The five Tale of the Brave books from Random House and Golden Books hit US book shelves on July 22nd 2014.

PRE-ORDER THE 'TALE OF THE BRAVE' BOOKS ON AMAZON.COM

BRAVE LITTLE ENGINES

THOMAS AND THE MONSTER

THE MONSTER OF SODOR

THE FEARSOME FOOTPRINTS/THOMAS THE BRAVE
TALE OF THE BRAVE

'Tale of the Brave' book reveals new character form

A new book tie-ing in with the upcoming 2014 Thomas & Friends special has revealed a new character.

The eighth feature-length special, Tale of the Brave, was ordered by Hit Entertainment in October alongside the commission of an 18th series, both due for the fall of 2014.

Five tie-in books were subsequently unveiled for release in July. Random House have since published the cover art for the Brave Little Engines colouring title.

It shows Thomas travelling under a quarry bridge, while a green engine based on a Colombian Steam Motor Locomotive passes by on the bridge.

Tale of the Brave: The Movie is coming soon to DVD in 2014 while the five Tale of the Brave books from Random House and Golden Books hit US book shelves on July 22nd 2014.

PRE-ORDER THE 'TALE OF THE BRAVE' BOOKS ON AMAZON.COM

BRAVE LITTLE ENGINES

THOMAS AND THE MONSTER

THE MONSTER OF SODOR

THE FEARSOME FOOTPRINTS/THOMAS THE BRAVE
TALE OF THE BRAVE

'Tale of the Brave: The Movie' logo unveiled in book

The official logo aiding the next Thomas & Friends special has been witnessed in a new book.

Tale of the Brave was announced by Hit Entertainment in October to premiere in 2014. Its logo has since been used on the cover for the Thomas and the Monster book.

Thomas and James are also depicted on the cover, appearing to run away from a mysterious engine.

The special's synopsis reads; When Thomas spots some giant footprints his friend Percy quickly becomes convinced that there is a monster on the island.

When an unusual engine, with sloping boilers, first appears, Percy believes he must be the monster but the new engine proves to be a good friend and ally. He even helps Percy discover what it really means to be brave.

Another four books, along with the aforementioned, are to be published in the US for July 2014.

Tale of the Brave: The Movie is coming soon to DVD in 2014.

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

'Tale of the Brave' movie tie-in books unveiled for 2014

New books have been revealed to tie-in with the next Thomas & Friends special on amazon.com.

The forthcoming Tale of the Brave film was announced by Hit Entertainment in early October to premiere next year.

Five books are to adapt the story for release in summer 2014, with Brave Little Engines and Thomas and the Monster serving as colour activities.

The Monster of Sodor is to come in the form of a Step Into Reading title while a double pack will combine The Fearsome Footprints/Thomas the Brave together. A Big Golden Book of the special of the same name is also due.

According to Hit's press release, Tale of the Brave will explore the theme of bravery.

When Thomas spots some giant footprints his friend Percy quickly becomes convinced that there is a monster on the island.

When an unusual engine, with sloping boilers, first appears, Percy believes he must be the monster but the new engine proves to be a good friend and ally. He even helps Percy discover what it really means to be brave. 

The five Tale of the Brave books from Random House and Golden Books hit US book shelves on July 22nd 2014.

PRE-ORDER THE 'TALE OF THE BRAVE' BOOKS ON AMAZON.COM

BRAVE LITTLE ENGINES

THOMAS AND THE MONSTER

THE MONSTER OF SODOR

THE FEARSOME FOOTPRINTS/THOMAS THE BRAVE
TALE OF THE BRAVE

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Smyths brings out festive 'Ultimate Christmas Gift Set'

Smyths have released a specially made Thomas gift set only available through their UK stores.

Ultimate Christmas Gift Set stores two DVDs and two books in one pack exclusively for Smyths customers only.

Made for the oncoming Christmas rush, the Christmas Express and Merry Winter Wish DVDs are packaged together with the Thomas Story Library books The Snowy Surprise and The Snowy Special.

Last year, the children's retailer released an alternate product called Ultimate Movie Box Set which saw the films The Great Discovery, Hero of the Rails, Misty Island Rescue and Day of the Diesels in one collection.

Ultimate Christmas Gift Set is available to buy in the UK in Smyths stores only.

Thanks to Hawk01 for the alert.

Thomas & Friends Mag previews 'The Lost Puff' images

New images have been released concerning an upcoming episode from the 17th Series.

Issue 667 of Thomas & Friends Magazine published stills from The Lost Puff today, to be broadcast in the UK and the US in October.

Used as the UK magazine's featured story, its lead, Paxton will star with Toby and Thomas while Stephen will serve in a small role.

Last week saw PBS reveal details on the next set of episodes from the latest series, including a synopsis for The Lost Puff.

Series 17 of Thomas & Friends returns on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK in October coinciding with the US launch on PBS Kids on October 7th.

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Season 17 episodes in 'Thomas Story Time' 2013 books

Thomas Story Time is to return for a sixth time with a set of new books due to out in the UK next year.

The positively received Season 17 is the next to be adapted for the range after its predecessor, Season 16.

Taking the series up to 30 titles is Scruff's Makeover, Noisy Stafford, based on Steamie Stafford, Gordon Runs Dry and Kevin Meets Cranky, originally Kevin's Cranky Friend.

Joining them is The Lost Puff which is unknown to carry the same name as a future episode due to air on British television in October.

The five new Thomas Story Time books from Egmont hit UK book shelves on January 2nd 2014.

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

'King of the Railway' book enters Augmented Reality

A King of the Railway book due out in September will make use of several Augmented Reality apps.

Simply named after the upcoming special, the title has been given the advantage of interacting with smartphones and tablets.

By using an Apple device or an Android, a virtual reality of events is expanded to the viewer when directing such device on a particular spot. Instructions on how to are available in the book.
The description also tells more on the special; This is a wonderful companion to the new special film King of the Railway.

It features profiles on all the much-loved Thomas and Friends characters - plus all you need to know about the new faces in the new film - Stephen, Millie, Caitlin and Connor and the Earl of Sodor.

You can read up on the most exciting moments from King of the Railway - the arrival of the Earl of Sodor, the race between Gordon and Spencer, the runaway train and when Stephen comes off the track and ends up lost in the old mine.

There are also four amazing Augmented Reality sequences supported by a free app on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android.

Drive Thomas around your room, help repair Stephen into a bright, new engine, who will win the race - Gordon or Spencer? And help Thomas load the cargo crates.

The King of the Railway Augmented Reality book from Carlton Kids hits UK book shelves on September 12th 2013.

PRE-ORDER THE 'KING OF THE RAILWAY' AUGMENTED REALITY BOOK ON AMAZON.CO.UK

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Second new series DVD and Stephen episode confirmed

Another new US DVD of Season Seventeen episodes is on the horizon for release into next year.

Following the success of Walmart's Railway Mischief, Spills & Thrills will be the next DVD to contain more stories from the latest series.
The reveal came from a listing for a forthcoming Step into Reading book called The Rocket Returns.

The book, due to hit US book shelves on January 7th 2014, confirms that Stephen will take centre stage in his own episode.

Thomas the Tank Engine's new friend Stephen used to be known as The Rocket! With Thomas' help, he will again!

Little boys ages 4 to 6 who love trains will dive in to this Step into Reading adventure based on an episode from the newest Thomas & Friends DVD release, Spills and Thrills!

Spills & Thrills is coming soon to US DVD from Lionsgate Entertainment.

PRE-ORDER 'THE ROCKET RETURNS' ON AMAZON.COM

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

2014 Annual and Amazing ABC UK books for Autumn

Egmont are to release the Thomas & Friends 2014 Annual for the UK this Autumn.

Containing another set of stories, activities and character profiles, Thomas and Flynn dominate the front cover with James, Percy, Edward and Henry substituting.

More King of the Railway stuff is teased for the annual as a custom made emblem is displayed on the cover.
The summary reads; The Thomas & Friends Annual is packed full of exciting stories and fun activities about Thomas and his many friends!

Fans of Thomas can read factfiles and stories about their favourite engines, complete fun puzzles and activities and meet some brand new friends too!

On an educational front is Amazing ABC where familiar faces and locations are guided in an A to Z style of reading as its description mentions.

Join Thomas and friends on an ABC journey around the Island of Sodor! Children will love going from A to Z naming engines and sights from the world-famous railway.

With lots of flaps to open, a wheel to turn and even a telephone to dial, there's plenty to help Really Useful kids learn their ABC!

2014 Annual and Amazing ABC from Egmont hit UK book shelves on August 5th and September 2nd 2013.

PRE-ORDER THE NEW BOOKS ON AMAZON.CO.UK

2014 ANNUAL

AMAZING ABC

Egmont issues important product recall on Thomas mag

Egmont have sent out a public caution concerning a free gift available in a Thomas & Friends Magazine.

The gift in question titled Thomas Spring Set is attached to the 661th issue of the UK's magazine series released on April 3rd.

Taking to the Thomas & Friends website, Egmont have declared a statement to prevent a possible hazard from developing.
It has come to the publisher's attention that there is a safety issue with the hay bale attached to the Spring Farm set on Thomas & Friends Magazine issue #661, on sale 3rd April.

When unravelled, the hay bale is not cut into individual pieces and is considered to be a strangulation hazard. They have therefore decided to immediately recall the product.

Customers are asked to please ensure that children stop playing with the hay bale immediately and to return the gift along with this issue to your retailer for a refund.

Egmont has since apologised and are pledging for all retailers to remove the issue from sale and to return them to the wholesaler.

READ EGMONT'S FULL STATEMENT

Thanks to Hawk01 for the alert.

Railway Series reference in 'King' film reveals new book

King of the Railway is to include an element from The Railway Series books when released.

As part of a Sticker Activity Book tie-in, the revelation of a lost crown of Sodor is owned by a former king, as the book's summary reveals.

The Earl of Sodor has come to visit the island, and he wants to reopen Ulfstead Castle. All the engines have a job to do, but poor old Stephen doesn't think he'll be able to help.
Can Thomas help Stephen find a way to be useful? Relive the action from the movie and help Thomas and Friends find King Godred's lost crown in this activity book complete with stickers!

The Godred reference dates back to the Mountain Engines book in The Railway Series, where a Sudrian figure known as Godred MacHarold ruled the reigns of Sodor for a number of years as king.

In the story Bad Look-Out, Culdee tells a tale of Godred, a careless mountain engine who was named after MacHarold.

King of the Railway: The Movie premieres in the UK, US, Germany and Australia from this September while the Sticker Activity Book hits UK book shelves on September 2nd.

PRE-ORDER 'KING OF THE RAILWAY: STICKER ACTIVITY BOOK' ON AMAZON.CO.UK