Feature: Recap on Episode Eight of Season Sixteen

Midway through its second week, the Sixteenth Season of Thomas & Friends continued in Britain on Channel 5 milkshake!.

Bringing Thomas back into the lead saw himself in Thomas Toots the Crows where the incumbent engine tried to find ways to disperse crows appearing on Farmer McColl's farm.

Featuring a slightly reduced cast, the two spoke with large roles as were Den, Gordon and Mavis who all took on minor parts.

Passing by with no dialogue brought forth in the opening half minute Hiro, Rosie, James, Henry and later on, Toby and The Troublesome Trucks, back with their faces implemented once more.

The episode lured in negative reviews from fans who blasted the story being deemed a failure over Thomas' chase for two crows throughout. Reviews were at such that opinions of animal based episodes don't gel well with expections.

Non-compliments flowed directing at Dan and Nuria Wicksman's script as rhyming, alliterated lines and double repeating came back to the reigns of poor feedback.

Some positives became noted of Farmer McColl's role model of human activity which happened a number of times in certain places. The inclusions of Den, Mavis and the Trucks saw partically lukewarm reception.

Humour also served as a highlight taking the crows' manic behaviour and the Troublesome Trucks' groans to goodness. A scene involving Gordon and an accidentally painted on moustache proved to be the funniest tidbit.

TheTopHatts gives Thomas Toots the Crows...

3/10

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends continues its run in Australia on ABC2 on Thursday March 1st 2012 at 2:55pm with the episode, Muddy Matters.

Channel 5 in the UK airs the next episode on their milkshake! slot on the same day at 7:35am with Bust My Buffers!.

For a full list of the scheduling, visit the Dieselworks Turntable Roundhouse on the right hand sidebar for more details.
 

WATCH 'THOMAS TOOTS THE CROWS' 
YOUTUBE
DEMAND 5

 

Thanks to Thomas & Friends Wikia for information and images.

What did you think of this episode? Send your reaction in the comments section just under this post for your verdict.

Official minisite launched for Blue Mountain Mystery

An Official minisite of the Blue Mountain Mystery 2012 feature-length special has been opened on the Thomas & Friends Website.

Opening the website shows an interative homepage where different sections of pages reveal more mysteries about the story. Composer Robert Hartshorne's part new score is included and plays automatically.

A countdown clock reading Meet Merrick in will subsequently tell all of Merrick the Quarry Crane, one of the new characters.

An educational video showing the differences between Narrow Gauge and Standard Gauge Engines can also be viewed, featuring scenes from the film.

A competition to win a gift pack of Thomas goodies can be entered by clicking on the Mystery Engine Competition shed, where newbie Luke is hiding in. Another prize is tickets to the now fully confirmed Leicester Square premiere.

Hide & Peep Thomas Storybook showcases a differently written version to the special even presenting many promotional screencaps and several plot points of synopsis.

Blue Mountain Mystery premieres in UK and US theatres and on DVD/Blu Ray from September 2012.

VISIT THE 'BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY' MINISITE

UK

US

CANADA
AUSTRALIA

First Look: The Narrow Gauge Engines in full CGI

The Official Thomas & Friends Websites in the UK and US have been the first to reveal the Narrow Gauge Engines' CGI makeovers.

The five of Skarloey, Rheneas, Sir Handel, Peter Sam and Rusty for the first time ever have been transformed in their animated states by Nitrogen Studios.

The little engines are now fully confirmed for their returns in the Blue Mountain Mystery film. Peter Sam and The Thin Controller are due to make a series comeback in the upcoming Don't Bother Victor! episode.

With this, each of them have recieved their own profile pages on the Engine Depot section where information and descriptions are available to read.

All the present looking models have notably payed attention to extra detailing especially on Rusty's. Ben Small and new cast member Steven Kynman take vocal lending duties for Rheneas and Peter Sam respectively.

Nitrogen Studios' aforementioned contributions will be their last for the series before Arc Productions take over the animation creative for the new look show in 2013.

Blue Mountain Mystery premieres in UK and US theatres and on DVD/Blu Ray from September 2012.

TAKE A FIRST LOOK OF THE NARROW GAUGE ENGINES IN FULL CGI

SKARLOEY

RHENEAS

SIR HANDEL

PETER SAM

RUSTY

Thanks to ellsworth for the alert.

What do you think of the new look Narrow Gauge Engines? Are you excited for their returns? Give you reactions and thoughts in the comments below this post.

Feature: Recap on Episode Seven of Season Sixteen

The seventh episode of the new series of Thomas & Friends made its broadcast on Channel 5 milkshake! in the United Kingdom.

After the successes of Express Coming Through and Flash Bang Wallop!, Thomas and the Rubbish Train followed.

It saw Thomas and Whiff moving a train of trucks full of rubbish to transfer to Whiff's Waste Dump. However, Diesel gets devious by teasing Thomas that he would be smelly before promising to take the Duchess of Boxford to tea.

Talking the way through were the aforementioned four characters, The Fat Controller, Gordon, Emily and Rocky. Cameos delivered with James, Hiro, Henry, Scruff, Stanley, Cranky and Lady Hatt.

The episode from the writing hands of The Railway Series fan and Rosie's Funfair Special's Andrew Viner took the reactions of mixed to positive reviews.

Many people were pleased with how Diesel's devious persona returned once again and that Whiff was given a large role alongside the Duchess of Boxford making an explained solo appearance without her husband, The Duke.

Thomas crashing into the back of the rubbish train at Wellsworth Station became another highlight as was an exhilarating scene depicting the brief return of the scenic route by The Lighthouse.

It brought praise for Nitrogen Studios' creative animation and the panning camera going from a top angle all the way down to Thomas while travelling.

But the story did not save a number of bad points being witnessed such as the unrealistic parts of points on the tracks changing far too quickly, happening in the recognised three times strokes.

The phrases of Steamie, Special special and luckily no one was hurt were not well recieved as was the silly times of Thomas diverting to other locations in order to not stay stinky.

TheTopHatts gives Thomas and the Rubbish Train...

5/10

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends continues its run in Australia on ABC2 on Wednesday February 29th 2012 at 2:55pm with the episode, Emily's Winter Party Special.

Channel 5 in the UK airs the next episode on their milkshake! slot on the same day at 7:35am with Thomas Toots the Crows.

For a full list of the scheduling, visit the Dieselworks Turntable Roundhouse on the right hand sidebar for more details.

WATCH 'THOMAS AND THE RUBBISH TRAIN'
YOUTUBE
DEMAND 5
 

Thanks to Thomas & Friends Wikia for information and images.

What did you think of this episode? Send your reaction in the comments section just under this post for your verdict.

Feature: Recap on Episode Six of Season Sixteen

The Sixteenth Series of Thomas & Friends continued it's run on Channel 5 milkshake! in England for the second week.

Flash Bang Wallop! eyed up Thomas' escapades of cutting into photo shots that would eventually be seen in a book of Sodor engines. However, he ends up causing several accidents in the pursuit of beating Gordon's photo victories.

Much of a Steam Team based story, speaking all the way through were the above mentioned Steam Engine, The Fat Controller, Percy, James, Gordon alongside Henry, The Photographer, Edward and Rocky.

Playing the parts of silence from start to finish included Emily, Hiro, Stanley, Rosie, Toby with Henrietta and Scruff.

The episode from Jessica Sandys Clarke achieved mixed to positive reviews with some dedicaters to the series calling it bland and comparing the supposed sequel to Season Twelve's premiere product, Thomas and the Billboard.

The similarities over its predecessor were blamed and directed to the photo stealing naturistic flow, the cheekiness of Thomas being good until alliteration and the end makeup kicking in, and the three strike formula re-entered.

An accident involving James crashing into a siding was felt to have comprised a poorly written repeat of his incidents in the Fourteenth Season's Pingy Pongy Pick Up and Pop Goes Thomas.

A number of goodness came about starting with the notable scene of The Fat Controller presenting the Mainland Engines photobook containing peeks of three real life Steam Engines such as the recognised City of Truro.

City of Truro made a brief appearance on Sodor instead of the book all the way back in 1991 for Gordon and the Famous Visitor in the Third Series. Owing to the modern shows' latest surprise, it won acclamation from devotees.

The scene in general was recognised by the fans of Greg Tiernan's love of the real life railways which the Director did research on, upon taking the controlling chair for the 2009 year of the show.

Elsewhere, other positives saw James' expression in his over taken photo shot providing some comic relief, Percy's coal accident bringing back memories of a similar take in Thomas, Percy and the Coal and the deduction of the rhymes.

TheTopHatts gives Flash Bang Wallop!...

5/10

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends continues its run in Australia on ABC2 on Tuesday February 28th 2012 at 2:55pm with the episode, Sodor Surprise Day.

Channel 5 in the UK airs the next episode on their milkshake! slot on the same day at 7:35am with Thomas and the Rubbish Train.

For a full list of the scheduling, visit the Dieselworks Turntable Roundhouse on the right hand sidebar for more details.

WATCH 'FLASH BANG WALLOP!'
YOUTUBE
DEMAND 5

 

Thanks to Thomas & Friends Wikia for information and images.

What did you think of this episode? Send your reaction in the comments section just under this post for your verdict.

SiF spills beans on Nitrogen depature and Arc future

The SiF team's blog have taken the time to let Thomas & Friends fans know that the future of the show will not be wasted.

With the writing of the series, especially in its 2011 year stint, getting the poorly recieved reaction that it had and the cancellation of Nitrogen Studios' animation commitments, the show entered a dark phase.

Over the backlash of Hit Entertainment being deemed responsible for Nitrogen's end for the animation creative control, Ryan from the team has confirmed that this was not the case.

He has revealed not only the real reason for the Vancouver based company's leaving, but also the promises that the show will deliver starting from 2013.

Behind the scenes, Series Seventeen of Thomas & Friends is to be aided by Head Writer Andrew Brenner and Arc Productions' Kallan Kagan and Rob Silvestri. 

READ THE SiF BLOG'S FULL REPORT FOR MORE DETAILS

'Up, Up & Away' takes in finalised cover artwork

The British Season Fifteen DVD of Up, Up & Away! has been fully cleared of its specs and shall be ready for release.

Play.com's page for the March title have published the front cover with its usual additional English classifications attached.

In early February, the bbfc confirmed all the extras to feature aswell as the four episodes starting off the disc.

That same month, some days before, amazon.co.uk listed alongside, another two titles, the existence of the DVD.

Up, Up & Away! hits UK DVD shelves on March 19th 2012.

VIEW PLAY.COM'S PAGE FOR THE DVD

PRE-ORDER 'UP, UP & AWAY!'

Last set of Season Sixteen stories enter spoiler railway

The fourth and final week of new episodes in the 2012 Season of Thomas & Friends have been detailed on digiguide's British television schedule.

With spoilers ready to tease viewers, some surprises are on the way to conclude the Sharon Miller and Nitrogen Studios era of the series.

Spencer is to make a return in the first two shows of the week whilst Peter Sam and The Thin Controller are due to make a comeback in just one episode. The Narrow Gauge Engines in all are unknown for this participation.

Already poised for his Blue Mountain Mystery involvement alongside the little engines is new character and vehicle Winston in a birthday themed story for The Fat Controller.

Speculation has been proven correctly with the name of Stafford now confirmed to be an engine, in a different type of locomotive style.

However, The Christmas Express has been omitted from the schedule where after the series finishes, will repeat the new episodes from the start. The seasonal themed tale would have aired after Stafford's introduction.

Whiff's Wish

Whiff wishes he was as grand as Spencer. But a decision not to pick up rubbish trucks but help Emily and Edward instead leads to a collision with Percy!

Transmits on Channel 5 milkshake! on Monday March 12th 2012 at 7:35am. Also on Channel 5 HD and an hour later at 8:35am on Channel 5 +1.

Welcome Stafford

Stafford, the new electric shunting engine, arrives on Sodor. Spencer shows him round, but ignores a warning that Stafford's batteries could run out.

Transmits on Channel 5 milkshake! on Tuesday March 13th 2012 at 7:35am. Also on Channel 5 HD and an hour later at 8:35am on Channel 5 +1.

Don't Bother Victor!

The Thin Controller is off to a meeting and leaves Peter Sam in charge of the narrow gauge railway for the very first time.

Transmits on Channel 5 milkshake! on Wednesday March 14th 2012 at 7:35am. Also on Channel 5 HD and an hour later at 8:35am on Channel 5 +1.

Happy Birthday, Sir!

Thomas and Winston, the new track inspection vehicle, restore an open-top carriage for the Fat Controller's birthday.

Transmits on Channel 5 milkshake! on Thursday March 15th 2012 at 7:35am. Also on Channel 5 HD and an hour later at 8:35am on Channel 5 +1.

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends continues its run in Australia on ABC2 on Saturday February 25th 2012 at 2:55pm with the episode, Percy and the Calliope.

Channel 5 in the UK airs the next episode on their milkshake! slot on Monday February 27th 2012 at 7:35am with Flash Bang Wallop.

For a full list of the scheduling, visit the Dieselworks Turntable Roundhouse on the right hand sidebar for more details.

VIEW DIGIGUIDE'S SCHEDULE FOR SEASON SIXTEEN

Feature: Recap on Episode Five of Season Sixteen

The last Season Sixteen episode of the first week of Thomas & Friends broadcasted on Channel 5 milkshake! in the United Kingdom.

Concluding the premiere set of new episodes brang the winter themed storyline that be, Ho Ho Snowman.

The story set in the snowy winter saw Charlie pretending to be a snowman which confused Henry, leading to him being afraid that the snowman was real when telling jokes to him.

Giving chances to speak saw the two engines, Thomas, Emily and Edward taking part in the roles. Sighted in shots were Rosie, Hiro, Gordon and Percy. The Troublesome Trucks made a highly publicised return to the series.

The episode drew in mostly poor reviews from fans annoyed of Charlie's personality getting to shine in his own story with his many jokes also criticised for being dumbed down to young viewers.

Henry's character became an upset where he was considered going back to his negative standards just like in shows such as Henry's Magic Box and others.

Other bad points saw Sharon Miller's writing structure making another recurrence, Charlie wasting valued time doing work and Gordon's Hill's shunting scene at the start, known as a danger if engines came along the line.

Very few positives drew out from the story being Nitrogen Studio's atmospheric snow animation and The Troublesome Trucks coming back after a lenghtly break since Season Thirteen's Splish Splash Splosh. 

TheTopHatts gives Ho Ho Snowman...

2/10

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends continues its run in Australia on ABC2 on Saturday February 25th 2012 at 2:55pm with the episode, Percy and the Calliope

Channel 5 in the UK airs the next episode on their milkshake! slot on Monday February 27th 2012 at 7:35am with Flash Bang Wallop.

For a full list of the scheduling, visit the Dieselworks Turntable Roundhouse on the right hand sidebar for more details.

WATCH 'HO HO SNOWMAN'
YOUTUBE
DEMAND 5

 

Thanks to Thomas & Friends Wikia for information and images.

What did you think of this episode? Send your reaction in the comments section just under this post for your verdict.

Feature: Recap on Episode Four of Season Sixteen

The fourth episode of the new 2012 Sixteenth Series of Thomas & Friends aired on Channel 5 milkshake! in the United Kingdom.

This time, it was the turn of Percy and the Monster of Brendam where the incumbent green engine became convinced that there was a Monster of Brendam and so went forth with a search in the fog.

A sizeable cast featured in the story alongside Percy such as Salty, Cranky, Edward, Toby, Henry and company from Butch and Diesel.

In a suprise turn around, Thomas was amongst the set of cameos and had not done such appearance since The Party Surprise back in the Twelfth Series.

Joining Thomas silent wise consisted of Annie and Clarabel, The Fat Controller, James, Gordon, Emily and Stanley.

The episode gathered generally negative reviews who were disappointed with the poor and formulaic storyline, also attacking the meddling of Edward, Henry, Toby and Percy's personalities.

Fans found it pointless for Percy to track down the so called Monster of Brendam through parts of Sodor, even though the myth clearly stayed at the Docks.

With rhymes and repeated circumstances bothering viewers more, dim strands included Henry reversing to find the mystery dangerously in the fog, the term Steamie reinstated and the easy identified end utilizing Cranky as the Monster.

That aside, moments of humour connected with watchers such as Diesel's Whose calling me a monster? line, Keith Wickham's Salty performance and Edward's minor crash.

Another show-up by an LMS Brake Van was also well recieved as was the long-awaited non-speaking role of Thomas, whose face could not be seen when at Knapford Station near the beginning of the show.

Before the airing, three of milkshake!'s presenters proceeded with the usual Thomas, You're the Leader! dance masterclass. However, instead of the studio, Derek Moran, Jen Pringle and Kemi Majeks were on location.

The three also joined by Thomas, had filmed a special insert at the East Anglian Railway Museum for the dance to take place.

TheTopHatts gives Percy and the Monster of Brendam...

3/10

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends continues its run in Australia on ABC2 on Friday February 24th 2012 at 2:55pm with the episode, Bust My Buffers!

Channel 5 in the UK airs the next episode on their milkshake! slot on the same day at 7:35am with Ho Ho Snowman.

For a full list of the scheduling, visit the Dieselworks Turntable Roundhouse on the right hand sidebar for more details.

WATCH 'PERCY AND THE MONSTER OF BRENDAM'
YOUTUBE
DEMAND 5
 

WATCH THE MILKSHAKE! CREW DANCE ON LOCATION

Thanks to Thomas & Friends Wikia and TheTrainmaster97 for information.

What did you think of this episode? Send your reaction in the comments section just under this post for your verdict.

Extended synopsis' for new series third week goes up

The UK's digiguide have elaborated on the story summaries for the Season Sixteen's third week of episodes.

Not many more details have been added to the plotlines but for the majority are expected by fans to revisit the current and unpopular formula of the series.

Victor however is to appear in the fourth episode of the week alongside Emily. The Steamworks Engine last appeared in a Christmas themed tale in Season Fifteen's Surprise, Surprise.

Thomas and the Sounds of Sodor

A famous composer visits the island looking for inspiration for a new piece of music. Thomas has been chosen to take him around.

He wants to hear all Sodor's different sounds, so Thomas takes him to the quiet places and then the quarry. But everywhere they go is full of noisy engines!

Transmits on Channel 5 milkshake! on Monday March 5th 2012 at 7:35am. Also on Channel 5 HD and an hour later at 8:35am on Channel 5 +1.

Salty's Surprise

Edward just loves getting Christmas presents, but Salty says he prefers a good story. Try as he might, Edward cannot find a gift to make Salty change his mind.

Three times he returns to the docks, and three times Salty tells him a story about why each present isn't for him. Edward has given Salty a gift he likes though: a reason to tell even more stories!

Transmits on Channel 5 milkshake! on Tuesday March 6th 2012 at 7:35am. Also on Channel 5 HD and an hour later at 8:35am on Channel 5 +1.

Sodor Surprise Day

Today is Sodor Surprise Day, and the engines are all looking forward to having fun surprising each other. Except for Gordon. He thinks it's just silly!

Thomas wants Gordon to enjoy himself too and surprises him at the coal hopper, then at a junction and again at the docks.

But when Thomas accidentally wrecks the Surprise Day fireworks and has to make amends, both Thomas and Gordon get the biggest surprise of all!

Transmits on Channel 5 milkshake! on Wednesday March 7th 2012 at 7:35am. Also on Channel 5 HD and an hour later at 8:35am on Channel 5 +1.

Emily's Winter Party Special

Emily is sure she can find the Fat Controller's lost top hat and can't wait to get her super reward: pulling the Christmas present train!

She boasts to all the other engines that it is her Special and Victor at the Steamworks even decorates it with Christmas lights for her.

She is so excited she forgets all about finding the hat, until the Fat Controller reminds her. Now where can it be?

Transmits on Channel 5 milkshake! on Thursday March 8th 2012 at 7:35am. Also on Channel 5 HD and an hour later at 8:35am on Channel 5 +1.

Muddy Matters

James is taking Farmer McColl's sheep to the fair, but how can he keep them and his lovely red paintwork clean when the shortest route means puffing along muddy tracks? Isn't he vain!

But when he goes the long way round, the sheep escape and need rounding up. So James has to get muddy after all!

Transmits on Channel 5 milkshake! on Friday March 9th 2012 at 7:35am. Also on Channel 5 HD and an hour later at 8:35am on Channel 5 +1.

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends continues its run in Australia on ABC2 on Friday February 24th 2012 at 2:55pm with the episode, Bust My Buffers!

Channel 5 in the UK airs the next episode on their milkshake! slot on the same day at 7:35am with Ho Ho Snowman.

For a full list of the scheduling, visit the Dieselworks Turntable Roundhouse on the right hand sidebar for more details.

VIEW DIGIGUIDE'S SCHEDULE FOR SEASON SIXTEEN

Discovery Bay Games to bring Thomas iPad app

Discovery Bay Games has joined forces with Hit Entertainment to create an app accessory for iPad users, especially for Thomas fans.

The two will launch a set of previously thought out ideas for apps through the unique Duo remote control add-ons.

Discovery Bay Games' CEO, Craig Olsen gave his words; The Discovery Bay Games and HIT joint venture continues our mission to partner with beloved children's properties.

This partnership enables us to offer consumers a new, innovative way to experience the world's #1 preschool property, Thomas & Friends, using our Duo line of iPad game accessories.

Senior Vice President of Hit and Digital Media's Global Brand Management, Natasha Fishman replied about the alliance; Our partnership with Discovery Bay Games ushers Thomas & Friends into a new category of play.

We are excited to expand the success of our apps portfolio with the addition of the Thomas-branded Duo appcessory and apps.

This product offers a unique form of combined play that seamlessly integrates the physical and digital experience.

The unamed Thomas & Friends Duo iPad app is due to launch in the fall of 2012.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE 
VISIT DISCOVERY BAY GAMES' WEBSITE

Feature: Recap on Episode Three of Season Sixteen

Half way through the first week, the third story of Thomas & Friends' Sixteenth Series arrived on Channel 5 milkshake! in Britain.

This time came Express Coming Through which saw Thomas taking Dowager Hatt and very important visitors to a Welcome to Sodor party at Knapford Station. On the way, Thomas made mistakes whilst pulling the express.

With Writer Sharon Miller at the helm for the third time in the season, the episode kicked off with the full clear visual return of Castle Loch. Hiro and Scruff cameod together again after their brief meet in Race to the Rescue.

Following this, Annie and Clarabel pulled by Thomas went passed Farmer Trotter's Farm leading to Percy going through The Fishing Village and James huffing out of Knapford Station.

Part of The Steam Team showed up consisting of non-speaking roles with Edward, Toby, Emily and Henry. In a scene set at the Search and Rescue Centre, Captain, Harold and Butch also presented themselves.

Taking up talkative contributions were the aformentioned Thomas and Dowager Hatt, Gordon, Rocky and The Fat Controller.

The episode took in mixed to positive reviews from fans who once more lamented the recurring decision to bring back Thomas' determination of confidence and later pity.

Another ill-fated response was the same blue engine dropping off passengers to places so as to lighten up the weight of the express coaches he was pulling.

The end of Thomas taking a balloon crate on a flatbed in order to make amends for his sins became an unsuccessful attempt.

However, the expected rhymes and alliterated dialogue were felt to have been toned down to a level and not used as much regularly compared to previous episodes.

More positives found its way to viewers' hearts with continuity of Thomas' eagerness and Gordon's boastful agenda returning the characters back to their original roots.

The above findings were felt to have reminisced the formula of the early days of the Classic Series where nostalgia from tales such as Thomas and Gordon and Thomas' Train seemed to have re-entered the modern episode.

This comparison gave injections of improvements and references involving Thomas hauling the extended set of five coaches, The Fat Controller being aware of Gordon's persona and Dowager's strictness and comedic performance.

Concluding the overall praise left fans considering the story an improvement over Sharon Miller's negative scripts, the whole of Season Fifteen and most of the Animation Series' content.

Celebrating the broadcast was milkshake! with a third dance stint of the Thomas, You're the Leader! song, again using Jen Pringle in charge.

TheTopHatts gives Express Coming Through...

6/10

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends continues its run in Australia on ABC2 on Thursday February 23rd 2012 at 2:55pm with the episode, Thomas Toots the Crows.

Channel 5 in the UK airs the next episode on their milkshake! slot on the same day at 7:35am with Percy and the Monster of Brendam.

For a full list of the scheduling, visit the Dieselworks Turntable Roundhouse on the right hand sidebar for more details.

WATCH 'EXPRESS COMING THROUGH' 
YOUTUBE
DEMAND 5

 

Thanks to Thomas & Friends Wikia for information.

What did you think of this episode? Send your reaction in the comments section just under this post for your verdict.

Supporting characters given chance to shine on DVD

Various supporting characters of the TV Series are to be recognised in a compilation of episodes on US DVD.

Engine Friends is a Classic Collection 2-Disc Set with more focus on other engines and vehicles in a mix of shows from the model era.

A total of twenty stories accompany the release where twelve come from the Classic Series and eight by the New Series. A whole host of extra content and games also join the big lined up set.

The description reads; All aboard for epic stories of friendships on the rails - learn how Thomas met his best friend Percy for the first time and how Edward helped save Trevor the Tractor Engine from being scrapped.

Join the Really Useful Engines and see when Toby showed how being helpful is the most fun, and when the unlikely duo of Emily and Whiff coupled up and became firm friends!

Journey along with Thomas and the rest of the Steam Team to experience the adventures that led to fast friendships. See how the greatest destinations are often those closest to home... as long as you are with your Engine Friends!

Episodes include;

Thomas and Bertie

Trouble in the Shed

Saved from Scrap

A New Friend for Thomas (Thomas and Trevor)

Granpuff

Sleeping Beauty

Make Someone Happy

A Bad Day for Harold (A Bad Day for Harold the Helicopter)

Twin Trouble

Edward the Really Useful Engine (Edward the Very Useful Engine)

Rusty Saves the Day

Emily's New Coaches

Thomas and the Rainbow

Thomas and the New Engine

Thomas and the Statue

Follow That Flour

Toby's Afternoon Off

Edward Strikes Out

Hide and Peep

Emily and the Garbage (Emily's Rubbish)

Extras include;

Sir Topham Hatt's Scrapbook

Picture Puzzle Fun

Who Am I? Picture Game

Gordon's Memory Game

Spot the Difference Game
Closed Captioned English Subtitles

Walmart were the first on hand to unveil it's creation, eventually and already publishing the front cover on their website.

Running at approximately 90 minutes, the discs have been produced by Lionsgate Entertainment.

Late Comedian George Carlin, Hollywood star Alec Baldwin and British based American actor Michael Brandon narrate the sporadicated tales.

Engine Friends: Classic Collection 2-Disc Set hits US DVD shelves on May 15th 2012.

PRE-ORDER 'ENGINE FRIENDS: CLASSIC COLLECTION 2-DISC SET'

Thanks to MrTrainfan1000 for the alert.

Feature: Recap on Episode Two of Season Sixteen

The second episode of the new 2012 series of Thomas & Friends transmitted in Britain on Channel 5 milkshake!

Continuing the twenty part season was Ol' Wheezy Wobbles where Misty Island crane Ol' Wheezy broke down, leading to Thomas trying to help The Logging Locos by unsuccessfully asking Den and Dart individually to fix the problem.

Once again with writing from Sharon Miller, the Dieselworks made a return to the series with Arry and Bert reappearing in speaking roles.

The cameos of engines started off the show with Gordon, Emily and Stanley passing through a crossing followed by Percy and Annie beside Thomas running through the countryside.

Also seen were Henry and Charlie at Maron Station and Belle pushing Toby up a gorge near the Search and Rescue Centre, in a nod to Big Belle. Hee Haw was also sighted throughout the story.

The episode garnered mainly negative reviews from fans who were disatisfied with the Misty Island and Logging Locos nature of the story coupled with the greater use of the repetitive rhyming structure.

Points were also noted with Thomas' ignorance and self confidence and the inclusion of Den and Dart meeting The Logging Locos which was felt to not have mixed or even worked.

Few positives came such as Arry, Bert and the Dieselworks playing roles followed by the activity of some of the engines drivers helping with Ol' Wheezy's condition.

Once again through the milkshake! show, another dance routine of Thomas, You're the Leader! was performed just before the episode's start. This time however, presenter Jen Pringle was responsible of activity duties.

TheTopHatts gives Ol' Wheezy Wobbles...

2/10

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends continues its run in Australia on ABC2 on Wednesday February 21st 2012 at 2:55pm with the episode, Thomas and the Rubbish Train.

Channel 5 in the UK airs the next episode on their milkshake! slot on the same day at 7:35am with Express Coming Through.

For a full list of the scheduling, visit the Dieselworks Turntable Roundhouse on the right hand sidebar for more details.

WATCH 'OL' WHEEZY WOBBLES'
YOUTUBE
DEMAND 5
 

WATCH THE MILKSHAKE! DANCE ROUTINE

Thanks to Thomas & Friends Wikia for information and images.

What did you think of this episode? Send your reaction in the comments section just under this post for your verdict.