Smyths presents competition and Fat Controller visits

British toy store, Smyths have conducted two special events for Thomas fans, one online and one public.

Promoting the release of Up, Up & Away! on DVD, the manufacturer is to give one winner a Thomas goodie bag by designing an image or picture of what Blue Mountain Mystery star, Luke's appearance will be.

Meanwhile, a round of ten competitors shall recieve the above mentioned Season Fifteen home video disc if their designs are successfully nominated for the winning title.

With this, Smyths are bringing The Fat Controller to visit some of their many stores in time for the two week Easter holidays.

The Fat Controller's schedule;

Saturday March 31st 2012 at

St David’s Retail Park, Enterprise Zone, Swansea from 10am to 4pm

Sunday April 1st 2012 at

Capital Shopping Park, Leckwith, Cardiff from 11am to 5pm

Thursday April 5th 2012 at

The Retail Park, Bristol, Gloucestershire from 10am to 4pm

Friday April 6th 2012 at

Crossley Retail Park, Kidderminster, Worcestershire from 10am to 4pm

Saturday April 7th 2012 at

Castlevale Retail Park, Chester Road, Birmingham from 10am to 4pm

Monday April 9th 2012 at

Crown Wharf Shopping Park, Walsall, West Midlands from 10am to 4pm

Tuesday April 10th 2012 at

Telford Bridge Retail Park, Colliers Way, Telford from 10am to 4pm

Friday April 13th 2012 at

Drakehouse Retail Park, Drakehouse, Sheffield from 10am to 4pm

Saturday April 14th 2012 at

Halls Mill Retail Park, Foundry Street, Bury from 10am to 4pm

Sunday April 15th 2012 at

Cortonwood Retail Park, Brampton, Barnsley from 12pm to 5pm

ENTER SMYTHS' 'BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY' LUKE COMPETITION

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

Rosie and new sets build up MEGA BLOKS placement

The official MEGA BLOKS online store over in the US have added on more Thomas products to their line.

Now with Den and Dart released in block forms whilst being given more appearances in recent series, Rosie has been produced to follow.

Rosie's face is seen to closely resemble her Animation presence while she comes available in five buildable pieces.

Related to the TV Series' Seventh Season episode of the same name, Toby's Windmill set includes the incumbent tram engine with 27 add ons to create the windmill set, open or closed. 

Thomas and a Troublesome Truck star in a Deluxe Starter Set introducing fans to the toy franchise. 70 blocks join up to form a track layout that involves destinations such as the Suspension Bridge and the Coal Hopper.

Lastly Thomas and Wagon and Percy and Wagon serve as beginners sets where the two friends each have different loads that can double up as one or two of Sodor's locations.

The five products from MEGA BLOKS hit toy shelves worldwide soon.
 

VISIT MEGA BLOKS' 'THOMAS & FRIENDS' ONLINE STORE

VIEW THE NEW MEGA BLOKS ITEMS

ROSIE

TOBY'S WINDMILL

DELUXE STARTER SET

THOMAS AND WAGON

PERCY AND WAGON

Thanks to GeebMachine for the alert.

'My First Thomas' DVD series makes debut on iTunes

Australasia's My First Thomas DVD Series has entered the Australian iTunes Store for the first time.

The eight part series charts some of the many tales involving a significant character or two. The description for the My First Thomas with The Twin Engines tells of the franchise more.

The My First Thomas series is designed to be an introduction for new fans who are just embarking on their journey into the wonderful world of Thomas & Friends.

Each collection focuses on key characters from the series and allows the fledgling Thomas fan to get familiar with Thomas, the Island of Sodor and all the fun adventures the friends have every day.

My First Thomas with The Twin Engines is the first release for iTunes and stars Bill and Ben teamed with Donald and Douglas in selected television stories.

Episodes include;

Break Van

The Deputation

The Diseasel

Donald's Duck

One Good Turn

Heroes

Buffer Bother

A Bad Day at Castle Loch

The beginning six are featured in their remastered forms whilst the last two are presented in widescreen ratios.

My First Thomas with The Twin Engines is now available to purchase on iTunes Australia for $10.99 altogether. Episode can be bought individually for $1.49.

BUY 'MY FIRST THOMAS WITH THE TWIN ENGINES' ON iTUNES

Thanks to NWR1991 for the alert.

Steam and Diesel for 'Blue Mountain' TrackMaster

Online store, Peep Peep Thomas have revealed that two engines due to star in the Blue Mountain Mystery film will be carried on over to TrackMaster tie-ins.

Seen on their TrackMaster 2012 Releases page, the retailer mentions the inclusions of Luke the Green Engine and Paxton the Young Diesel to the year's lineup.

Expect more new releases such as Luke, Paxton from the 2012 Thomas Film Blue Mountain Mystery due out later this year.

Both are to take on sizeable amounts of screen time in the Narrow Gauge centred feature-length special.

Luke and Paxton from Fisher Price's TrackMaster hit toy shelves worldwide later this year.

READ THE RELEASES CONFIRMATIONS

Thanks to Bass Tbone for the alert.

Season Sixteen confirmed for American airdate in April

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends will make its debut in the United States of America in April.

The news was revealed by the Official US Thomas & Friends Twitter Feed alias @TrueBlueEngine, where broadcast dates may differ.

Look for all-new Thomas & Friends episodes debuting in April on PBS! Check your local T.V. listings.

It would mark nearly a month after the twentieth episode of the series, Happy Birthday, Sir! was broadcast on Channel 5 in the UK. The 2012 Season kicked off its run on February 20th starting with Race to the Rescue.

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends premieres in the United States of America in April on local PBS stations across the country. Broadcast dates may vary.

Japan will screen the series on NHK on Sunday April 8th 2012 with the episodes トーマスときゅうこうれっしゃ and トーマスとソドーとうのおと at 7:00am and 7:20am respectively.

The latest series will return for one more day in Australia on ABC2 during Christmas 2012 with the episode, The Christmas Express. Channel 5 will also air The Christmas Express in Britain circa Christmas 2012.
 
For a full list of the scheduling, visit the Dieselworks Turntable Roundhouse on the right hand sidebar for more details.

'Blue Mountain's Merrick moves to the Engine Depot

Blue Mountain Mystery star, Merrick the Quarry Crane has had a profile page dedicated to him on the Official Thomas & Friends Website.

The character due to be introduced in the September 2012 special alongside Owen and Luke has been detailed for analysis.

For the first time, Merrick's promotional image debuts on the site, now available to eye up from the public.

Merrick's description reads; Merrick is a very sleepy crane and is usually found snoring away at the Blue Mountain Quarry...when there is no work to do.

Once he's needed, Merrick is wide awake and ready to swing any boulder down to the stone cutting shed.

READ ALL ABOUT 'MERRICK' ON THE OFFICIAL 'THOMAS & FRIENDS' WEBSITE

UK

US

AUSTRALIA

'The Great Discovery' found for iTunes Australia

The second feature-length special of Thomas & Friends has been uploaded onto iTunes for Australian viewers.

The one-off Pierce Brosnan narrated film, The Great Discovery marks the end of the live action models and sets being used for the movies before its untimely move to the Animation timeline.

Running just over an hour, it can be bought for the nearly rounded price of $9.99 AUD. The iTunes artwork for it utilizes the American styled DVD cover.

The description reads; Thomas the Tank Engine stars in an all-new movie guest starring Pierce Brosnan as the narrator! Sodor Day is coming and all the engines are busy preparing.

When Thomas gets lost in the mountains, he discovers the old town of Great Waterton!

Soon the whole island is buzzing with the news of Thomas’ discovery and restoring the town in time for the big day. Join the fun and meet a new engine friend named Stanley!

The Great Discovery can now be purchased on iTunes in Australia for $9.99.

PURCHASE 'THE GREAT DISCOVERY' ON iTUNES

Thanks to NWR1991 for the alert.

Dieselworks Dart becomes MEGA BLOKS' next creation

Dart the Dieselworks Assistant is the latest character to join the MEGA BLOKS Thomas toy franchise.

The Rupert Degas voiced engine follows in his boss, Den's trails to be part of the buildable and playable product series.

He comes in five easily removable blocks complete with his rendered happy face from the television shows.

The popular Diesel made his first proper appearance in the Day of the Diesels film followed by several send ups in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Seasons.

Dart from MEGA BLOKS hits toy shelves worldwide later this year.

TAKE A LOOK AT MEGA BLOKS' 'DART'

Thanks to GeebMachine for the alert.

'Up, Up & Away!' wins Morrisons' family chart vote

The new Season Fifteen premiere UK DVD release of Up, Up & Away! has entered two online charts.

One of which is supermarket retailer Morrisons who have surprisingly placed the disc as the bestselling Family DVD, only in its first week.

It has beaten off competition from nineteen other titles in the Top 20 chart including Hit Entertainment's other show, Mike the Knight who is runner up.

Sainsbury's however tells a different story due to the non family side of their chart, where the four part feature has entered 31st place.

Up, Up & Away! is available to purchase from UK DVD shelves.

ORDER 'UP, UP & AWAY!'

Season Thirteen in 'Awesome Adventures Vol. Two'

Thomas & Friends is to return to star in the second of Hit Entertainment's Awesome Adventures US DVD series.

Hit's other animated brands of Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder join Thomas in two episodes from each of their series.

Charlie and Hiro's main first television stories from the Thirteenth Season are billed to be in the action-packed release.

The description reads; Racing engines, run-away go-carts, and monster chases lead to thrills, spills and rescues!

Thomas and Hiro discover there's no need for speed when trying to be a Really Useful Engine; Fireman Sam is rescue-ready when Norman and James forget to put safety first.

Bob the Builder's Machine Team keep their eyes open to big adventure and big fun, putting the TEAM in teamwork and getting the job done. Get set and go with your favorite, fast friends in these six exciting adventures!

Episodes include;

Thomas & Friends in

Play Time and Hiro Helps Out

Fireman Sam in

Floating Cart and When Fools Rush In

Bob the Builder in

Roley's Rovers and Lofty and the Monster

Awesome Adventures Vol. Two: Races, Chases & Fun hits US DVD shelves on June 12th 2012. 

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

'Enterprising Engines' named best RWS book title

The twenty third book of The Railway Series has been declared the favourite title in the series by fans.

Written by The Rev. W. Awdry and first published in 1968, Enterprising Engines fought off competition from the other Awdry chapters easily in SiF's Railway Series Book Poll.

The book is often thought to be the most perfectly written and quintessential title in the lineup. The stories included were Tenders for Henry, Super Rescue, Escape and Little Western.

At least two of the above went on to be adapted into TV Series episodes during the Third Series. Tenders for Henry was revised to Tender Engines whilst Escape kept it's name apart from an additional explanation mark.

Thomas the Tank Engine came runner up in the poll, just less than ¾ behind from top place, voting wise. Christopher Awdry's recent Thomas and His Friends work managed 8th place.

SEE WHAT 'THE RAILWAY SERIES' BOOKS RANKED IN ON SiF'S POLL

Date change for 'Day of the Diesels and More!' CD

The Day of the Diesels and More! UK CD has been delayed for release, eight days before its original rollout.

The Little Demon produced disc containing eighteen of the TV Series songs ranging from 2004 to 2011 was originally deemed for a March 26th availability.

Instead, it will come out not long after during the early start of April. The reveal was broken to the public via play.com and hmv.com.

The CD is the British equivalent to the American All Star Tracks item. It was previously available as a downloadable album.

Day of the Diesels and More! hits UK CD shelves at the later date of April 2nd 2012.

PRE-ORDER THE 'DAY OF THE DIESELS AND MORE!' CD

AMAZON.CO.UK

HMV.COM

PLAY.COM

 

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

NHK lists part Season Sixteen TV schedule in Japan

Japanese TV network NHK have confirmed the first set of episodes from Season Sixteen due to be broadcasted starting from April.

It was revealed in late January exclusively by Roll Along Thomas that NHK were due to air the 2012 Series alongside the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Seasons.

PuffPuffThomasTV's predicition of sorting the animation episodes in mixed order for April earliest have been proven true.

Express Coming Through and Thomas and the Sounds of Sodor or トーマスときゅうこうれっしゃ and トーマスとソドーとうのおと kick of the new series start on April 8th.

Flash Bang Wallop! and Percy and the Calliope translated as トーマスとしゃしん and パーシーとパイプオルガン follow a week later before Season Fourteen takes over the next two weeks in the correct series broadcast order.

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends premieres in Japan on NHK on Sunday April 8th 2012 with the episodes トーマスときゅうこうれっしゃ and トーマスとソドーとうのおと at 7:00am and 7:20am respectively. 

The latest series will return for one more day in Australia on ABC2 during Christmas 2012 with the episode, The Christmas Express. Channel 5 in the UK will also air The Christmas Express in Britain circa Christmas 2012.

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

VIEW NHK'S THOMAS & FRIENDS PAGE AND SCHEDULE

 

Thanks to PuffPuffThomasTV for the alert. 

Feature: Recap on Episode Nineteen of Season Sixteen

The last regular episode of the Sharon Miller/Nitrogen Studios era of Thomas & Friends broadcasted of Channel 5 milkshake!, England.

Fittingly enough came the nineteenth story of Season Sixteen with the somehow appropriately named, Happy Birthday, Sir!.

After being told a story by Salty about a young Fat Controller riding in an open top carriage hauled by Edward, newbie Winston sets off to find a present for Topham's latest birthday. Thomas decides that work should be done instead.

All five characters were given sizeable roles alongside bit parts by Farmer Trotter and a Tree Specialist. Henry, Rosie, Gordon, James, Emily, Lady Hatt, Dowager Hatt and Cranky participated by cameoing.

The episode concluded with mixed reviews with many commenting that the first and last few minutes were worth watching rather than the centre part of the show.

The flashback featuring Edward, the young Fat Controller and an L&MR 2nd Class Railway Carriage became the highlight, providing continuity to the past and even perhaps The Railway Series.

Robert Hartshorne's slow harmonious music in the tidbit felt fitting according to fan reactions to the scene. The flashback would then be reprised to present day when Topham was reunited with the carriage, again pulled by Edward.

Salty and Edward's appearances led to praise for keeping completely in line with their characters.

However Winston's arrival proved critical as his introduction was not explained enough, nor his character being properly explored and instead focusing on the story. Winston and the episode had the bland label attached in reviews.

Despite Thomas wanting to get on with the day, his ignorance and selfishness returned. A shot of Thomas bumping into the back of Winston whilst a driver occupied him was branded a dangerous act.

Even the three strikes add on stayed in Sharon Miller's script, but the rhyming was absent. The result of finding the lost carriage in a part of the Whispering Woods got called a lazy end to the search, attributing to the formulaic writing.

With some viewers commending the episode for its research and continuity, responses felt it was an abysmal and terrible finish to the Miller controlled tenure.

TheTopHatts gives Happy Birthday, Sir!...

3/10

Thomas & Friends will return in...

Blue Mountain Mystery

In Cinemas and on DVD/Blu Ray, September 2012.

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends will return for one more day in Australia on ABC2 during Christmas 2012 with the episode, The Christmas Express. 

Channel 5 in the UK will also air The Christmas Express in Britain circa Christmas 2012.

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

WATCH 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR!'

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.

Different kind of Thomas book set on the way for USA

A unique and original type of book release will arrive in the US in early September of this year.

Published by the Reader's Digest, Storyblocks features two books based on Season Thirteen TV episodes Slippy Sodor and Time for a Story.

The twist in the set is that four blocks are included where different images and text are implemented onto each side, previewing each of the stories. The viewer can also play about with the items.

The description reads; Packed inside this case are two colorful storybooks featuring everyone’s favorite train, Thomas the Tank Engine, and four large colorful blocks that can be used in a variety of playful ways.

The two books feature Thomas adventures based on favorite episodes of the popular animated TV series. Each of the four blocks are six-sided with pictures and text on each one.

Two of the sides have peek-through scenes from the stories. Kids can use the blocks to re-tell the story. The blocks can also be used for puzzle fun and mixing and matching different characters and scenes. 

Storyblocks hits US book shelves on September 4th 2012.

PRE-ORDER 'STORYBLOCKS'

Quintet of books coming soon for the United Kingdom

amazon.co.uk have divulged that five new books will appear for Britain later in the year of 2012.

At least three of them are standalone titles whilst the last two link in with the Blue Mountain Mystery feature-length special.

A modern TV Series story collection come in just one release with Thomas' Favourite Tales and will run at 152 pages long.

The description reads; This title helps you to learn all about Thomas & the Steam Team in this treasury of stories! This collection features six splendid stories featuring Thomas and the unbeatable Steam Team!

It lets you journey through the Island of Sodor with these wonderfully vivid tales of Thomas, Edward, Percy, and other favourite engines.

From dangerous floods to exciting rescues, these specially selected stories are sure to be Really Useful for playtime and bedtime. 

Based on the Thirteenth Season Snow Tracks episode, Snowy Tracks brings the story to book form adding up to 24 pages for reading pleasure.

This is the perfect stocking filler for Thomas fans! The Island of Sodor is covered in a thick blanket of snow and the engines have been told to be careful and not to go over any big hills.

Gordon doesn't listen, he's sure that he'll be strong enough to steam over every hill he comes to. But it isn't long before Gordon finds out that snow is much more dangerous than it looks. 

As a board book, Totally Thomas! is also to come as an activity read featuring some puzzles and other fun of 20 pages worth.

This is an enormous fold-out book packed with stories, puzzles and games! "Totally Thomas!" is more than just a story book.

Push any of your own toy trains along the enormous pull-out play mat, race around the Island of Sodor with the Big Race game, get busy with all the puzzles and activities and then settle down to read the exciting story 

Revealing further plot details to the 2012 Autumn film is the Blue Mountain Mystery: The Movie Storybook due to be published in a similar fashion to the Day of the Diesels version, clocking up 32 pages.

Thomas' new friend has a dark secret...Discover the Blue Mountain Quarry...and a new engine, Luke, in this movie storybook, the perfect accompaniment to the 2012 movie release.

When Luke is discovered hiding in the Quarry, Thomas cannot understand why he is so shy, and why some of the other engines don't trust him - until Luke reveals a dark secret!

But there's another engine on Sodor who knows Luke's secret ...and wants to reassure the little engine that he has nothing to hide. 

Finally comes the 36 page Blue Mountain Mystery: Sticker Activity Book which may also compare to the 2011 Diesels tie-in.

This title helps you to recreate your favourite scenes from "Blue Mountain Mystery", the new action-packed movie starring Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends on Sodor!

Enhance the mystery in this fun-packed activity book as you solve puzzles and add some colour to Thomas and his friends - including Luke, the brand-new engine with an old, old secret...

This title includes 4 pages of full-colour stickers to use in the book - or anywhere you like. 

The five new Egmont titles all hit UK book shelves on September 3rd 2012. 

PRE-ORDER THE BOOKS

THOMAS' FAVOURITE TALES

SNOWY TRACKS

TOTALLY THOMAS!

BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY: THE MOVIE STORYBOOK

BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY: STICKER ACTIVITY BOOK

Raft of products to hit retailers from three companies

Dr. Fresh, H&A and Icefresh have all signed a deal with Hit Entertainment to produce new products for United Kingdom retailers.

They are all to develop each different kinds of Thomas & Friends items. Dr. Fresh will create oral hygiene stocks attributing to other bathroom necessities.

H&A are to focus on the full practicalities of bathroom themes for washing and Icefresh takes the developments of Thomas ice creams to appear in food stores, Drayton Manor Thomas Land and Days Out With Thomas events.

Vice President for Consumer Products of Thomas & Friends, Laura Clarke mentioned the enthusiasm of the deal.

We are delighted to welcome these new licensees on board - their innovative range of products will create increased impact for the brand at retail.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

amazon.co.uk finalises 'Steam Team' and 'Rescue'

amazon.co.uk have published the final versions of the front covers implemented onto two upcoming British DVDs.

The usual classification logos and additional texts appear on the Steam Team Collection and the Rescue on the Rails releases.

Both titles originate from their US counterparts where on the Brits side, the three disc boxset featuring Season Thirteen releases comes out a week before the rescue themed Season Fifteen home video.

The description for Steam Team Collection reads; SPLISH, SPLASH, SPLOSH: Even when it is wet outside you can still have plenty of fun, especially when you share your adventures with Thomas and his friends!

 

Grab your wellies and join the team as they prepare for rainy-day visits and soapy spills from the Island of Sodor.

 

THOMAS & THE RUNAWAY KITE: There's a kite on the loose and Thomas needs to catch it before the wind blows it from Sodor!

With Gordon, Charlie and Toby by his side, Thomas learns that a helping hand keeps him right on track when it comes to rescuing kites, saving a swarm of bees, and preventing railway disasters from taking flight.

Hop on board for a high-flying ride with Thomas & Friends in these train adventures! 

 

CREAKY CRANKY: Thomas and his friends deliver cargo-loads of fun in this collection of uplifting episodes! Ride along as Thomas helps to deliver mail, mend engines, and prepare for the Spring Party on the Island of Sodor.

 

Watch as Thomas learns that it pays to listen to advice, there s more to a train than its undercoat, and that teamwork is the best way to get things done.

The description for Rescue on the Rails reads; Ready to Rescue! The Sodor Search and Rescue Team is racing to the rescue - Bertie's stuck on Shake Shake Bridge, Gordon's derailed, and Thomas firebox is on fire!

In these exciting episodes, your favourite engines brave the rails to rescue their friends.

Discover that being heroic is more than having speed and strength; it's about teamwork and a big heart which puts every Really Useful Engine on the right track.

 

Steam Team Collection and Rescue on the Rails hit UK DVD shelves on May 14th and 21st 2012 respectively.

PRE-ORDER THE DVDS

STEAM TEAM COLLECTION

RESCUE ON THE RAILS

Content confirmed for British 'Rescue on the Rails'

The British Board of Film Classification have presented details on the content due to feature on the British Rescue on the Rails DVD.

The Fifteenth Season release and the second for the Brits will contain the quartet of resuce themed episodes as seen on the American version.

Fiery Flynn, James to the Rescue, Edward the Hero and Stop That Bus! all appear as the main feature.

Elsewhere on the Extras side, Watch with Mr. Perkins! reappears this time in Mr. Perkins' The Great Perfino. A lesson on The Level Crossing joins Down at the Station and Edward and James take on the Guess Who? Puzzles.

Rescue on the Rails hits UK DVD shelves on May 21st 2012.

PRE-ORDER 'RESCUE ON THE RAILS'

Feature: Recap on Episode Eighteen of Season Sixteen

Channel 5 milkshake! in the United Kingdom aired the eighteenth Season Sixteen episode of Thomas & Friends.

The long promised return of half of the Narrow Gauge Engines at last cropped up in Don't Bother Victor!, written by Sharon Miller.

It saw The Thin Controller asking Peter Sam to be in charge of the railway, but the little engine struggles with decisions being made on the way.

The small No. 4 locomotive and Mr. Percival were joined by Rheneas, Victor, Sir Handel, Thomas and Skarloey to speak in the reunion show. Rusty the Little Diesel made a very brief cameo at the beginning but was silent.

The episode reeled in mixed to positive reviews, the majority of which commended Nitrogen Studios' vibrant animation for the Narrow Gauge engines and their railway, partly distracting attention from the writing perspective.

The inclusion of basing the whole place in a Welsh heritage achieved an acclaimed response and was felt to have fitted perfectly. It led to making the returning engines talk with the very accents.

The Wales references started during the opening where Skarloey was seen pulling a few coaches as seen on the real Talyllyn Railway. Greg Tiernan revealed that he and some of the crew visited the railway for research.

Victor visited the little 'uns in the story which had a refreshing change of focus rather than staying in the Steamworks most of his days, that too went down well from the fans.

However the episode was not saved by negative pointers taking place, partly salvaging the third before last show. It was thought to be poorly written and being compared to Sir Handel in Charge and The Green Controller.

The three strikers and repitition were included as was the highly expected role of Thomas appearing, annoying viewers once more to another extreme.

The narration mentioned that Peter Sam fixed his friends when really and proven visually, the crews became responsible for the repairs. This error made receptions of being lazy and unfocused to the piece.

Despite most voices approved, one voice was criticised, that of Sir Handel who spoke in an elder Percy type, utimately not suited by reviewers. Conscientious' of the story's result turned to be an average reprise of the returnees.

TheTopHatts gives Don't Bother Victor!...

4/10

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends will return for one more day in Australia on ABC2 during Christmas 2012 with the episode, The Christmas Express. 

Channel 5 in the UK airs the final episode on their milkshake! slot on Thursday March 15th 2012 at 7:35am with Happy Birthday, Sir!. The Christmas Express will also air in Britain in Christmas 2012.

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

WATCH 'DON'T BOTHER VICTOR!' ON YOUTUBE

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 Seventeen of Season Sixteen

A new character emerged in Tuesday's episode of Thomas & Friends Season Sixteen on Channel 5 milkshake! in Great Britain.

Welcome Stafford saw Spencer in a big role showing electric engine Stafford to explore Sodor. Ignoring Victor's advice, Spencer, thinking he knows all about the type of engine, leaves Stafford running out of power on the line.

Written by Sharon Miller, all three engines starred alongside The Logging Locos, Thomas, Flynn, The Fat Controller and The Duke and Duchess of Boxford.

Sightings of various characters involved Percy, Toby, Henrietta and Annie and Clarabel. Harold, Captain, Butch, Rocky, Ol' Wheezy and Hee Haw also cameod.

The episode succumbed to mixed reviews bringing the main negative of having Spencer showing the new engine round, even though Spencer is a visiting engine and not a Sodor locomotive resident.

Suggestions emerged of giving the role to James but nevertheless, some fans felt that Spencer's role seemed to have fitted in. The double repeat writing structure didn't make a good impression in viewing responses. 

Another myth cropped up whenever Stafford broke down on the rails, he would next be seen charging up his battery in an unexplained move. Thomas once more found himself in a shoe horned in appearance.

Back to the story, the script got labelled bland and overly predictable. This however adds up to the good points with the dialogue being strong. But a part of the Boxford's opening a carriage door on the wrong side proved a danger.

An attack on the current series nature was hinted when Stafford broke for the second time and calling for Spencer, he muttered; Oh, here we go again!

The Stafford character recieved a lot of positives, signalling him by fans as the best newcomer introduced in the animation era. The move of an electric engine, provided more variety on the island, which was well responded.

Along with this, Keith Wickham donated the incumbent a Yorkshire accent. Wickham was praised for yet another creative performance, for more or less a new character.

The ending left Spencer in a state of shame owing to his mistakes for not listening to the Yorkshire steamer. It became a highlight leading to dedicaters to the series calling it an Awdry-esque ending.

TheTopHatts gives Welcome Stafford...

5/10

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends will return for one more day in Australia on ABC2 during Christmas 2012 with the episode, The Christmas Express. 

 

Channel 5 in the UK airs the final episode on their milkshake! slot on Thursday March 15th 2012 at 7:35am with Happy Birthday, Sir!. The Christmas Express will also air in Britain in Christmas 2012.

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

WATCH 'WELCOME STAFFORD' ON YOUTUBE 
 

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 Sixteen of Season Sixteen

The final run of Thomas & Friends' Sixteenth Series started this Monday for another four episodes on Channel 5 milkshake!, Britain.

Breaking away again from The Steam Team core format was Whiff in his own story entitled, Whiff's Wish.

It involved the aforementioned engine to collect rubbish trucks that are blocking the rail lines. However Whiff is teased beforehand at the Docks by Spencer, making Whiff wishing to be more grander than him.

With them two joining in, other characters provided speaking parts to the piece. The Fat Controller, The Mayor of Sodor, Percy, Emily, Edward and Farmer McColl all contributed.

A number of cameos occured at the first half minute showing Rosie, Charlie, Salty and Henry working. Gordon, Toby, Mavis, James and Thomas were also presented.

A very brief shot saw James, Emily and Edward passing by on the Sodor Supension Bridge which made its return in the animation fold. Wellsworth Yards behind the latter location's station reprised itself in the last scene.

The episode attracted mixed to negative reviews with the main concern having Whiff falling to the personality disorder. Fans thought that the story would have best suited another engine like Rosie or Percy.

Another set of complaints mentioned that the whole episode was a part rehashing of Dream On from the Eleventh Series. The tale also fell victim to the three strikes formula from Andy Bernhardt's script.

The idea of rubbish trucks ready to have been collected from the lines instead of sidings broke the major rules of Health of Safety on the railway which did not go down too well in responses.
 
Scenes of Emily and Percy stopping on the main lines were again affected by railway realism not turning up. The end of Sir Topham and The Mayor standing in the guards compartment of an express coach proved a poor reaction.
 
Despite this, delights were in order especially during the show's start and major highlight mentioning Henry pulling The Flying Kipper which hadn't been seen or heard since the Fifth Series' Something in the Air story.

A message of what the Sodor engines' jobs were created a lukewarm reception, leading to praise of Nitrogen Studios' reveal of their Sodor Suspension Bridge. The CGI company won more pointers for The Fishing Village recurring.

TheTopHatts gives Whiff's Wish...

4/10

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends will return for one more day in Australia on ABC2 during Christmas 2012 with the episode, The Christmas Express. 

 

Channel 5 in the UK airs the next episode on their milkshake! slot on Tuesday March 13th 2012 at 7:35am with Welcome Stafford. The Christmas Express will also air in Britain in Christmas 2012.

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

WATCH 'WHIFF'S WISH' ON YOUTUBE

 

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.