'Thomas' Sodor Day Celebration' launched at Butlins

Thomas, The Fat Controller and a few more of Sodor's citizens are starring in a new live stage show.

The stage experience placed at the UK's Butlins holiday resorts is titled, Thomas' Sodor Day Celebration and offers have arised to mark the barrage.

The Thomas & Friends Magazine is promoting a deal to give a family of four a winning break at either of the three beachside buildings in Bognor Regis, Minehead or Skegness.

The production is comprehended in the prize package aswell, sponsored by Butlins themselves in their Thomas Magazine special reader offer.

By contacting the hotel runners using a special quote by July 31st, £20 off can be saved for the family booking.

Thomas' Sodor Day Celebration is currently performing at Butlins holiday resorts until November 9th 2012.

VISIT BUTLINS' WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE OFFERS

VIEW DATES FOR 'THOMAS' SODOR DAY CELEBRATION

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Take-n-Play creates 'Thomas & the Summer Festival'

Fisher Price is to acquit yet another Take-n-Play commodity spotlighting Thomas into a delivery scenario.

Thomas & the Summer Festival decorates the tank engine in celebratory bunting whilst helming a subjected fruit load.

A red flatbed with yellow base lining is at the centre of the pack, channeling a large crate of strawberries.

Splat patterns are glimpsed on the cargo packaging where the top functions a light up button to the basing.

Take-n-Play Thomas & the Summer Festival from Fisher Price hits toy shelves worldwide soon.

TAKE A GLANCE UPON 'THOMAS & THE SUMMER FESTIVAL'

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

NHK secures deal to screen Thomas for several years

Broadcaster, NHK will screen the Animated Series of Thomas & Friends from now on in Japan, it has been revealed.

The channel have signed on a contract with Hit Entertainment to air Seasons Thirteen to Sixteen for a number of years.

This is to also applies to the three Nitrogen Studios feature-length specials currently made and released.

NHK have already transmitted a mixture of the episodes every Sunday at 7:00am and 7:20am respectively and continue to do so.

The announcement comes just a day before デイ オブ ザ ディーゼル (Diesel 10's Counterattack) is due to hit theatres in the country.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

'Blue Mountain Mystery' for Vue Cinemas in September

Blue Mountain Mystery: The Movie is to premiere in the UK at Vue Cinemas from the start of September 2012.

The sixth feature-length special which will mark the culmination of Sharon Miller and Nitrogen Studios' commitment to the series, is the second country evaluated for cinema dates.

Vue Cinemas have launched a page dedicated to the film's release but notes that the story's running time streaks in at 90 minutes.

It is currently not known if this change shall be the case or not but if so will make Blue Mountain Mystery the only Thomas special to surpass the usual one hour duration, bar Thomas and the Magic Railroad.

Blue Mountain Mystery marks its world premiere in Australia at Hoyts cinemas on Saturday July 21st 2012 and will screen the film until September 16th.

The United Kingdom premieres the film in Vue Cinemas for two days only on Saturday September 1st and 2nd 2012. A celebrity blue carpet launch at Vue Leicester Square in London is to be simulated on the first date.
 
The United States' release date is currently billed for a September rollout. This also applies to DVD/Bluray products all the above English speaking countries.

VISIT VUE'S 'BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY' PAGE

Thanks to ellsworth for the alert.

Stanley reinvented on Official Website with Class 40

Hit Entertainment's Thomas & Friends website continue the recent overhauls with another page refreshed and one classic addition.

After his return appearances in 2010's Season Fourteen, Stanley's profile at last depicts him in his animated state.

The never before seen promo shot utilizes Nitrogen Studios' model conversion of The Great Discovery character.

His definition says; Stanley is one of the newest engines on the island and is the boy-next-door of The Fat Controller's railway.

He is a little bit bigger, a little bit newer and a little bit stronger than Thomas. There's nothing he wouldn't do for another engine. And if he couldn't do it, he'd find someone who could. Stanley is a great friend to everyone.

Because of increasing fan demands over reintroducing past and new characters to the Engine Depot, The Diesel from Bowled Out now is present to the public.

Like Duck's profile, Class 40 or The Diesel's picture is once more borrowed from Thomas & Friends Wikia in edited form.

His briefing tells; Like all diesels, The Diesel thinks he knows it all. He thinks all Steamies should be replaced by Diesels. Despite his immense power, he finds out that even diesels need help!

READ ALL ABOUT THE TWO ENGINES ON THE THOMAS & FRIENDS WEBSITE

STANLEY

THE DIESEL

Awdry dedication for Cambridgeshire's Wisbech building

The Rev. W. Awdry has been revered by a brand new office block in Cambridgeshire, Britain to be built.

The Cambridgeshire County Council on April 21st unveiled Awdry House to be made in Wisbech and to be named after The Railway Series author himself.

The announcement came sometime after the centenary but was based solely upon his literature works and his service as The Vicar of Emneth.

Edification has started on Awdry House and is billed for completion sometime in the later Spring of 2013.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Thanks to Troublesome Truck for the alert.

Sandra Bullock seen at Day Out With Thomas visitation

American movie actress, Sandra Bullock has been spotted at a Day Out With Thomas gig in California.

The 47 year old of Miss Congeniality fame became identifiable by local paparazzi where she and her adopted son Louis, visited the city for the event.

Celebrity gossip website, POPSUGAR detailed about the Bullock's day on the Fillmore & Western Railway.

Sandra Bullock and a friend brought her son Louis to check out Thomas the Tank Engine at a park in Fillmore, CA, over the weekend.

The little guy got to pick out some souvenirs, which his mom Sandra carried while Louis hitched a ride with her friend.

SEE WHAT SANDRA AND LOUIS BULLOCK GOT UP TO ON THE DAY

Model maker observes Buster behind-the-scenes pics

A crew member who served a role in some of the TV Series episodes posted two behind-the-scenes images in 2010.

David Poole is namely responsible as one of the model makers working through the programme's years but especially played his part in the Jack and the Pack spinoff shows.

His website presents not only a picture of Buster the Steamroller, but also the aforementioned character's scaled down body.

The description attributing the screens doesn't mention Thomas & Friends, nor the character of Buster.

Poole, also known to design and engineer various aspects of model making has an extensive CV ranging from feature films, namely Mission Impossible II, Clash of the Titans and more.

GLIMPSE UPON BUSTER THE STEAMROLLER IN ALL HIS GLORY

Thanks to Troublesome Truck for the alert.

Drayton Manor Hotel's Thomas rooms given extension

Drayton Manor Hotel's Thomas & Friends rooms have been donated a more lease of life due to public demand.

Licensing.biz reports that four original family rooms now apply the Thomas style after proving incredibly popular.

DVD players, beds, wallpapers and more Thomas apparel and merchandise are presented to families when a booking becomes a reality.

Drayton Manor Hotel's Manager, Martin Wright explains of the extension.

The response we've had from visitors who have stayed in these rooms has included children not wanting to leave, to families booking their return stay almost immediately.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Diesel's 'My First Thomas' second in line on iTunes

My First Thomas With Diesel has entered Apple's iTunes programmable library in Australia.

Originally released as a DVD, the collection rakes in eight episodes from the Classic to the New Series all starring Devious Diesel.

It follows on from The Twin Engines version which told the tales of Bill and Ben and Donald and Douglas. This also became admired for an iTunes demand.

Episodes include;

Pop Goes the Diesel

Dirty Work

Diesel Does It Again

The World's Strongest Engine

Thomas to the Rescue

Bold and Brave

Flour Power

Emily and the Special Coaches

The top three starters are presented in their remastered forms whilst the latter five can be watched in 16:9 Widescreen.

My First Thomas with Diesel is now available to purchase on iTunes Australia for $10.99 altogether. Episodes can be bought individually for $1.49.
 

BUY 'MY FIRST THOMAS WITH DIESEL' ON iTUNES

 

Thanks to NWR1991 for the alert.

Gordon takes next 'Pull 'n Zoom' spot for Fisher Price

Gordon is confirmed to be the ironic fourth engine to appear in Fisher Price's Take-n-Play: Pull 'n Zoom toy team.

He is to veer towards the fun die-cast line after the first tryouts models of Thomas, James and Percy were made in Autumn 2011.

Gordon's announcement comes almost six months since the Take-n-Play spinoff was developed.

His model has been edited, mainly on his bogey wheels to accommodate the style.
 
Pull 'n Zoom Gordon from Fisher Price hits toy shelves worldwide later this year.

TAKE A LOOK AT 'PULL 'N ZOOM GORDON'

Thanks to bertiethebusfan14 for the alert.

Boco's hidden Engine Depot profile given adjustment

The Thomas & Friends website is expected to drag another hidden character back to the realms of the Engine Depot.

Boco the Metropolitan Vickers Diesel is currently capable of being viewed on the site using a secret link.

However, it has been discovered that Boco's written representation changed in the US, which explains the character even further.

His previous definition read; BoCo is a decent diesel with a sense of humor. He originally came to the Island of Sodor on loan, but ended up staying.

His new description reads;  BoCo is a very kind engine, considered one of the most sensible diesel engines on the Fat Controller's railway.

He is also one of the funniest diesel engines on the island. Although he often puts up with the antics of Bill and Ben, he has learned to deal with their humour and, at times, even turn their tricks against them.

Hit Entertainment recently rafted in updates to the Depot, refurbishing Duck, Winston, Freddie and The Flying Scotsman. 

READ ALL ABOUT BOCO ON THE THOMAS & FRIENDS USA WEBSITE

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

Exclusive: Demon MUSIC won't rule out future albums

Demon MUSIC Group have said that they will consider making more Thomas song albums, Roll Along Thomas can confirm.

The music producers released their first Thomas CD, Day of the Diesels and More! in March this year.

It held a number of tunes from the Hit Entertainment era of the show, also developed as a download package some months before. 

Demon's Product Manager, Andrew Fry, who has worked with the company since June 2008, has revealed that they won't rule out another CD title to the range.

We are currently looking at more Thomas & Friends albums for the future. Owing to the ill-fated removal of Thomas, You're the Leader!, Fry has insisted that it may reappear. Hopefully I can get it on an album at some point.

Thanks to SI3DFilms.

Hit Product Catalogue sneaks in 'Blue Mountain' screens

Hit Entertainment's website have rafted in an update on their TV Product Catalogue for Thomas & Friends.

The Mattel owned childrens brand company now promotes the Blue Mountain Mystery movie ahead of its discharge to the public.

Alongside an aggrandized explanation of the film's plot, two promotional stills are displayed onto related pages.

Via the Thomas & Friends catalogue, a tiny screencap of Luke and Thomas motivating themselves at work can be detected.

More so is an enhanced shot of Skarloey with Thomas also hustling about, percieved on Blue Mountain's produce page.

The hour long story's extended description reads; When the Fat Controller sends Thomas to work at the Blue Mountain Quarry, Thomas spots an engine he’s never seen before trying to hide.

Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Thomas tracks down and befriends Luke, who tells Thomas he’s hiding because he did something so bad he could be sent away from the Island of Sodor forever!

Thomas doesn’t believe this and sets off on a journey to discover the truth behind the story of the poor runaway engine.

On the way he learns of engines brought to Sodor from faraway lands and of an accident in Brendam Docks where an engine fell into the sea.

But only when he’s learned every piece of the story, can Thomas convince his new friend that there’s no reason to hide.

Blue Mountain Mystery marks its world premiere in Australia at Hoyts cinemas on Saturday July 21st 2012 and will screen the film until September 16th.

The United Kingdom and the United States' release dates are currently billed for a September rollout. This also applies to DVD/Bluray products and theatrical performances.
 

VISIT THE THOMAS & FRIENDS TV PORTFOLIO PAGE

PEEK AT THE NEW SPECIAL'S LATEST STILLS

LUKE AND THOMAS

SKARLOEY AND THOMAS

iTunes down in Australia hosts 'The Party Surprise'

Season Twelve DVD, The Party Surprise has been added to the iTunes TV Shows database in its retrospective country of Australia.

The now digital program, which holds seven episodes from the 2008 Series, is available to purchase as a whole of $9.99 whilst each story is on sale for a minimal $1.49.

The description reads; Join Thomas and his friends in these 6 great adventures in all new animation. Poor Colin the Crane can’t attend Mr Percival’s winter party, so Freddie decides to bring the party to Colin instead.

In other adventures, Diesel challenges Thomas to a race, James gets into trouble when he ignores some good advice, and Thomas is worried for Toby when a new tram comes to Sodor.

The Party Surprise, Excellent Emily, Saved You, Duncan and the Hot Air Balloon, James Works it Out, Tram Trouble and Don't Go Back accommodate the package.

The Party Surprise is available to buy on DVD and on iTunes in Australia.

BUY 'THE PARTY SURPRISE' ON iTUNES

Thanks to NWR1991 for the alert.

Small promotional still from 'Blue Mountain' emerges

A promotional still from the Blue Mountain Mystery special has been unearthed from an unidentified source.

The small image, coming from a blog as hinted in its link, presents a shot of Rusty at the Blue Mountain Quarry.

In the distance on his right is Rheneas standing by the mountain rock landscape on a scale of tracks.

Blue Mountain Mystery marks its world premiere in Australia at Hoyts cinemas on Saturday July 21st 2012 and will screen the film until September 16th.

The United Kingdom and the United States' release dates are currently billed for a September rollout. This also applies to DVD/Bluray products and theatrical performances.

TAKE A PEEK AT THE PROMO STILL

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

'Blue Mountain Quarry Blast' triple truck pack due

Fisher Price TrackMaster's next pack contains a helping of rolling stock themed with Blue Mountain Mystery.

The three trucks or cargo cars are referred to reside at the Blue Mountain Quarry in the upcoming film.

The orange truck carrying a sign has printed text on its sides reading the name of the quarry whilst the second appears to be a flatbed.

The third meanwhile is red and holds mountain rocks which can attach the Blue Mountain Quarry sign together.

Blue Mountain Quarry Blast hits toy shelves worldwide soon.

SEE THE 'BLUE MOUNTAIN QUARRY BLAST' PACK

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Battlefield Railway reunites with Thomas & Friends

Thomas, Henry, Diesel and Daisy are to make a grand return to the Battlefield Line Railway in Britain as part of Days Out With Thomas.

For two weekends only in late April, the four engines take on a reappearance on the Shackerstone Station rail grounds in Leciestershire.

Plenty of activities and entertainment ensue during the period including stage performances, train rides, television series viewings and more.

The last time Thomas & Friends were present on the line was during the month of October in 2011.

Days Out With Thomas returns to the Battlefield Line Railway in the UK on April 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th 2012.

VIEW MORE DETAILS ON THE EVENT AND BOOK TICKETS

Thanks to SiF for the alert.

'Wobbly Wheels & Whistles' goes Australasian for June

The earliest Season Fourteen DVD release from the UK is paving the way to be available in the Australasian nation.

June sees Wobbly Wheels & Whistles turning to the public Down Under which shall retain the quartet of episodes previously included.

Toby and the Whistling Woods, Victor Says Yes, Jumping Jobi Wood! and Thomas and Scruff are being accompanied by two extra tales as mentioned on the feature's detail.

The description reads; Puff along with Thomas for a wonderfully wobbly and wheel-spinning good time! Your favourite friend has bridges to cross and tracks to uncover in these exciting adventures.

When Victor gets overloaded with too many tasks, can Thomas help him let out the steam? While trying to get Scruff as clean as a whistle, will Thomas have to get his own wheels dirty?

Just when things seem to be rolling along, will Ol Wheezy make a wobbly mess of Thomas special delivery? Hold on for exciting surprises waiting to be delivered just for you! Includes 6 episodes.

Wobbly Wheels & Whistles hits Australian and New Zealand DVD shelves on June 21st 2012.

PRE ORDER 'WOBBLY WHEELS & WHISTLES'

Thanks to Jim522 for the alert.

Season Fourteen returns with Fifteen in newest DVD

The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Seasons will unite in the latest Animation Series DVD revealed by Hit Entertainment's Digital Newsroom.

Schoolhouse Delivery is the second title to form episodes from both above series, with Season Fourteen dominating the majority of the disc.

The previous mixed home video of Curious Cargo filed in three stories from its successor and one for itself. The new release does the opposite.

The description reads; School's in session and there are important lessons to be learned on the Island of Sodor. Diesel gets a hero's welcome when he makes a Really Useful delivery to the schoolhouse.

Percy gets a lesson in responsibility after he runs into trouble trying to be like the bigger engines! 

Henry gets trained in how to handle health and safety emergencies; while Hiro teaches Thomas about his happy homeland. Join the Steam Team for a bright journey to the Head of the Class!

Episodes include;

Diesel's Special Delivery

Being Percy

Henry's Health and Safety

Happy Hiro

Extras include;

The Mighty Magnet Game

Guess Who? Puzzles

Schoolhouse Delivery hits US DVD shelves, Digital Download and On Demand services on July 10th 2012.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

VIEW THE FRONT COVER IN FULL RESOLUTION

Bertie and Harold spinoff series' considered in 2001

Bertie the Bus and Harold the Helicopter were suggested to have spinoff series' centered around them after the Millenium.

In an article found recently, The Telegraph divulged the pitches made by former Gullane chairman, William Harris.

The comments were witnessed in late March 2001 sometime after the release of Thomas and the Magic Railroad, which attributed to the proposed creation.

We want to expand some of Thomas's friends, particularly some of the off-track characters. Children would like to know what happens to Bertie when he goes back to his bus shed.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Thanks to TOPPictures for the alert.

Mattel's post Hit Entertainment deal threatens first pay

Mattel's premiere earns since the purchasing of Hit Entertainment have suffered reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The company who currently own Thomas & Friends aswell as the whole of Hit recieved the sum of almost $8 million in their revenue.

A year previously, they had collected a $16 million gross sometime before they were involved with the highly publicised auction.

Hit in late October were finally bought for $680 million by Mattel after the intense bidding war culminated.

READ THE FULL REPORT

Thanks to Troublesome Truck for the alert.

Last lot of 'Thomas Story Time' coming early August

amazon.co.uk have revealed the last five books due to join the Thomas Story Time ensemble from Egmont, later this year.

The final quintet for 2012 are based on three Season Fifteen episodes and one of each from the Fourteenth and Thirteenth Series.

Edward the Hero, Percy's New Friends, Thomas and the Pigs renamed Thomas & the Piglets, James to the Rescue and Thomas & Scruff will be the next TV Series material to be adapted.

The modern literature collection which replaced Thomas Story Library now ranges up to a aggregate of fifteen titles.

Told at the near end of 2011, Egmont acknowledged that Thomas Story Time would have an extension ready for the year of 2013.

The five Autumn titles from Thomas Story Time hit UK book shelves all on August 6th 2012.

PRE-ORDER THE FIVE NEW BOOKS

EDWARD THE HERO

PERCY'S NEW FRIENDS

THOMAS & THE PIGLETS

JAMES TO THE RESCUE

THOMAS & SCRUFF

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

Freddie and real engine secretly surface Engine Depot

Fearless Freddie has been found to be in the official Thomas & Friends website's Engine Depot via hidden links.

The old Narrow Gauge engine introduced in the Tenth Season also appears to have his own profile set up.

A promotional shot of himself from his debut episode, Fearless Freddie is contained along with an elaborated synopsis of the character.

Freddie's decription reads; "Fearless Freddie" is the warhorse engine of the Narrow Gauge railway. A handsome engine with a big, brass dome: he was, in his youth, the daredevil of the hills.

He could go faster and more fearlessly than any other engine. After a spell away, Fearless Freddie is back! And the other engines are delighted.

He’s very popular and something of a hero to the younger ones. Although Freddie now has to contend with the unflattering rattles and creaks of age, he’s still determined to give the other engines a run for their money!

Connected to The Railway Series, the Tender Engines TV story and real life, The Flying Scotsman recently surfaced too inside the website's depths. All that is present on the latter's page is information briefly detailing him.

Flying Scotsman's description reads; The Flying Scotsman has two tenders because, on his railway, coal and water are not as available as they are on The Fat Controller’s Railway. The Flying Scotsman and Gordon are good friends.

READ ALL ABOUT THE TWO ENGINES ON THE THOMAS & FRIENDS WEBSITE

FEARLESS FREDDIE

THE FLYING SCOTSMAN

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

Winston drives towards Official Website's Engine Depot

Winston the Track Inspection Vehicle has arrived at the official Thomas & Friends website, earlier than expected.

The newcomer of Season Sixteen and Blue Mountain Mystery fame is already depicted on an Engine Depot profile.

His page and icon were due to have opened up on April 15th in conjunction with the Narrow Gauge film's minisite countdown calendar.

His description reads; Winston is Sir Topham Hatt's track inspection vehicle - a car on the rails! Winston is well meaning and fun, although not the brightest engine on the rails.

Furthermore, the actitivies of a poster, colouring page, birthday card and a puzzled devoted to him are made public.

READ ALL ABOUT WINSTON ON THE THOMAS & FRIENDS WEBSITE

UK

US

AUSTRALIA

Thanks to The Colonel for the alert.

Sir Topham Hatt Japanese voicer Takeshi Aono dies

Takeshi Aono, best known to Thomas fans as the second voice of The Fat Controller in the Japanese version of the TV Series has died.

Aono had an extensive career as a voice actor in the nation of Japan, responsible for roles in many anime cartoons and shows such as Dragonball Z and Yu-Gi-Oh! GX.

The 75 year old who passed away in the city of Hokkaido due to cerebral infarcation, took on the reigns of Sir Topham Hatt's vocal performance during the late 20th and early 21st Century.

He replaced Kōhei Miyauchi to star in the Fifth to Eighth Seasons before leaving the show in the Ninth Series to hand the role to Rokuro Naya, who still voices the railway controller to this day.

One of his most noticebale dubs was translating the character of Doctor Emmett Brown, originally portrayed by Christopher Lloyd in the Back to the Future films.

Thanks to Anime Boy for the alert.

TrackMaster repaints Rheneas to 'Blue Mountain' theme

Rheneas is heading back to the TrackMaster merchandising range ahead of the release of Blue Mountain Mystery: The Movie.

The Talyllyn Railway based engine also marks a returning point for the Wooden Railway franchise by Learning Curve as the mysterious Repainted Rheneas.

The portrayal has since been picked up by Fisher Price's motorized railway series as revealed by a Buy It Now auction happening over at ebay.com.

His blue lining and overall appearance for the film's promotion has been compared to Duncan, whom is yet to take on a revived presence in Thomas & Friends.

Repainted Rheneas from TrackMaster hits toy shelves worldwide soon.

BUY 'REPAINTED RHENEAS' ON EBAY

Thanks to Bass Tbone for the alert.

Australia first for 'Blue Mountain Mystery' in late July

Australia have been confirmed to be the first country to screen the new Blue Mountain Mystery movie in cinemas.

This marks the second time that the nation will hold the world premiere, a year after their Day of the Diesels blue carpet stint in the city of Melbourne.

Hoyts broke the news on their events page, presenting the schedule for the Hoyts Jnr cinema programming.

The feature-length special marks the highly anticpated return of the core Narrow Gauge Engines and the end of Nitrogen Studios and Sharon Miller's creative involvement for the series.

The United Kingdom and the United States' release dates are currently billed for a September rollout. This so far applies to DVD/Bluray products and theatrical performances.

Blue Mountain Mystery marks it's world premiere in Australia at Hoyts cinemas on Saturday July 21st 2012 and will screen the film until September 16th.

READ HOYTS' JNR CINEMA SCHEDULE

Mavis takes 'Rocky Delivery' duty for Fisher Price

Mavis the Quarry Diesel is the next engine in line for another TrackMaster product due from Fisher Price.

Mavis' Rocky Delivery is a lead in from her many stints at the Quarry, taking the set to a storylining perspective.

The description reads; It's a dirty, dusty day for Mavis at the quarry! As she stumbles over the rocky ground the quarry car flies out of her cargo car!

She comes covered with quarry dust residue, joined by a Cargo Car containing a pop out Quarry Car and an Action Track piece.

Mavis' Rocky Delivery from TrackMaster hits toy shelves worldwide soon.

SEE MAVIS' NEW TRACKMASTER SET

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Official Website's Engine Depot finally reinstates Duck

The Official Thomas & Friends Website has at last returned Duck the Great Western Engine to the Engine Depot section, properly.

The No. 8 engine's page always was previewed by fans using hidden links via the web address bar. But the page itself remained incomplete with missing information and tabs.

Duck's popularity has notably increased since his surprise returns in the Twelfth Series and his absence occuring afterwards during the Animation episodes. This was helped by fan calls and campaigning for a reprieve.

His description reads; Duck is a cheerful, busy engine. He's only a small tank engine, but he'll take no nonsense from larger engines who try to order him about.

Interestingly enough, the profile picture comes from the Best Friends story. Ironically the same image originates from his Thomas & Friends Wikia page, albeit, cropped.

READ ALL ABOUT DUCK ON THE THOMAS & FRIENDS WEBSITE

UK

USA

AUSTRALIA

Thanks to ellsworth for the alert.

Luke and Paxton star in promised TrackMaster sets

Blue Mountain Mystery participants Luke the Green Engine and Paxton the Young Diesel are now fully confirmed for Fisher Price's TrackMaster toyline.

The two mark their debuts in the merchandising franchise being implemented into the Greatest Moments sets, Hideaway Luke and Paxton in Trouble.

Luke is joined by two vans whilst Paxton hauls Blue Mountain Quarry open trucks. The products unveil more plot elements aiding the final Nitrogen Studios animated special.

One tidbit to occur in the story shows the now non-silent dark green Day of the Diesels engine to be trapped by a scattering of quarry stones. This is revealed via a screencap attached to one of the products.

Online store, Peep Peep Thomas broke the news of the duo's existence during the later part of March.

Hideaway Luke and Paxton in Trouble from TrackMaster hits toy shelves worldwide later this year.

TAKE A PEEK AT THE 'BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY' SETS

Thanks to benjenden1 for the alert.

Hit presents Season Sixteen PBS Kids YouTube advert

The thomasandfriends Channel on YouTube have promoted the US version of Season Sixteen via a new commercial.

Using clips from certain 2012 episodes, the PBS Kids advert provides a glimpse of the American voices taking on the most recent series.

Percy and the Calliope, Thomas and the Sounds of Sodor, Express Coming Through, Sodor Surprise Day and Thomas and the Rubbish Train are the stories previewed.

Race to the Rescue and Bust My Buffers! made their debuts in the States recently on The Kentucky Channel.

Season Sixteen of Thomas & Friends continues in the United States of America on April 14th 2012 at 9:00am on KET with the story block, All Together Now.
 
Local PBS stations across the country begin transmissions through April where broadcast dates may vary.

Japan will screen the series every Sunday on NHK starting from 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.

WATCH THE SEASON SIXTEEN PBS KIDS COMMERCIAL ON YOUTUBE

Hit Entertainment pulls own Season Twelve uploads

Hit Entertainment have removed the recent full episodes of Thomas and the Billboard and Steady Eddie from YouTube.

The company uploaded the complete US versions of the Season Twelve stories onto the video networking website last Friday in early April.

They have since been mysteriously pulled and privatised with no explanation given.

When the pair were available to watch in its HD glory, this led to a positive reaction from fans who were pleased with the move.

Full opening and closing titles appeared alongside Michael Brandon's narration as was The Island of Sodor intro and the Engine Roll Call music video, in both videos.

'Rescue on the Rails' back delivered through Play.com

The late May Season Fifteen home video of Rescue on the Rails is heading its way to the United Kingdom.

The Rescue Engines themed release now has expanded more on Play.com with its back cover being published.

However, in the same vein as its American accomplice, the listed episodes do not appear which to date only occurs on the non four part Animation DVDs.

Thomas and Rocky, seen at the Search and Rescue Centre, appear on the rear cover side. The whole feature runs at 54 minutes approximately.

The description 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.

 

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

PRE-ORDER 'RESCUE ON THE RAILS'
VIEW PLAY.COM'S PRODUCT PAGE 

Small takes on Charlie in Season Sixteen US premiere

Ben Small who is the voice of Thomas, Toby and Ferdinand in the UK version of Thomas & Friends has now been fully confirmed as the voice of Charlie in the American nation.

Small plays Charlie in the US version of Season Sixteen, screened recently on the eve of Easter Sunday in the country as part of the Chuffing With Pride block containing Race to the Rescue and Bust My Buffers! on KET.

He confirmed to a fan about the alteration back in May 2011. The person who wishes to remain anonymous had notified Roll Along Thomas during the same period.

Owing to the policy of Hit Entertainment, the following reveal comment on the blog had been locked away, till now.

I have been talking to Ben Small during the Easter holidays and he's confirmed that he is Charlie in the US version.

There has been a lot of confusion that the central Thomas voice actor lent his vocals to the Season Thirteen engine since his introduction in 2010's Play Time.

However, few eagle-eared fans have noticed that American cast member associate, Glenn Wrage was indeed the original voice up to his ending commitment as the character in the Fifteenth Series.

Wrage's vocal instincts of his Spencer and Rocky roles helped identify Charlie's first actor. In the UK, Keith Wickham changed his Whiff voice from nasally, to a soft, calm type from the Fourteenth and Sixteenth Series respectively.

WATCH CHARLIE TALKING IN A DIFFERENT WAY ON YOUTUBE

Hit game-changes own YouTube uploads with episodes

The official Thomas & Friends YouTube Channel manned by Hit Entertainment has made a refreshing change to their video uploads.

Rather than resorting to presenting clips from episodes set in the Animation state, for the first time, full television stories have emerged on the channel.

Thomas and the Billboard and Steady Eddie are so far the only two episodes to feature in their entirety on the social video networking site from Hit themselves.

The move has surprised fans but has gone down well in reactions. It is not currently known if the childrens character branded company will continue with the trend.

The ten minute shows from the Twelfth Series are portrayed in 16:9 Widescreen aspect ratio, in their original 720p HD appearances and narrated through the American forms by Michael Brandon.

WATCH SEASON TWELVE IN HD ON THE THOMAS & FRIENDS YOUTUBE

THOMAS AND THE BILLBOARD

STEADY EDDIE