'Blue Mountain Mystery' US DVD and Blu-Rays finalised

The United States version of the Blue Mountain Mystery feature film is now heading its way to DVD and Blu-Ray.

The special alongside its discs in the American nation are both completed ahead of release. Both the DVD and Blu-Ray will contain a host of extras.

Previewed on YouTube, the Blue Mountain Hide and Peep Game, more appropriately known as, Thomas Hide and Peep Game, serves as the main special feature.

The Keith Wickham narrated, Learn About Standard and Narrow Gauge Engines is also added. As mentioned in Roll Along Thomas' interview, Sam Blewitt lends his vocals to two songs that too appear on the discs.

He vocally performs the Blue Mountain Mystery music video and another song called, Working Together. 

While one is exclusive, the other is embroiled in bouts of confusion among fans where Working Together may be mistaken for Blue Mountain Quarry.

Additional content according to Walmart include Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.0 Soundtracks with Closed Captioned English Subtitles.

The home videos' descriptions read; When trouble strikes at the Blue Mountain Quarry, Thomas is sent to help his Narrow Gauge engine friends.

While shunting and hauling, he catches a glimpse of a small engine trying to hide, yet no one will provide any clues to the engine's identity.

Thomas is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery but discovering the truth is harder than he imagined! Will Thomas be able to save his new friend? Or will the mysterious engine be sent away from Sodor forever?

Travel on an exciting journey with Thomas and his friends in his biggest movie ever, tracking down clues, discovering lost engines, and revealing the power of friendship.

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.

Kidtoon Films will host the movie in various cities in the United States of America starting from August 2012. The DVD and Blu-Ray bundle hit stores on September 18th 2012.

The UK premieres the film in Vue cinemas for two days only on September 1st and 2nd 2012. A celebrity blue carpet launch at Vue Leicester Square is to be simulated on the first date. The DVD comes out on September 3rd.

PRE-ORDER 'BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY' FROM WALMART

Thanks to MrTrainfan1000 for the alert.

All new animated alternate shots seen for the first time

Brand new deleted and alternative angled shots never before seen from the Animated Series have been published for the first time.

The images were witnessed in the seventh Thomas Express UK magazine issue, otherwise known as Issue 317 released on June 27th 2012.

The Nitrogen Studios legacy of the TV Series primarily focused on high definition screencaps as promotional stills. DVD covers centering on a highlighted episode were made do as specially created shots.

The slideshow of scenes originate from only the Season Sixteen stories, Salty's Surprise, Happy Birthday, Sir!, Welcome Stafford and Don't Bother Victor!.

Thomas poses alongside Victor, The Thin Controller, Salty with Peter Sam, Winston, Stafford and The Fat Controller. The preceding three CGI seasons have yet to see the light of alternative pictures being produced.

SEE THE BRAND NEW DELETED AND ALTERNATIVE SCENES FROM SEASON SIXTEEN

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Thomas and Percy Take-n-Play properties discovered

Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy the Small Saddle Tank Engine will be the driving force behind a number of Take-n-Play sets.

Thomas relishes the commitment in two properties starting with Toys R Us' Slate Loading Station.

The expansive Blue Mountain Mystery headliner uncovers a layout where the engine is supported by a truck and moving machinery.

The No. 1 steam locomotive also journeys back to the past with Thomas' Treasure Hunt Adventure, a promo by US consumer Target which directly connects to the Tenth Series story, Thomas and the Treasure.

Percy from another point of view runs a three pack in Percy's Bumpy Delivery. The original creation has the green steamer taking supplies of flour and what appears to be a family of rabbits to a destination.

Take-n-Play State Loading Station, Thomas' Treasure Hunt Adventure and Percy's Bumpy Delivery by Fisher Price hit toy shelves worldwide with the latter two only appearing in the US, soon.

VIEW THE TRIPLE COLLECTION OF 'TAKE-N-PLAY'S PLAYSETS

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

'Wobbly Wheels & Whistles' hobbles onto Aussie iTunes

The Season Fourteen and Season Thirteen extra time Australian DVD, Wobbly Wheels & Whistles has been added onto the nation's respective iTunes database.

The disc's content which contains some of the more appreciated episodes in the Greg Tiernan manned run, recently became a program on the Apple TV Shows library.

The inscription explains; Come 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!

Toby and the Whistling Woods, Victor Says Yes, Jumping Jobi Wood!, Thomas and Scruff, Creaky Cranky and Tickled Pink deliver the entertainment.

Wobbly Wheels & Whistles is available to buy on iTunes in Australia for $7.99. Alternatively, episodes can be purchased individually for $1.49.

BUY 'WOBBLY WHEELS & WHISTLES' ON iTUNES

Thanks to NWR1991 for the alert.

The Traincellar announces 2013 Wooden Railway line

Online toy retailer and dedicated Thomas followers, The Traincellar have confirmed the Wooden Railway franchise for next year.

The 1998 internet established company enlisted the 2013 collection on a new tab entitled, Thomas by Fisher Price coming 2013.

The range of products reference characters, locations and tales from the model TV Series all the way up to the animated Sixteenth Season and the Blue Mountain Mystery.

The forthcoming Seventeenth Series, which is currently being developed by the likes of Andrew Brenner and Arc Productions, is not linked in the stock lists.

Engines such as Luke, Stafford and a Battery Operated Hiro are being introduced to the family alongside re-releases of old favourites, with Fergus, D199 and Flying Scotsman amongst others.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE 'WOODEN RAILWAY' LINEUP FOR 2013

Thanks to Thomasfan for the alert.

'Blue Mountain' USA for September DVD and Blu-Ray

The American counterpart for the Blue Mountain Mystery feature film is to arrive in the country in the middle of September 2012 for home video.

Lionsgate Entertainment will bring out the special on DVD and double play Blu-Ray on September 18th 2012 after the August cinematic premieres by Kidtoon Films.

In a change of direction, UK viewers shall collect the DVD first at the beginning of the month rather than the US who are not to recieve the discs until more than a fortnight later.

The move is a first for the Brits who usually take in the specials sometime after the Americans. While extras are yet to be finalised, French and Spanish subtitles are apparent to be included.

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.

Kidtoon Films will host the movie in various cities in the United States of America starting from August 2012. The DVD and Blu-Ray bundle hit stores on September 18th 2012.

The UK premieres the film in Vue cinemas for two days only on September 1st and 2nd 2012. A celebrity blue carpet launch at Vue Leicester Square is to be simulated on the first date. The DVD comes out on September 3rd.

PRE-ORDER 'BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY' ON DVD AND BLU-RAY

Thanks to MrTrainfan1000 for the alert.

Thomas and Paxton star in 'Blue Mountain Quarry' sets

Thomas the Tank Engine and Paxton the Young Diesel will become the stars of attraction for two playsets made by Fisher Price.

The two who share vital roles in the Narrow Gauge Engines' grand returning story, Blue Mountain Mystery, recieve one product each to be a part of.

Thomas at the Ironworks promises a colour changing stratagem where scrap metal props change form from cold water to hot water. The blue engine is tasked with taking a loaded hopper to The Ironworks.

From the perspective of Paxton, the Dieselworks oiler is teased to have his biggest role yet in the film, as Paxton at the Blue Mountain Stone Shed shows.

The Toys R Us distributed build adds a new location with bendy and poseable tracks playing a role.

The blurb tells; There's a lot of work to do at the Blue Mountain Quarry. Paxton has been sent to the Blue Mountain Quarry Stone Shed to help out. This friendly diesel is ready for a very busy day!

Take-n-Play Thomas at the Ironworks and Paxton at the Blue Mountain Stone Shed by Fisher Price hit toy shelves worldwide later this year.

TAKE A FIRST GLANCE AT THE NEW 'THOMAS' AND 'PAXTON' SETS

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

'Blue Mountain' books brought forward to July drawout

The six Blue Mountain Mystery books due to tread the boards of Britain and America have been given equal revised dates.

The sextet that will promote the release of the adventurous film, were to have arrived simultaneously in the English speaking countries all on August 7th, apart from one of Golden Books' main storybooks for UK readers.

However, amazon along with Random House, have revealed that the multiple titles will be released at the new date of July 24th. It is not known why the unexpected change happend.

Secret of the Green Engine, Hide-and-Seek Engines, Risky Rails!, Thomas' Giant Puzzle Book and the short and full versions of the main Blue Mountain Mystery book, are part of the special's spinoff literature library.

The six Blue Mountain Mystery books hits UK and US book shelves all on July 24th 2012.
 

PRE-ORDER THE 'BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY' UK LIBRARY

BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY (SHORTENED VERSION)

SECRET OF THE GREEN ENGINE

HIDE-AND-SEEK ENGINES

RISKY RAILS!

THOMAS' GIANT PUZZLE BOOK

 

PRE-ORDER THE 'BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY' US LIBRARY

BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY (SHORTENED VERSION)

BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY (FULL VERSION)

SECRET OF THE GREEN ENGINE

HIDE-AND-SEEK ENGINES

RISKY RAILS!

THOMAS' GIANT PUZZLE BOOK

 

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Diesel and 'Blue Mountain' stars join new Take-n-Play's

Four of Sodor's residential engines are harking back each of their previous adventures for an uncommon Take-n-Play pack.

Diesel, Thomas, Percy and Victor serve as players in, Tales from the Past Engine Pack. The Toys R Us specialized make sees the quartet each covered in different messy states.

Though Victor's Flashback identification connects to the Blue Mountain Mystery, Thomas, Percy and Diesel's are not known to be related to earlier events in their lives.

From an alternative perception of Diesel, the devious engine has secured a place in becoming a Pull 'n Zoom! die-cast. Following Thomas, Percy, James and Gordon, Diesel is kept company with a gold and black oil tanker.

Take-n-Play Tales from the Past Engine Pack and Pull 'n Zoom Diesel from Fisher Price hit toy shelves worldwide now.

SEE THE NEW 'TAKE-N-PLAY' SETS

TALES FROM THE PAST ENGINE PACK

PULL 'N ZOOM DIESEL

Thanks to TheDirtyTrain1 and SteamTeam for the alerts.

2013 Annual shares winter cover ahead of Christmas

The Thomas & Friends: Annual 2013 front artwork has been unveiled by amazon in the United Kingdom.

The August 2012 Hardcover gives away a winter theme on the cover, showing Thomas smiling to dash up Gordon's Hill.

The Autumn rollout signals the book to appear in shops in time for the Christmas season and the end of the present year.

Egmont's latest annual is thought to include readable story versions of certain Season Fourteen TV Series episodes.

The Holiday Annual of this year, released earlier in March contained the above season's, Being Percy.

Thomas & Friends: Annual 2013 hits UK book shelves on August 6th 2012.

PRE-ORDER 'THOMAS & FRIENDS: ANNUAL 2013'

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Rusty 'Flashback Victor' to arrive in Take-n-Play Sodor

Flashback Victor otherwise known as, Victor Comes to Sodor, will tread the boards of Fisher Price's revolution of die-casts.

The pre-dating Victor model named, Rusty Victor, was discovered to be in existence on an Australian ebay auction.

Opposing the Wooden Railway formation, the Take-n-Play generated make sees the Cuban engine's boiler and sides suffering from rust.

Despite an anticipated reasoning behind the rust attack relating to the Blue Mountain Mystery, the present Steamworks manager still beams a happy face.

Take-n-Play Rusty Victor from Fisher Price hits toy shelves worldwide later this Autumn.

SEE TAKE-N-PLAY'S 'RUSTY VICTOR' ON EBAY.COM.AU

Thanks to TheIronEngine for the alert.

Sneak peek of US 'Blue Mountain Mystery' DVD Game

A sneak preview of a DVD exclusive game for the Blue Mountain Mystery special has made its way onto the realms of YouTube.

The interative simulation which is to so far appear on the American regional digital versitile discs, was uploaded as a first look by Creative Professional for Digital Media Implementation, Mark Skinner.

The Dallas based designer has presented samples of the Thomas Hide and Peep Game which sees the player clicking on some of the Blue Mountain stars to find Luke the Small Engine.

A definement linking each of the three samples' videos tells a brief synopsis on how the main piece was constructed.

Flash animation for DVD Game for Thomas and Friends. Take 3D environment and create a 2D animation moves in Flash. There are 6 moves that will be edited and programmed into the DVD game.

Paxton, Winston, Owen and Rocky are notably featured in the background environments. It is not known if the game will make its way to the UK syndicated version.

TAKE A SNEAK PEEK AT THE US 'THOMAS HIDE AND PEEP GAME' FOR DVD

DVD GAME INTERTITLE

SAMPLE #1

SAMPLE #2

SAMPLE #3

Thanks to TheRollingThunder for the alert.

Matt Wilkinson narrates 'Mountain Mystery' Vue trailer

Multiple Thomas voicer, Matt Wilkinson has lent his vocals to Vue's Blue Mountain Mystery trail.

The Diesel 10, Scruff, Merrick and Kevin actor's voice can be heard in the aforementioned cinema chain's version of the 2012 movie trailer.

During the minute long piece, Wilkinson's distinctive Spencer tones are recognised, as is his insert of Rusty when the diesel is shown under Owen.

Coincidentally, Keith Wickham narrated the UK and US commercialized transfers of the preview which were recently added to the Blue Mountain Quarry site.

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.

Kidtoon Films will host the movie in various cities in the United States of America starting from August 2012.

The UK premieres the film in Vue cinemas for two days only on September 1st and 2nd 2012. A celebrity blue carpet launch at Vue Leicester Square is to be simulated on the first date. The DVD comes out on September 3rd.

LISTEN TO MATT WILKINSON NARRATING 'VUE'S 'BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY' TRAILER 

Thanks to Thomasfan8 for the alert.

Double 'Blue Mountain Mystery' sets rolled out to Aus

Learning Curve's Thomas Wooden Railway sector has already released two Blue Mountain Mystery in the nation of Australia.

The unassumed duo were recently found in department store, MYER. Three engines who star in the eagerly anticipated sixty minute feature, are forefronting the jumbo packs.

Rusty the Little Diesel helps run the concept of Blue Mountain Mine where he is working at the Blue Mountain Quarry but is in a spot of trouble when a boulder is let loose from a nearby mountain.

On a basic understandment, Boulder Pass Battery Operated Set reigns in Skarloey and a Battery Operated Thomas, running on a figure of eight layout.

Doubling up as a tunnel too, a small gorge gives the opportunity for the player to activate a switch so that the boulder can cause more havoc once more.

Wooden Railway Blue Mountain Mine and Boulder Pass Battery Operated Set from Learning Curve is now available in Australia and will soon arrive on toy shelves worldwide soon.

SEE THE TWO 'WOODEN RAILWAY' 'BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY' PRODUCTS

Thanks to NWR1991 for the alert.

Exclusive: AudioGO discuss more 'The Railway Stories'

Award winning audiobook makers, AudioGO have vowed that they will not discontinue producing another, The Railway Stories CD.

The spoken word merchandising company, who are owned by BBC Worldwide Consumer Products, are yet to distribute a seventh volume in the Michael Angelis audible franchise spinoff of, The Railway Series.

Speaking to, Roll Along Thomas, the formerly known BBC Audio team are in the early stages of planning a forthcoming sequel.

We hope to be able to carry on with the range, perhaps later next year and yes (Mountain Engines, Very Old Engines and Main Line Engines), those would be the next titles to follow.

Branch Line Engines and Other Stories was the last modern Awdry disc to be made and was dispatched to the public in June 2011.

The next Rev. W. Awdry literatures to be developed for CD, chronicled the adventures of the Culdee Fell Mountain, Narrow Gauge and Sodor Railways, with real life events relating to some of the tales.

Thanks to SI3DFilms.

'Stinky Cheese' storyboard by Nitrogen seen on Vimeo

The original storyboarding sequence for Nitrogen Studios' animation test to Hit Entertainment has been glimpsed on a Vimeo Channel.

The 2 minute clip uploaded by Series Eleven and Twelve's Animation Director, Dino Athanassiou on his account, stakes a handrawn presentation relating to the middle of the Thomas and the Stinky Cheese episode.

The work in August 2007, led to Nitrogen some months later to create a fully immersed CGI visual version of the Eleventh Season story.

The audition posed to Hit's executives resulted in the Canadian based company to join Thomas & Friends for the five series they eventually made.

Also on Athanassiou's Vimeo is the Pierce Brosnan narrated scene from the original cut of, Gordon Takes a Shortcut which was shared onto YouTube by Dino's company, Stardust Pictures shortly after the upload had taken place.

WATCH THE 'THOMAS AND THE STINKY CHEESE' STORYBOARD ON 'VIMEO'

Thanks to TheRollingThunder for the alert.

'Blue Mountain Mystery' minisite begins last decorations

The Blue Mountain Quarry homepage on the Thomas & Friends website has taken a lasting update in the lead up to the final unveilings a fortnight away.

Since a while back, a question mark tab under leading star, Thomas can be clicked on which directs the viewer to a printable page of a Quarry Maze activity.

While Luke's Engine Depot profile was published a day before, his activities are expected to surface when his game is playable. The countdown calendar now says; Play the Luke game in 16 days, and counting.
 
In between the above sign is open links to the trailer to the film and the end music video. The trail running at over 1 minute and 15 seconds, grants a montage of scenes from the special which promises visual treats to the fans.

Following this, the Blue Mountain Quarry song, striking over the 2 minute mark, chants all about the aforementioned location.

Veteran series music artist, Robert Hartshorne provides the instrumental whilst fellow proficient, Sam Blewitt, performs the track.

VISIT THE 'BLUE MOUNTAIN QUARRY' WEBSITE

UK

US

AUSTRALIA

Iron Bert completes Ironworks Diesels on Take-n-Play

The second half of the Ironworks Diesels couple is coming to the Take-n-Play stock series, authored by Fisher Price.

Iron Bert who sometimes resides at the Smelters Yard with his twin-ish accomplice, Iron 'Arry, joins the modern die-cast franchise.

He shares the same shape and likeness as Arry, but distances himself from his sidekick when it comes to his facial appearance.

Bert has a pattern of stubble on his mouth and chin area whilst the latter half is clean shaven.

Take-n-Play Iron Bert from Fisher Price hits toy shelves worldwide soon.

TAKE A LOOK AT TAKE-N-PLAY 'IRON BERT'

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

'Mystery' Luke enters Thomas website mainframe early

Luke the Small Engine has strolled into the mainbanks of the official Thomas & Friends website, earlier than publicised.

A day before his proper release, Luke's full Engine Depot profile is ready to see. Blue Mountain Quarry's homepage pays no attention to the cause.

The page which tells a statement of the new Narrow Gauge steamer, unwraps a potential plot spoiler in connection with the Blue Mountain Mystery movie.

Luke is a small engine, even for the Narrow Gauge Railway. When Luke arrived on Sodor, he hid out of shame believing that he caused an engine to fall into the sea.

With Thomas' help, Luke learned the truth and was able to stop hiding.

READ ALL ABOUT 'LUKE' ON THE 'THOMAS & FRIENDS' WEBSITE

UK

US

AUSTRALIA

Thanks to GeebMachine for the alert.

Popular Season Sixteen episodes achieve book status

Two stories from the Sixteenth Series will recieve book tie-ins in America as one by January 2013.

The nostalgic and recommended to see 2012 episodes are to be publicated in a double pack for little readers.

Express Coming Through and Flash Bang Wallop! feature in the mini collection. While the latter is renamed, Go Go Thomas! in relation to the song, Express Coming Through! is given an additional exclamation mark at the end.

The blurb reads; With two exciting Thomas & Friends stories, loads of full-color photographs, and more than 50 train stickers, this deluxe storybook offers boys ages 3 to 7 hours of fun and adventure.

In Express Coming Through!, Thomas the Tank Engine is asked to pull a train that's way too heavy for him! What now?

In Go, Go, Thomas!, Thomas tries to appear in every photo of a book about Sodor's railroad, causing all sorts of trouble. Uh-oh!

Go Go Thomas!/Express Coming Through!: 2 Books in 1 on Paperback hits US book shelves on January 8th 2013.

PRE-ORDER 'GO GO THOMAS!/EXPRESS COMING THROUGH: 2 BOOKS IN 1'

Thanks to MrTrainfan1000 for the alert.

Exclusive: PBS Sprout on 'Trouble for Thomas' criticism

American television station, PBS Kids Sprout have responded to complaints on the audio track, transmitted on a First Season episode.

The matter saw a recent broadcast of Thomas and the Trucks, known in the US as, Trouble for Thomas playing out on the channel on Saturday June 9th.

However, the sound for the story appeared to be out of synchronization with the video picture by three seconds ahead. It became apparent that the 1984 tale was lifted from the 2001, Best of Thomas DVD.

Roll Along Thomas has recieved feedback from Sprout who shall repair the problem aiding the George Carlin narration.

At Sprout, we are devoted to creating opportunities for preschoolers and their parents to share and grow together.

We're also dedicated to offering children and their families an environment that is safe and fun, and we take pride in the programming we offer.

We take comments very seriously and appreciate the notified concerns. We appreciate feedback and comments will be forwarded to our programming department.

Thanks to jeremycrispovideo.

Lost Pierce Brosnan cut from Season Twelve emanates

A snippet of previously unheard narration from Pierce Brosnan's proposed stint in the Twelfth Series has been unearthed on YouTube.

The clip uploaded by a user from London animation company, Stardust Pictures, shows a near 40 second cutting from the original, Gordon Takes a Shortcut episode.

It unearths Brosnan's lost voices of Stanley, Gordon and The Fat Controller to have been used after the beginning of the story.

The video has stayed on the social networking site as far back as April 2011 but has since had a resurgence in recognition.

Stardust Pictures helped create storyboards and visual direction for the Eleventh and Twelfth Seasons, under the guidance of Animation Director, Dino Athanassiou.

Former James Bond movie star, Brosnan lent his vocals to 2007's, The Great Discovery and was in the process of voicing the model and CGI hybrid series before leaving the project.

His contracted availability would have seen him be involved with Seasons Twelve, Thirteen and Fourteen and the eventual two specials, Hero of the Rails and Misty Island Rescue.

Shortly after departing, veteran storytellers, Michael Angelis and Michael Brandon returned to the show on their respective placements in the British and American sides.

Pierce Brosnan's sound booth session for, Thomas Puts the Brakes On can be glimpsed at several moments in an extra called, Behind-the-Scenes with Pierce Brosnan on The Great Discovery US DVD.

LISTEN TO 'PIERCE BROSNAN' NARRATING 'GORDON TAKES A SHORTCUT'

Nitrogen Studios' site revamps and adds Thomas notes

Canandian animation company and ex-Thomas & Friends associates, Nitrogen Studios have given their website an overhaul.

The Vancouver team, whose CGI expertise are given a big send off in their last Thomas production, Blue Mountain Mystery, details on the retrospective committed lifespan in a timelined page.

Starting from the penultimate tab on the 2007 section, the month of June is revealed to have kicked off Nitrogen's starting point on joining the series.

Catching up to the point of this year's 2012, March confirms the conlusion to their work, when in February, Arc Productions were announced as their successors to provide the CGI framework to the long running show.

A seperate page however comments on the 3D build of Thomas' original steam locomotive basis, relating to the unassumed contribution to Shane Acker's film produced poster, now rumoured for an apparent 2013 bill by IMDB.

VISIT 'NITROGEN STUDIOS' BRAND NEW WEBSITE

'THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE (2013)' ON IMDB

Exclusive: Hornby on their 'Thomas & Friends' future

British model train makers, Hornby will not stop creating original Thomas & Friends yields on their side for at least a year and a half.

Like Bachmann, the UK's leading HO Scale constructors shall not rest with tie-ing in the TV Series to real life model railway ideas.

In an exclusive by Roll Along Thomas, Hornby has summarised that confidence remains in their childrens themed department.

We are not aware of any plans to stop or discontinue the Thomas and Friends range.

While the releases for the 2013 range will be announced at the end of this year, we are confident the Thomas and Friends range will continue.

Hornby at the start of this year announced their 2012 products with limited edition units of certain Thomas stock, coming to fruition.

Thanks to SI3DFilms.

'Sodor Snow Storm' assumes 'Snow Clearing' engines

The recent, Snow Clearing Hiro has been revealed to be part of a new lineup by Fisher Price and their TrackMaster collections.

The confirmation which appears to have played down speculation on Sodor Blackout, was sighted on a similar product, Snow Clearing Henry.

Available as a Toys R Us exclusive, the Henry vehicle, also linking to Hiro's version, serves a fresh theme entitled, Sodor Snow Storm.

The green engine is covered in snow as he wears a green snowplough similar to Thomas' whilst connected to a Misty Island flatbed of Jobi Logs.

Unrelated to the subject, Brendam Fishing Co. serves as a basic set holding Thomas and a red truck picking up supplies from a moveable and poseable crane.

Toys R Us' Snow Clearing Henry and Brendam Fishing Co. from Fisher Price hit toy shelves worldwide later this year.

GLIMPSE UPON THE TWO 'TRACKMASTER' ASSETS

SNOW CLEARING HENRY

BRENDAM FISHING CO.

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

'Railway Series' recognition continues with the Kindle

The Railway Series' popularity regain has flowed again for the upteenth time as another contributor helps the attention.

amazon have been named the next company to broaden The Rev. W. Awdry's early books for the digital age using the Kindle.

The e-book reader platform is now enabled for the downloading of the first four Awdry titles, converted especially for the device.

The action comes after the recent reclaiment of The Railway Series being converted to the iBooks Apple application and the double Johnny Morris recordings emerging on iTunes.

The Three Railway Engines, Thomas the Tank Engine, James the Red Engine and Tank Engine Thomas Again on the Kindle are now available to buy on amazon in the UK and US each for £1.37 and $2.15 respectively.

PURCHASE 'THE RAILWAY SERIES' ON THE AMAZON KINDLE

UK

US

Exclusive: Bachmann committed to Thomas for 2013

Bachmann Trains will continue the Thomas & Friends American model trains drive for at least another year.

Since Mattel succeeded in gaining the ownership to Hit Entertainment in October 2011, all of the merchandising lines for the brand survived in proceeding with more products for future producing, including freshers.

Bachmann, who isn't owned by Hit or indeed Mattel, had grown suspicions from certain followers if the manufacturer would resume the Thomas public model making.

Roll Along Thomas can deliver that the US chain shall return for more up to the next year of 2013 and for a possible continuation afterwards.

Not only will Bachmann Trains continue to manufacture Thomas and Friends products in 2013 and the foreseeable future, we will continue to add exciting new products every year.

We are so glad you all appreciate our products' quality, and we are very thankful for your support.

Thanks to SI3DFilms.

Johnny Morris 'Railway Series' recordings get digitized

The rarely heard first vinyl recordings of The Railway Series adapted for audio format are now iTunes products.

The original tellings by the late, Animal Magic presenter, Johnny Morris were turned into digital form since the start of December 2011 by The Lost Noises Office who specialise in selling dated spoken word and music records.

The final two 1962 story narrations from The Three Railway Engines book, The Sad Story of Henry and Edward, Gordon and Henry are able to be purchased by Apple's paid On Demand service.

Altogether, the files run at an aggregated 10 minutes in duration. Morris ended his role in voicing the titles when Percy the Small Engine's merchandising spinoff was released.

Johnny Morris' Three Railway Engines duo narrations by The Lost Noises Office are each available to buy on iTunes in the UK, US and Australia for £0.79, $0.99 and $1.69, respectively.

PURCHASE THE JOHNNY MORRIS RAILWAY SERIES RECORDINGS ON iTUNES

UK

US
AUSTRALIA

'Blue Mountain Mystery' DVD cover becomes official

The unveiling of the official Blue Mountain Mystery DVD cover, aiding the English language speaking discs has become a reality.

The artwork face soon to appear on the UK, US and Australasian releases, was discovered in the Hide & Peep Thomas! mini-book which is contained in the American, Engine Friends DVD collectors set.

Characters sighted include Thomas and Luke, peering over the horizon at centre top reperesent the leading roles whereas Owen and Merrick at left and right hand sides showcase the newcomers.

Rheneas and Sir Handel near the bottom support the returning Narrow Gauge Engines. Luke is presented again, at the bottom middle emerging from the unknown spacing.

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.

Kidtoon Films will host the movie in various cities in the United States of America starting from August 2012.

The UK premieres the film in Vue cinemas for two days only on September 1st and 2nd 2012. A celebrity blue carpet launch at Vue Leicester Square is to be simulated on the first date. The DVD comes out on September 3rd.
 

TAKE A LOOK AT THE 'BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY' US DVD COVER 

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

'Owen's Rock Drop' game and clip survey official site

A brand new game has been launched on the Blue Mountain Mystery minisite, hosted by the Thomas & Friends website.

Incorporating design elements from Merrick's Shape Stacker gameplay, Owen's Rock Drop bases itself on the titular character and scenes from the new film feature.

Guiding players through is the voice of Keith Wickham who instructs interactive viewers to load hoppers full of gravel and using Owen, take them down onto the depository where Thomas is waiting for his trucks to be loaded.

The Blue Mountain Quarry instrumental provides audio atmosphere whilst steering clear as a seperate entity is a video clip to be seen in the upcoming special.

The short presents Paxton reversing his trucks by the cliff face as Rusty's hoppers trail down to the Diesel Engine by Owen's machinery actions. The countdown clock now reads; Meet Luke in 14 days, and counting.

PLAY OWEN'S GAME AND WATCH THE CLIP ON THE 'THOMAS & FRIENDS' WEBSITE

UK

USA

AUSTRALIA

Hit's 'Awesome Adventures' debut volume turns British

The first chapter of Hit Entertainment's brands DVD series, Awesome Adventures is transferring to the British professional market.

The original US collection's, Rescue Friends has taken on the indentity of Favourite Friends. While Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder feature, Pingu joins the UK regional disc.

At least one episode from one of Hit's shows is changed, that be of Toby's New Whistle loses its position to, James in the Dark.

The summary tells; When friends work together, anything is possible! Spencer shows what good friends can achieve when he steams through thick fog to rescue Percy, and James' new light helps to save a concert from disaster!

Bob the Builder's Can-Do Crew helps Scratch out of a sticky situation, and Dizzy surprises her friends - and herself - when she turns a big mistake into a great success.

Fireman Sam proves that a hero's work is never done, and his nephew James learns that some rescues are best left to the professionals!

Pingu and his pals add to the fun, keeping Pingu from harm when she suddenly starts to sleepwalk. There's lots of adventures to enjoy in this awesome collection from your favourite friends.

Episodes include;

Thomas & Friends in

Spencer the Grand and James in the Dark

Fireman Sam in

Off Duty Sam and Fireman James

Bob the Builder in

Scratch Goes Solo and Whizzy Dizzy

 

Pingu in

Pingu Sleepwalks and Pingu Digs a Hole

 

Awesome Adventures: Favourite Friends hits UK DVD shelves on July 2nd 2012.

 

PRE-ORDER 'AWESOME ADVENTURES: FAVOURITE FRIENDS'

'Blue Mountain' signals Peter Sam return to die-cast

Peter Sam the Narrow Gauge Engine is marking a return to die-cast form as Take-n-Play reprieves him from retirement.

The formally known, Stuart was last seen as a metal toy item during the Take Along contracted stint. Fisher Price's own retrospective series grants him the comeback.

His model has been launched onto an ebay.com auction, which depicts the Don't Bother Victor! and Blue Mountain Mystery star in fresh packaging.

The only adjustment that can so far be seen is Peter Sam's funnel, built in a reduced state compared to the Take Along generation that appeared to be taller.

Take-n-Play Peter Sam from Fisher Prices hits toy shelves worldwide soon.

BID AND EYE UP 'TAKE-N-PLAY'S 'PETER SAM'

Thanks to Bass Tbone for the alert.