Season Fourteen and activity DVDs from Sony in Japan

Japan have gained another six DVD releases for 2013 under the auspices of Sony Creative Products Inc.

Out now to buy is the start of two activity titles. 高山鉄道と小さなきかんしゃたち 大解剖 sees the engines of the Narrow Gauge Railway defined in each of their roles in the high hills.
Despite their brief appearances, Duke, Smudger, Bertram, The Ghost Engine and Proteus are also detailed in similar fashion. Rheneas and the Dinosaur and the Blue Mountain Mystery trailer are included in the release.

ソドー島で1番をさがせ! follows the scenario by instead focusing on The Fat Controller's engines and vehicles commenting on their strengths. Thomas and the Jet Plane is the story testing the premise.
For March, ソドー島大パニック takes a look at the many incidents on Sodor while トーマスとくるまのなかま talks about the many road vehicles serving the island including Jack and the Sodor Construction Company.

Lastly, Season Fourteen returns in June when トーマスとスクラフ and ワクワクするぼうけん emerge. Thomas and Scruff and Jitters and Japes are just some of the episodes continuing the trend.

Sony Creative Products Inc.'s 高山鉄道と小さなきかんしゃたち 大解剖 and ソドー島で1番をさがせ! are available to buy on Japanese DVD.

ソドー島大パニック and トーマスとくるまのなかま follows on March 27th while トーマスとスクラフ and ワクワクするぼうけん are released on June 12th.

PRE-ORDER THE NEW DVDS ON AMAZON.CO.JP

Thomas in remote control sets for Lionel's 2013 range

Lionel has announced several Thomas & Friends products due to hit their range later this year.

The American model makers are to release four sets each with remote control functions and capabilities.
Thomas, Annie and Clarabel are decorated in tinsel, snow and Santa hats for a christmas set. Interchangeable faces for Thomas is one of the more notable features included.

James, Percy and Diesel receive the same remote control treatment but with updated faces reflecting the CGI era of the show.

While Percy tows Troublesome Trucks behind, Diesel and James each carry a truck and a caboose from Anopha Quarry and Crovan's Gate respectively.

The four remote control sets from Lionel hit US model and hobby stores later this year.

SEE LIONEL'S THOMAS & FRIENDS RELEASES IN THEIR LATEST CATALOGUE

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

SiF finds lost behind-the-scenes 'Magic Railroad' report

SiF have tracked down behind-the-scenes footage from the Thomas and the Magic Railroad set.

The video originating from a BBC News entertainment report has never been seen, till now on AP Archive's website.
A notable find is the appearance of Doug Lennox as cut character P. T. Boomer who looks through papers at Shining Time, a plot element from the original version of the film.

Director Britt Allcroft is interviewed at the end answering a reporter's question on how the Rev. Wilbert Awdry would've reviewed Magic Railroad on its eventual release; I don't know. Maybe he... knows.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON THE SiF BLOG

Season Thirteen in Hit's fourth 'Awesome Adventures'

Hit Entertainment's DVD series Awesome Adventures is returning for a fourth stint in America.

The latest volume, Preschool Party Surprise!, once again sees another two helpings each from Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder.

Thomas this time is represented by two episodes from the Thirteenth Series. The previous release saw the show in three episodes.
The synopsis reads; It’s party time, and you’re invited to celebrate with Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder! Can Thomas keep all the party guests and presents on track?

Can Fireman Sam save the day – and Dilys’ cake? Can Bob and his team fix Wendy’s birthday? Join the fun and festivities and enjoy some Preschool Party Surprises!

Episodes include;
Thomas & Friends in

Double Trouble and The Biggest Present of All
Fireman Sam in

No Nurse Like You and Dilys’ Big Surprise
Bob the Builder in

Pineapple Scratch and Wendy’s Birthday Surprise

Awesome Adventures Vol. Four: Preschool Party Surprise! from Lionsgate Entertainment hits US DVD shelves on April 9th 2013.

VIEW MORE INFORMATION ON LIONSGATE PUBLICITY'S WEBSITE

Thanks to MrTrainfan1000 for the alert.

Gordon's 'Bust My Buffers' gets Take-n-Play spinoff toy

Season Sixteen's Bust My Buffers episodes has been picked up by Fisher Price for merchandising.

Gordon's Dieselworks Delivery is a new gift pack for the Take-n-Play range and adapts the ending of the story in die-cast form.

A key aspect included is a model of Gordon with his specially fitted hazard striped diesel buffer beam.

However instead of an express coach, a confined flatbed of mechanical parts is coupled up to the engine.

Take-n-Play Gordon's Dieselworks Delivery from Fisher Price hits UK and US toy shelves now.

TAKE A LOOK AT TAKE-N-PLAY 'GORDON'S DIESELWORKS DELIVERY'

Thanks to lbbrian for the alert.

Wooden Railway adapts 'King' and Series Sixteen scenes

The Wooden Railway series from Fisher Price and Mattel are to release further products and sets.

Revealed at this month's New York Toy Fair, a nameless set utilizes the Sodor castle, due to play a part in the King of the Railway special.

With a launch tunnel and a castle signal box, Thomas and Millie take over the reigns of the set with a red truck in tow.
 Away from Toy Fair is Gold Mine Mountain. Available in 38 pieces, a gold dusted Thomas stars with Salty, a Troublesome Truck and Cranky the Crane.

Alongside his appearances in Season Sixteen, Brendam Docks' resident diesel will gain more attention when Talking Salty and Green Salty are both released.

The Toy Book have divulged in a press release that some three-in-one and two-sided destination playsets are also due.

The new Wooden Railways from Fisher Price hit UK and US toy shelves later this year.

Thanks to TheHIROD51.

'Stephen and the Treasure' three pack for Take-n-Play

King of the Railway's old engine, Stephen the Rocket will be part of a set by Fisher Price.

For the Thomas Take-n-Play franchise, Stephen and the Treasure stores the incumbent engine in a triple pack.
  While covered in dust, two flatbeds are joined up to him. One carries a treasure chest with a golden crown and the other holds a gold statue of a knight's horse on top.

The engine's model was revealed earlier this week on Fisher Price's Thomas & Friends website.

Take-n-Play Stephen and the Treasure from Fisher Price hits UK and US toy shelves later this year.

TAKE A LOOK AT TAKE-N-PLAY 'STEPHEN AND THE TREASURE'

Thanks to Thomascel for the alert.

Fisher Price shows 'King of the Railway' video and toys

Fisher Price's Thomas & Friends website has been updated showcasing a few surprises.

The teasers, in relation to the upcoming King of the Railway film, are seen largely in their Calling All Engines page.

A Meet the Characters video playlist features The Fat Controller in specially made animation by Arc Productions telling viewers why he thinks Stafford, Henry, Gordon, Luke and more are really useful engines.

In a printable poster, a first glimpse at Stephen's Take-n-Play is seen, ranked among other character models.

His nameplate however bears the name, Rocket. On a separate page is Thomas' Adventure Castle, a set based on a chase scene as seen in the movie's trailer.

The description reads; The Troublesome Truck tries to catch Thomas as he races down the spiral track! Will it be successful in catching him? As Thomas zooms downward, the flags unfurl and the treasure drops.

The King of the Railway Take-n-Play products hit toy shelves in the UK and US coinciding with the film's release this September.

SEE THE 'KING OF THE RAILWAY' TEASERS ON FISHER PRICE'S THOMAS & FRIENDS WEBSITE
VIEW 'THOMAS' ADVENTURE CASTLE' TAKE-N-PLAY SET

'King of the Railway' set and spoilers at Toy Fair 2013

The first TrackMaster set from Fisher Price and Mattel made its debut at this year's Toy Fair in New York.

Although not named, the set is referred to as King of the Railway, based on the upcoming film of the same name.

It has Thomas pulling a truck up a hillside, through a castle entrance and emerging out of the castle and down from the hillside.

Toy Fair's Aaron let slip a couple of spoilers to presenter Laurie over the film's plot; Its a brand new adventure for Thomas, The Earl comes back to Sodor and restores the old castle from its ruins.

The film's poster artwork featuring Stephen and Thomas was present at the event as a backdrop.

King of the Railway: The Movie premieres in the UK, US, Germany and Australia from this September.

WATCH TRACKMASTER'S 'KING OF THE RAILWAY' SET AT TOY FAIR 2013 ON YOUTUBE

Thanks to TheHIROD51 for the alert.

'Complete Series 14' and 'Muddy Matters' for UK DVD

amazon.co.uk have confirmed two brand new releases heading to the United Kingdom this summer.

Available in the US since January, Muddy Matters is the second Season Sixteen DVD for UK audiences and is expected to contain the same five episodes as its American syndicate.

It will follow Go Go Thomas! in late May while the latter is on track to come out on March 11th.

Over a year after The Complete Series 13 hit retailers and nearly three years after its television premiere, The Complete Series 14 will come to DVD in July.

Continuing the trend of full season releases, Series 14 is to run at a staggering 200 minutes in duration.

Muddy Matters and The Complete Series 14 from Hit Entertainment hit UK DVD shelves on May 27th and July 22nd 2013 respectively.

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

MUDDY MATTERS

THE COMPLETE SERIES 14

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

'Blue Mountain Mystery' earns UK DVD and TV success

Blue Mountain Mystery: The Movie has achieved success in the United Kingdom in both TV and on DVD.

The special which has been hailed by fans as one of the best Thomas stories of recent years, is officially the No. 1 Pre-School DVD of 2012, licensing.biz and the Official Charts Company have revealed.

On television's Channel 5, compared to its predecessor Day of the Diesels which scored 328,000 viewers on Christmas Eve 2011, Mystery surpassed the figures on New Years Day with a finalised 537,000 viewers.

Hit Entertainment's Business Head of TV and Home Entertainment, Alison Homewood spoke of the results; These phenomenal figures prove the power of the feature-length Thomas specials which continue to build year on year.

Not only do they deliver fantastic DVD sales but also gain exceptional broadcast ratings, solidifying HIT’s position as one of the world’s greatest storytellers for pre-schoolers.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON LICENSING.BIZ

Arry, Bert and more announced for Bachmann in 2013

Bachmann Trains have unveiled new merchandise for 2013 including more from the Thomas & Friends line.

Their latest yearly catalogue released today features fellow Thomas rivals Chuggington as cover stars.

Thomas' Christmas Express starts off the HO Scale range which decorates Thomas with his snowplough and a Santa hat. A Christmas tree on a truck, a crate load and a Merry Christmas van complete the set.

In a move by Bachmann, Thomas is also the first character to be able to talk while running on rails with the brand new Speed-Activated Sound.

Now you can hear Thomas’ steam sounds! With an analog sound system including steam chuffs, periodic whistle and steam blow-down upon stopping, this sound-equipped Thomas brings to life the sights and sounds of Sodor.

With Duck setting pre-orders alight, Arry and Bert are confirmed to be the next engines to join the line after the likes of fellow duos Bill and Ben and Donald and Douglas.

More so for rolling stock is a fourth Troublesome Truck and a third vehicle member in the form of Jeremy the Jet Plane.

Lastly and excitingly for Large Scale, Toby the Tram Engine will become the fifth engine to join the bigger scale series. A Blue Open Wagon and a Raspberry Syrup Tanker will also follow.

The new Thomas & Friends products from Bachmann hit US model and hobby stores this year.

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT ELSE IS IN STORE FROM BACHMANN IN 2013

Thanks to Bass Tbone for the alert.

The Fat Controller reforms with Smyths for UK visits

The Fat Controller is returning to various UK Smyths superstores for a tour starting from this week.

The Sodor director will allow fans to visit him for meet and greet sessions in six cities at the toy giant's stores.

The advert reads; All aboard! Make sure you’re right on time to see The Fat Controller at Smyths Toys Superstores!

The Thomas and Friends star is taking a break from making sure the engines are on time and will be popping into a number of our stores throughout February!

The Fat Controller's schedule;

Saturday February 9th at

Smyths Toy Superstore, Edinburgh from 12pm to 6pm.

Sunday February 10th at

Smyths Toy Superstore, Glasgow from 11am to 5pm.

Saturday February 16th at

Smyths Toy Superstore, Bolton from 10am to 4pm.

Sunday February 17th at

Smyths Toy Superstore, Hull from 11am to 5pm.

Saturday February 23rd at

Smyths Toy Superstore, Thurrock from 10am to 4pm.

Sunday February 24th at

Smyths Toy Superstore, Fareham from 10am to 4pm.

The Fat Controller previously visited ten shopping centres with Smyths last March in conjunction with a competition.

VISIT SMYTHS WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

Season Seventeen to feature Sidney and Santa episodes

Season Seventeen is reported to give Sidney the Forgetful Diesel his own episode, it has been revealed.

The shunter is apparent to be explored more in a story titled New Wheels for Sidney in the upcoming new series where decorative lights and a cargo car are also involved. The pack is called Sidney's Holiday Special.

The discovery was found in a catalogue advertising official Wooden Railway merchandise. Sidney made a silent debut in Day of the Diesels and only ever appeared in three shots.

It is believed that his role was increased in an original version of the special before scenes were cut.

Thomas is to also have an episode to himself, wearing a red nose and an antler and hauling Father Christmas on a truck. Santa's Little Engine is the same title as its spin-off product.

The brand new seventeenth series of Thomas & Friends airs this fall.

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

'Sodor's Heroes!' UK triple DVD set attracts front cover

The cover for the UK's Sodor's Heroes! boxset has been published by amazon.co.uk.

Thomas the Tank Engine is placed against Knapford Station in a promo shot aiding the release.

The three DVD set incorporates past titles Wobbly Wheels & Whistles, The Lion of Sodor and Pop Goes Thomas.

With a 162 minute run time, its announcement came at the tailing end of October 2012 by the now declining hmv.

Sodor's Heroes from Hit Entertainment hits UK DVD shelves on March 11th 2013.

PRE-ORDER 'SODOR'S HEROES!' ON AMAZON.CO.UK

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

Confirmed: Bob Golding joins 'King of the Railway' film

Bob Golding has joined the voice cast of Thomas & Friends to appear in King of the Railway.

After a year of speculation, the actor of stage and screen is confirmed to take on a role for the new era of the show, voicing Stephen the Rocket in the new film. According to Spotlight, he is to also take on various characters.

Golding is perhaps best known for being the voice of Milo and Max in the BBC's Tweenies.

He has had a versatile career on stage portraying comedian Eric Morecambe in the one-man show, Morecambe and was part of the ensemble in Bill Kenwright's West End run of Elvis the Musical in 1996.

On television, Golding presented CITV's Fun Song Factory as Thomas, appeared in Peter Kay's Britain's Got the Pop Factor..., Watson and Oliver and more recently can be seen in ITV's Mr. Selfridge as Horace Spendrich.

King of the Railway: The Movie premieres in the UK, US, Germany and Australia from this September.

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Bachmann Duck pushed back for shipping in February

Bachmann's anticipated model of Duck has been pushed back to start shipping this month.

The product was due to be released in the US from January 30th but will instead come out at the end of this February.

It is not known what caused the delay, though close sources have indicated that development issues are to be the reason.

In August 2012, Tower Hobbies and Wholesale both spilled on the intention to launch the product for the original January date.

Duck from Bachmann hits US model and hobby stores at the new date of February 28th 2013.

Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.