SiF auctions off second crew shirt on ebay for CHAS

SiF have given fans another chance to bid on a crew shirt from the set of Thomas & Friends.

Following on from their first auction, another t-shirt made for Nitrogen Studios' CGI team is available to bid for on ebay.

The item, originating from the filming of the Twelfth Series in 2008, carries the target symbol used for tracking animated faces characters' physical models.

Available until July 5th, the money will be donated to the Children's Hospice Association Scotland while the shirt has been selected for worldwide postage.

The first auction ended up garnering a sum of £77 with the proceeds donated to the YoungMinds charity.

VIEW AND BID ON SIF'S CHARITY AUCTION ON EBAY

Season 17 aiming for UK October return on Channel 5

Season 17 of Thomas & Friends has been poised for a return this Autumn on UK TV screens.

The new series, narrated by Mark Moraghan, started airing on Channel 5 milkshake! on June 3rd to 14th for 10 episodes.

A mid-series break occurred in preparation for King of the Railway's cinema and DVD release but was questioned by fans.

The Thomas & Friends UK facebook page have since confirmed details of the remaining 16 episodes left to air.

The brand new Thomas episodes aired earlier this month and should be available on Channel 5’s OD platforms. Further brand new episodes should be on air from October!

Season 17 of Thomas & Friends continues on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK in October.

WATCH THE FIRST EPISODES OF SEASON SEVENTEEN ON DEMAND 5

Thanks to Thomas Stansfield for the alert.

Gordon and Spencer race in 'King of the Railway' still

A still from the King of the Railway movie has been published in the UK's Thomas & Friends Magazine.

An aghast Gordon and Spencer are shown running alongside each other in the countryside in a subplot from the film.

The image was printed in a fact-file of Spencer in Issue 665 released on June 26th.

Scenes of the race appear in King's US trailer, which was recently uploaded domestically by the Thomas & Friends YouTube channel.

King of the Railway: The Movie marks its world premiere in Hoyts cinemas across Australia on July 20th.

Vue cinemas in the UK will follow from August 23rd to September 1st while the US and Germany will receive the movie from September 2013.

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

'King of the Railway' US DVD extras and songs revealed

The extras to be featured on the King of the Railway US DVD/Blu-ray have been revealed.

The September discs will carry five extras including two new songs. For the first time since Hero of the Rails, the special's title is not carried onto to the songs' titles.

The music videos It's Gonna Be a Great Day and Searching Everywhere are joined by a third, Working Together from Blue Mountain Mystery.

The Search for the Lost Crown becomes the special's DVD game while the Guess Who? puzzles return.

The description reads; Join Thomas & Friends as they embark on a legendary movie adventure! The steam team’s quest begins when a special guest arrives on Sodor with a big surprise and important jobs for Thomas, Percy and James.

The engines meet new friends and discover suits of armor; coats of arms and legends of long-ago heroes. Then their bravery is put to the test when their new friend Stephen goes missing.

Will Thomas find him in time? Will the engines discover the truth about the Island of Sodor’s biggest mystery? It’s a crusade of knightly proportions for Thomas & Friends in this epic movie!

King of the Railway: The Movie from Lionsgate Entertainment hits US DVD/Blu-ray shelves on September 17th 2013.

Thanks to MrTrainfan1000 for the alert.

Stephen and Millie in 'King of the Railway' promo shot

Another promo shot from the King of the Railway movie has emerged on the Thomas & Friends Wikia.

Set against a backdrop of Ulfstead Castle, Stephen the Rocket and Millie the French Engine are joined by Thomas in the image.

It follows just a few days after a previous shot of Stephen and Thomas was discovered.

Stephen is due to appear in his own story in the 17th Series while Millie has already played a role in The Switch. The Thomas & Friends YouTube meanwhile have released the US trailer domestically.

King of the Railway: The Movie marks its world premiere in Hoyts cinemas across Australia on July 20th. 

Vue cinemas in the UK will follow on the weekend of August 23rd while the US and Germany will receive the movie from September 2013.

'King of the Railway' US DVD release date confirmed

The King of the Railway DVD for the United States will arrive in mid September, it has been confirmed.

The special itself is to be screened in cinemas in the coming months and on television on PBS Kids in October coinciding with the US launch of Season 17.

This week, the Thomas & Friends facebook page revealed the DVD's date in a response to a fan's query.

The King of the Railway DVD Movie releases on September 17th in the US and in September/October for most other countries.

King of the Railway: The Movie from Lionsgate Entertainment hits US DVD shelves on September 17th.

Railway Stories 'Audio Collection' for wider UK release

The Railway Stories' audiobook legacy will be re-released for the UK by AudioGO this Autumn.

All six current volumes of The Railway Series adapted audios have been compiled together for the Audio Collection.

First released as a tk.maxx exclusive in Winter 2012, the collection has been given a wider release, with all stories narrated by former TV series narrator, Michael Angelis.

Roll Along Thomas last year revealed that a seventh volume was on the cards by AudioGO for a planned release sometime this year. As of June 2013, no further updates have been issued.

Audio Collection from AudioGO hits UK CD shelves on September 1st.

PRE-ORDER 'AUDIO COLLECTION' ON AMAZON.CO.UK

'King of the Railway' gains extended Vue cinema run

Vue in the United Kingdom are to screen the latest Thomas & Friends movie for longer than expected.

Rather than a sole weekend, the cinema chain will screen King of the Railway for 10 days from late August before ceasing its run a day before the film comes to DVD.

The Thomas & Friends UK facebook page confirmed the dates just before Vue's edit of the film's trailer was released on YouTube.

The new epic Thomas & Friends 'King of the Railway' movie screens across all UK VUE cinemas from Friday 23rd August - 1st September, followed by the DVD release on 2nd September! Peep! Peep!

Blue Mountain Mystery was granted a second weekend of screenings in 2012 after its first proved successful.

King of the Railway: The Movie premieres in Vue cinemas nationwide across the UK from August 23rd to September 1st, with its DVD to follow a day after on September 2nd.

Thomas and Stephen in 'King of the Railway' Promo

A new King of the Railway: The Movie promotional shot has surfaced online on the Thomas & Friends Wikia.

Thomas and Stephen are shown glancing happily by Ulfstead Castle, with visitors and balloons surrounding the scenery.

Sir Robert Norramby, The Earl of Sodor can be seen standing on a podium in the background.

The special will mark the proper introductions of Stephen, Millie, Connor, Caitlin along with Sir Robert, while Jack the Front Loader and the Troublesome Trucks return to the franchise gaining roles.

King of the Railway: The Movie marks its world premiere in Hoyts cinemas across Australia on July 20th. 

Vue cinemas in the UK will follow on the weekend of August 23rd while the US and Germany will receive the movie from September 2013.

'The Best of Friends' triple DVD boxset cover revealed

The cover aiding The Best of Friends DVD set has been published by amazon.co.uk.

The UK release sees celebratory titles The Best of Thomas, The Best of Percy and The Best of James packaged together in one collection.

Its cover, with Thomas, Percy and James depicted, boasts the tagline; Over 7½ hours from 1984 to today.

The triple pack compiles together 60 episodes from the show's beginning right up to the 15th Series.

The Best of Friends from Hit Entertainment hits UK DVD shelves on September 2nd 2013.

PRE-ORDER 'THE BEST OF FRIENDS' DVD SET ON AMAZON.CO.UK

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

'Merry Christmas Thomas' heading for October UK DVD

Merry Christmas, Thomas! is to come to UK DVD for release in the lead-up to Halloween, amazon.co.uk has confirmed.

The DVD first made its inception in the US in October 2011 with seasonal episodes Let it Snow, Surprise, Surprise, Percy the Snowman and Tree Trouble being featured.

The British version, running at 74 minutes, is so far not known to retrieve Let it Snow and Surprise, Surprise. Percy the Snowman and Tree Trouble will be joined by Season 16's Ho Ho Snowman and Salty's Surprise.

The description reads; Thomas lights up the tracks in a magical Christmas collection! Watch as your favourite engines prepare for a festive celebration.

Charlie discovers how much fun snow can be whilst Percy gets covered in so much snow that Thomas cannot find him!

Salty doesn't have time for presents and parties until Edward finds him the perfect gift, and the engines compete to find the perfect Christmas tree! It is the season for Christmas magic with Thomas & Friends.

amazon have also added the King of the Railway cover and the Best of Friends boxset's description to their website.

Merry Christmas, Thomas! from Hit Entertainment hits UK DVD shelves on October 28th 2013.

PRE-ORDER 'MERRY CHRISTMAS, THOMAS!' ON AMAZON.CO.UK

Actress Miranda Raison takes on narrow gauge Millie

British actress Miranda Raison has been named as the voice of narrow gauge engine Millie.

The Norfolk born star lent her vocals to Sodor's first French engine in the episode The Switch which aired today on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK. Her name was listed in the end credits.
The character switched her duties for the day with Luke under the approval of Mike Grady's Sir Robert Norramby and Mr. Percival.

Millie is due to make her first proper appearance in the King of the Railway film later this year.

Raison is most recognisable to audiences as Tallulah in the Doctor Who episodes Daleks in Manhattan and Evolution of the Daleks and in the multi-award winning film My Week with Marilyn as Vanessa.

Miranda has also gained roles in the BBC's Spooks, Death in Paradise, Vexed and more recently as Dr. Stella Drew in ITV's Lewis.

Steven Kynman lends voice to returned engine Duck

Duck the Great Western Engine's return to the series has been met with a positive response.

The episode, Henry's Hero, was transmitted on Britain's Channel 5 milkshake!. Today, viewers caught the first glimpse of Duck in his CGI glory made by current animators, Arc Productions.
The engine played a brief cameo role to tell both Hiro and Henry that he had been sent to replace some bad coal with good coal.

Attributing his comeback was a fresh voice, lent by cast member Steven Kynman. The actor gave Duck a West Country accent, fitting in with the character's origins.

Togo Igawa also returned to voice Hiro, who had not spoken since Season 15's Fiery Flynn, despite the character making a number of appearances in the 16th Series.

Rebecca O'Mara and Jonathan Forbes join voice cast

Two voice actors have joined Thomas & Friends for its Seventeenth Series and onwards since 2012.

Calm Down Caitlin by Postman Pat, Dennis & Gnasher and Rastamouse writer Davey Moore, aired today on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK.

The episode introduced viewers to Caitlin the Mainland Engine who couldn't contain her excitement to be working on the Island of Sodor, despite it being night time.
The character's voice was provided by Irish actress Rebecca O'Mara, whose name was listed in the end credits.

O'Mara, who graduated from LAMDA, has largely worked in the theatre industry acting in plays such as Macbeth, The Way of the World, Far from the Madding Crowd and Mrs. Warren's Profession.

She has had a limited time in television with roles in the BBC's Doctors, ITV's The History of Mr. Polly and of course, Thomas & Friends.

Appearing very briefly at the end of the episode was Connor the Mainland Engine, voiced by another fellow Irish actor, Jonathan Forbes.

Unlike O'Mara, Forbes has had an extensive career participating in theatre shows alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company with King Lear, Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet to name but a few.

Playing parts in two films, Forbes has also lent his voice to many BBC Radio productions and has been on the small screen in The Bill, Casualty, Foyle's War and more recently in Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror on Channel 4.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TWO VOICE ARTISTS' WORK ON THEIR ONLINE CV'S

REBECCA O'MARA

JONATHAN FORBES

Channel 5's milkshake! previews 'Calm Down Caitlin'

milkshake! have previewed an episode from Season Seventeen ahead of its broadcast this week.

The morning show on Channel 5 in the UK gave viewers a glimpse at Calm Down Caitlin.
It showed new character Caitlin pleading Percy to take his mail run at night which Percy accepts in order for the other engines to get some sleep.

The minute long extract aired before Peppa Pig, just under half an hour after Wayward Winston had aired.

The brand new seventeenth series of Thomas & Friends airs weekdays on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK at 7:35am.

TAKE A SNEAK PEEK AT 'CALM DOWN CAITLIN' ON YOUTUBE

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

SiF announces Rupert Degas departure and cast change

SiF have declared cast member Rupert Degas' departure from the series on The SiF Blog.

The news of Degas' supposed exit at the time was questioned by fans since Matt Wilkinson's takeover as Butch in the Sixteenth Series.
Interest was reignited again during Wayward Winston's UK broadcast this week when Degas' name was missing in the end credits despite Bertie's appearance.

Flynn, Dart and Butch are to return to the series at some point with their voices all recast alongside Bertie's.

Owing to the end of Michael Brandon's association with the US dub, Diesel will also reappear under another voice actor.

FIND OUT MORE ON THE VOICE RECASTS ON THE SIF BLOG

Winston ride at Drayton Manor's Thomas Land named

Drayton Manor's newest ride at their Thomas Land theme park in Staffordshire, UK, has been named.

Winston's Whistle Stop Tour was tweeted @ThomasLandUK and has been under construction since March this year.

The monorail attraction will take guests on an aerial tour of Sodor and will celebrate Thomas Land's fifth anniversary.

Channel 5's milkshake! team recently filmed video links at the park to celebrate Super Special Thomas Week and Season Seventeen's launch on their channel.

Thomas Land's Winston's Whistle Stop Tour opens at Drayton Manor this summer.

Season 17 to go on mid-season hiatus in UK this June

The latest series of Thomas & Friends, currently airing on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK, will go on hiatus later this month.

The first week of new episodes started broadcasting on the channel on June 3rd, with another five due to follow next week.
However, digiguide and Freeview have both revealed in their schedules that Week 3 will be part of a repeats season. From the 17th, Kevin's Cranky Friend and its nine successors will air again for catch-up.

It is estimated that the rest of the season will coincide before or during the launch of King of the Railway's cinematic run. It has not been clarified as to why the break will occur.

The brand new seventeenth series of Thomas & Friends airs weekdays on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK at 7:35am.