'Dinos & Discoveries' DVD and two new episodes due

New episodes and a DVD are to appear in the next year with the arrival of tie-in books.

The origins of the Dinos & Discoveries book double with Emily Saves the World are unveiled for a DVD release of the same name.

One of Random House's next books for January comes in the form of Thomas and the Volcano. Its artwork of Millie and Thomas places them against a backdrop of a dinosaur and an erupting volcano.

Teasing, As seen on DVD! Dinos & Discoveries, its summary tells more; Thomas and his friends see a volcano in the new Dinosaur Park! Could it erupt?

Boys who love trains will thrill to this Step into Reading adventure, featuring a shiny foil cover and two sheets of stickers, and based on an episode from the newest Thomas & Friends DVD release, Dinos & Discoveries!.

Another title due on the same date is Thomas and the Dinosaur, sharing the same themed setting.

Thomas the Tank Engine and his friend Percy are startled and scared to see a dinosaur in the forest! Train and dinosaur obsessed boys will get a double thrill from this Thomas & Friends Little Golden Book.

The three Dinos & Discoveries books from Random House hit US book shelves on January 6th 2015.

PRE-ORDER THE 'DINOS & DISCOVERIES' BOOKS FROM AMAZON.COM

DINOS & DISCOVERIES/EMILY SAVES THE WORLD

THOMAS AND THE VOLCANO

THOMAS AND THE DINOSAUR

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Vue confirms 'Tale of the Brave' cinema date week

Vue have confirmed the release date for Tale of the Brave: The Movie arriving at their cinemas.

The new adventure will be screened across 80 of Vue's cinemas across Britain and Ireland for one week only in late August.

It comes shortly after Hit Entertainment's plans for Tale's world release were divulged and the word of a blue carpet premiere for London's Leicester Square.

The Thomas & Friends UK YouTube has meanwhile uploaded a HD version of the second trailer. amazon.com's page for the US DVD meanwhile enlists award winning Olivia Colman of Broadchurch as cast.

An extended synopsis reads; Thomas is working at the Clay Pits when a storm closes in and the rain makes the clay cliffs unstable.

A flash of lightning reveals what looks like giant footprints on the slope above, but a landslide has begun and Thomas can’t stay to investigate. Bill and Ben push Thomas to safety just in time!

Unable to go back and confirm what he saw, Thomas tells Percy about it, but Percy quickly becomes convinced that there is a monster on the island. He even becomes frightened of taking the Mail Train at night.

When an unusual engine, with sloping boilers, first appears, Percy even thinks he must be the monster!

James teases Percy and tries to scare him even more, but the new engine, who’s called Gator, proves to be a good friend and ally, who helps Percy discover what it really means to be brave.

Tale of the Brave: The Movie rolls into Vue cinemas across the UK from August 22nd to 28th.

VISIT VUE'S 'TALE OF THE BRAVE: THE MOVIE' PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS

Hit delivers world initiative for 'Tale of the Brave' film

Hit Entertainment have today revealed their plans for Tale of the Brave's worldwide debut.

The eighth feature-length special in the franchise is to be bolstered by cinema screenings for the UK, Australia and for Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Mexico until the end of 2014.

The first Thomas production to be executive produced by BAFTA and Emmy award winning Global Content President of Hit, Michael Carrington, is also on course for broadcast on Mexican and Brazilian television.

Booking from June 30th, 80 of Vue's cinemas are reaffirmed to bring Tale to the UK and Ireland after a blue carpet premiere at London's Leicester Square is held. A broadcast on PBS Kids stations across the US is incoming.

Promoting are a minisite in August with profiles, clips and games, activity sheets at UK Day Out with Thomas events and issues from Thomas & Friends magazines in the UK and US including a dedicated themed one in September.

More rafts of merchandising, including home video, will come through products of toys, homeware and accessories from Fisher Price, MEGA Bloks, Ravensburger and books from Random House and Egmont.

Hit's Vice President for Global Brands, Kate Schlomann, anticipated the special. We are extremely excited to introduce Tale of the Brave this September with new direction from Michael Carrington.

The movie lifts the bar offering viewers engaging storytelling with more dynamic and compelling animation.

Thanks to Puff Puff Thomas for the alert.

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE FROM HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Character guide previewed for 'Tale of the Brave' film

The cast of characters set to play important roles in Tale of the Brave has been leaked online.

A Hide & Seek page on the All Aboard Thomas & Friends website lists ten characters poised to play substantial roles in the special.

Initially as an unlockable feature for June 30th, the page had been accessed early by Thomas fans.

Among the likes of Percy, Cranky and Bill and Ben, hero shots and bios of Timothy, Reg, Marion and Gator tell more on the new Sodor friends.

Two colouring pages with Gator, Reg and the team of Thomas, Percy and James are included.

This week saw details of the US DVD/Blu-ray bundle and Hit Entertainment's initiative for Tale's debut to the world.

Thanks to Adam Abrahart for the alert.

'Tale of the Brave' songs and extras on US DVD/Blu-ray

The content due to feature on the Tale of the Brave US DVD/Blu-ray has been revealed.

The first foray for Thomas & Friends on home video by Universal Studios Home Entertainment will come in a DVD/Blu-ray combo pack with Ultraviolet digital copy included for mid September.

A week prior will give US fans the chance to see the special early in digital HD on iTunes.

For extra content, two new music videos of Tale of the Brave and Monsters Everywhere are joined by four rounds of puzzles with Guess Who?.

Tale of the Brave: The Movie from Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Hit Entertainment hits US iTunes digital on September 9th and on DVD/Blu-ray shelves on September 16th.

'Tale of the Brave' US DVD/Blu-ray date confirmed

Tale of the Brave: The Movie's DVD/Blu-ray release date for the US has been confirmed.

The standard and high definition combo is scheduled for a mid September outing, according to VideoETA.

It leaves America the third country to receive the special after Australia's world premiere screenings and Britain's cinema date and DVD.

A second trailer showing more scenes from the action adventure tread online last week.

Tale of the Brave: The Movie hits US DVD/Blu-ray shelves on September 16th.

Official website depot hints at "new friend" reveal

The Thomas & Friends website has hinted at the full reveal of a new character.

The official portal in the US plays on the identity of a new friend on its Engine Depot.

It's unveiling for July 7th is simultaneous with a promo shot of the incumbent, currently as a silhouette. A description on the page spills more.

Coming in July, the newest engine to Sodor! This engine is a rough and tumble, strong little shunter, who learns the value of patience.

A bio from upcoming Wooden Railway book combo, Logan and the Big Blue Engines, shares similarities with the following below.

There is a new friend coming to the Island of Sodor. He is a steamie who looks like a diesel. And as a rough and tumble, strong little shunter, he is also a very friendly and a hardworking engine.

When he has a mishap with Edward and Gordon, he quickly discovers the value of patience and that if you really try, it is indeed possible to correct a mistake.

A nameless green engine recently appeared with Thomas on the cover of Dinos & Discoveries, one half of a forthcoming book double by Random House.

New 'Spills & Thrills Game Pack' app released on iTunes

A brand new app featuring the Spills & Thrills feature is now available for purchase.

Spills & Thrills Game Pack is an activity platform based on the six themed episodes from Season 17.

It begins with the player directing paint to shoot onto a background eventually blending into place on Sodor, while activities are unlocked.

Three rooms of levels see Brendam Docks, Sodor Steamworks and Tidmouth Sheds with three puzzles and colouring pages each. Each also hold a game using paint as an objective, not seen on the Spills & Thrills minisite.

The description says; Calling all little engineers! The Thomas & Friends: Spills & Thrills Game Pack features three interactive scenes, each with a mini game, three coloring activities and three jigsaw puzzles.

Easy and hard difficulty levels ensure that kids of every level enjoy the fun, and enhanced drawing activities will keep them coming back for hours of play.

Spills & Thrills Game Pack from Hit Entertainment and Funny Garbage is available to buy on the App Store on iTunes in the UK, US and Australia.

BUY THE 'SPILLS & THRILLS GAME PACK' APP ON THE APP STORE

UK £1.49

US $1.99

AU $2.49

Second 'Tale of the Brave' movie trailer debuts online

The second trailer for Tale of the Brave: The Movie has been released by Hoyts.

The new minute-long trail adds more scenes from the 2014 special with voices from the UK dub heard.

Primarily focusing on the action, newcomers including Timothy and classics such as Bill and Ben appear.

Highlights involve a few rockslides, a freak accident for an engine and the return of an old location last seen in the Ninth Series.

Australia will once again play host to a special's world premiere with a month's worth of cinema screenings. Vue are to follow suite in the UK while the aforementioned and the US await DVD releases in September.

Tale of the Brave: The Movie arrives for its world premiere in Australia at Hoyts cinemas from July 19th to August 19th.

WATCH THE NEW 'TALE OF THE BRAVE' TRAILER FROM HOYTS

Thomas & Friends official Japanese facebook launches

The official Thomas & Friends facebook page has opened for Japanese fans.

Today marked the launch of the page in association with the country's official website and blog.

The first status posted perceives information for products, events and other updates on the horizon.

Within 12 hours of launch time, it has seen over 35 likes supporting.

Harold, Percy, Thomas, James and the citizened Hiro are resided on the header image.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL THOMAS & FRIENDS JAPANESE FACEBOOK PAGE

Gordon's Hill receives Track Master expansion pack

Gordon's Hill has been recognised for its own Track Master playset for the first time.

The long-running location, dating back to the The Railway Series and the TV series' start, is new to the now relaunched Fisher Price series.

It's 57 piece set adapts the hill as a single track incline complete with bridge and track adaptors.

The description states; Your motorized engines will climb towards adventure as they race up this steep incline then descend with thrilling speed!

The possibilities are endless when you connect other Track Master expansion packs or playsets to create your own custom-made railway!

A Water Tower Starter Set including Thomas and a Sodor Spiral Expansion Pack too represent the new era of Track Master.

Track Master Gordon's Hill Expansion Pack from Fisher Price hits UK, US and Australian toy shelves now.

Thomas Land USA to open in Massachusetts in 2015

A dedicated Thomas & Friends theme park is to open for the US next year in 2015.

Thomas Land for Americans is to start construction next month in July at the Edaville Railroad in Massachusetts and will adopt a phase associated with Drayton Manor's Thomas Land in Britain.

A total of 14 rides are to be placed on the land after Day Out with Thomas events in Edaville proved successful for a number of years. It comes four years after a similar theme park closed at Six Flags, California in 2010.

Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller is to present at the 11-acre park with a 20 minute ride on Thomas among the coming attractions.

Thomas Land in the USA opens at the Edaville Railroad in Massachusetts from summer 2015.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE FROM ABC NEWS

'The Complete Series 15' bargain pre-orders at ASDA

ASDA have launched special pre-orders for The Complete Series 15 DVD in the UK.

The collector's edition of the full 2011 season is to arrive in the country in less than three weeks time for July.

ASDA's direct store have in anticipation placed pre-orders of the disc for a bargain price of £4.

Happy Hiro and Henry's Happy Coal meanwhile mark their debuts on UK DVD for the first time.

The summary reads; All 20 episodes from the 15th series of the children's animation following tank engine Thomas and his locomotive pals on Sodor Island.

In this series, the trains compete to become the 'Sodor Search and Rescue Engine' and Thomas and Bertie encounter some trouble on the Shake Shake Bridge.

The Complete Series 15 from Hit Entertainment hits UK DVD shelves on July 7th.

PRE-ORDER 'THE COMPLETE SERIES 15' FROM ASDA DIRECT

Thomas Minnesota Museum exhibit opens and previews

The Thomas & Friends exhibition in Minnesota has opened its doors to the public.

Explore the Rails held its launch at the Minnesota Children's Museum last week on June 14th.

The walk-through complex, announced last October, primarily sees a scientific educated practice of Sodor and its engines explored in an interactive way.

The exhibit allows fans to monitor the workings of an engine, role-play as the railway's staff, train as an engineer and develop routes to destinations of the island.

An essential guide into the history and culture of the show is explored through merchandise and clips.

Its launch was previewed on KSTC News, with the museum's Nichole Polifka discussing on the opening.

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails is now running at the Minnesota Children's Museum in the US until September 21st.

VISIT MINNESOTA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM'S WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Thanks to thomasrocksification for the alert.

Series and specials return to Netflix service in the UK

A number of series and feature-length specials have made their way back onto Netflix in the UK.

The first four seasons have been reprieved from the wilderness and are available for streaming on the payable service.

The 13th and 14th seasons follow suite, as are specials Calling All Engines! and The Great Discovery.

It comes after a large cull of titles, including Thomas, hit the media during May 2013.

Another removal, more specifically of Lionsgate's US DVDs, occurred almost a year after.

Thanks to Hawk01 for the alert.

Railway Series anniversary collection pushes October

Egmont's celebratory release of The Railway Series has been pushed forward to this year.

In March, Roll Along Thomas revealed plans by the bookmakers to publish a 70th anniversary compilation of the Rev. W. Awdry books, leaving the Christopher Awdry era out.

Initially set for 2015, the year of The Three Railway Engines, the collection has instead been brought forward to the autumn.

A detailing of the collection has appeared on amazon.co.uk, with pre-ordering now available.

The Rev. Awdry's first book in the classic Railway Series, The Three Railway Engines, was published exactly 70 years ago. This elegant slipcase brings together the all 26 books from this famous series in one stunning volume.

The ultimate gift for all those who delight in the adventures of this cheeky little engine and his friends and a delightful present for new babies who are sure to grow up to be firm Thomas fans.

The Railway Series Complete Collection: 70th Anniversary Collection from Egmont hits UK book shelves on October 9th.

PRE-ORDER 'THE RAILWAY SERIES: 70TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION FROM AMAZON.CO.UK

70th anniversary build-up continues with logo designs

Plans for the 70th anniversary of The Railway Series have continued with designs for a logo.

Next year will mark the landmark celebrations of the first book The Three Railway Engines, originally published in 1945.

This week saw a work in progress logo, specifically for the Thomas & Friends brand, submitted to Mattel with the tagline Keeping kids happy since 1945.

A Little Trains for Big Imaginations poster is over-arched with a selection of characters and backdrops circled in a surreal way.

London freelance designer Carmelina, who designed the proposed specs, detailed her contribution to the anniversary.

In the face of growing competition, the brand has become recessive. [Mattel] want to use 2015 to really reinvigorate it, making the brand more exciting, relevant and contemporary without losing the trust and safety it stands for.

In addition, it is the 70th Anniversary and this provides a great opportunity to celebrate the brands heritage.

'Tale of the Brave' Take-n-Play receives Scrapyard set

An incoming Take-n-Play product related to the Tale of the Brave is due this summer.

Percy and new crane Reg are included in Fisher Price's Scrapyard Cleanup Team for next month.

The portable fold-out set has the green engine ready to push scrap metal down to the crane.

Percy is accompanied with an attachable plough while a turn function is applied to Reg, as are levels on a loop track.

A Roaring Dino Run playset, previewed in March at the New York Toy Fair, is also due.

Take-n-Play Scrapyard Cleanup Team from Fisher Price hits UK, US and Australian toy shelves in July.

Thanks to Bass Tbone for the alert.

Toby "stolen" from Drayton Manor's Thomas Land

One of the original TV models of Toby was apparently stolen from Drayton Manor's Thomas Land.

The UK theme park in Staffordshire is home to several props and sets from the show in its Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition.

A recent visit in early June saw a doubled model of the tram engine absent from the public layout. The theft was fed to Ellsworth of SiF by a member of the layout.

Toby is no longer in the exhibiton because his model got stolen shortly after Thomas' 65th Anniversary Party in December 2010, so it was early 2011 he was stolen.

Unfortunatley, the thief was never caught and I doubt the model will ever be seen again. My last visit [before June] was July 2011. Toby definitely wasn't there.

The Bryans Museum, located by Spencer's Adventure Play, is home to the crew of the Discover exhibition.

The Train Shed in Sydney to cease operation in October

Australia's The Train Shed, home to Thomas rides for the public, is to close in late October.

The beloved outdoor attraction in Luddenham, Sydney, which offers train rides on several characters in weekends is to cease operation for good before Halloween this year.

Its demise, after 15 years, comes owing to the construction of the brand new Badgerys Creek Airport soon to overtake the land of The Train Shed.

Their facebook page gave out the news at the beginning of June; Last chance for a ride on Thomas at The Train Shed! Badgerys Creek Airport is going ahead and we are on Airport land.

[We] will have to close on Sunday 26th October. Don’t miss out! Come to visit soon, avoid the last minute rush and have a Great Day Out with Thomas, Toby, James, Percy, Mavis and Gordon. Bring the kids before its too late!

The neighbour-hooding 91 year old Vicary's Winery and Famous Woolshed however are to both stay.

VISIT THE TRAIN SHED'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR DETAILS ON EVENTS

New 'Tale' and future sets join Track Master relaunch

Fisher Price's Track Master for Thomas & Friends is to be relaunched for later this year.

The motorised road and rail franchise has been overhauled under the subtitle Track Master Revolution, bringing core characters back under redesigns and new packaging.

Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James and Percy are just some of the engines to be reflected of their CGI physiques.

Diesel, Diesel 10, Spencer, Hiro and Victor fill the new collection, to be accessorised with selected trucks.

A New Friends & Moments series will see Gator and Timothy in their own packs for the Tale of the Brave.

The unnamed green engine, who is to appear in future episodes, is to inspire a pack for the Dinos & Discoveries book double.

The brand new Track Master revolution sets from Fisher Price hit UK, US and Australian toy shelves in August.

SEE WHAT'S COMING UP FOR FISHER PRICE'S TRACK MASTER

Thanks to The Blue Sunil for the alert.

'Tale of the Brave' world premiere for Australia in July

Tale of the Brave's world premiere is to arrive for Australian fans next month in July.

The brand new special, marking the arrivals of Timothy, Reg, Marion and Gator to the franchise, will head Down Under in mid July at Hoyts cinemas until mid August.

The cinema chain paved the way for King of the Railway's debut at a similar point a year previous, holding it's premiere in Melbourne.

Vue in the UK are to screen the special coinciding with the country's September DVD release.

Tale of the Brave: The Movie arrives for its world premiere in Australia at Hoyts cinemas from July 19th to August 19th.

Thanks to Adam Abrahart for the alert.

New engine Logan teased for book and Wooden Rail set

A brand new character for future series has been revealed by Mattel and Fisher Price.

Logan the Strong Little Shunter is earmarked as a limited-release for an upcoming book and playset combo for Wooden Railway.

The newcomer and Gordon are detailed for Logan and the Big Blue Engines. A diagram on its instruction sheet narrowly obscures Logan's physical appearance in wooden form.

The description reads; Meet Sodor’s new engine Logan! This strong steamie looks like a Diesel and works at the coal plant. This exciting story teaches a lesson about patience and how Logan rushes to make a mix-up turn out right.

Your little engineer can bring the story to life as he helps Logan shunt and couple cars and stops at the coal loader to lift a cargo car and drop a heavy load.

A lights-and-sounds mini Knapford Station, a signal house, a tunnel, rolling stock and track complete the 23 piece set.

A similar combo set involving James, Colin, Victor and Kevin is to arrive at a simultaneous period.

Wooden Railway Logan and the Big Blue Engines from Fisher Price is coming soon to UK, US and Australian toy shelves.

Thanks to Bass Tbone for the alert.

James and Gator releases for Wooden and Take-n-Play

Fisher Price is to release two products for the Wooden Railway and Take-n-Play merchandising lines.

For Wooden Rail, a set featuring James is on the horizon. The book and playset combo James Sorts it Out plots the red engine with Colin, Victor and Kevin in The Steamworks.

Decorations are applied to both James and sections of tracks, with Colin able for arm extensions and cargo and flatbeds also included.

Alternatively available as a Mysterious Cargo pack, Gator is due as a separate release in the summer.

The model offers slight differences compared to the aforementioned pack. A black running board and an olive green colour scheme are just some of the modifications present.

Wooden Railway James Sorts it Out and Take-n-Play Gator are coming soon to UK, US and Australian toy shelves.

Thanks to GeebMachine for the alert.