Everything about Thomas & Friends, clearly explained
Books, physical model television, CGI animation and newer reimaginings are often mixed together in search results. This hub gives each era and character a clear place, with dates, visual evidence and links to the sources used.
Start with the three foundational eras ↓
Start with the three foundational eras
The Railway Series came first. The television programme then used physical models before moving to full CGI.
The Railway Series: where Thomas began
Before television, Thomas belonged to The Railway Series. The illustrated books created Sodor, its railway rules and the characters that later reached audiences around the world.
The classic Thomas model series explained
The classic television look came from real miniature engines and large railway sets filmed with careful lighting, smoke and practical effects. That production method defines the model series.
The Thomas & Friends CGI series explained
Thomas moved from physical models to full computer animation in 2009. The CGI format continued through series 24 in 2021, but All Engines Go is a separate 2D reimagining rather than “series 25”.
Find a character by name or number
Start with the complete overview, or go straight to the two engines most often searched together: Nia and Rebecca.
Who is Nia in Thomas & Friends?
Meet Nia from Thomas & Friends: the orange Kenyan tank engine, her number 18, her 2018 introduction and her role in the CGI-era Steam Team.
Read the guide →
Who is Rebecca in Thomas & Friends?
Meet Rebecca from Thomas & Friends: the large yellow tender engine, her number 22, her 2018 debut and her place in the CGI-era Steam Team.
Read the guide →Explore the Island of Sodor
Sodor is the fictional railway setting shared by most Thomas stories. Our interactive map helps you place stations, lines and landmarks before you dive into a particular era.
Open the interactive Sodor map →
