A journey through over 80 years of the world's most beloved little blue engine — from a father's bedside stories to a global phenomenon.
It all began with a father, his sick son, and a little story about trains...
Reverend Wilbert Awdry writes the first Thomas stories for his son Christopher while the boy is ill with measles. Using a simple wooden toy train as inspiration, he creates tales about engines with distinct personalities living on the Island of Sodor. The first stories feature Edward, Gordon, and Henry — Thomas himself would not appear until the second book.
The first book, "The Three Railway Engines," is published by Edmund Ward Ltd. Featuring Edward, Gordon, and Henry, it becomes an instant success. The charming illustrations by C. Reginald Dalby bring the engines to life, each with expressive faces and vivid colours. The book establishes the Island of Sodor as a magical world where trains have feelings, friendships, and adventures.
The second book in the Railway Series, "Thomas the Tank Engine," is published — and a star is born. Thomas is introduced as a cheeky little blue saddle-tank engine who works at the Big Station. He is impatient, eager to prove himself, and occasionally gets into trouble. His determination and good heart quickly make him the most popular character in the series, eventually giving the entire franchise its name.
Over nearly 25 years, Rev. Awdry writes 26 Railway Series books, introducing beloved characters like Percy the Small Engine, James the Red Engine, Gordon the Big Engine, and many more. Each book features four stories and brings new engines, locations, and adventures to the Island of Sodor. The series becomes a cornerstone of children's literature in the UK and beyond. His son Christopher Awdry later continues the tradition with additional Railway Series books.
From beloved books to the small screen — Thomas captured the hearts of millions worldwide.
"Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends" premieres on ITV, narrated by former Beatle Ringo Starr. The show uses real model trains, painstakingly filmed on miniature sets built with extraordinary detail. Each engine's face is a carefully crafted mask, changed between shots to show different expressions. The show becomes a global sensation, bringing the Island of Sodor to life in ways the books never could. The distinctive model-railway aesthetic becomes iconic and deeply loved by fans.
ERTL produces the first Thomas die-cast toys, marking the beginning of the Thomas merchandising empire. These small, sturdy metal engines become instantly collectible. Children and adults alike begin building their own Island of Sodor at home, collecting every character they can find. The die-cast range sets the template for decades of Thomas toy lines to come.
The show transitions from "Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends" to the streamlined "Thomas & Friends" brand name. This rebrand reflects the franchise's evolution from a show about a single engine to an ensemble adventure series. The updated branding — with the now-iconic red text logo in its distinctive white cloud shape — unifies products, media, and merchandise worldwide under one recognisable identity.
New animation, new owners, and a global reach that brought Thomas to every corner of the world.
The series moves to full CGI animation, bringing Thomas and his friends to a new generation with vibrant 3D animated episodes. The transition allows for more dynamic storytelling, with engines travelling across wider landscapes and more expressive character animation. While some long-time fans miss the charm of the original models, the CGI era introduces Thomas to millions of new viewers around the world.
Mattel acquires HIT Entertainment — Thomas's parent company — for $680 million, making the world's largest toy company the new steward of the Thomas & Friends franchise. This acquisition brings Thomas into Mattel's powerhouse portfolio alongside Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price. It marks the beginning of a new chapter with greater investment in content, products, and global expansion.
Fisher-Price, owned by Mattel, takes over the Thomas toy line, including the iconic Wooden Railway. The Thomas Wooden Railway becomes one of the most beloved and collected toy train systems in history. Fisher-Price also introduces the TrackMaster motorised range, Adventures line, and numerous playsets that bring the Island of Sodor into children's playrooms worldwide.
A major refresh brings new international characters to the franchise, reflecting children's diverse world. Engines from Kenya, India, Australia, China, Brazil, and beyond join the cast. The show receives a refreshed look and a broader global appeal, with new locations beyond Sodor featured in "Big World! Big Adventures!" The franchise demonstrates that friendship truly knows no borders.
Reboots, returns to form, and a revolution in play — Thomas steams boldly into the future.
"Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go!" launches — a 2D animated reboot aimed at preschoolers. With a more playful art style and younger-skewing stories, the show introduces Thomas to the youngest generation of fans. The series divides opinion among the fanbase, with some embracing the fresh approach while others long for the classic style. Nevertheless, it opens the franchise to a new audience and keeps the Thomas brand vibrant in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Mattel announces a return to the classic Thomas style, responding to passionate fan feedback from around the world. The announcement sends waves of excitement through the Thomas community, signalling that the franchise's rich heritage is valued alongside innovation. Plans emerge for a new approach that honours the original spirit of the Railway Series while embracing modern storytelling and technology.
Mattel launches a completely redesigned Thomas & Friends toy system: Easy Connect. Featuring wider rails for stability, patent-pending auto-rerail technology that keeps trains on track, magnetic couplers for effortless coupling, and interactive playsets with intuitive cause-and-effect actions — it represents the biggest innovation in Thomas toys in decades. Alongside the new toys, the franchise receives a refreshed visual identity, new content, and a renewed commitment to honouring 80 years of heritage. A new era for Thomas & Friends begins.
Over 80 years of adventure, friendship, and steam-powered fun — and the journey is far from over. Explore our collection and find your next chapter.
