Thomas the Tank Engine

Thomas the Tank Engine

Thomas the Tank Engine is a British anthropomorphised fictional steam locomotive in The Railway Series books by Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher, published from 1945. He became the most popular and famous character in the series, and is the titular protagonist in the accompanying television series Thomas & Friends. He also has a counterpart in the Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go reboot.

In English, he is voiced by Ben Small (Series 13-18, Kerry Shale in the original workprints) and John Hasler (Series 19-24) in the UK,, Martin T. Sherman (Series 13-18) and Joseph May (Series 19-24) in the US and Edward Glen (John Bellis in the original workprints) in Thomas and the Magic Railroad. In Japanese, he is voiced by Keiko Toda and Kumiko Haga. In Robot Chicken, he is voiced by Seth Green and Daniel Radcliffe. In the MAD series, he is voiced by Kevin Shinick

History

Thomas first appeared in the second volume of the popular children's book series, The Railway Series, created by the Rev. W. Awdry. Though he was preceeded by the likes of Edward, Henry and Gordon, his popularity quickly rose and he became a breakout character. Thomas' character can change from time to time, from cheeky like Percy to wise like Edward. He is always, however, extremely proud to run his own branch line, and is very fond of his two coaches, Annie and Clarabel. He has the number 1 painted on both of his side tanks.

Personality

Thomas is a rather cheeky, but kind engine, and generally behaves well, except when he is getting into mishaps from getting over-eager. He loves teasing the others, especially the bigger engines, such as Gordon and on occasion, brags about his superiority, but is always brought down to earth in due course by anyone who gives him the moral to learn, especially the Fat Controller, and his two coaches, Annie and Clarabel. If Thomas has one major character flaw, it is that he is forgetful and slightly impatient. However, he is also optimistic and idealistic.

One of Thomas' favorite things to do is to race. He enjoys racing many of his friends, especially Bertie and James. His passengers and coaches, however, don't find it as fun as he does, but his short attention span makes it hard for him to notice.

Although their friendship has been turbulent at times, Percy is generally portrayed as Thomas' best friend, especially in the television series.

Thomas is youthful, playful, and also loves making children smile. He would do anything to make somebody's day a better one. Thomas' faithful coaches, Annie and Clarabel are his closest friends of all who he loves deeply.

Thomas also loves to be with his best friends, The kind and old Edward, the kind and soft Henry, the proud and strong Gordon, the vain and splendid James, the also cheeky Percy, the old and wise Toby, and the kind and tomboyish Emily.

Appearance

He is a LB&SCR E2 0-6-0 blue tank engine. He has become the title star of the television series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends (now known as Thomas and Friends). He has blue paint with red lines, six blue wheels, a black funnel, and a golden whistle. He also has yellow paint lines around his windows and he has the number 1 painted on both of his side tanks. He also has a bright white lamp near his buffers.

Trivia

• He is based off of the LB&SCR E2 0-6-0 Tank locomotive. Thomas first appeared in The Railway Series by the Rev. W. Awdry in the second book "Thomas the Tank Engine".
• In 2009, Thomas appeared alongside various other children's TV characters in the music video to "The Official BBC Children in Need Medley" by Peter Kay's Animated All Star Band.
• Thomas was originally created as an "LNER J50" but Reginald Payne accidentally drew him more like an LB&SCR E2 Class Tank Engine.
• He also has a female voice in Japanese dub, Spanish dub and French dub (for French dub is in “Thomas and the Magic Railroad” only).
• He hates wearing his snowplow. However, his All Engines Go adaptation likes wearing it.