Thomas
the Tank Engine is often on the minds of our younger visitors.
Although the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania does not have
a Thomas, he adds excitement to the wonderful story of railroading,
and licensed Thomas presentations are available in Strasburg
and other places. And we do have on display a similar tank engine that was actually used on a major American railroad (see picture below).
Who
is Thomas?
Thomas
the Tank Engine was created in England by the Rev. W. Awdry
about 50 years ago for his son Christopher. In 1984, Thomas
the Tank Engine and Friends was recreated by Britt Allcroft
and has been widely viewed on the PBS program Shining Time
Station. Thomas has captured the imagination of youngsters
around the world, and rekindled popular interest in railroading.
- Thomas
and Friends involve a series of railroad characters, books
and videos, and other presentations, including the opportunity
to ride on trains pulled by licensed Thomas locomotives. Several
of the Thomas locomotives in use in the USA were built in the
shops of the Strasburg Rail Road here in Strasburg, PA.
-
 A
tank engine is a locomotive that carries its water supply and
fuel on board itself, rather than in an attached rail car called
a tender. Such locomotives are often used as switchers in rail
yards, and for relatively short runs. The museum's Reading switcher No. 1251, seen at right, is such a tank locomotive. It's the last steam locomotive to run on a Class 1 railroad in ICC service, and last operated in 1966. It's restored to its original appearance.
How
to Ride Thomas
- Just
across the street from the Railroad Museum, the Strasburg Rail
Road conducts several opportunities each year to ride a train
pulled by Thomas and to participate in other related Thomas
features.
These events draw large crowds, and early ticket purchases
are recommended. Information on these events is always available
from the Strasburg
Rail Road's Home Page.
- The
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is a great place to visit at these
times too, to provide additional
excitement and historical information on real American railroading.
- Other
railroad organizations in the US also provide varying Thomas appearances.
Buying
Thomas Gifts and Merchandise.
Licensed Thomas items may be obtained from a number of sources, including:
Thomas's
Own Web Site
This site provides
the official information about Thomas and Friends.
Thomas
and related terms and products are © Gullane
(Thomas) Limited. |
