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Episode Guide



Season 1

1      1-01                09/Oct/84   Thomas & Gordon
2      1-02                UNAIRED     Edward & Gordon
3      1-03                UNAIRED     The Sad Story Of Henry (Part 1)
4      1-04                UNAIRED     Edward, Gordon & Henry (Part 2)
5      1-05                UNAIRED     Thomas' Train
6      1-06                UNAIRED     Thomas & The Trucks
7      1-07                UNAIRED     Thomas & The Breakdown Train
8      1-08                UNAIRED     James & The Coaches
9      1-09                UNAIRED     Troublesome Trucks
10     1-10                UNAIRED     James & The Express
11     1-11                UNAIRED     Thomas & The Guard
12     1-12                UNAIRED     Thomas Goes Fishing
13     1-13                UNAIRED     Thomas, Terence & The Snow
14     1-14                UNAIRED     Thomas & Bertie
15     1-15                UNAIRED     Tenders & Turntables (Part 1)
16     1-16                UNAIRED     Trouble In The Shed (Part 2)
17     1-17                UNAIRED     Percy Runs Away (Part 3)
18     1-18                UNAIRED     Coal (Part 1)
19     1-19                UNAIRED     The Flying Kipper (Part 2)
20     1-20                UNAIRED     Whistles & Sneezes (Part 3)
21     1-21                UNAIRED     Toby & The Stout Gentleman (Part 1)
22     1-22                UNAIRED     Thomas In Trouble (Part 2)
23     1-23                UNAIRED     Dirty Objects
24     1-24                UNAIRED     Off The Rails
25     1-25                UNAIRED     Down The Mine
26     1-26                UNAIRED     Thomas' Christmas Party





Season 2

27     2-01                24/Sep/86   Thomas, Percy & The Coal
28     2-02                UNAIRED     Cows
29     2-03                01/Oct/86   Bertie's Chase
30     2-04                UNAIRED     Saved From Scrap
31     2-05                UNAIRED     Old Iron
32     2-06                UNAIRED     Thomas & Trevor
33     2-07                UNAIRED     Percy & The Signal
34     2-08                UNAIRED     Duck Takes Charge
35     2-09                UNAIRED     Percy & Harold
36     2-10                UNAIRED     The Runaway
37     2-11                UNAIRED     Percy Takes The Plunge
38     2-12                UNAIRED     Pop Goes The Diesel (Part 1)
39     2-13                UNAIRED     Dirty Work (Part 2)
40     2-14                UNAIRED     A Close Shave (Part 3)
41     2-15                UNAIRED     Better Late Than Never
42     2-16                UNAIRED     Break Van (Part 1)
43     2-17                UNAIRED     The Deputation (Part 2)
44     2-18                UNAIRED     Thomas Comes To Breakfast (Part 1)
45     2-19                UNAIRED     Daisy (Part 2)
46     2-20                UNAIRED     Percy's Predicament (Part 3)
47     2-21                UNAIRED     The Diseasel
48     2-22                UNAIRED     Wrong Road
49     2-23                UNAIRED     Edward's Exploit
50     2-24                UNAIRED     Ghost Train
51     2-25                UNAIRED     Woolly Bear
52     2-26                UNAIRED     Thomas & The Missing Christmas Tree





Season 3

53     3-01                UNAIRED     A Scarf For Percy
54     3-02                UNAIRED     Percy's Promise
55     3-03                UNAIRED     Time For Trouble
56     3-04                UNAIRED     Thomas Gets Bumped
57     3-05                UNAIRED     Gordon & The Famous Visitor
58     3-06                UNAIRED     Donald's Duck
59     3-07                UNAIRED     Thomas, Percy & The Dragon
60     3-08                UNAIRED     Diesel Does It Again
61     3-09                UNAIRED     Henry's Forest
62     3-10                UNAIRED     The Trouble With Mud
63     3-11                UNAIRED     No Joke For James
64     3-12                UNAIRED     Thomas, Percy & The Post Train
65     3-13                UNAIRED     Trust Thomas
66     3-14                UNAIRED     Mavis
67     3-15                UNAIRED     Toby's Tightrope
68     3-16                UNAIRED     Edward, Trevor & The Really Useful Party
69     3-17                UNAIRED     Buzz, Buzz
70     3-18                UNAIRED     All At Sea
71     3-19                UNAIRED     One Good Turn
72     3-20                UNAIRED     Tender Engines
73     3-21                UNAIRED     Escape! (Part 1)
74     3-22                UNAIRED     Oliver Owns Up (Part 2)
75     3-23                UNAIRED     Bulgy
76     3-24                UNAIRED     Heroes
77     3-25                UNAIRED     Percy, James & The Fruitful Day
78     3-26                UNAIRED     Thomas & Percy's Christmas Adventure





Season 4

79     4-01                UNAIRED     Granpuff (Part 1)
80     4-02                UNAIRED     Bulldog
81     4-03                UNAIRED     You Can't Win
82     4-04                UNAIRED     Sleeping Beauty (Part 2)
83     4-05                UNAIRED     Four Little Engines
84     4-06                UNAIRED     A Bad Day For Sir Handel
85     4-07                UNAIRED     Peter Sam & The Refreshment Lady
86     4-08                UNAIRED     Trucks!
87     4-09                UNAIRED     Home At Last
88     4-10                UNAIRED     Rock 'N' Roll
89     4-11                UNAIRED     Special Funnel
90     4-12                UNAIRED     Steam Roller
91     4-13                UNAIRED     Passengers & Polish
92     4-14                UNAIRED     Gallant Old Engine
93     4-15                UNAIRED     Rusty To The Rescue
94     4-16                UNAIRED     Thomas & Stepney (Part 1)
95     4-17                UNAIRED     Train Stops Play (Part 2)
96     4-18                UNAIRED     Bowled Out (Part 3)
97     4-19                UNAIRED     Henry & The Elephant
98     4-20                UNAIRED     Toad Stands By
99     4-21                UNAIRED     Bullseyes
100    4-22                UNAIRED     Thomas & The Special Letter
101    4-23                UNAIRED     Paint Pots & Queens
102    4-24                UNAIRED     Fish
103    4-25                UNAIRED     Special Attraction
104    4-26                UNAIRED     Mind That Bike





Season 5

105    5-01                UNAIRED     Cranky Bugs
106    5-02                UNAIRED     Horrid Lorry
107    5-03                UNAIRED     A Better View For Gordon
108    5-04                UNAIRED     Lady Hatt's Birthday Party
109    5-05                UNAIRED     James & The Trouble With Trees
110    5-06                UNAIRED     Gordon & The Gremlin
111    5-07                UNAIRED     Bye George!
112    5-08                UNAIRED     Baa!
113    5-09                UNAIRED     Put Upon Percy
114    5-10                UNAIRED     Toby & The Flood
115    5-11                UNAIRED     Haunted Henry
116    5-12                UNAIRED     Double Teething Troubles
117    5-13                UNAIRED     Stepney Gets Lost
118    5-14                UNAIRED     Toby's Discovery
119    5-15                UNAIRED     Something In The Air
120    5-16                UNAIRED     Thomas, Percy & Old Slow Coach
121    5-17                UNAIRED     Thomas & The Rumours
122    5-18                UNAIRED     Oliver's Find
123    5-19                UNAIRED     Happy Ever After
124    5-20                UNAIRED     Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday
125    5-21                UNAIRED     A Surprise For Percy
126    5-22                UNAIRED     Make Someone Happy
127    5-23                UNAIRED     Busy Going Backwards
128    5-24                UNAIRED     Duncan Gets Spooked
129    5-25                UNAIRED     Snow
130    5-26                UNAIRED     Rusty & The Boulder



Season 6

131    6-01                06/Jan/03   No Sleep For Cranky
132    6-02                07/Jan/03   Salty's Secret
133    6-03                08/Jan/03   Harvey To The Rescue
134    6-04                09/Jan/03   A Bad Day For Harold The Helicopter
135    6-05                10/Jan/03   Elizabeth The Vintage Lorry
136    6-06                13/Jan/03   The Fogman
137    6-07                14/Jan/03   Jack Jumps In (Part 1)
138    6-08                15/Jan/03   A Friend In Need (Part 2)
139    6-09                16/Jan/03   It's Only Snow
140    6-10                17/Jan/03   Twin Trouble
141    6-11                20/Jan/03   The World's Strongest Engine
142    6-12                21/Jan/03   Scaredy Engines
143    6-13                22/Jan/03   Percy & The Haunted Mine
144    6-14                23/Jan/03   Middle Engine
145    6-15                24/Jan/03   James & The Red Balloon
146    6-16                27/Jan/03   Jack Frost
147    6-17                28/Jan/03   Gordon Takes A Tumble
148    6-18                29/Jan/03   Percy's Chocolate Crunch
149    6-19                30/Jan/03   Buffer Bother
150    6-20                31/Jan/03   Toby Had A Little Lamb
151    6-21                03/Feb/03   Thomas, Percy & The Squeak
152    6-22                04/Feb/03   Thomas The Jet Engine
153    6-23                05/Feb/03   Edward The Really Useful Engine
154    6-24                06/Feb/03   Dunkin' Duncan
155    6-25                07/Feb/03   Rusty Saves The Day
156    6-26                10/Feb/03   Faulty Whistles





 

 

Thomas The Tank Engine ( TVSeries 1984 - 2010 )

 

Plot

 

Thomas and Friends is a British children's television series, first broadcast on the ITV network in September 1984. Until 2003, it was named Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. This series was shot on 35mm film. The first 12 Series were filmed at Shepperton Studios, England between 1984 and 2008, with production now in CGI at Nitrogen Studios in Canada from 2009 onward.

 

It is based on The Railway Series of books by the Reverend W. V. Awdry and his son Christopher Awdry. These books deal with the adventures of a group of anthropomorphised trains and road vehicles who live on the fictional Island of Sodor. The books were based on stories Awdry told to entertain his son Christopher during his recovery from measles. Many of the stories are based on events from Awdry's personal experience.

 

The show has featured celebrity storytellers Ringo Starr (19841986) for the UK and the USA, Michael Angelis (1991present) for the UK, George Carlin (19841995), Alec Baldwin (19982002) and Michael Brandon (2003present) for the USA, and Pierce Brosnan for the UK and the USA (Guest Narrator).

 

Many businesses have been eager to cash in on the worldwide popularity of the series. 'Thomas'-themed merchandise has appeared in almost every form imaginable, from books and magazines, through vast series of models, to duvet covers, cutlery, soft drinks and even spaghetti shapes.

 

Heritage railways have also benefited from the series. "Day out with Thomas" events, in which passengers are given the chance to ride in full-size coaches pulled by locomotives resembling Thomas or his friends, provide a considerable source of income, and attract those who might not otherwise visit the railway.

 

Production

 

Animation
The show was originally produced with live action model animation at Shepperton Studios in England. The use of moving models was seen at the time of the show's conception as an effective method of animating the stories. Locomotives and other vehicles were operated by radio, while humans and animals were static figures. Stop-motion was occasionally employed for instances in which a human or animal character would move. Hand-drawn animation was used in Series 3 to create bees.

 

At the show's conception in 1983, live action model animation would not deliver lip sync, but show co-creator Britt Allcroft and model director David Mitton did not see this as an inhibition. About 20 years later however, with advancement in technology, the show saw the introduction of CGI by HIT Entertainment's subsidiary HOT Animation.[1] At first this was used to generate smoke and other effects, but later, HIT (the new owners of Thomas) announced its intent to introduce a fully-CGI series in 2009.[2] With Series 12, CGI by Nitrogen Studios was used to animate characters' faces and to make people and animals mobile within the stories. The following series saw a transition to full CGI animation.

 

Models
The original classic live action models were filmed on an extensive model railway layout built at the studios. The models were built to the 1:32 scale, known in model railway circles as "Gauge 1". The locomotives used chassis made by Märklin with specially-made bodies. Along with the moving-eye and eyelid mechanisms, these bodies also included smoke generators. Coaches and trucks were made using Tenmille kits. Later models were constructed entirely from scratch. Some of the models from the sister television series, TUGS were reused in later episodes of the series.

 

In Series 5 through 12, some larger-scale models were used for the narrow gauge characters, to more easily fit the complex mechanisms into them while retaining a sufficient level of detail. In Series 6, the characters known as "the Pack" (construction machines) were also constructed on a large scale, and larger models of Thomas and Percy were made to interact with them. In the ninth series, another larger Thomas model was built to the same scale as the narrow gauge engines to provide greater possibilities for interaction. It was joined by a large version of James in the tenth series. In 2009, these models were put on display in a special exhibit at Drayton Manor Theme Park's Thomas Land.

 

Cast

 

Characters
The show revolves around the machines and people who populate the fictional Island of Sodor. Since the advent of a centralised cast, known as "The Steam Team," in 2004, the show has featured eight main characters.

 

Thomas the Tank Engine
Edward the Blue Engine
Henry the Green Engine
Gordon the Big Engine
James the Red Engine
Percy the Small Engine
Toby the Tram Engine
Emily
 

 

Supporting characters are described in detail on other pages:

 

Railway Engines
Narrow Gauge Engines
Rolling Stock
People and animals
Non-rail vehicles
Movie Characters
 

 

Storytellers
The role of the storyteller dates back to the first series. Britt Allcroft thought it essential to convey the episode as a story that would be read from a book at home.

 

Ringo Starr (Series 1-2): Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr was the first storyteller, and arguably the one most frequently associated with the show. Offered the part after Allcroft overheard him being interviewed on television by Michael Parkinson, Starr was initially reluctant to take it; he had never read any of the Railway Series books and felt that children would be more interested in 'dinosaurs with lasers.' Eventually he changed his mind and accepted the role, narrating the first two series from 1984 to 1986. In 1989 he also appeared in the first series of Shining Time Station, playing Mr. Conductor - the character who would relate the Thomas stories to the other characters at Shining Time - and re-recording parts of his narration to include terminology better suited to a U.S. audience. Starr didn't return when the third series of Thomas began, citing an interest to focus on his musical career, although he remained in contact with Wilbert Awdry until the latter's death.Starr made a brief return to the franchise for the 2009 BBC Children in Need appeal, providing the voice of Thomas for The Official BBC Children in Need Medley single.
Michael Angelis (U.K. Series 3-present/US Video 2004): Michael Angelis has had the longest tenure as storyteller of Thomas and Friends, filling the role for over nineteen years. He narrated the direct-to-video releases Calling All Engines, On Site with Thomas, Engines and Escapades, Hero Of The Rails, and Misty Island Rescue. Angelis narrated one US video release before Michael Brandon took over. He has been involved with Thomas outside of the TV series as well; among other things, he lent his voice to a series of story-and-song tapes in 1995 and, starting from 2006, the first five volumes of The Railway Series on CD.
George Carlin (U.S. Series 1-4): George Carlin took over the role of Mr. Conductor on Shining Time Station and, in turn, retold all of the first four series. While Carlin was known for his adult comedy routines, Britt Allcroft attests that he was gentle and enthusiastic in his approach to the series. Allcroft states that Carlin was nervous recording his voice alone in a sound booth - their solution was to keep a teddy bear in the booth as Carlin's "audience" for the run of the show. Allcroft also recalls that the two of them discussed their lonely childhoods, and felt that Thomas was a way of "filling some kind of void." 
Alec Baldwin (U.S. Series 5-6): Baldwin was selected as the new U.S. storyteller for the fifth series, and was cast in the role of Mr. Conductor in Thomas and the Magic Railroad in 2000. Baldwin returned for one more series in 2002.
Michael Brandon (U.S. Series 7-present): When Thomas & Friends debuted in the United States in its new half-hour format in 2004, Michael Brandon was hired not only to narrate the new Series 8 episodes, but also all episodes of Series 7. He re-narrated six episodes in Series 6. Brandon provided his voice for all of the intermissions in this format. He also narrated the US releases of Calling All Engines, On Site with Thomas, Engines and Escapades, Hero Of The Rails, and Misty Island Rescue.
Pierce Brosnan (Guest Narrator): Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan narrated the DVD special, The Great Discovery. Brosnan was enthusiastic to take up the role, recalling his experience with Thomas as a father, reading the stories for his sons. In 2007, HiT Entertainment announced that Brosnan had signed on for "all English-language releases for the brand, including three upcoming Thomas & Friends television series and three DVD specials. The announcement preceded series 12 by several months, and Brosnan recorded lines for series 12 episodes, although he did not feature in their broadcast. Subsequently, Brosnan has been promoted as a "guest narrator" for The Great Discovery













Season 7

157    7-01                03/Nov/03   Emily's New Coaches
158    7-02                03/Nov/03   Percy Gets It Right
159    7-03                04/Nov/03   Bill, Ben & Fergus
160    7-04                04/Nov/03   The Old Bridge
161    7-05                05/Nov/03   Edward's Brass Band
162    7-06                05/Nov/03   What's The Matter With Henry?
163    7-07                UNAIRED     James & The Queen Of Sodor
164    7-08                UNAIRED     The Refreshment Lady's Tea Shop
165    7-09                UNAIRED     The Spotless Record
166    7-10                UNAIRED     Toby's Windmill
167    7-11                UNAIRED     Bad Day At Castle Loch
168    7-12                UNAIRED     Rheneas & The Roller Coaster
169    7-13                09/Nov/03   Salty's Stormy Tale
170    7-14                UNAIRED     Snow Engine
171    7-15                UNAIRED     Something Fishy
172    7-16                UNAIRED     The Runaway Elephant
173    7-17                10/Nov/03   Peace & Quiet
174    7-18                11/Nov/03   Fergus Breaks The Rules
175    7-19                27/Nov/03   Bulgy Rides Again
176    7-20                13/Nov/03   Harold & The Flying Horse
177    7-21                14/Nov/03   The Grand Opening
178    7-22                UNAIRED     Best Dressed Engine
179    7-23                UNAIRED     Gordon & Spencer
180    7-24                UNAIRED     Not So Hasty Puddings
181    7-25                UNAIRED     Trusty Rusty
182    7-26                07/Dec/03   Three Cheers For Thomas





Season 8

183    8-01                05/Sep/04   Thomas & The Tuba
184    8-02                05/Sep/04   Percy's New Whistle
185    8-03                12/Sep/04   Thomas To The Rescue
186    8-04                12/Sep/04   Henry & The Wishing Tree
187    8-05                19/Sep/04   James Gets A New Coat
188    8-06                19/Sep/04   Thomas Saves The Day
189    8-07                26/Sep/04   Percy's Big Mistake
190    8-08                26/Sep/04   Thomas, Emily & The Snowplough
191    8-09                03/Oct/04   Don't Tell Thomas
192    8-10                03/Oct/04   Emily's New Route
193    8-11                10/Oct/04   Thomas & The Firework Display
194    8-12                10/Oct/04   Gordon Takes Charge
195    8-13                17/Oct/04   Spic & Span
196    8-14                17/Oct/04   Edward The Great
197    8-15                24/Oct/04   Squeak, Rattle & Roll
198    8-16                24/Oct/04   Thomas & The Circus
199    8-17                31/Oct/04   Thomas Gets It Right
200    8-18                31/Oct/04   As Good As Gordon
201    8-19                07/Nov/04   Fish
202    8-20                07/Nov/04   Emily's Adventure
203    8-21                14/Nov/04   Halloween
204    8-22                14/Nov/04   You Can Do It, Toby!
205    8-23                21/Nov/04   James Goes Too Far
206    8-24                21/Nov/04   Chickens To School
207    8-25                28/Nov/04   Too Hot For Thomas
208    8-26                28/Nov/04   Percy & The Magic Carpet





Season 9

209    9-01                04/Sep/05   Percy & The Oil Painting
210    9-02                04/Sep/05   Thomas & The Rainbow
211    9-03                11/Sep/05   Thomas's Milkshake Muddle
212    9-04                11/Sep/05   Mighty Mac
213    9-05                18/Sep/05   Molly's Special Special
214    9-06                18/Sep/05   Respect For Gordon
215    9-07                25/Sep/05   Thomas & The Birthday Picnic
216    9-08                25/Sep/05   Tuneful Toots
217    9-09                02/Oct/05   Thomas & The Toy Shop
218    9-10                02/Oct/05   Rheneas & The Dinosaur
219    9-11                09/Oct/05   Thomas & The New Engine
220    9-12                09/Oct/05   Toby Feels Left Out
221    9-13                16/Oct/05   Thomas Tries His Best
222    9-14                16/Oct/05   The Magic Lamp
223    9-15                23/Oct/05   Thomas & The Statue
224    9-16                23/Oct/05   Henry & The Flagpole
225    9-17                30/Oct/05   Emily Knows Best
226    9-18                30/Oct/05   Thomas's Day Off
227    9-19                06/Nov/05   Thomas's New Trucks
228    9-20                06/Nov/05   Duncan & The Old Mine
229    9-21                13/Nov/05   Bold & Brave
230    9-22                13/Nov/05   Skarloey The Brave
231    9-23                20/Nov/05   Saving Edward
232    9-24                20/Nov/05   Thomas & The Golden Eagle
233    9-25                27/Nov/05   Keeping Up With James
234    9-26                27/Nov/05   Flour Power





Season 10

235    10-01               02/Oct/06   Follow That Flour
236    10-02               02/Oct/06   A Smooth Ride
237    10-03               03/Oct/06   Thomas & The Jet Plane
238    10-04               03/Oct/06   Percy & The Funfair
239    10-05               04/Oct/06   The Green Controller
240    10-06               04/Oct/06   Duncan Drops A Clanger
241    10-07               05/Oct/06   Thomas' Tricky Tree
242    10-08               05/Oct/06   Toby's Afternoon Off
243    10-09               06/Oct/06   It's Good To Be Gordon
244    10-10               06/Oct/06   Seeing The Sights
245    10-11               07/Oct/06   Fearless Freddie
246    10-12               07/Oct/06   Toby's New Shed
247    10-13               08/Oct/06   Big Strong Henry
248    10-14               08/Oct/06   Sticky Toffee Thomas
249    10-15               09/Oct/06   Which Way Now?
250    10-16               09/Oct/06   Thomas & The Shooting Star
251    10-17               10/Oct/06   Edward Strikes Out
252    10-18               10/Oct/06   Topped Off Thomas
253    10-19               11/Oct/06   Wharf & Peace
254    10-20               11/Oct/06   Thomas' Frosty Friend
255    10-21               12/Oct/06   Emily & The Special Coaches
256    10-22               12/Oct/06   Thomas & The Colours
257    10-23               13/Oct/06   Thomas & The Birthday Mail
258    10-24               13/Oct/06   Duncan's Bluff
259    10-25               14/Oct/06   Missing Trucks
260    10-26               14/Oct/06   Thomas & The Treasure
261    10-27               15/Oct/06   James The Second Best
262    10-28               15/Oct/06   Thomas & Skarloey's Big Day Out





Season 11

263    11-01     401A      03/Sep/07   Thomas & The Storyteller
264    11-02     401B      03/Sep/07   Emily's Rubbish
265    11-03     402A      04/Sep/07   Dream On
266    11-04     402B      04/Sep/07   Dirty Work
267    11-05     403A      05/Sep/07   Hector The Horrid!
268    11-06     403B      05/Sep/07   Gordon & The Engineer
269    11-07     404A      06/Sep/07   Thomas & The Spaceship
270    11-08     404B      06/Sep/07   Henry's Lucky Day
271    11-09     405A      07/Sep/07   Thomas & The Lighthouse
272    11-10     405B      07/Sep/07   Thomas & The Big Bang
273    11-11     406A      08/Sep/07   Smoke & Mirrors
274    11-12     406B      08/Sep/07   Thomas Sets Sail
275    11-13     407A      09/Sep/07   Don't Be Silly, Billy
276    11-14     407B      09/Sep/07   Edward & The Mail
277    11-15     408A      10/Sep/07   Hide & Peep
278    11-16     408B      10/Sep/07   Toby's Triumph
279    11-17     409A      11/Sep/07   Thomas & The Runaway Car
280    11-18     409B      11/Sep/07   Thomas In Trouble
281    11-19     410A      12/Sep/07   Thomas & The Stinky Cheese
282    11-20     410B      12/Sep/07   Percy & The Left Luggage





Season 12

290    12-01               04/Apr/10   Thomas And The Billboard
20    12-02              10/Apr/10   Steady Eddie

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