Thomas

Blue Tank Engine

A blue tank engine running on the Island of Sodor, the protagonist of the story. Hardworking and cheeky show-off, but depicted growing while helping friends.

Quotes

  • Wake up, lazybones!
  • I'm going to be a useful engine.
  • I hate fish!
  • Even though small, I'll do my best.
  • Let's all work together.

Trivia

  • Thomas' body number is 1 in the original books.
  • Model is LB&SCR E2 class tank locomotive.
  • At Oigawa Railway in Japan, C11 class locomotive runs in Thomas livery.
  • The original wooden toy was handmade by Wilbert as a Christmas present for his son.
  • Face design differs between puppet and CG versions, with changes in eyebrow thickness.
  • Initially mischievous, but matures through the series.

Alternate names

Thomas Thomas the Tank Engine Thomas the Tank Engine

Tags

Thomas the Tank Engine Island of Sodor Locomotive Tank Engine Blue Steam Locomotive For Children Friendship Adventure Protagonist

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Profile

Species
Locomotive
Gender
Male
Birth year
Around 1915

Appearance

Overall appearance
Small blue tank steam locomotive. Face on the front of the locomotive with rich expressions. Red lines with white trim on the sides of the body, and body number '1' painted on the front.
Distinguishing features
  • Blue body color
  • Round locomotive face
  • Red lines with white trim
  • Body number '1'
  • Triangular eyebrows
Iconic items
  • Annie (Coach)
  • Clarabel (Coach)
  • Green Freight Cars (Officially Provided)
  • Snowplow (Seasonal Use)

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Hardworking
Detailed personality
A bit cheeky and strong-willed, but basically friendly and diligent. Initially a troublemaker, grows into a kind personality that helps friends. Also has a mischievous and cocky side.
Keywords
  • Hardworking
  • Cheeky
  • Mischievous
  • Kind
  • Grows
  • Scatterbrained
  • Cooperative
  • Brave
Motto
Aims to be a 'reliable, useful engine'
Talents
  • Driving Skills
  • Locomotive Operation
  • Freight Hauling
  • Passenger Coach Hauling
Skills
  • Learns Freight Car Handling
  • Trouble Response
  • Snowplow Use
Motivation
To become a useful, trusted engine
Habits
Catchphrases like 'me' (boku). Concerned about his small size.
Favorite foods
Water (Pay attention to boiler feed)
Hobbies
Running, Helping Each Other, Pulling Coaches
Favorite colors
Blue
Disliked insects
Fish (Aversion due to boiler incident)
Disliked situations
Being Late, Failure

History

Backstory
Originates from a wooden toy tank engine made by Wilbert Awdry in 1942 as a present for his son. In the story, built around 1915 as LB&SCR E2 class locomotive. Sent to the Island of Sodor by wartime mistake and operated by North Western Railway.
Debut date
May 16, 1946
Work title
The Railway Series / Thomas the Tank Engine
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Volume 2 'Thomas the Tank Engine'

Ffarquhar Branch Line Operation

Significant event
Ffarquhar Branch Line Operation
Description
Assigned to run the branch line connecting Knapford Station to Ffarquhar Station.

Rescue of James' Derailment Accident

Significant event
Rescue of James' Derailment Accident
Description
Rescued James from the accident and obtained two dedicated branch line coaches.

Overcoming Snowplowing

Significant event
Overcoming Snowplowing
Description
Initially dislikes snowplowing, but overcomes it in a feature-length story.

Operation at Oigawa Railway in Japan

Significant event
Operation at Oigawa Railway in Japan
Description
C11 class 227 runs with Thomas design at events.

Relationships

Annie and Clarabel

Teammate

Teammates sharing branch line operations as dedicated coaches

Sir Topham Hatt

Mentor

Appointment and guidance for branch line operations

James

Rival

Becomes best friend through derailment accident rescue

Percy

Best friend

Joint branch line operations and friendship

North Western Railway Engines

North Western Railway Engines: protagonist

Media appearances

The Railway Series

Manga / Protagonist

1946-

Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends (Puppet Series)

Anime / Protagonist

1984-2008

Thomas & Friends (2D Animation Series)

Anime / Protagonist

2021-

Thomas & Friends: Thomas' First Story

Movie / Protagonist

2015

Oigawa Railway Thomas Event Runs

Event / Mascot

Regularly Held

Voice cast and creators

Keiko Toda

Voice actor
Keiko Toda
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Puppet Series Seasons 1-8

Kumiko Higa

Voice actor
Kumiko Higa
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Feature Films 2-17

Miho Tanaka

Voice actor
Miho Tanaka
Language
Japanese
Version or series
2D Animation Series Season 25 onward

Edward Glen

Voice actor
Edward Glen
Language
English
Version or series
Feature Film 1 and UK Early Series

Ben Small

Voice actor
Ben Small
Language
English
Version or series
UK Feature Films 4 - Season 18

Joseph May

Voice actor
Joseph May
Language
English
Version or series
US Feature Film 10 - Season 24

Aaron Barash

Voice actor
Aaron Barash
Language
English
Version or series
2D Animation Series UK Early

Wilbert Awdry

Creator name
Wilbert Awdry
Role
Original author

Poplar Publishing

Creator name
Poplar Publishing
Role
Publisher

Reginald Payne / Reginald Dalby

Creator name
Reginald Payne / Reginald Dalby
Role
Character designer

Britt Allcroft

Creator name
Britt Allcroft
Role
Writer

Related goods

Thomas Figure

Item name
Thomas Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Thomas Plush

Item name
Thomas Plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

Thomas Stationery Set

Item name
Thomas Stationery Set
Category
Stationery
Availability
Regular

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