In partnership with Mattel, Transport Heritage NSW is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the iconic Thomas & Friends brand this month at the NSW Rail Museum with the highly anticipated Day Out With Thomas event.
Over two extended weekends on 15-17 and 21-23 March, the museum will host some 11,000 people for a birthday celebration for Thomas, featuring party-themed entertainment and activities throughout the venue. Visitors will have the chance to wish Thomas a happy birthday and take photos with him at the museum’s amphitheatre.
For the first time, Thomas will be joined by his red engine friend, James, who will lead steam train rides from “Sodor” Station at the museum. This special appearance marks the culmination of more than two years of work to return locomotive 2705 to steam, transforming it into the beloved character James.
“Transport Heritage NSW is thrilled to partner with Mattel to bring Thomas, James, and their friends to life,” said Andrew Moritz, CEO of Transport Heritage NSW. “Transforming heritage steam locomotives into these beloved characters offers both children and adults the chance to experience steam and history in motion, while engaging with a cherished part of their childhood like never before.”
In addition to Thomas and James, visitors can meet a wide range of characters from the All Engines Go series, including Toby, Percy, Emily, and Hiro. The festivities will also feature human characters such as Sir Topham Hatt, and Rusty and Dusty.
Day Out With Thomas is a fun-filled event that offers children and their families the opportunity to meet Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. The event, held twice a year, has been running at the NSW Rail Museum since 2009.
The Thomas & Friends brand traces its heritage back to the publication of the first book in The Railway Series in 1945. Created by the Rev. W. Awdry for his son, Thomas the Tank Engine, along with his friends, have continued to captivate children and adults worldwide. Today, Thomas remains a cherished character, with fans able to follow his adventures with new toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences.
For tickets and more information, visit nswrailmusem.com.au/day-out-with-thomas or call 1300 11 55 99
