Thomas the Tank Engine is a fictional anthropomorphic steam locomotive in The Railway Series books by the Rev. W. Awdry and his son, Christopher. First appearing in the second book in the series in 1946, he is a tank engine, painted blue with red lining, and displays the running number 1. All of the locomotives in The Railway Series were based on prototypical engines; he has origins in the E2 Class designed by Lawson Billinton in 1913. Thomas is often described as a cheeky and fussy engine. He initially worked as the station pilot at Knapford. After helping to rescue James from a nasty accident, Thomas was permanently assigned to the Ffarquhar Branch Line with his two faithful coaches, Annie and Clarabel. In 1979, Britt Allcroft came across the books, mortgaged her house, and used her savings to bring the stories to life as the television series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends (later simplified to Thomas & Friends). It became an award-winning hit around the world, with a vast range of spin-off commercial products.
Appearances in Christmas specials[]
- "Thomas' Christmas Party"
- "Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree"
- "Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure"
- "It's Only Snow"
- "Not So Hasty Puddings"
- "Don't Tell Thomas"
- "Thomas and the Toy Shop"
- "Keeping up with James" (cameo)
- "Thomas' Tricky Tree"
- "Thomas' Frosty Friend"
- "Henry's Lucky Day"
- "The Party Surprise" (does not speak)
- "Merry Winter Wish"
- "Merry Misty Island"
- "Henry's Magic Box"
- "Surprise, Surprise"
- "Percy the Snowman"
- "Tree Trouble"
- "Salty's Surprise"
- "Emily's Winter Party Special"
- "The Christmas Tree Express"
- "Santa's Little Engine"
- "The Missing Christmas Decorations"
- "Long Lost Friend"
- "Last Train for Christmas"
- "Duncan the Humbug"
- "The Perfect Gift"
- "A Cranky Christmas"
- "Diesel's Ghostly Christmas"
- "Letters to Santa"
- "The Christmas Coffeepot"
- "Terence Breaks the Ice"
- "Daisy's Perfect Christmas"
- "Kangaroo Christmas"
- "Thomas' Animal Ark"
- "Nia's Bright Idea"
- All Engines Go!: