Fact File | |
Name | Thomas and Friends |
Layout Size | 12ft x 12ft |
Gauge | OO |
Station Type | Country Station |
Operating Company | N/A |
Period | N/A |
Area | Sodor Island |
Buildings | Hornby |
Stock | Ready To Run |
Baseboard Construction | Flat |
Track | Hornby & Peco |
History
Thomas and his friends were given to the public in 1945
when the first book written by the Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry, was published.
The stories were originally written in verse for his son, Christopher Awdry,
when he had measles at the age of two. The books were published three years
later and were a hit with children, eventually going on to have a total of 41
series. Thirty nine years later 'Thomas & Friends'® appeared on
the television, closely following the original stories written by Rev. W.V.
Awdry, the series became a success and is still running to this day, surely a
testament to Reverend Awdry
The Layout
The layout is not specifically based on Sodor Island but
has a lot of the features incorporated into it, such as the iconic windmill and
'Gordon's Bank'. The layout is push button operated but can be manually
operated. Many of the characters from the series can be found on the layout
including Thomas, Percy, Harold the hellicopter and the troublesome trucks.