Fictional locations in Thomas & Friends

For The Railway Series article, see Fictional Locations (The Railway Series)

There are many fictional locations in Thomas & Friends, the television series based on The Railway Series of children's books by the Rev. W. Awdry and his son Christopher. They are all located on the Island of Sodor.

The Island of Sodor in the "Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends" television series differs significantly from that in The Railway Series books. The comprehensive history and geography of the island and its railways, developed by the Rev. Awdry and his brother George to ensure consistent portrayal in the stories, has largely been ignored.

The television series version of Sodor appears considerably larger, with far more industry. Thee Mainland is occasionally referred to, but never (but rarely) seen on televised maps. Furthermore, the portrayal of the island has varied between most series, as new sets were created and new (and later) writers inserted their own ideas.

The TV series frequently derives most names of locations from the books (as well as from magazines), but their functions and appearances are often rather different.

Settlements

Abbey

Abbey Station is located on the Peel Godred Branch Line that shares a similar style to Maron. It first appeared in the Ninth Season, but last appeared in the Eleventh.

Arlesburgh

Arlesburgh is located on the West Coast of the Island of Sodor and is the top station of Duck's Branch Line, as well as the starting point of the Arlesdale Railway.

Arlesburgh first appeared in Season 3 and has also appeared in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Arlesburgh Junction is the junction station, on Duck's Branch Line co-serving the seaside town of Arlesburgh (and also the starting point) of the Harwick Branch Line as well as The Arlesdale Railway.

Arlesburgh Harbour is located on the outer part of the seaside town itself. It first appeared in Season 3, but didn't appear again until Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Arlesdale End

For The Railway Series article, see Arlesdale

Arlesdale was the end of Toby's old tramway. His shed and a turntable were just beyond the station, and many visitors came to the station the day his line closed down.[1]

After spending some time on The Fat Controller's railways, Toby began staying in his own shed.[2] Toby and Percy made reference to his home as "Arlesdale End."[3]

Toby's residence at Arlesdale End became permanent later on, as he spent less time at Tidmouth Sheds.[4] The station now has a new track that extends beyond Toby's shed. The shed is very old and full of holes. Thomas once noticed rain falling through the roof and requested The Fat Controller build a new one. Toby was disappointed, as he enjoyed the company of the birds that would nest in his shed, so Thomas gathered some workmen and spare materials to build a large birdhouse just outside the shed.[5]

Balladrine

Balladrine Station is a station located on the Main Line sharing a similar structure with Dryaw Station on Thomas' Branch Line. It only appeared in the Seventh Season.

Ballahoo

Ballahoo Station in the Sixth Season only and is located in the dormitory town of Ballahoo for Barrow-in-Furness.

Barrow-in-Furness

Barrow is a Station, located on the Mainland (and also the starting point of The Main Line to Tidmouth on the Island of Sodor), it is set to be mentioned in Season 19.

Brendam

Brendam Station first appeared early in the show's run, shown in season 2, but last appeared in season 3.

It is the Top Station of Edward's Branch Line, the nearby Brendam Docks is located a few yards close-by.

Upper Brendam is another station, located between Lower Suddery and to the North of Brendam, itself. It had only appeared once in Season 8 of the series.

Cabalnoo

Cabalnoo is a village located northwest of Kirk Ronan. A railway station is located here on the Main Line Loop Route. The station only appeared in the Twelfth Season.

Callan

Callan Station first appeared in Season 4 and last appeared in Season 6. The station has a platform on either side of three tracks – two of those tracks pass under a bridge, while the third leads to a single shed. Behind one of the platforms is a shunting yard, which at one point featured an open shed.

Callan is located East of the town of Peel, and its name comes from a river on the Reverend W Awdry's maps of Sodor.

Crosby

Crosby is a seaside town, located between Knapford and Wellsworth on The Main Line, it is also the junction for The Loop Line, (via Elsbridge and Callandale) to Tidmouth.

Crovan's Gate

For The Railway Series article, see Crovan's Gate

Crovan's "Gate" is the terminus of the Skarloey Railway[6] and a station on the main line of the North Western Railway.[7]

The station first appeared in Season 4, after which the narrow gauge models were built to a larger scale than most of the standard gauge models. Although The Works from the books were mentioned, they were never specifically seen at Crovan's Gate, and over time different locations have been used for the maintenance of engines.[8][9]

The station returned in the season 18 episode Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger.

Dryaw

For The Railway Series article, see Dryaw

Dryaw is located next to a small airfield. Harold, Tiger Moth, and the red balloon are frequently seen here. Certain episodes feature the station on Thomas' branch line,[10] while in others, main line trains pass through.[11][12]

A small footbridge that runs over the rails and runs from the platform on one side to the platform on the other side. Dryaw also has a small picket fence running at the edge of the platform, separating the platform from the airfield. The name is an anagram of "Awdry".

Elsbridge

For The Railway Series article, see Elsbridge

Elsbridge Station is (or perhaps, was) the original junction (and middle) station on Thomas's Branch Line, as well as The Loop Line between Crosby and Tidmouth. It is located in the countryside, and has two island platforms and a footbridge. Briefly, there were also sheds where coaches, trucks, and sometimes engines resided.[13][14][15]

The station first appeared in Season 1, but last appeared in Season 4. Other stations have occasionally served as junctions for Thomas' branch line. Elsbridge was later mentioned in the season 19 episode Wild Water Rescue.

According to the TV Series map, Elsbridge is also the junction on The Loop Line running from Tidmouth (via Callandale and Elsbridge, itself) to "just east" of Crosby.

Ffarquhar

Main article: Ffarquhar

The town of Ffarquhar is the terminus of Thomas's branch line.[10] For a time, there were shunting yards adjacent to the station.[16]

It appeared in the title sequence of the original classic series. It even appeared in Seasons 1, 3, 5, 8 and 19, as well as Calling All Engines. It later returned in The Adventure Begins and also appeared in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Great Waterton

Great Waterton was once the largest railway town on Sodor. As time went on and industry spread to new towns, Waterton was abandoned. When Thomas later discovered the town through an old, overgrown branch line, the industries of Sodor worked to restore it as a major attraction.[17] Edward delivered a large water wheel to be put on display by the station.[18]

The rails at Waterton station branch off in several directions, and some tracks are elevated above the Main Line. Some tracks lead to a disused mine in the mountains.

Great Waterton only appeared in The Great Discovery and season 12. It was later mentioned in Tale of the Brave.

Hackenbeck

The village of Hackenbeck is located west of Ffarquhar on Thomas' Branch Line, it only appeared twice in the seasons 2 and 7 episodes The Runaway and (in a different appearance) Not So Hasty Puddings.

Harwick

Harwick is a seaside/fishing town located on the northern-most side of the Island of Sodor.

The fishing town is also the Top Station of the newly-constructed Arlesburgh-Harwick branch line.

It was mentioned in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Haultrough

Haultrough is a seaside village located on Duck's Branch Line, towards Arlesburgh, (via Bluff's Cove and Arlesburgh Junction), the station itself, is an island platform station, with a track on both opposite sides, with the station building centered in-between.

It first appeared In Season 3, but has however not reappeared again since.

Kellaby

Kellaby first appears in the Eleventh Season serving the village of Kellaby and is located between Kellsthorpe and Balladrine on the Main Line.

Kellsthorpe Road

For The Railway Series article, see Kellsthorpe Road

Kellesthorpe Road is a large train station on the Main Line, introduced in Season 8. Thomas helped to carry the workmen to and from the construction site when it first opened. There was a sharp, difficult bend just before the station, so Annie and Clarabel would help Thomas to pass it easily. When the coaches had to go to the shop for maintenance, Thomas was nervous and came off the track at the bend. Later, some runaway trucks came down the Main Line towards the construction site. Thomas remembered the coaches' advice and made it to the station to warn the signalman about the trucks.[19]

Killaban

Killaban is a village located south of Cronk and southwest of Killdane. There is a station located there on the Main Line Loop which only appeared in Thomas and the Magic Railroad.

Killdane

Killdane is a town located near Cronk.

It is also on The Main Line, as well as the starting point of the Peel Godred branch line. The station however only appeared once in Season 10. Killdane is also the junction to the Killdane Branch Line.

Kirk Ronan

For The Railway Series article, see Kirk Ronan

Kirk Ronan is a large terminus that was recently opened for the time it appeared. When Gordon first visited, he was disappointed at the blank wall in front of the buffers as he arrived. When the station officially opened, Gordon crashed through the wall, hanging several feet above the ground. When the station reopened, part of the opening made by the crash remained, with a plaque reading "Gordon's View."[20]

Kirk Ronan functioned in the role usually reserved for Knapford, which did not appear in Season 5. Although main line engines travelled to the station in the TV series, in the books it only featured historically, as the terminus of the Sodor & Mainland Railway, the first standard gauge line on the island.

Knapford

For The Railway Series article, see Knapford

Knapford is the main town on the Island of Sodor.

Knapford Station has six platforms, and a large glass roof. It contains The Fat Controller's office, and is the station where HM The Queen visited The Fat Controller. Gordon also pulls his Express from here every day.

Engines and coaches are sometimes stored at Knapford Sheds. The main shed has five parallel tracks running into it, and a yard just outside.[4][21][22] Engines sometimes come here for repairs.[8]

Shunting takes place in Knapford Yard, and repair sheds are also located here.[23][24]

Knapford was introduced in Season 1 and has been in nearly every season. It was briefly a terminus station early in the show's very first season, and a harbor yard could sometimes be seen through it.[25][26] A new model was built for Thomas and the Magic Railroad and later seasons. In the newer model, track extends beyond the station and turns away, and the harbor yard of the old model appears to be absent.

In season one episode "Thomas and Gordon", what becomes Tidmouth sheds is present and named as Knapford sheds as shown on the signal box carrying a "Knapford" nameboard instead.

Knapford is currently described as the junction to Thomas' Branch Line. The name comes from the parish of Knapwell, where Awdry was vicar.


In The Adventure Begins, a large shunting area was added right next/adjacent to the station called Knapford Station Yard. The shunting yard contains sidings, sheds and a coal hopper. The station also got signal gantries and crossovers.

Knapford is currently the start and junction to Thomas' Branch Line.

Maithwaite

Maithwaite is home to a small station by a level crossing, with two lines running through. Main line and branch line engines have been seen running through. Percy once helped the station win a "Best-Dressed Station" contest, almost not making it due to a ram and some trouble-making boys.[3]

Maithwaite first appeared in Season 5, and has appeared regularly ever since. Its name is quite similar to "Marthwaite," a town with a station on the small engines' railway in the books.

Maithwaite is located (between Elsbridge and Hackenbeck) on Thomas' Branch line.

Maron

For The Railway Series article, see Maron

Maron is located at one end of Gordon's Hill. In the TV series, the station has appeared (within two different designs). The station first appeared, as seen early in the show's run, it had three lines running straight through and a siding.[27][28][29] Maron later reappeared in Season 6, in a completely different design. This station has two curved platforms, with two tracks running between the platforms.[30]

Maron is also the junction for the Town of Ulfstead, (via the Summerhouse) Northwards, and for the Sodor Search & Rescue Centre Southwards

Norramby

For The Railway Series article, see Norramby

The resort of Norramby is located on the East Coast of the Island of Sodor, It is the top station of Arthur's Branch Line.

Peel

Peel (also known as, Peel Godred) is a station on the Peel Godred Branch line. It has four platforms, two being on an island platform between the centre tracks.[31] Near the station there is a town hall and a bakery.

Suddery

For The Railway Series article, see Suddery

Suddery is a town located mid-way along the Peninsula of the island, it is also the Capital of Sodor and served by two stations, both located on Edward's Branch Line.

Suddery Station only appeared once in the season 2 episode Bertie's Chase.

Lower Suddery Station was seen early in the show's run.[32][33] And is (or was) on Edward the Blue Engine's Branch line, between Wellsworth and Upper Brendam. It had only appeared in the first three seasons of the series.

Tidmouth

For The Railway Series article, see Tidmouth

In the original books, Tidmouth is the main settlement and largest station and engine shed on Sodor.[34] In the TV series, Knapford is largest, and a number of different locations have used the name Tidmouth, making the town of Tidmouth, (itself) the second largest and co-main settlement, even on the Island of Sodor.

Tidmouth Station is (or perhaps was) a station with a glass roof and a row of three lines passing through.[13] There was a group of engine sheds where the engines on Thomas' branch line lived from time to time.[35][36][37] There was also a coal depot in the yards nearby.[38][39][40] The engines on Duck's branch line primarily worked here for another period,[41][42] and the station was at one point referred to as "The Works."[43]

Lower Tidmouth station is a railway station (located south of Tidmouth, itself towards Knapford) it was sometimes seen as the junction for Thomas's branch line.

Tidmouth Hault is a station located on the West Coast of Sodor, along Duck's Branch Line, (between Tidmouth and Haultrough). Toby, Duck, and Donald helped to build the engine sheds there.[44] Sometimes main line engines or engines from Thomas' branch line have been seen passing through, as the station is also the junction for a separate line to Callandale (on the Loop Line towards Elsbridge).[16][45][46][47][48]

Tidmouth Town Square is located north of Tidmouth Station itself, co-serving the town of Tidmouth.

Tidmouth Sheds

Tidmouth Sheds are where Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy and Emily (since Calling All Engines) live. Toby occasionally stays at Tidmouth Sheds.

Other engines have been know to stay at Tidmouth Sheds, including Stanley in The Great Discovery, Flynn the Fire Engine in Day of the Diesels and Spencer multiple times.

Duck, Donald, Douglas and Oliver formerly lived at Tidmouth Sheds. Duck stayed in the sheds in the Season 18 episode, "Duck And The Slip Coaches", where he co-helped with the increasing passenger service and holiday traffic in-between.

Toryreck

Toryreck is a village located between Dryaw and Elsbridge on Thomas' Branch Line.

The village is served by a country station, with a single platform and consists of a siding and shed, on the opposite end.

Toryreck is also close to a Junction where it breaches of towards Knapford Harbour, as well as another separate line to the Lead Mines, in-between.

Ulfstead

The town of Ulfstead is located North of Maron (on The Main Line), and East of the town of Ffarquhar (on Thomas' Branch Line).

It is well known for Ulfstead Castle' which is located nearby, and dominates the town below.

Ulfstead is also on the Maron-Ulfstead branch line, which actually runs to the nearby Ulfstead Castle.

Vicarstown

Vicarstown is a railway station serving a small town (of the same name), located on the East Coast of the Island of Sodor, it is set to make it's debut in The Great Race.

Wellsworth

For The Railway Series article, see Wellsworth

Wellsworth, (also known as "Edward's Station),"[49] is a station on the main line connecting to Edward's branch line. There is a yard behind the station that has changed from time to time.[50][51][52][53]

The vicar of Wellsworth is the Rev Charles Laxey. As a result, Wellsworth vicarage is the home of Trevor the Traction Engine.

Industry

Arlesburgh Harbour

''For The Railway Series article, see Arlesburgh

Arlesburgh is the location of Arlesburgh Harbour; it is located on Ducks Branch Line and is where Percy, Duck and some of the other engines have worked. The harbour is one of the most prominent ports on the island of Sodor.

The harbour is also located along the Arlesburgh-Harwick branch line.

It returned in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure, with a completely redesigned appearance, (more accurate to its original "classic series" appearance in Season 3).

Brendam Docks

For The Railway Series article, see Brendam

Brendam is home to one of the most prominent portd on the Island of Sodor. Many characters work here, but the main fixtures are a crane called Cranky,[54] Salty, a diesel shunter,[55] and since season 17 Porter,[56] a tank engine. Bill and Ben sometimes work or spend the night here.[57][58][59][60]

The Sodor Shipping Company has a number of large warehouses here. Steam trampers and ocean liners frequently pass through.

Christopher Awdry often criticises the design of this version of the harbour, as it is far too large for the volume of traffic an island like Sodor would require, any day. However, the Sodor of the television series is generally very different from that of the books.

Many building, ship and crane models actually originate from Tugs. This series was set in a large port serving a major (American) city, which goes some way to explaining the size of Brendam Docks.

The harbour sets were rarely consistent before Season 5 introduced Brendam by name, and different seasons featured different-looking sets.[15][51][61][62][63]

Brendam also marks the end of Edward's Branch Line.

Knapford Harbour

West of Knapford on The Main Line, lies Knapford Harbour, (aka Knapford Port).

This Harbour is located on a goods-only line, breaching of from a junction (south of Toryreck, on Thomas' branch line).

Percy and Co helped out with the construction of the Harbour, and the Main Line crosses a bridge, spanning above the nearby adjacent Harbour station close-by.

It first appeared in Season 2, and also appeared in Seasons 3 and 4, it later reappeared in a CGI flashback of "Diesel Does It Again" in the Season 19 episode, Diesel's Ghostly Christmas.

The Fishing Village

The Fishing Village is a coastal harbour and area, located between Ballahoo and Norramby on Arthur's Branch Line.

This is where, fish is collected and loaded into wagons (mainly salt wagons), bound for other ports across the Island. The smell of fish is almost everywhere across the area.

The Wharf

The Wharf is a port, located North-East of the town of Crovan's Gate (and also across the Bay from the seaside town of Norramby).

This is where both the NWR and the Skarloey Railway meet and interchange in-between.

Tidmouth Harbour

Located close to the end of the Main Line, Tidmouth Harbour (aka, Tidmouth Docks) is one of the busiest ports in Sodor's Industry.

It is where The Flying Kipper usually collects fish and deliver along the Main Line to and fro.

This Harbour first appeared in Season 1, but last appeared in Season 4.

Mines

Stone quarries have been seen and mentioned throughout the show's run.[32][64][65][66]

Anopha Quarry (aka, Ffarquhar Quarry)

In Season 2, Anopha Quarry was introduced. In Season 6, Centre Island Quarry was introduced. Mavis, Bill, and Ben (all still bearing the markings of their respective companies) work here the most frequently,[55][67] joined sometimes by Thomas, Diesel, 'Arry, and Bert.

Although coal was not a major resource on Sodor in the books, coal mines have been used in the TV series. One mine collapsed when runaway trucks crashed into a support beam in the shaft. This mine had a canvas barrier along the tracks outside. Percy managed to survive an avalanche by hiding under the canvas as the track was buried.[68] Another was built on the narrow gauge railway, built on an incline similar to their slate mines.[69]

Slate mining is a staple of the narrow gauge railways. These mines have a winch at the top of a slope called an incline with a cable wrapped around. Both cables are coupled to the end of a line of trucks. Trucks loaded with slate will roll down one side of the incline, and this motion will pull the empty trucks up to the top.[70]

Ffarquhar Quarry is another alternative name for Anopha Quarry like Centre Island Quarry.

Blue Mountain Quarry

Blue Mountain Quarry is a large slate quarry on the narrow gauge railway. It first appeared in Blue Mountain Mystery.

The narrow gauge engines (Skarloey, Rheneas, Sir Handel, Peter Sam, Rusty and Luke), work here, and Paxton often takes stone from the quarry to Brendam Docks. Thomas, Henry & Toby have also occasionally worked here, and Spencer once collected a large delivery of stone during the rebuilding of Ulfstead Castle (much to his embarrassment).

Sodor China Clay Company

The Sodor China Clay Company, also known as the China Clay Pits is a quarry-like place, located at the very end of Edward's Branch Line, near Brendam Docks.

Bill and Ben work here, shunting and arranging trucks of China Clay, Timothy also works here, as does a Steam Shovel named, Marion, whose job is digging and loading China Clay into trucks, bound for various parts of Sodor.

Sodor Slate Quarry

The Sodor Slate Quarry is a quarry located on the Quarry Branch Line south of the Blue Mountain Quarry on the north slope of the Sudrian Mountain Shane Dooiney and also south of the Blue Mountain Quarry. It first appeared in Season 12, and has appeared semi-regularly ever since.

Other Industrial Sites

Aluminium Works

Located Northwards from the town of Peel ... The Sodor Aluminium Works is where Alumna is brought from Tidmouth for manufacturing Ingots and other things, prior to deliveries for The Mainland.

Sodor Dieselworks

Introduced in Day of the Diesels, it is the Diesel's Equivalent of the Steamworks and it is also the Diesel's home, it is composed of a shed with 5 berths to accommodate the diesel engines, a repair shed, Diesel 10's shed and the back shed. It is located in the outskirts, west of Vicarstown.

Sodor Ironworks (aka, The Smelters Yard)

'Arry and Bert work at the Scrap yards, shunting and hauling trucks filled (to the brim )with scrap to and from the smelters shed and yard. Many engines dread working there.[71][72] The track is lined with rusted old steam engines. Inside the sheds, sparks fly everywhere, and a large crane arm lifts material to be smelted.[73][74]

Stepney once got lost on a foggy night, and his crew left to ask for help. When the fog cleared, Stepney was left without his crew, and the diesels took him to the smelters. Stepney was saved just in time by The Fat Controller, who was inspecting the yards that evening.[66]

This scrap yard first appeared in Season 5, and has continued to appear in the recent seasons. There are also Scrapyards located by Edward's Branch Line.[75] Engines on the Other Railway await scrapping in large yards.[43][76]

In Calling All Engines, Diesel 10 (appears to also work here, as well as The Dieselworks) as he is seen loading iron and steel into trucks.

The scrap engines are mostly recycled stunt locomotives that were used for crash scenes. City Of Truro, Gordon, and Thomas models have shown up in these scenes, as well as some engines from TUGS.

Sodor Steamworks

Introduced in Hero of the Rails, the Steamworks is a fueling hub for the steam engines, and is home to one of the railway's largest workshops. Victor is the manager, and Kevin also works there.The Skarloey Railway line starts behind the Steamworks.

It is located in nearby Crovan's Gate, close to The "Adjacent" Main Line.

Sodor Search and Rescue Centre

First appearing in Misty Island Rescue, The Search and Rescue Centre is the new base of operations and emergencies for Belle, Flynn, Rocky, Butch, Harold and Captain.

The SS&RC is located south of the coast of Maron, East of Suddery and West of Killaban.

Whiff's Waste Dump

First Appeared in Misty Island Rescue, Whiff and Scruff work in the Waste Dump. It is located on the Peel Godred Branch line.

Miscellaneous

Much emphasis is placed on the varying freight traffic carried around the island, since this allows for a greater range of storylines than would be the case for a purely passenger-carrying railway. To provide this traffic, a number of rail-served industries are present. For example, in the Season 9 story Thomas' Milkshake Muddle, the plot revolves around the carriage of milk (or butter) from the dairy to the ice cream factory and the bakery. Also there is recent and successful passenger and freight connections to the airport via the Mainland in subsequent stories and the DVD special: Calling All Engines!

List of other rail-served industries

The following is a list of the rail-served industries that have a direct bearing on the plotlines in episodes of the TV series:

List of rail-served Shunting Yards

Sodor Airport:[4]

Sodor Airport is an airport, located on the Main Line Loop Route. It is home to Jeremy the Jet Plane, and it was first seen in Calling All Engines, but last appeared in Season 12.

Landmarks

In both the Books and the TV series, there are various landmarks across the Island of Sodor.

Black Loch

Black Loch is a lake on the standard gauge railway. The country surrounding it is reminiscent of Scotland, and Donald and Douglas feel at home there. Popular legend states that a monster lives in the lake.[84] An old causeway branches off of the track leading to Lord Callan's Castle, but only light engines and stock can cross it safely.[73][84]

Culdee Fell Hill

For The Railway Series article, see Culdee Fell

Culdee Fell Hill is a mountain through which a section of the narrow gauge railway travels.[85]

Gordon's Hill

For The Railway Series article, see Gordon's Hill

Gordon's Hill is a steep hill located between Wellsworth station and Maron station. It was named after Gordon got stuck pulling a goods train and Edward had to push from behind. It is a place where a bank engine is often required to help trains up the hill, and Edward frequently filled this roll.[86][87]

Many trains have faced difficulty on the hill since Gordon's original incident.[88][89][90]

Henry's Tunnel

For The Railway Series article, see Ballahoo

Henry the Green Engine once stopped in a tunnel (near Ballahoo) and refused to come out. As it was impossible to move him, The Fat Controller decided to wall him in, and engines would only pass through the parallel tunnel. Henry was eventually removed, and the tunnel was put back in service, as usual.[91][92]

These tunnels, (or others like them), have appeared many times over the years, sometimes with additional tracks passing through the tunnel where Henry was shut up.[52][93]

Lord Callan's Castle

Lord Callan's Castle (aka The Scottish Castle or Castle Loch is a stop on the standard gauge railway, near Nlack Loch. The stop is a small platform with a stairway leading up a hill to the castle.[84] Lord Callan flies the Scottish flag on days of ceremony.[94]

Norramby Beach

For The Railway Series article, see Norramby

The main line runs a small distance by Norramby Beach.[95][96]

Misty Valley

Misty Valley is a very misty valley prone to rock falling. Cyril the Fogman works here, putting detonators on the tracks to warn of rockfalls. In "The Fogman" he is replaced by a fog horn, but this was so loud that it caused a rockfall.

Rumblin Bridge

Rumblin Bridge is a new station on the narrow gauge line. A stone bridge visible from the station passes over a river.[97]

Sodor Suspension Bridge

The Sodor Suspension Bridge is a spectacular structure, carrying The Main Line across the valley of a stream below, it is located in-between Crosby and Wellsworth. It crosses over River Reagh.

The Watermill

The Watermill is an Architectural Structure, Located within the Agricultural Countryside (North of Elsbridge), on Thomas' Branch Line, here a stream flows by, via the wooden wheel-structure to a nearby adjacent lake below the adjacent railway bridge.

Windmills

Windmills are a major visual component in the TV series, appearing in every title scene since the series began, and seen in the background of many stories.

Several different sets have been constructed over the years. The original had one straight track running behind it.[1][10] The next was surrounded by bare trees.[98] Another, with multiple tracks running past, appeared in Season 3.[45][99] In Seasons 5 and 6, two tracks curved around a windmill elevated above the line.[100][101] In Season 7, two straight lines passed in front of a windmill.[53][102] A similar set to the one from Season 5 was used from Seasons 8 through 12.

Ulfstead Castle

Ulfstead Castle is home to Sir Robert Norramby, Earl of Sodor, it first appeared in the Season 17 episode Calm Down Caitlin. It made its official introduction in King of the Railway. Stephen and Millie live and work here.

Sir Robert Norramby returned to Sodor to restore the Castle and grounds.

The Dinosaur Park

In Season 18, Sir Robert Norramby opened a Dinosaur Park on his estate.

It has models of four dinosaurs and a model of a Volcano.

Vicarstown Rolling Bridge

The Vicarstown Rolling Bridge is the bridge that connects Sodor to The Mainland.

It is a draw bridge, (spanning the Walney Channel) so boats can go under it. It first appeared in the season 17 episode Calm Down Caitlin, it was closed overnight due to routine maintenance. It made its official introduction in King of the Railway.

It has also appeared in seasons 18 and 19.

Railways

The Other Railway

The Other Railway is located on the Mainland, (as well as on a faraway part of Sodor, where only diesels work). Steam engines on this railway are either in hiding[103] or awaiting scrap.[104]

In the books, "The Other Railway" referred to British Rail, but the TV series suggested a railway on Sodor itself, It is however located on The Mainland, (via the Vicarstown Bridge) whom it connects to the Island of Sodor.

The Mainland (aka, Great Britain)

Certain engines are said to come from The Mainland. While in the books, the mainland of Sodor was (or perhaps is) Great Britain and home to the modernized, diesel-run Other Railway.

The TV series suggests that steam engines like Charlie and Spencer still work there, and the threat of diesels taking over is rather unmentioned. However from Season 17 onwards (and in King of the Railway), Connor and Caitlin work on The Mainland, and frequently visit Sodor, as does Hiro.

Bluebell Railway, (aka, Bluebell Branch Line)

The Bluebell Railway (later revealed as Stepney's Branch Line) is located in a small, isolated part of Sodor known for its bluebell blossoms. Both standard and narrow gauge lines make up the railway, but few engines would work there at a time. Rusty resolved to find a steam engine who could run the line regularly, and traveled to The Other Railway where he found Stepney, derelict in a siding.

Stepney enjoyed being put back to work, but was disappointed that his line was short and had no trucks. As such, he sometimes arranges visits to The Fat Controller's railway.

In the books, Stepney came from the real Bluebell Railway: a heritage railway in England. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine was written to promote this railway and the heritage movement.

In later non-CGI episodes, a standard gauge line is seen running beside narrow gauge tracks. It is likely that this is what became of the Bluebell Branch Line, however Stepney is absent.

Misty Island Railway

The Misty Island Railway is a logging railway on Misty Island. It is run by Ferdinand, Bash, and Dash.

It first appeared in the Thomas and Friends special Misty Island Rescue and appeared in seasons 14, 15 and 16.

Estate Railway

The Estate Railway is a tourism railway owned by Sir Robert Norramby on his Estate at Ulfstead.

Stephen and Millie work on the railway.

It first appeared in season 17, (though officially in King of the Railway), it also appeared in seasons 18 and 19.

Old Narrow Gauge Railways

There was at least one railway before the existence of the present narrow gauge railway. One was worked by Duke, Falcon, and Stuart. It closed down due to hard times, and Falcon and Stuart were bought by the Skarloey Railway and were renamed Sir Handel and Peter Sam, respectively. No one would come for Duke until years later, and his old line was so overgrown that one of the men searching for him fell through the shed's roof without knowing it was there.

Another railway connected with the standard gauge railway at an old mine. The Fat Controller became interested in restoring it after seeing it on a map that his grandchildren discovered. Legend held that an "Old Warrior Engine" would light his fire at night and go hunting. "Old Warrior" turned out to be a little old tank engine called Bertram, who was put into use when a park was set up at the site.[2]

Stations and Halts

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

Duck's Branch Line - (The Little Western)

Edward's Branch Line

Kirk Ronan Branch Line

The Main Line

The Main Line Loop

Thomas' Branch Line

Ulfstead Branch Line

Norramby Branch Line

Peel Godred Branch Line

Misty Valley Branch Line

Toby's Branch Line

Quarry Branch Line

Killdane Branch Line

The Loop Line

Skarloey Railway

Arlesdale Railway

Culdee Fell Railway

Town Square

The Town Square (aka, Tidmouth Town Square) is where the Town Hall of Tidmouth is located. The station (serving the square) is located North of Tidmouth Station itself, and is located on both The Loop Line and Duck's Branch Line, respectively.

It is also located close/towards the Junction, where Duck's Branch Line breaches of towards Arlesburgh (via Haultrough and Bluff's Cove), whilst The Loop Line heads North-Eastwards, via Callandale and Elsbridge towards (Just East of) Crosby.

There is also a library located at the Town Hall.

It first appeared season 13 and has appeared regularly ever since.

Transfer Yards

The Transfer Yards are where the North Western Railway meets the narrow gauge Skarloey Railway as well as a station for both railways.

The Transfer Yards first appeared in season 9 and last appeared in season 12.

References

  1. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Toby and the Stout Gentleman"
  2. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Toby's Discovery"
  3. 1 2 Thomas and Friends, Season 5, "Baa!"
  4. 1 2 3 Thomas and Friends: Calling All Engines!
  5. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 10, "Toby's New Shed"
  6. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Four Little Engines"
  7. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Bowled Out"
  8. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Bulgy Rides Again"
  9. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 11, "Edward and the Mail"
  10. 1 2 3 Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Thomas and Bertie"
  11. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "James and the Coaches"
  12. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "James and the Red Balloon"
  13. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Better Late Than Never"
  14. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Daisy"
  15. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Thomas and Trevor"
  16. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Make Someone Happy"
  17. ↑ Thomas and Friends: The Great Discovery
  18. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 12, "Steady Eddie"
  19. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 8, "Thomas Saves the Day"
  20. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "A Better View for Gordon"
  21. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Something Fishy"
  22. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Peace and Quiet"
  23. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 11, "Dream On"
  24. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Hector the Horrid"
  25. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Off the Rails"
  26. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "No Joke for James"
  27. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Edward and Gordon"
  28. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Thomas and the Trucks"
  29. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Dirty Objects"
  30. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Thomas the Jet Engine"
  31. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Thomas' Milkshake Muddle"
  32. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Percy Runs Away"
  33. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Down the Mine"
  34. ↑ "History of Sudrian Railways". (Locations on the Island of Sodor). The Real Lives of Thomas the Tank Engine. Retrieved 30 January 2011.
  35. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Thomas Comes to Breakfast"
  36. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Ghost Train"
  37. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Woolly Bear"
  38. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Thomas, Percy and the Coal"
  39. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Break Van"
  40. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Tender Engines"
  41. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Oliver Owns Up"
  42. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Bulgy"
  43. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Escape"
  44. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Donald's Duck"
  45. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Time for Trouble"
  46. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Toby's Tightrope"
  47. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Old Slowcoach"
  48. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Happy Ever After"
  49. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Whistles and Sneezes"
  50. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Thomas and Gordon"
  51. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Fish"
  52. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Emily's New Coaches"
  53. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Edward's Brass Band"
  54. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Cranky Bugs"
  55. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Salty's Secret"
  56. ↑ Thomas & Friends Season 17, "Away from the Sea"
  57. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Double Teething Troubles"
  58. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "No Sleep for Cranky"
  59. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Thomas' New Trucks"
  60. ↑ Thomas & Friends Season 17, "Gone Fishing"
  61. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "The Flying Kipper"
  62. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Percy Takes the Plunge"
  63. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Diesel Does It Again"
  64. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Percy's Predicament"
  65. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Trust Thomas"
  66. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Stepney Gets Lost"
  67. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Bill, Ben and Fergus"
  68. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Put Upon Percy"
  69. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Skarloey the Brave"
  70. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Trucks"
  71. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Scaredy Engines"
  72. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 8, "Halloween"
  73. 1 2 3 Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Fergus Breaks the Rules"
  74. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "James and the Queen of Sodor"
  75. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Saved from Scrap"
  76. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Rusty to the Rescue"
  77. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Flour Power"
  78. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 8, "Too Hot for Thomas"
  79. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Henry's Forest"
  80. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 12, "Gordon Takes a Shortcut"
  81. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Percy's Chocolate Crunch"
  82. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 10, "Thomas and the Shooting Star"
  83. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Not So Hasty Puddings"
  84. 1 2 3 Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Bad Day at Castle Loch"
  85. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 10, "A Smooth Ride"
  86. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Edward the Very Useful Engine"
  87. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 8, "You Can Do It, Toby!"
  88. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Troublesome Trucks"
  89. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Busy Going Backwards"
  90. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Gordon and Spencer"
  91. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "The Sad Story of Henry"
  92. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Edward, Gordon and Henry"
  93. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Henry and the Elephant" where Henry got squirted.
  94. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Henry and the Flagpole"
  95. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Percy and the Oil Painting"
  96. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 10, "Seeing the Sights"
  97. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "The Grand Opening"
  98. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Ghost Engine"
  99. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure"
  100. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Thomas and the Rumours"
  101. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "It's Only Snow"
  102. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "The Spotless Record"
  103. ↑ Thomas and Friends, Season 3 "Escape"
  104. ↑ Thomas and Friends, Season 4 "Rusty to the Rescue"
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