Thomas the Tank Engine

Thomas the Tank Engine
Thomas the Tank Engine
The Railway Series/Thomas & Friends/Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go character
	Thomas as illustrated by Reginald Payne in his first appearance (1946).
First appearance	Thomas the Tank Engine (1946)
Created by	Wilbert Awdry; Christopher Awdry
Designed by	L. B. Billinton (in universe); Reginald Payne
Voiced by	UK: Ben Small (2009–2015); John Hasler (2015–2021); Aaron Barashi (All Engines Go); US: Martin Sherman (2009–2015); Joseph May (2015–2021); Meesha Contreras (All Engines Go, 2021–2023); David Kohlsmith (All Engines Go, 2023); Kai Harris (All Engines Go, 2023–present); Other: Edward Glen (Thomas and the Magic Railroad); John Bellis (original workprint of Thomas and the Magic Railroad); Kerry Shale (Hero of the Rails; original cut only); Ringo Starr (The Official BBC Children in Need Medley); TBA (Thomas & Friends: The Movie);
Number	NWR 1 (formerly, L.B.S.C. 70 in Thomas & Friends)
In-universe information
Species	Steam locomotive
Gender	Male
Nationality	English (formerly); Sudric

Thomas the Tank Engine is an anthropomorphised fictional tank locomotive in the British Railway Series books by Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher, published from 1945. He became the most popular and famous character in the series, and is the titular protagonist in the accompanying television adaptation series Thomas & Friends and its reboot Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.

All of the vehicles in The Railway Series were based on prototypical engines; Thomas's basis is the LB&SCR E2 class. Thomas first appeared in 1946 in the second book in the series, Thomas the Tank Engine, and was the focus of the four short stories contained within. In The Railway Series and early episodes of Thomas & Friends, Thomas's best friends are Percy and Toby, though he is also close friends with Edward. Later episodes of Thomas & Friends have Thomas in a trio with James and Percy, and Percy is known as his best friend.

In 1979, British writer and producer Britt Allcroft came across the books, and arranged a deal to bring the stories to life as the TV series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends (later simplified to Thomas & Friends). The programme became an award-winning hit around the world, with a vast range of spin-off commercial products.

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