LCC Broadcast News Room

Thomas and his friends are 65 years old this week and under the watchful eye of the Fat Controller are global superstars in 121 countries.

Thomas started out as a fathers story to his son while he was board in bed with measles.  Now 65 years later, the Thomas the Tank Engine franchise makes a billion pounds a year and is loved by children and adults alike.

So what makes a story a about a blue steam engine so popular?

A toy shop owner in Dulwich cited Thomas's family values and the fact parents relate their childhood to Thomas and therefore pass Thomas down to their children.

To conincide with Thomas's birthday, Thomas and his friends are debuting on DVD in the now popular computer animated graphics style to keep up with modern times.

Both Ringo Starr and Pierce Brosnan have narrated the ever popular UK TV series and Alec Baldwin has narrated the US version of Thomas.  But even these A-list celebrities have not overshadowed Thomas and his friends status as global superstars.

Thomas is not confined to the tracks either, merchandise ranges from backpacks, keyrings, torches, and even pasta shapes.  Much of this is a lot noiser then older Thomas fans may remember, with buttons to push, moving parts and lights flashing.

But what really marks Thomas and his Friends as 'celebs' are the Thomas and Friends official days out where fans can ride on carriages pulled by Thomas himself.  Or if you would like visit Sordor where Thomas and his friends live then check out Drayton Manor's Thomas Land.

And Thomas's rivals?  Well the closest is 'Chugginton', a set of more modern trains who serve city people rather than country folk.  But Chugginton has a long way to go before he can lay claim to bringing in a billion a year. 

Happy Birthday Thomas!

http://www.thomasandfriends.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Tank_Engine