Here’s a pub quiz question for you. What are the names of the trains featured in the Rev W. Awdry’s classic children’s tale The Three Engines, which started a publishing phenomenon that has run for close on seventy-eight years?
OK, hands up all those who started your list with Thomas the Tank Engine. Well, I’m afraid you’re on the wrong track. The 1945 book that introduced the island railways of Sodor to the world featured only Edward, Gordon and Henry.
Based on stories told to his son Christopher while he suffered from measles, the good Reverend didn’t introduce Thomas for more than a year later, when he starred in four stories in his own book, Thomas The Tank Engine. And he wrote then while he was a curate at St Nicolas Church in Kings Norton.
Since then, of course, the plucky blue engine who longs for greater things has stolen the show not only in the original run of 26 books but in subsequent outings in tales told by others; in cartoons and comics, toys and TV shows; in movies and merchandise.
Here in the UK, Thomas even has his very own theme park – the only official site of its kind in Europe – with more than 25 rides and attractions across a three-acre area of Drayton Manor Resort, on the outskirts of Staffordshire town Tamworth.
All this month, Thomas Land is celebrating its 15th birthday. Opened to the public on March 15, 2008 and expanded in April 2015, it has become one of the leading family fun destinations for young children in the UK.
As Drayton Manor’s new season opened yesterday, I was among the VIP media guests and celebrities to get first sight of the celebrations, which will run through until April 30. And I took along a family group including two-year-old Thomas fan Peri.
Here’s how our trip went:
1. Fun for little ones at Thomas Land
It was my grand-daughter’s first-ever visit to a theme park. I was keen to see the place through her eyes, and to road-test the park’s ambitious aim to offer “fun for everyone”. | Paul Cole
2. Thomas Land at Drayton Manor
First things first. If you’re unfamiliar with Thomas Land, you’ll find it to your left after you enter the park through the main gateway. If you’re au fait with the later books, just look out for Cranky the crane or the Sodor Airport control tower on the skyline. | Paul Cole
3. Helicopter ride at Thomas Land
Pass through the area’s own archway and you’re surrounded by rides, most of which are suitable for children taller than 0.9 metres. And even if they’re a tad smaller, they can still ride when accompanied by an adult. In fact, you’re warned on many of the attractiosn in Thomas Land that adults can’t ride without kids! | Paul Cole
4. Thomas Land rides are for kids
Over a full morning, Peri rode trains and boats and planes – and, as any adventurous tot must, helicopters and cars too. Her favourite was gentle rise and fall attraction Harold’s Helicopter Tours, which prompted plea “Again! Again!” each time we landed. | Paul Cole