Thomas and Friends

An original prop used in the production of the long running children's television show Thomas the Tank Engine which later became Thomas & Friends.

This is an original 'Open C' truck as used to transport goods on the North Western Railway, most notably pipes. This special effects version is rigged for the side panel to fall off allowing the wagon to lose its load as required, this can be seen happening in the series eight episode Percy's Big Mistake and the series ten episode Edward Strikes Out as both the engines lose the loads they are hauling. 

The wagon is custom made from resin and features a maroon paint finish with black frames. One of the side panels was fixed only by pins and hooks which are connected to a servo which could be remotely operated allowing the panel to fall off as required, additionally there were two angled wires in the bed on top of which the load was placed, when the panel was removed this would allow the pipes to roll on to the track and achieve the desired effect. To the underside there is circuitry and a servo motor which when operated would move the pins holding the panel in place allowing it to fall off.

The truck measures an impressive 11" long and features significant warping due to heat damage, this possibly originating from a fault with the servo, one of the rolling pins in the bed of the truck is also missing but one still remains demonstrating how the effect was achieved, a number of repairs have been made over the course of the props life and some minor details remain lacking.

A rare example of screen used rolling stock and an interesting special effects item from this popular children's television series.