The Future of Thomas the Tank Engine
Thomas the Tank Engine's adventures are broadcast daily, available on videos and DVDs, and his likeness appears on everything from toys to books to clothing. So what does the future have in store for Thomas?
Thomas fans have the chance to enter the real-life world of Thomas the Tank Engine in the nationwide "Day Out With Thomas Ride-the-Rails Tour," sponsored by HIT Entertainment in partnership with local railroads. The events provide an opportunity for kids to ride on board a train led by Thomas and have their pictures taken with him and Sir Topham Hatt.
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The line of products built around Thomas the Tank Engine has expanded, with Thomas-themed furniture, bedding, room decor, and wallpaper products, through partnerships with The Betesh Group, York Wallcoverings, Dan River, Spin Master Ltd., and the Little Tikes Company.
An interactive games-on-demand TV network, TVHead, has developed the first-ever iTV games based on "Thomas & Friends." The games will offer children a range of activities; focusing on navigation, early math skills, and problem solving. The project is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2006.
Thomas, and Thomas-lovers everywhere, have lots of fun and learning to look forward to for years to come.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Natalie Walker Whitlock is the author of more than 500 articles and 13 books, including A Parents Guide to the Internet. She lives with her husband and seven children in Arizona.
Michael Mallory is an internationally recognized authority on animation and the author of the books Hanna-Barbera Cartoons and X-Men: The Characters and Their Universe.