104 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

At 104 days... we're at 92% of tickets sold! So if you're planning on attending, get your tickets today: http://bit.ly/aufpremiere

November 27th in New York City we'll be debuting a documentary about Thomas the Tank Engine and his unlikely fans, adults around the world. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

105 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

 A lot of fantastic and interesting people work on any TV series, and Thomas & Friends is no exception - there have been several amazing music composers over the years (I'm an especially big fan of the original ones in the earlier years of the show) but today I'm going to talk about Robert Hartshorne. 

Hartshorne composed the music (and some of the songs) on the show from 2003 until 2017. He has a number of other television credits but I think the most interesting credit he has outside of Thomas is composing a song for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary of her reign). 

Pretty crazy being tasked with composing for an iconic British character and the queen herself. I had the opportunity to ask Robert some questions about his work on Thomas & Friends some years ago. You can read that here. 

Just 105 days until the premiere of An Unlikely Fandom: The Impact of Thomas the Tank Engine. 90% of the tickets are sold - we're almost at capacity! Get tickets here! 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

106 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

(originally posted by my other profile, reposted to make it consistent)

106 days until the An Unlikely Fandom premiere! 

Thomas the Tank Engine is frequently referenced throughout pop culture, but within the past year there was one movie that made extensive references to Thomas and his friends - going so far as to make the references crucial to developments at times. 

The movie, Bullet Train, is an R-rated action comedy and the character that makes the Thomas references is a hitman which somehow makes it that much funnier.   

The movie also features a sheet of vintage Thomas stickers which feature prominently throughout. I came to the conclusion while watching the movie that the person who wrote it must have been a Thomas fan / grew up watching the show to make the references that were made. 

There was even a scene in which a character protesting Thomas being called "Thomas the Tank." "It's Thomas the Tank Engine!" 

I hope whoever decided to write those references in hears about our documentary and gets a chance to see it. 

Tickets to our premiere are 90% sold!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

107 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

Today's countdown post (107 days until the premiere of An Unlikely Fandom) is a Thomas Trivia post.

The fun fact of the day is: renowned English actor John Hurt actually had a role in Thomas & Friends later in his career. He voiced the villainous Sailor John in the 2015 special "Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

108 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

I'm deliriously tired tonight but the first Thomas thought that popped into my head was the day that I received this VHS in the mail - June 6th 2003. My Dad had bought it for me on ebay, but we'd been away for a couple days and I was so excited to finally have my own copy and not have to get it from the library any more.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

109 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

In 2017 something very exciting happened for Thomas fans - we got the first direct adaptation from the books to the TV series that we had gotten since 1996 with the introduction of the "Small Railway Engines" in 3 episodes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

110 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

One of the most famous steam engines, the City of Truro is a real locomotive that has appeared in The Railway Series, Thomas & Friends and other Thomas media, like the magazines. 

It's definitely on my list of engines I'd like to see in person!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

111 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

While cleaning my room, I found the activity book they handed out at the Thomas & Friends on the Big Screen event that I posted about awhile back. Still in great condition. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

112 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

Following the 26 books penned by the Rev. W. Awdry - Thomas and his friend's adventures continued with 16 books written by Wilbert Awdry's son,  Christopher. 15 of which are included in the omnibus volume pictured. 

This book is much harder to find than the one I posted last night and though I've sought to buy a copy for years, I've not yet managed to aquire one. (Someone currently has one listed on Amazon for $300) 

Fortunately, a friend has scanned the book for me to read whilst I continue my search for a hard copy. I'll be sure to let everyone know what I think of these stories.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

113 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

So I've mentioned that Thomas the Tank Engine was originally based on books, called The Railway Series, published from the 1940's onward... the first 26 of which were published together in this volume - Thomas the Tank Engine: The Complete Collection. There are lots of stories and characters that never made it into the television series. I first discovered this book when I checked it out from the library when I was 11 or 12 years old. I have my own copy now, which I love very much. Good memories!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

114 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

A little throwback today, before he became infamous for other things, Alec Baldwin played Thomas' friend Mr Conductor!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

115 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

So, I've mentioned the insane amount of creativity in the Thomas fan community several times, but I've not yet mentioned the time that Mattel commissioned Thomas creators to create content for the official YouTube channel - as a platform for creators to get their stuff out there, and of course, to promote the brand on the internet. All sorts of Thomas merchandise was utilized as well as custom-made models and the creators collaborated create several multi-part adventures. The attached screenshots are from the first of these. A very interesting time in Thomas history.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

116 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

Some behind-the-scenes shots from An Unlikely Fandom! Check out their Facebook page for more and get tickets to the premiere on November 27th in NYC!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

117 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

I spent the day at the movies, and didn't have access to the internet on the drive to and fro, so I'm just now writing my daily Thomas post and after having spent 10 minutes or so looking for a good screenshot of Thomas dressed up as David Bowie (I'll have to find it another time)... I found out that Hot Topic used to sell Thomas the Tank Engine shirts. Was disappointed to see they are sold out - but it wouldn't have done me any good anyway,  they only went as large as an XL. 

Tickets to the premiere of our documentary, An Unlikely Fandom, are almost sold out. Get yours today!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion. 

118 Days: Countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

Another favorite steam locomotive/ Thomas & Friends character: I've actually talked about this one quite a bit. Even made videos about him. 

The real one's name is Stephenson's Rocket and was the first steam engine. Won a race against the other early steam engines as well. The original and several replicas are on display in England. I had the privilege of seeing a couple of these. 

The character is named Stephen, and was introduced in the show in 2013. When I began traveling in 2017, I actually went to Toys 'r Us and bought the Wooden Railway toy to take with me as my little mascot... and I have photos and videos of him in various places all around the world. 🌎 

118 days until the premiere of An Unlikely Fandom!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

For more about An Unlikely Fandom visit: Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram 

I'm blogging the countdown to the An Unlikely Fandom premiere, 

for the rest of these blogs - click here! 

New Thomas content coming soon to my YouTube. 

Click here for that!

You can visit the Thomas the Tank Engine Wiki by clicking here.

Also be sure to check out the Sodor Island Fansite and Sodor Island Forums, 

if you're looking for more great Thomas the Tank Engine content and discussion.