Fictional locations in Thomas & Friends

For The Railway Series article, see Fictional Locations (The Railway Series)

The television show Thomas & Friends takes place almost entirely on the fictional Island of Sodor. The children's books the series is based on, The Railway Series by Rev. W. Awdry and his son Christopher uses a different set of locations.

Settlements

Abbey

Abbey Station is located on the Peel Godred Branch Line.

Arlesburgh

Arlesburgh is a seaside town on the west coast, along Duck's Branch Line.

Arlesdale End

For The Railway Series article, see Arlesdale

Arlesdale was the end of Toby's old tramway. His shed and a turntable were just beyond the station, and many visitors came to the station the day his line closed down.[1]

The station has a new track that extends beyond Toby's shed.

Balladrine

The village of Balladrine is served by a station, located on the Main Line sharing a similar structure with Dryaw Station on Thomas' Branch Line.

Ballahoo

Ballahoo is a dormitory town, (located northeast of Crovan's Gate and southwest of Vicarstown) serviced by a station on Arthur's branch line.

Barrow-in-Furness

Barrow is a town, served by a train station, located on the mainland. It is the starting point of the main line to Tidmouth on the Island of Sodor. It was mentioned in season 19.

Bluff's Cove

Bluff's Cove is a seaside village, located between Haultrough and Arlesburgh, on Duck's branch line.

Brendam

Brendam is a town, located at the end of a peninsula, and served by a station. It is shown in seasons 2 and 3.

It is the top station of Edward's branch line. Brendam Docks is located a few yards away.

Upper Brendam is another station, located between Lower Suddery and to the North of Brendam.

Brendam Docks (introduced by name in Season 5) is one of the busiest and most important dockyard harbours in the Island's Industry.

Cabalnoo

Cabalnoo is a village located northwest of Kirk Ronan. A railway station is located here on the Main Line Loop Route.

Callan

Callan is a town, served by a station. The station has a platform on either side of three tracks – two of those tracks pass under a bridge, while the third leads to a single shed. Behind one of the platforms is an adjacent shunting yard, which at one point featured an open shed.

Callan is located East of the town of Peel, and its name comes from the exact river (of the same name) on the Reverend W Awdry's maps of Sodor.

Cronk

Cronk is a historic country town, located upon a curiously rocky outcrop, close to the Centre of the Valley towards the Heart of Sodor.

It is located (between Maron and Killdane) and also the halfway point along The Main Line.

Crosby

Crosby is a seaside town, located between Knapford and Wellsworth on The Main Line, it is also the junction for The Loop Line, (via Elsbridge and Callandale) to Tidmouth.

Cros-ny-Cuirn

Cros-ny-Cuirn is a village located between Crovan's Gate and Glennock, along the Skarloey Railway.

The station (which is serviced by the Narrow Gauge Railway).

Crovan's Gate

For The Railway Series article, see Crovan's Gate

Crovan's "Gate" is the terminus of the Skarloey Railway[2] and a station on the main line of the North Western Railway, serving the town of the same name.[3]

Although The Works from the books were mentioned, they were never specifically seen at Crovan's Gate, and over time different locations have been used for the maintenance of engines.[4][5]

The station returned in the season 18 episode Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger.

Dryaw

For The Railway Series article, see Dryaw

The village of Dryaw is located (between Knapford and Toryreck), on Thomas' Branch Line.

The station (serving the village), is next to an adjacent small airfield and Harold, Tiger Moth, and the red balloon are frequently seen here. Certain episodes feature the station on Thomas' branch line,[6] while in others, main line trains pass through.[7][8]

A small footbridge that runs over the rails and runs from the platform on one side to the platform on the other side. Dryaw also has a small picket fence running at the edge of the platform, separating the platform from the airfield. The name is an anagram of "Awdry".

Elsbridge

For The Railway Series article, see Elsbridge

The village of Elsbridge is served by a station, which is (or perhaps, was) the original junction (and middle) station on Thomas's Branch Line, as well as The Loop Line between Crosby and Tidmouth. It is located in the countryside, and has two island platforms and a footbridge. Briefly, there were also sheds where coaches, trucks, and sometimes engines resided.[9][10][11]

Other stations have occasionally served as junctions for Thomas' branch line.

According to the TV Series map, Elsbridge is also the junction on The Loop Line running from Tidmouth (via Callandale and Elsbridge, itself) to "just east" of Crosby.

Ffarquhar

Main article: Ffarquhar

The town of Ffarquhar is the terminus of Thomas's branch line.[6] For a time, there were shunting yards adjacent to the station.[12]

Glennock

Glennock is a village, located adjacent to the Skarloey Railway.

It is located presumably midway between Crovan's Gate and Skarloey Top station.

Great Waterton

Great Waterton was once the largest railway town on Sodor. As time went on and industry spread to new towns, Waterton was abandoned. When Thomas later discovered the town through an old, overgrown branch line, the industries of Sodor worked to restore it as a major attraction.[13] Edward delivered a large water wheel to be put on display by the station.[14]

The rails at Waterton station branch off in several directions, and some tracks are elevated above the Main Line. Some tracks lead to a disused mine in the mountains.

Hackenbeck

The village of Hackenbeck is located west of the town of Ffarquhar on Thomas' Branch Line.

Harwick

Harwick is a seaside town (and fishing port) located on the northernmost side of the Island of Sodor.

The fishing town is also the Top Station of the newly constructed Harwick branch line, which runs through nearby Arlesburgh Harbour and up the coast to the fishing town itself.

It was mentioned in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure and seen in Season 20.

Haultrough

Haultrough is a seaside village located (between Tidmouth and Arlesburgh) on Duck's Branch Line, the station itself, is an island platform station, with a track on both opposite sides, with the station building centered in between.

Kellaby

Kellaby is a village, served by a station located between Kellsthorpe and Balladrine on the Main Line.

Kellsthorpe Road

For The Railway Series article, see Kellsthorpe Road

Kellesthorpe Road is a large train station on the Main Line, introduced in Season 8. Thomas helped to carry the workmen to and from the construction site when it first opened. There was a sharp, difficult bend just before the station, so Annie and Clarabel would help Thomas to pass it easily. When the coaches had to go to the shop for maintenance, Thomas was nervous and came off the track at the bend. Later, some runaway trucks came down the Main Line towards the construction site. Thomas remembered the coaches' advice and made it to the station to warn the signalman about the trucks.[15]

Killaban

Killaban is a village located south of Cronk and southwest of Killdane.

Killdane

Killdane is a town located near Cronk.

It is also on The Main Line, as well as the starting point of the Peel Godred branch line. Killdane is also the junction to the Killdane Branch Line.

Kirk Ronan

For The Railway Series article, see Kirk Ronan

Kirk Ronan is a town, served by a large terminus. When Gordon first visited, he was disappointed at the blank wall in front of the buffers as he arrived. When the station officially opened, Gordon crashed through the wall, hanging several feet above the ground. When the station reopened, part of the opening made by the crash remained, with a plaque reading "Gordon's View."[16]

Kirk Ronan functioned in the role usually reserved for Knapford. Although main line engines travelled to the station in the TV series, in the books it only featured historically, as the terminus of the Sodor & Mainland Railway, the first standard gauge line on the island.

Knapford

For The Railway Series article, see Knapford

Knapford is one of the two main towns on the Island of Sodor, the other being Tidmouth.

Knapford Station has six platforms, and a large glass roof. It contains The Fat Controller's office, and is the station where HM The Queen visited The Fat Controller. Gordon also pulls his Express from here every day.

Knapford Junction is located adjacent to the station itself, the junction is formed of the crossovers in-between.

Knapford Sheds are where engines and coaches are sometimes stored. The main shed has five parallel tracks running into it, and a yard just outside.[17][18][19] Engines sometimes come here for repairs.[4]

Knapford Yard (located north of the town itself), is where shunting often takes place, some repair sheds are also located here.[20][21]

Knapford was introduced in Season 1 and has been in nearly every season. It was briefly a terminus station early in the show's very first season, and a harbor yard could sometimes be seen through it.[22][23] A new model was built for Thomas and the Magic Railroad and later seasons. In the newer model, track extends beyond the station and turns away..

In season one episode "Thomas and Gordon", what becomes Tidmouth sheds is present and named as Knapford sheds as shown on the signal box carrying a "Knapford" nameboard instead.

Knapford is currently described as the junction to Thomas' Branch Line. The name comes from the parish of Knapwell, where Awdry was vicar.

Knapford Station Yard (introduced in The Adventure Begins), is a large shunting area was added adjacent to the station. The shunting yard consists of sidings, a couple of sheds and a coal hopper. The station also got signal gantries and crossovers.

Knapford Harbour is a dockyard harbour, located west of Knapford station itself.

Lakeside

Lakeside is a village, located at the northern limit of the Skarloey Railway. The village itself is located adjacent to the lake, from which it gains its name, there is also a harbour in-between.

A Blue Drawbridge is located here (where Boats enter or exit the harbour), along with a Junction in-between. A loop of the Skarloey Railway runs-round the village and lake.

Maithwaite

The village of Maithwaite is served by a small station, located besides an adjacent level crossing, with two lines running through. Main line and Branch line engines have been seen running through. Percy once helped the station win a "Best-Dressed Station" contest, almost not making it due to a ram and some trouble-making boys.[24]

Maithwaite is located (between Elsbridge and Hackenbeck) on Thomas' Branch line.

Maron

For The Railway Series article, see Maron

Maron is a local village located on the eastern end of Gordon's Hill. In the TV series, the station (serving the village) has appeared (with two different designs).

Maron is also the junction for the Town of Ulfstead, (via the Summerhouse) Northwards, and for the Sodor Search & Rescue Centre Southwards.

Norramby

For The Railway Series article, see Norramby

The resort of Norramby is located on the East Coast of the Island of Sodor, It is the top station of Arthur's Branch Line.

Peel

Peel (also known as, Peel Godred) is a station on the Peel Godred Branch line. It has four platforms, two being on an island platform between the centre tracks.[25] Near the station there is a town hall and a bakery.

Rheneas (Village)

Rheneas is a village served by a station (located between Glennock and the village of Skarloey) on the Skarloey Railway.

Rheneas Viaduct, Bridge and Tunnel are located nearby.

Skarloey (Village)

Skarloey is a village and the top station of the Skarloey Railway.

It is located between Rheneas Village and Lakeside.

Suddery

For The Railway Series article, see Suddery

Suddery is a town located mid-way along the Peninsula of the island, it is also the Capital of the Island of Sodor and served by two train stations, both located on Edward's Branch Line.

Lower Suddery Station was seen early in the show's run.[26][27] And is (or was) on Edward the Blue Engine's Branch line, between Wellsworth and Upper Brendam.

Tidmouth

For The Railway Series article, see Tidmouth

Tidmouth is one of the two main towns on the Island of Sodor, the other being Knapford.

The town is also the largest railway centre and is the headquarters of the North Western Railway.

In the original books, Tidmouth is the main settlement and largest station and engine shed on Sodor. In the TV series, Knapford is largest, and a number of different locations have used the name Tidmouth, making the town of Tidmouth, (itself) the second largest and co-main settlement, even on the Island of Sodor.

Tidmouth Station is (or perhaps was) a station with a glass roof and a row of three lines passing through.[9] There was a group of engine sheds where the engines on Thomas' branch line lived from time to time.[28][29][30] There was also a coal depot in the yards nearby.[31][32][33] The engines on Duck's branch line primarily worked here for another period,[34][35] and the station was at one point referred to as "The Works."[36]

Lower Tidmouth station is a railway station (located midway between Tidmouth and Knapford) it was sometimes seen as the junction for Thomas's branch line.

Tidmouth Hault is a station located on the West Coast of Sodor, along Duck's Branch Line, (between Tidmouth and Haultrough). Toby, Duck, and Donald helped to build the engine sheds there.[37] Sometimes main line engines or engines from Thomas' branch line have been seen passing through, as the station is also the junction for a separate line to Callandale (on the Loop Line towards Elsbridge).[12][38][39][40][41]

Tidmouth Town Square is located north of Tidmouth Station itself, co-serving the town of Tidmouth.

Tidmouth Sheds are the main engine sheds (located near Tidmouth Station, itself), where Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy and Emily (since Calling All Engines) live. Toby occasionally stays at Tidmouth Sheds.

Other engines have also been know to stay at Tidmouth Sheds, including Stanley in The Great Discovery, Flynn the Fire Engine in Day of the Diesels and Spencer multiple times.

Duck, Donald, Douglas and Oliver formerly lived at Tidmouth Sheds. Duck stayed in the sheds in the Season 18 episode, "Duck And The Slip Coaches", where he co-helped with the increasing passenger service and holiday traffic in-between.

Tidmouth Harbour (aka, Tidmouth Docks) is a sheltered dockyard harbour (and one of the busiest and prominent ports in Sodor's Industry), located close to the sea and has an extensive railway system, connecting with The Main Line. The Flying Kipper usually begins its journeys from here to other parts of the Island.

Toryreck

Toryreck is a local village, located between Dryaw and Elsbridge on Thomas' Branch Line.

The village is served by a country station, with a single platform and consists of a siding and shed, on the opposite end.

Toryreck is also close to a Junction where it breaches of towards Knapford Harbour, as well as another separate line to the Lead Mines, in-between.

Ulfstead

The town of Ulfstead is located North of Maron (on The Main Line), and East of the town of Ffarquhar (on Thomas' Branch Line).

It is well known for Ulfstead Castle which is located nearby, and dominates the town below.

Ulfstead is also on the Maron-Ulfstead branch line, which actually runs to the nearby Ulfstead Castle.

Vicarstown

Vicarstown is a railway station, serving the small town (of the same name), located on the East Coast of the Island of Sodor, it made its debut in The Great Race.

Wellsworth

For The Railway Series article, see Wellsworth

Wellsworth, is a town,"[42] served by a station (also known as "Edward's Station"), located between Crosby and Maron on The Main Line, connecting (as the junction to) Edward's branch line, as well as another branch line, running North-East of the Town, towards a Coaling Yard.

There is a yard behind the station that has changed from time to time.[43][44][45][46]

The town is also located at the northern end of a peninsula, towards the coast and to the Sudrian Capital of Suddery.

The vicar of Wellsworth is the Rev Charles Laxey. As a result, Wellsworth vicarage is the home of Trevor the Traction Engine.

Harbours and Ports

Along the Coastlines of the Island of Sodor, there are plenty of dockyard harbours and prominent ports, where ships, boats and barges come into port, and where the Standard Gauge NWR interchange and provide, as listed below.

Arlesburgh Harbour

For The Railway Series article, see Arlesburgh

Arlesburgh is the location of Arlesburgh Harbour; it is located on Duck's Branch Line, and it is where Percy, Duck and some of the other engines have worked. The harbour is one of the most prominent ports on the Island of Sodor.

The harbour is also located along the Harwick branch line, which passes through (as well as nearby) en route.

Brendam Docks

For The Railway Series article, see Brendam

Brendam is home to one of the most prominent ports on the Island of Sodor. Many characters work here, but the main fixtures are a crane called Cranky,[47] Salty, a diesel shunter,[48] and since season 17 Porter,[49] a tank engine. Bill and Ben sometimes work or spend the night here.[50][51][52][53]

The Sodor Shipping Company has a number of large warehouses here. Steam trampers and ocean liners frequently pass through.

Christopher Awdry often criticises the design of this version of the harbour, as it is far too large for the volume of traffic an island like Sodor would require, any day. However, the Sodor of the television series is generally very different from that of the books.

Many building, ship and crane models actually originate from Tugs. This series was set in a large port serving a major (American) city, which goes some way to explaining the size of Brendam Docks.

The harbour sets were rarely consistent before Season 5 introduced Brendam by name, and different seasons featured different-looking sets.[11][44][54][55][56]

Brendam also marks the end of Edward's Branch Line.

Knapford Harbour

Located West of Knapford on The Main Line, lies Knapford Harbour.

This Dockyard Harbour is located on a goods-only route, branching off from a junction (south of Toryreck, on Thomas' branch line).

Percy and some of the other engines helped out with the construction of the Harbour, and The Main Line crosses a nearby bridge, spanning above the adjacent Harbour station close-by.

The Fishing Village

The Fishing Village is a coastal harbour and dockyard, located between Ballahoo and Norramby on Arthur's Branch Line.

This is where, fish is collected and loaded into wagons (mainly salt wagons), bound for other parts of the Island. The smell of fish is almost everywhere across the area.

The Wharf

The Wharf is a port, located North-East of the town of Crovan's Gate (and also across the Bay from the seaside town of Norramby).

This is where both the NWR and the Skarloey Railway meet and interchange in-between.

Tidmouth Harbour

Located close to the end of the Main Line, Tidmouth Harbour (aka, Tidmouth Docks) is one of the busiest ports in Sodor's Industry.

It is where The Flying Kipper usually collects fish and deliver along the Main Line to and fro.

Mining quarries

Stone quarries and mining pits are seen and mentioned throughout the show's run.[26][57][58][59]

Anopha Quarry (aka, Ffarquhar Quarry)

Anopha Quarry (aka, Centre Island Quarry and Ffarquhar Quarry), is a stone quarry, located at the very end of Thomas' Branch Line.

Mavis works here, shunting and arranging trucks, full of stone into place, whilst Toby and Henrietta bring workmen to and from the stone quarry, Percy sometimes helps out here and also collects stone trucks to the Harbour.

Bill and Ben (both still bearing the markings of the Sodor China Clay Company, respectively) have also helped out here.

Most frequently other engines,[48][60] such as, Thomas, Stepney (during another of his visits to Sodor), Fergus, Stanley, Diesel, 'Arry and Bert (both bearing the markings of the Sodor Ironworks, respectively) have also helped out at the quarry.

Salty also helped out at the Quarry, before relocating to Brendam Docks (to his delight). Den once helped out at the Quarry, filling in for Mavis (while she was being repaired at The Dieselworks).

Anopha Quarry is also known by two other alternative names, "Centre Island Quarry" (During Seasons 6-11) and "Ffarquhar Quarry" (Since Season 17).

Blue Mountain Quarry

The Blue Mountain Quarry (first introduced in Blue Mountain Mystery) is a large slate quarry, located on one of the narrow gauge lines of the Skarloey Railway. It is also served by a standard gauge branch line that breaches of the Peel Godred Line.

The narrow gauge engines (Skarloey, Rheneas, Sir Handel, Peter Sam, Rusty and Luke), work here, and Paxton often takes stone from the quarry to Brendam Docks and other dockyard ports in-between.

Other engines such as, Thomas, Henry & Toby have also occasionally helped out here, and Spencer once collected a large delivery of stone during the rebuilding of Ulfstead Castle (much to his embarrassment).

Merrick and Owen are stationed here.

Maithwaite Quarry Mine

Maithwaite Quarry Mine (commonly known as The Abandoned Mine) is an old mothballed quarry, located between Elsbridge and Maithwaite on Thomas' Branch Line.

Skarloey Slate Mines

The Skarloey Slate Mines (commonly known as the Skarloey Railway Slate Quarry) are a large slate-mining quarry, located south of the actual top station of the Skarloey Railway. Most of the narrow gauge engines usually worked here, and it was also here that Peter Sam had an accident with some trucks.

Although Slate-Mining is staple of the Skarloey Railway. These mines have a winch at the top of a slope called an incline with a cable wrapped around. Both cables are coupled to the end of a line of trucks. Trucks loaded with slate roll down one side of the incline, and this motion pulls the empty trucks up to the top.[61]

Sodor China Clay Company

The Sodor China Clay Company, (commonly known as the China Clay Pits) are both a quarry and a mine, located at the very end of Edward's Branch Line, near Brendam Docks.

Bill and Ben work here, shunting and arranging trucks of China Clay into place, Timothy also works here, as does a Steam Shovel named Marion, whose job is digging and loading China Clay into trucks, bound for various parts of Sodor.

Sodor Slate Quarry

The Sodor Slate Quarry is a quarry located on the Quarry Branch Line south of the Blue Mountain Quarry on the north slope of the Sudrian Mountain Shane Dooiney and also south of the Blue Mountain Quarry.

Ulfstead Mine

Ulfstead Mine is an old and abandoned mine, located further below Ulfstead Castle, itself.

It was here that Stephen found and discovered King Godred's Crown and Percy bravely encountered the mine to rescue some Troublesome Trucks.

The Coal Mine

The Coal Mine was a mine located North-East of Wellsworth, along a branch line that passed a local village (that was serviced by a halt), and up a steep hill before arriving at the Coaling Yards.

Although coal wasn't a major resource on Sodor in the books, The Coal Mine had been used in the television series. The mine collapsed when runaway trucks crashed into a support beam down below the shaft. This mine had a canvas barrier along the tracks outside. Percy and his crew, managed to survive an avalanche by hiding under the canvas as the track was buried.[62]

Another Mine was also on a narrow gauge line of the Skarloey Railway, built on an incline similar to the Skarloey slate mines.[63]

The Lead Mines

The The Lead Mines are located near Toryreck on Thomas' Branch Line, accessing via the goods-only line (towards Knapford Harbour). The Lead Mines (formerly mined for what gained them there name, until the lead veins dried up in 1930), since then it is Uranium that is mined here.

It was where Thomas once passed a danger sign and fell down a mine, as the track was unstable.

This place is where the ground could hold the weight of trucks, but not the weight of any railway engines, as most tracks around the site are often unstable, as the ground is not firm enough to house any cranes.

Farms

So far, around four farms (located along Thomas' Branch Line) are helpfully served by rail, they even have the contract to see farm produce and farmyard animals transported by rail.

Crowe's Farm

Crowe's Farm is a small Farm located between Knapford and Dryaw, on Thomas' Branch Line.

A level crossing is located nearby, it was here a cart of lime was stranded on the rails and Percy crashed into the latter by accident.

McColl Farm

Farmer McColl's Farm is a large Farm located between Toryreck and Elsbridge, on Thomas' Branch Line.

Trotter Farm

Farmer Trotter's Farm is a Pig Farm located between Elsbridge and Maithwaite, on Thomas' Branch Line.

Finney Farm

Farmer Finney's Farm is a Farm, located near Hackenbeck, on Thomas' Branch Line.

It is where Terence lives and works.

Other Industries

As well as the Dockyard Harbours, the Stone Quarries and Farms across the Island, there are also further different types of Industry, found on other parts of Sodor, as listed below.

Aluminium Works

Located Northwards from the town of Peel ... The Sodor Aluminium Works is where Aluminium is brought from Tidmouth for manufacturing Ingots and other things, prior to deliveries for The Mainland.

Crock's Scrap Yard

Crock's Crap Yard is a slightly small scrapyard, located on Edward's branch line.

It is where rusty old iron and other past one time machinery is broken up into pieces and loaded into trucks, before any other engine takes them to the Sodor Ironworks for melting down and reused again.

This is where Reg is stationed.

Mr Jolly's Chocolate Factory

Mr. Jolly's Chocolate Factory (aka, the Sodor Chocolate Factory) is a factory and local business trade, located (North of Abbey station) on the Peel Godred branch line.

The factory manufactures chocolate and other products, before they're transported by rail to local shops across the island.

It was originally located at the bottom of a hill along the line, however following Percy's accident, it is relocated, further away from the foot of that hill.

Sodor Cement Works

The Sodor Cement Works is a quarry-look-alike place, located on the Kirk Ronan Branch Line.

It is where Fergus usually works, and is also the pride of the Cement Works.

Sodor Dieselworks

The Sodor Dieselworks (Introduced in Day of the Diesels), is the Diesel Equivalent of the Sodor Steamworks.

It is also home to some of the Diesel Engines of the NWR, the whole site is composed of a shed with 5 berths to accommodate some of the diesel engines, a repair shed, Diesel 10's own shed and of course the back shed. It is located on the outskirts, to the west of Vicarstown.

Den and Dart live and work here.

Sodor Ironworks (aka, The Smelters Yard)

The Sodor Ironworks (more commonly referred to, as the Scrapyards and Smelters), is where 'Arry and Bert usually work, shunting and hauling trucks filled (to the brim) with scrap to and from the smelters shed and adjacent yard. Many fellow engines dread working there.[64][65] Some of the tracks are lined with rusted old engines. Inside the sheds, sparks fly everywhere, and a large crane arm lifts material to be smelted.[66][67]

Stepney once got lost on a foggy night, and his crew left to ask for help. When the fog cleared, Stepney was left without his crew, and the diesels took him to the smelters. Stepney was saved just in time by The Fat Controller, who was inspecting the yards that evening.[59]

There is also Crock's Scrap Yard, located by Edward's Branch Line.[68] Engines on the Other Railway await scrapping in large yards.[36][69]

Sodor Steamworks

The Sodor Steamworks (Introduced in Hero of the Rails) is the main fueling hub for the steam engines of the fat controller's railway, and is home to one of the railway's largest workshops. Victor is the manager, and Kevin also works there. The Skarloey Railway also has a line that starts behind the Steamworks.

This is where most railway engines are overhauled and fully repaired, occasionally check over, let alone repainted. Some diesels where also repaired here, (Prior to the resurrection of the Sodor Dieselworks, nr Vicarstown).

It is located in nearby Crovan's Gate, close to The "Adjacent" Main Line.

Sodor Search and Rescue Centre

The Sodor Search and Rescue Centre (introduced in Misty Island Rescue), is the base (as well as the home) of emergencies and operations for Belle, Flynn, Rocky, Butch, Harold and Captain.

The SS&RC is located south off the coast of Maron, East of Suddery and West of Killaban.

The Ice Cream Factory

The Ice Cream Factory is a business trade, located near Killdane, along The Main Line.

It is where all types of Ice Cream are made, before it would be taken to where ever it is needed (or wanted) across the Island.

The Lumber Mill and Timber Yard

The Lumber Mill and Timber Yard is where trees and logs are sent by rail for cutting down.

The Lumber Yards are located north of Crovan's Gate (and close to Henry's Forest), on the Main Line.

The Power Station

The Sodor Power Station is an industrial place, responsibly producing electricity across the Island of Sodor.

It is located (towards the Aluminium Works) further northwards pass the town of Peel along the Peel Godred branch line.

Whiff's Waste Dump

Whiff's Waste Dump (Introduced in Misty Island Rescue), is the exact location where Whiff and Scruff work. It is located (between Hawin Lake and Kirk Machan) on the Peel Godred branch line.

This is where most of Sodor's rubbish and refuse, the dump is helpfully equipped with a row of Cranes and Crushers handling, sorting out and disposing various amounts of garbage, properly and effectively.

The Waste Dump is also located close towards the junction for the branch line to the Blue Mountain Quarry.

Miscellaneous

Much emphasis is placed and positioned on the varying freight traffic and goods work carried by rail around the island, since this allows for a greater range of storylines other than would be the case for a purely passenger-carrying railway.

The way of providing this traffic, a number of rail-served industries are present. For example, in the Season 9 episode Thomas' Milkshake Muddle, the plot revolves around the carriage of milk (or butter) from one of the dairies to the ice cream factory and the bakery. Also there are successful passenger and freight connections to the airport via the Mainland in other subsequent stories and the DVD special: Calling All Engines!

List of other rail-served industries

The following is a list of the other rail-served industries that have a direct bearing on the plotlines in various episodes of the TV series:

List of Rail Shunting Yards

Landmarks

In both the Books and the TV series (as well as the Magazines), there are various landmarks across the Island of Sodor.

Black Loch

Black Loch is a picturesque lake, located near Callan Castle. The country surrounding it is considerable reminiscence of Scotland, and Donald and Douglas feel at home there. Popular legend states that a monster lives in the lake.[72] An old causeway branches off of the track leading to Lord Callan's Castle, but only light engines and stock can cross it safely.[66][72]

Callan Castle

Callan Castle (aka The Scottish Castle or Lord Castle's Castle is a stop on the standard gauge railway, near Black Loch. The stop is a small platform with a stairway leading up a hill to the castle.[72] Lord Callan flies the Scottish flag on days of ceremony.[73]

Culdee Fell Hill

For The Railway Series article, see Culdee Fell

Culdee Fell Hill is a mountain through which a section of the narrow gauge railway travels.[74]

Dryaw Airfield

Dryaw Airfield is located adjacent to the nearby forsaken station, on Thomas' Branch Line.

Tiger Moth and the Red Balloon are found here. Harold originally lived here, before relocating to the Search & Rescue Centre.

Gordon's Hill

For The Railway Series article, see Gordon's Hill

Gordon's Hill is a steep hill located between Wellsworth station and Maron station. It was named after Gordon got stuck pulling a goods train and Edward had to push from behind. It is a place where a banker engine is often required to help trains up the hill, and Edward frequently filled this roll.[75][76]

Many trains have faced difficulty on the hill since Gordon's original incident.[77][78][79]

Henry's Tunnel

For The Railway Series article, see Ballahoo

Henry the Green Engine once stopped in a tunnel (near Ballahoo) and refused to come out. As it was impossible to move him, The Fat Controller decided to wall him in, and engines would only pass through the parallel tunnel. Henry was eventually removed, and the tunnel was put back in service, as usual.[80][81]

Norramby Beach

For The Railway Series article, see Norramby

Arthur's branch line runs a small distance by Norramby Beach.[82][83]

Misty Valley

Misty Valley is a very misty valley prone to rock falling. Cyril the Fogman works here, putting detonators on the tracks to warn of rockfalls. In "The Fogman" he is replaced by a fog horn, but this was so loud that it caused a large rockfall.

The valley is located further north-east of Callan, towards Callan Castle, on the Misty Valley branch line.

Rumblin Bridge

Rumblin Bridge is a new station on the narrow gauge line. A stone bridge visible from the station passes over a river.[84]

Sodor Airport

Sodor Airport is an airport, located (south of Maron), along the Main Line Loop.

It is where Jeremy the Jet Plane lives.

Sodor Suspension Bridge

The Sodor Suspension Bridge carrys The Main Line across the valley of a stream below. It is located in-between Crosby and Wellsworth. It crosses over the River Reagh.

The Viaduct

The Viaduct (a.k.a., "Cronk Viaduct", or perhaps "Maron Viaduct") is a railway structure, located between Maron and Cronk on The Main Line.

It spans the valley of the Hawin Ab below, carrying The Main Line across en route.

The Watermill

The Watermill is an Architectural Structure, Located within the Agricultural Countryside (North of Elsbridge, on Thomas' Branch Line), here a stream flows by, via the wooden wheel-structure to a nearby adjacent lake below the adjacent railway bridge.

Town Square

The Town Square (aka, Tidmouth Town Square) is where the Town Hall of the town of Tidmouth is located. The station (serving the square) is located North of Tidmouth Station itself, and is also located on both The Loop Line and Duck's Branch Line, respectively.

It is also located towards the Junction, where Duck's Branch Line breaches of towards Harwick, (via Haultrough, Bluff's Cove and Arlesburgh), whilst The Loop Line heads North-Eastwards, via Callandale and Elsbridge towards Crosby Junction (Just East of the forsaken Station, itself).

There is also a library located at the Town Hall.

Ulfstead Castle

Ulfstead Castle is home to Sir Robert Norramby, Earl of Sodor.

Sir Robert Norramby returned to Sodor to restore the Castle and grounds.

The Dinosaur Park

In Season 18, Sir Robert Norramby opened a Dinosaur Park on his estate.

It has models of four dinosaurs and a model of a Volcano.

Vicarstown Rolling Bridge

The Vicarstown Bridge is the exact railway bridge that connects Sodor to The Mainland.

It is a draw bridge structure, (spanning the Walney Channel) so boats can go under it.

Railway Lines

There are various railway lines criss crossing the Island of Sodor.

Arlesdale Railway

The Arlesdale Railway is a 15"-gauge railway, which runs from Arlesburgh Junction (on Duck's branch line) to the village Arlesdale, and back.

Rex, Bert and Mike (the main fixtures) run this minimum gauge railway, doing daily jobs such as, binging ballast from the gravel pits for putting under tracks, wool for fresh new clothing and hauling passenger-carrying coaches too.

The Arlesdale Railway also runs a line through Arlesburgh Harbour via standard gauge metals in-between.

This was once part of Duke's Old Railway (which closed in 1947), from which the Arlesdale Railway now runs and occupies part of this historic line (via Marthwaite).

It is also the Sudrian counterpart of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, located in Cumbria.

Arthur's Branch Line

Arthur's Branch Line is the exact branch line, which runs from both towns of Crovan's Gate and Vicarstown, (via Ballahoo, midway) to the seaside resort of Norramby.

It is run by Arthur, who enjoys this job, as the line runs pass the fishing village, (where the smell of fish is everywhere) en route to Norramby "and back".

Bluebell Branch Line

The Bluebell Branch Line (generally known as Stepney's Branch Line) is located in a small, slightly isolated part of Sodor known for its bluebells and blossoms. Both standard and narrow gauge lines make up the railway, but few engines would work there at other times. Rusty once resolved to find a steam engine who could run the line regularly, and traveled to The Other Railway where he found Stepney, derelict in a siding.

Stepney enjoyed being put back to work, but was disappointed that his line was then short and had no trucks. As such, he sometimes has occasionally arranged visits to The Fat Controller's Railway - the North Western.

In the books, Stepney came from the real Bluebell Railway: a heritage railway in South-East England. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine was written to promote this railway and the heritage railway preservation movement.

In later non-CGI episodes, a standard gauge line is seen running besides the narrow gauge tracks. It is likely that this is what became of the Bluebell Branch Line, however Stepney is absent.

It is indeed a Sudrian counterpart of the Bluebell Railway.

Edward's Branch Line

Edward's branch line runs along the peninsula of the island, from Wellsworth (on The Main Line) to the town of Brendam, via the Sudrian Capital of Suddery in-between.

It is successfully run by Edward, with helpful assistances from BoCo and a few other engines (especially Donald & Douglas, whom help run the line from time to time) too.

The line also passes the Local Vicarage Orchard (Where Trevor the Traction Engine resides), Crock's Scrap Yard (where Reg is stationed), The Sodor Animal Park and beyond the Docks (where Porter, Salty and Cranky are stationed) to the China Clay Pits (where Bill and Ben, along with Timothy and Marion usually work, whom also co-run the line).

Estate Railway

The Estate Railway is a tourism railway owned by Sir Robert Norramby on his Estate at Ulfstead.

Stephen and Millie work on the railway.

Misty Valley branch line

Breaching off near Kirk Machan on the Peel Godred branch line, the Misty Valley branch line passes the town of Callan before descending through the land of the same name to Callan Castle.

There is also a loop, from which it passes Black Loch, located near the Castle.

Peel Godred branch line

The Peel Godred branch line is a fellow railway line, that breaches off at Killdane Junction (on the Main Line) and heading northwards to the town of Peel.

Along the way, it passes through (as well as calling at) Abbey, Hawin Lake and Kirk Machan, as well as two junctions in-between, one breaching of to the Blue Mountain Quarry, the other bound for the town of Callan (east of the town of Peel), as well as for Callan Castle and for Black Loch too.

Skarloey Railway

The Skarloey Railway is a Narrow Gauge Railway, running from Crovan's Gate (where it interchanges with the NWR) to the villages of Rheneas and Skarloey, passing through and via Glennock along the way.

The narrow gauge railway also runs a line to the Sodor Steamworks, as well another to the Blue Mountain Quarry.

It is also, the Sudrian counterpart of the Talyllyn Railway in Wales.

The Little Western

The The Little Western (Generally referred to as, Duck's Branch Line), is a coastal branch line, which runs along the west coast of the island, from Tidmouth (along adjacent sandy beaches close-by) to Harwick, (via Haultrough, Bluff's Cove and Arlesburgh).

The line originally intended to reach the holiday town of Harwick, but once it reached Arlesburgh, the extension stopped until the events of Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure. . This line is run by Duck and Oliver, (along with Donald & Douglas). Ryan also works along the line, (mostly on the branch line extension to Harwick), along with Daisy (Whom usually worked on Thomas' Branch Line).

The Harwick extension is the newest of the whole North Western Railway, which was built during the events of Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure, the extension starts at the seaside town of Arlesburgh and runs all the way up the coast to Harwick. Ryan and Daisy mostly run this new-built extension of the line.


The Loop Line

The Loop Line is a railway line, that runs from Crosby Junction, (east of the forsaken station), to the town of Tidmouth, via Elsbridge (where it meets Thomas' Branch Line) and through Callandale, in-between.

Many railway engines have worked along this line, its name comes from the fact, that some trains run round back to whichever side of the line quite circularly.

The Main Line

The Main Line runs through most of southern Sodor, from Barrow (on the Mainland), across the Walney Channel, "via the Vicarstown Bridge" and onto the Island of Sodor, where the rest of the journey continuously resumes onwards until finally reaching Tidmouth (on the west coast of the island).

Along the way, The Main Line passes through and serves various towns and villages in-between, by the names of Crovan's Gate, Kellsthorpe, Killdane, Cronk, Maron, Wellsworth, Crosby and Knapford en route, before arriving at Tidmouth.

The Mainland (aka, Great Britain)

Certain railway engines are said to have come from The Mainland. Whilst in the books (as well as the television series, and also in various magazines), The Mainland of Sodor is in-fact the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and home to the modernizing and diesel-run Other Railway, which criss-crosses to and fro across England, Scotland and Wales, much further afield.

The Television Series often suggests that a few steam engines, like Charlie, Spencer and Samson still worked there, and the threat of diesels (and electrics) taking over is rarely mentioned.

However, from Season 17 onwards (and in King of the Railway), Connor and Caitlin work on The Mainland (presumably most closely to Barrow), and semi-regularly visit Sodor, as do Spencer, Hiro (Modified to work along a part of the Other Railway's Cumbrian Coast Line, only), Gator, Samson and Sidney.

The Other Railway

The Other Railway is located on the Mainland, (as well as on a faraway part of Sodor, where only diesels work). Steam engines on this railway are either in hiding[85] or awaiting scrap.[86]

In the books, "The Other Railway" is often referred to as British Rail, but in the TV series it was suggested as a railway on Sodor itself, In-fact, it is however located on The Mainland (Great Britain), (via the Vicarstown Bridge) whom it connects to the Island of Sodor.

Thomas' Branch Line

Thomas' Branch Line runs from the town of Knapford (on The Main Line), up the valley to Ffarquhar, via Elsbridge (where it meets The Loop Line, in-between).

Along the way, it calls and passes through the local villages of Dryaw, Toryreck, Elsbridge, Maithwaite and Hackenbeck respectively, before reaching the top station at Ffarquhar. However, it continues though and beyond the town to Anopha Quarry, where Mavis works.

Thomas (whom was given charge of this picturesque line, for helpfully aiding James of his accident), runs this line, as he considers it the most important part of the whole of the North Western Railway.

Percy, Toby, Daisy, Mavis and some other engines have also worked along this branch line.

Ulfstead branch line

The Ulfstead branch line crosses of at a junction (just west of Maron, on The Main Line), through some woods, pass the Summerhouse and uphill to Ulfstead Castle, this line surprisingly heads near, though not actually to close to the town of Ulfstead.

Misty Island Railway

The Misty Island Railway is a logging railway located on Misty Island. It is run by the Logging Locos - Bash, Dash and Ferdinand.

Old Narrow Gauge Railways

There was at least one railway before the existence of the present narrow gauge railway. This one was called the Mid-Sodor Railway and was worked by Duke, Falcon, and Stuart. After many years, it closed down (due to hard times and bankruptcy) in 1947, and Falcon and Stuart were bought by the Skarloey Railway and were renamed Sir Handel and Peter Sam, respectively.

No one would come for Duke until over 20 years later, and his old line was so overgrown that one of the men searching for him fell through the shed's roof without even knowing it was there.

There were also some other narrow gauge engines on the MSR, it is unknown whatever became of these narrow gauge engines since the MSR's closure.

Another railway connected with the standard gauge railway at an old mine. The Fat Controller became interested in restoring it after seeing it on a map that his grandchildren discovered. Legend held that an "Old Warrior Engine" would light his fire at night and go hunting. "Old Warrior" turned out to be a little old tank engine called Bertram, who was put into use when a park was set up at the site.[87]

This long-abandoned little railway was located further North of Tidmouth, closer towards Arlesdale and also towards the West Coast of the Island, where Duck's Branch Line - The Little Western runs.

Stations, Halts and Junctions

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

Duck's Branch Line - (The Little Western)

Edward's Branch Line

Kirk Ronan Branch Line

The Main Line

The Main Line Loop

Thomas' Branch Line

Ulfstead Branch Line

Norramby Branch Line

Peel Godred Branch Line

Misty Valley Branch Line

Toby's Branch Line

Quarry Branch Line

Killdane Branch Line

The Loop Line

Skarloey Railway

Arlesdale Railway

Culdee Fell Railway

Transfer Yards

The Transfer Yards are where the North Western Railway meets the narrow gauge Skarloey Railway as well as a station for both railways.

References

  1. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Toby and the Stout Gentleman"
  2. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Four Little Engines"
  3. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Bowled Out"
  4. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Bulgy Rides Again"
  5. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 11, "Edward and the Mail"
  6. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Thomas and Bertie"
  7. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "James and the Coaches"
  8. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "James and the Red Balloon"
  9. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Better Late Than Never"
  10. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Daisy"
  11. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Thomas and Trevor"
  12. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Make Someone Happy"
  13. ↑ Thomas and Friends: The Great Discovery
  14. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 12, "Steady Eddie"
  15. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 8, "Thomas Saves the Day"
  16. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "A Better View for Gordon"
  17. ↑ Thomas and Friends: Calling All Engines!
  18. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Something Fishy"
  19. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Peace and Quiet"
  20. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 11, "Dream On"
  21. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Hector the Horrid"
  22. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Off the Rails"
  23. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "No Joke for James"
  24. ↑ Thomas and Friends, Season 5, "Baa!"
  25. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Thomas' Milkshake Muddle"
  26. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Percy Runs Away"
  27. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Down the Mine"
  28. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Thomas Comes to Breakfast"
  29. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Ghost Train"
  30. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Woolly Bear"
  31. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Thomas, Percy and the Coal"
  32. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Break Van"
  33. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Tender Engines"
  34. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Oliver Owns Up"
  35. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Bulgy"
  36. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Escape"
  37. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Donald's Duck"
  38. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Time for Trouble"
  39. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Toby's Tightrope"
  40. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Old Slowcoach"
  41. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Happy Ever After"
  42. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Whistles and Sneezes"
  43. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Thomas and Gordon"
  44. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Fish"
  45. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Emily's New Coaches"
  46. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Edward's Brass Band"
  47. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Cranky Bugs"
  48. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Salty's Secret"
  49. ↑ Thomas & Friends Season 17, "Away from the Sea"
  50. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Double Teething Troubles"
  51. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "No Sleep for Cranky"
  52. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Thomas' New Trucks"
  53. ↑ Thomas & Friends Season 17, "Gone Fishing"
  54. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "The Flying Kipper"
  55. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Percy Takes the Plunge"
  56. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Diesel Does It Again"
  57. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Percy's Predicament"
  58. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Trust Thomas"
  59. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Stepney Gets Lost"
  60. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Bill, Ben and Fergus"
  61. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Trucks"
  62. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Put Upon Percy"
  63. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Skarloey the Brave"
  64. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Scaredy Engines"
  65. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 8, "Halloween"
  66. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Fergus Breaks the Rules"
  67. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "James and the Queen of Sodor"
  68. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Saved from Scrap"
  69. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Rusty to the Rescue"
  70. 1 2 Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Flour Power"
  71. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Not So Hasty Puddings"
  72. 1 2 3 Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Bad Day at Castle Loch"
  73. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Henry and the Flagpole"
  74. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 10, "A Smooth Ride"
  75. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Edward the Very Useful Engine"
  76. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 8, "You Can Do It, Toby!"
  77. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Troublesome Trucks"
  78. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Busy Going Backwards"
  79. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Gordon and Spencer"
  80. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "The Sad Story of Henry"
  81. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Edward, Gordon and Henry"
  82. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Percy and the Oil Painting"
  83. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 10, "Seeing the Sights"
  84. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "The Grand Opening"
  85. ↑ Thomas and Friends, Season 3 "Escape"
  86. ↑ Thomas and Friends, Season 4 "Rusty to the Rescue"
  87. ↑ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Toby's Discovery"
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