Thomas the Tank Engine thrills thousands

Thomas the Tank Engine  arrives at the Railway History Center

It has been a full 20 years since Thomas the Tank Engine first visited the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie.  While the event is structured differently today, the guest of honor remains the highlight of the event.

Scratch the Cat visits with Eric Ode

In 2022, Day Out With Thomas at the Northwest Railway Museum consisted of a shuttle ride with Thomas from the Snoqualmie Depot to the Railway History Center.  After an hour of excitement including live music from Eric Ode, a visit with Sir Topham Hatt, Thomas play tables, railway museum exhibits, model trains, a maze and a selection of Thomas-themed games, guests had an opportunity to get a photo with Thomas and then go on an extended excursion to Snoqualmie Falls, returning to the Snoqualmie Depot shortly thereafter.

Sir Topham Hatt greets visitors of all ages

Thomas the Tank Engine stories originated in the United Kingdom in 1945.  The Reverend Wilbert Audry created the stories for his son Christopher who was ill at the time.  The popularity of the stories was amplified when they transitioned to television in the early 1980s.  In North America, Thomas the Tank Engine began visiting heritage railways about 20 years ago.  His first visit to the Pacific Northwest was in July 2002 when he traveled to Snoqualmie.

Thomas the Tank stops to smell the day lilies.

Day Out With Thomas 2022 was fully subscribed and operated without any major disruption.  Stay tuned for announcements regarding Thomas’s return in 2023!