What happened to thomas the tank engine

Fratton · January 09, 2013, 11:26:06 AM

I've just been sat watching the new thomas and friends that is 100% CGI and no live filming of models at all, does anyone know what happened to the original filming models and the scenic sets?

sad to see that the models they film have been swept aside by new technology, its not how i remember it from my childhood,,,,

davieb · January 09, 2013, 12:09:11 PM

Hi all

From reading an article in the latest Steam Railway Magazine the Thomas "bubble" seems to have burst

Several Preserved lines have Cancelled their "Thomas the Tank" events this year following a downturn in attendances last year

i haven't seen any of the latest Thomas programs but it is sad they have gone down the CGI route

dave

Fratton · January 09, 2013, 12:23:44 PM

I just had a thought of what happened ti the actual physical models did they end up owned by the model creators or boxed up and warehoused by the tv production company, would like to think someone is still enjoying them somewhere,,,

Karhedron · January 09, 2013, 12:39:09 PM

And voiced by Ringo Star! Those were the days

Most childrens stuff is CGI these days because it is easier and cheaper. Is it better? I recently introduced by boys to Thunderbirds and they are hooked. I think it says something when a show nearly 60 years old can still hold its own so well in terms of entertainment value against the latest pixellated wonders.

I don't mind CGI shows that have been created as such but moving an established show like Thomas over to it loses some of the charm. Mind you, that has been going on for a while anyway as they filmed all the original Thomas stories years ago and have been creating their own dubious tales ever since.

barkfast · January 09, 2013, 12:40:08 PM

It was sad to see Thomas go down the route of economic rationalism... but I guess its the bottom line that HIT Entertainment was more concerned about.

Interestingly enough, my 2 girls (2yo and 4yo) seem more captivated by the CGI versions.

I sometimes ~~force the girls to watch~~ put older Thomas on TV - the modelling skills of its creators are just amazing.

Bikeracer · January 09, 2013, 10:12:44 PM

Some of us can remember the original books from more than 60 years ago.

Allan

trainsdownunder · January 09, 2013, 11:56:53 PM

Quote from: Bikeracer on January 09, 2013, 10:12:44 PM
Some of us can remember the original books from more than 60 years ago.

Allan

Books - Now there's a novel idea !

- Is it called a Kindle coz it's good for starting fires !

Sorry I'll get me coat

Bikeracer · January 10, 2013, 08:35:39 AM

Quote from: trainsdownunder on January 09, 2013, 11:56:53 PM

Books - Now there's a novel idea !

- Is it called a Kindle coz it's good for starting fires !

Sorry I'll get me coat

Throwing it on a fire is about the best thing to do with the new Kindle Fire.

Allan

Sprintex · January 10, 2013, 08:51:33 AM

Quote from: Fratton on January 09, 2013, 11:26:06 AM
What happened to thomas the tank engine

They completely and utterly ruined it, that's what

If anyone gets the bright idea to make CGI versions of the Peter Firmin/Oliver Postgate creations there WILL be fatalities I'm afraid!

paul

Jerry Howlett · January 10, 2013, 10:48:10 AM

Quote from: Sprintex on January 10, 2013, 08:51:33 AM
Quote from: Fratton on January 09, 2013, 11:26:06 AM
What happened to thomas the tank engine

They completely and utterly ruined it, that's what

If anyone gets the bright idea to make CGI versions of the Peter Firmin/Oliver Postgate creations there WILL be fatalities I'm afraid!

paul

Psssh t chuff pssh t chuff said Ivor. Idris agrees. Perfection see link below.

Link

Sprintex · January 10, 2013, 03:46:00 PM

Exactly . . . perfection! Which means it doesn't need messed with by some sad button-pushing mocha latte-drinking geek who can't get a girlfriend! Same goes for Bagpuss, The Clangers & Noggin The Nog.

Paul

EtchedPixels · January 11, 2013, 12:29:16 AM

The original Thomas (and spare Thomas), Duck and various other locos are at Tywyn along with Rev Awdry's study and some of his layouts. Well worth a visit and you can do the Talyllyn while you are at it !

Bealman · January 11, 2013, 01:48:28 AM

Thanks for that! I'll be in Wales in your summer - I'll keep that in mind! I used to have the original books as a little kid in the 50's (the little oblong hardback ones with the wonderful illustrations), but where they went, GOK.

Jerry Howlett · January 11, 2013, 06:14:52 PM

Quote from: bealman on January 11, 2013, 01:48:28 AM
Thanks for that! I'll be in Wales in your summer - I'll keep that in mind! I used to have the original books as a little kid in the 50's (the little oblong hardback ones with the wonderful illustrations), but where they went, GOK.

Luckily for me the first Mrs H worked for the original publishers, so I have a few copies of the original series. I also had postcards and a map of Sodar but being greedy flogged them on e-bay and bought lots of N Gauge goodies with the proceeds the present Mrs H then bought me a boxed repro set of the books. New grandchild arriving this month , noy a hope in *** of them getting their sticky little fingers anywhere near them though !!!

Skyline2uk · January 11, 2013, 06:32:51 PM

Its not just the CGI that grates, its the stories.

The writers have clearly been seduced by the idea of a wider toy market, have you seen some of the things they are offering now....

[url]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thomas-the-Tank-Engine-Trackmaster-Zip-Zoom-and-Logging-Adventure-Misty-Island-/110967438679?pt=UK_Toys_Creative_Educational_RL&hash=item19d62cbd57]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thomas-the-Tank-Engine-Trackmaster-Zip-Zoom-and-Logging-Adventure-Misty-Island-/110967438679?pt=UK_Toys_Creative_Educational_RL&hash=item19d62cbd57 //

Since when did railways have zip-wires?!

I used to have the Thomas show on the telly before I went to work, but only put up with a few animated episodes when "Misty Island" stories just got to annoying.

Skyline2uk