WHEN my two children found out Thomas The Tank Engine was making tracks to Buckinghamshire Railway Centre over Easter it just had to be full steam ahead to pay him a visit, writes Steve Sims.
Located at Quainton, the centre holds several Day Out With Thomas events each year and if you missed the recent treat, never fear, you’ll be chuffed to learn he’ll be back for June 29-July 1 and September 8-9.
Upon arrival we were given a map of the site and after seeing Thomas had just left the station for one of his 20-minute journeys down his branch line, we instead started our day by walking to the far end of the site to experience the miniature railway.
The 10-minute round trip saw us hop aboard the small carriages to be whizzed around the tracks, past the many sights, including numerous TV character toys littering the grass verges.
After that it was back to the main platform for the chance to take a trip on Thomas, which got my children all steamed up with excitement as the smoke billowed from the famous blue engine’s funnel.
Journey over and there was a chance to give Thomas some water following his hard morning’s shift, a task my three-year-old son revelled in as he repeatedly filled a bucket and passed it to the Fat Controller.
Following lunch, Thomas’ chum Percy was also offering rides, so it was all aboard for another exciting trip.
As well as the train journeys there’s much more to keep you entertained – magic shows, Punch ‘N’ Judy, the Thomas DVD Theatre, museum, storytelling, badge making and face painting.
There was also a huge Thomas Trackmaster layout boasting more trains in the collection then even my son has – soon to be added to by an eBay purchase for his birthday from Hong Kong of the rare Hiro engine!
If you’re children are Thomas fans then this is a Day Out (With Thomas) you won’t want them to miss. Pencil the 2012 dates in your diary.
For more information see www.www.bucksrailcentre.org.