'Thomas' toy train from the TV show 'Thomas the Tank Engine'
Object No. 2003/111/52
Originally created in England by the Rev WV Audrey in 1945 in a story to entertain his son Christopher who was suffering from measles, the adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends on the island of Sodor have delighted generations of children and parents. The books came to life in the television series 'Shining Time Station' and 'Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends', both produced by Britt Allcroft. Thomas first appeared in the USA in the early 1980s when his television show aired on the PBS network. He became a worldwide television and merchandising phenomenon. Ringo Starr voiced the narration. This toy comes from a group of 3000 toys that was auctioned on 8 and 9 September 2002 by Goodman's at Double Bay. The toys, nearly all officially licensed merchandise from television productions, films and comic books, were accumulated in Australia by Barry Woodley since his youth. Most have their original packaging and have never been opened. This toy is suitable for inclusion in the proposed exhibition about television in Australians' lives. In this context it can be used to illustrate themes relating to 'Children, television and the family' and merchandising.
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Summary
Object Statement
Toy train, with packaging, licensed from the television show 'Thomas the Tank Engine', metal / plastic / cardboard, ERTL Company Inc, China, 1985
Physical Description
Toy train, Thomas the Tank Engine' locomotive with packaging, licensed from the television show 'Thomas the Tank Engine', metal / plastic / cardboard, made by ERTL, China, 1985 The train is made of blue diecase metal and plastic and is modelled on the animated train character from the children's television series 'Thomas the Tank Engine. The train has a human face on its front and a number 1 on its cab in yellow and red. The train is made to a 1/32 scale. The train is contained within a blue cardboard box with a clear plastic window. The box is decorated with several small colour illustrations of Thomas the Tank Engine. The text 'Thomas the Tank Engine Motorised. Needs no batteries!' is printed on the front of the box. Instructions of use are on the reverse of the packaging.
DIMENSIONS
Height
145 mm
Width
212 mm
Depth
105 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The toy train was made by ERTL in China in 1985.
HISTORY
Notes
The toy train came from a collection of over 3000 toys accumulated by Barry Woodley of Sydney between 1980 and 2002. Woodley began collecting seriously at the age of 17. He was consistent in his approach, collecting only toy vehicles and robots licensed from television, film and other media such as comic books, that were in mint condition and in their original packaging. Woodley collected for his own pleasure and did not open the toys or play with them. The toy train was sold with the rest of the Woodley collection by Goodman's auctioneers in 2002.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased, 2003
Acquisition Date
11 July 2003
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