Thomas the Tank Engine, has been hailed as key to the survival of heritage railways, with the popular Days Out with Thomas events accounting for a significant amount of most of the UK's railway’s annual income.

HIT Entertainment – the brand which owns the licensing for Thomas – holds events with its partner heritage railways across the country where visitors can experience a ride on a steam engine, shake hands with The Fat Controller, and take part in Thomas-themed activities. While additional characters and activities vary depending on the railway, Thomas the Tank Engine and The Fat Controller are always present at every event. This is something HIT makes sure is up to an expected quality standard, with regular inspections carried out on the events around the UK.

“As part our our contract with HIT, we run on a three-year rolling deal,” said Dick Wood, business development manager at South Devon Railway Trust speaking to Attractions Management. “Providing we satisfy their quality checks, such as the trains having proper faces etc, we are licensed to use Thomas for our annual event.”

Wood went on to talk about the pros and cons of using an IP for a heritage railway. The cost of hiring a regular locomotive is around £300-350 per day at the lower end, with more recognisable locomotive engines reaching four figures. Thanks to the appeal of Thomas to railway visitors, guest numbers swell to around three times the typical amount for a bank holiday weekend.

“At one time there were a large number of railways holding Thomas events but nowadays there are fewer, but these showcases – however rare – are held on a much grander scale,” Wood continued.

“Some railways turn their face against it because of the royalty payments, but for me its the three busiest days of our year with 7-10,000 people visiting us over a three-day period.”

The UK’s largest railways have an annual turnover of around £3m a year, with Thomas proving to be a significant chunk of that revenue and essential in keeping many heritage railways in the black.

The Thomas IP has proved to be popular outside of the heritage rail sector as well, with Drayton Manor’s Thomas Land attraction a hit among visitors at the park.

For more on Days Out with Thomas click here.