Thomas the Tank Engine in-depth tour | Curator with a Camera

As the National Railway Museum's Senior Curator of Rail Transport and Technology, Anthony Coulls frequently calls upon his extensive expertise across a broad range of railway-related subjects.

However, this could be the greatest challenge he has faced in his role to date.

In this edition of Curator with a Camera, Anthony takes you on a detailed tour of one of the most significant and impactful locomotives of railways old and new: Thomas the Tank Engine.

Through great storytelling, this distinctive blue engine has carved a reputation as an icon of the railways since its debut in 1940s literature. Thanks to modern locomotive restoration and preservation techniques, Thomas continues to work today, captivating imaginations across the globe and spurring on the next generation of railway enthusiasts.

00:00-00:27 Intro
00:27-00:47 Who created Thomas the Tank Engine?
00:47-01:15 Model specification
01:15-01:28 Working history
01:28-02:20 Low-emissions technology
02:20-02:59 Inside the cab
02:59-03:58 Driving impressions
03:58-04:51 Inspiring engineers of the future
04:51-05:13 Like, share and subscribe
05:13-05:17 APRIL FOOLS!

#checktheuploaddate #thomasandfriends

[dasmann]

It’s good to see that Thomas is kept in good working order even in the museum.

[tre-engines]

I thought this was just going to be a random April fools video from people who hasn’t watched the show before, but I actually really enjoyed this and I appreciate that they did research on the original source material before doing this! The video was also pretty funny and I can’t help but wonder if anyone else attempted to ride the Tiny Thomas!

[rhysun]

It's sad that No.1's boiler isn't functional anymore. But it's still a treat to see such an iconic loco restored to a pristine condition and that members of the public are allowed to climb into the cab! Well done! You guys do a great job!

[comicfan]

To be fair, in the Railway Series, Thomas is an honorary member of the National Railway Museum

[Alex-cwrz]

True testament to Thomas's design that he's in perfect running order unlike the others

[Dellboy]

The definition of a curator of a railway museum: A person who is truly happy in his job!
And, oh boy, do I envy him.
Keep up the great work. 👍

[filmlife]

and now what's the most incredible thing of all, ACCEPTS CONTACTLESS PAYMENT! HOW BRILLIANT IS THAT!!!!-antony couls senior curator at the NRM 2023

[mykeready]

Oh my God!

I’m in stitches. You guys must have had so much fun making this video.

Thank you so much for sharing this.

Keep up the great work everyone.

[ThatScottishAtlantic]

This is the best Curator With A Camera ever made!

You guys should do Ivor The Engine next! XD

[missmanxee]

A great example of why the original classic Thomas is and always will be the one and only number 1 tank engine and is still continuing to delighting children of all ages to this day despite what Mattel has done to the franchise thanks for sharing this amazing video on my favorite steam engine 🚂👍❤️

[harrisonallen]

So nice to see that Thomas is still in usage after Mattel completed changed his character in AEG.

[waubadoo]

0:56 that took me back to my childhood 😌

[ceciasa]

This was hysterical! A worthy review of the mini Thomas the Tank engine ride XD

[COBO]

It’s nice that Thomas is still being recognised by the National Rail museum even after all these years 😂 especially after his visit in the books 😂

[mikey]

Brilliant! Well done for getting in the spirit. I loved Thomas the tank Engine and saw him at the museum. So glad to see him in action!

[icetea]

Woah, I didn't know they got a sole survivor LBSCR E2 Locomotive!

[Spheredalai]

THIS IS A HILARIOUS ONE 😂!!
CANT STOP GIGGLING BY MYSELF
HAHAHA

[nicopavvi]

I'm happy to see an engine from the North Western Railway preserved at the National Railway Museum. I've heard some years ago an heritage railway was interested in restoring Edward, does anybody know if they made progresses?

[JRizzle]

One of the best exhibits at the NRM whenever I go

[livesteam]

Old enough to remember when Thomas visited the NRM both in the books and in real life...