Thomas & Friends is a British children’s television series, which had its first broadcast on the ITV network on 4 September 1984. It is based on The Railway Series of books by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher Awdry. These books deal with the adventures of a group of anthropomorphised locomotives and road vehicles who live on the fictional Island of Sodor. The books were based on stories Wilbert told to entertain his son, Christopher during his recovery from measles. From Series one to four, many of the stories are based on events from Awdry’s personal experience.

The Island of Sodor is always bustling with activity, yet when the engines try to be “Really Useful” they often find themselves in some messy muddles. James tries to prove he’s not afraid of the dark, or too vain to haul smelly fish, but when he pulls the nighttime Kipper Express he gets more than he bargained for. Stephen’s need for speed and Salty’s need to impress sends them both into some sticky, slippery situations. Hiro shows Diesel that nice engines do finish first and Sir Topham Hatt shows you can’t cry over spilled milk – twice. It’s full steam ahead for Spills & Thrills on Sodor. Featuring the episodes: Away from the Sea, The Smelly Kipper, No More Mr Nice Engine, Gone Fishing, Thomas’ Shortcut and The Afternoon Tea Express. On the Australian release, Thomas’ Shortcut is replaced by Jitters and Japes.

Through mud, garbage, and muck, Thomas and his engine friends show that being really Useful can be a dirty job! See James turn into the Really Muddy Engine, and Thomas get showered with rubbish. Watch Peter Sam make a big mess trying to keep things on track, as Thomas creates chaos with the crows and much, much more. Join Thomas and the Steam Team as they make the best of the mess in these exciting muddy and mucky adventures! Episodes include: Muddy Matters, Thomas and the Rubbish Train (retitled Thomas and the Garbage Train in the US), Don’t Bother Victor!, Whiff’s Wish and Thomas Toots the Crows.