Marketing Thomas the Tank Engine's 70th Anniversary

Thomas the Tank Engine, a favourite toy and book for generations of children, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. This anniversary is an opportunity to build on the nostalgic appeal of Thomas and launch new products to keep Thomas on track toward new admirers and new sales.

Hornby's Thomas the Tank Engine

• Top, a special collector's edition book published by Egmont and sold at Waterstones.
• Funny or Die, an online humor site, features Neil Patrick Harris in a special video about Tankie.
• Toy marketer Hornby is introducing new Thomas engines for the anniversary. Above, one of the Thomas & Friends locomotives.
• For the inside story on why Thomas is engine number 1, click here.