"Thomas the Tank"  rolls out of Newark

He's no ordinary train engine, as any kid will tell you. Nor is he available at just any retailer/wholesaler. Euro-Rails Model Importers, located in Newark, has exclusive distribution rights for the U.S. and Canada of the popular characters from Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends.

The Thomas television series, which began in 1984, recently returned to U.S. audiences on the new Fox Family network. The new cable network also airs "Shining Time Station," a live-action program that features Thomas & Friends in animated shorts. With this renewal on television, count on a renewed interest from your children, grandchildren, and  "grown up" collectors.

"© Britt Allcroft (Thomas) Limited 1998"

The series' original creator and producer is Britt-Allcroft, a company in England that turned the Reverend W. Awdry's book characters into an international franchise. The Hornby company manufactures the HO scale trains and accessories, and Euro-Rails imports them for distribution - locomotives Thomas, Gordon, Duck, Percy, James; coach cars Annie and Clarabelle; milk wagons, tunnels, water tower building kits, signals...over 30 items.

The trains are electric or clockwork (wind-up), all HO scale (1/87th) and there's even plastic track for the younger kids. And although 1/87th might sound "small scale," this Newark company is proving itself an international competitor.

Founder and owner Al Muniz moved his business here in May 1996. The importing company obtains thousands of items from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, South America, then supplies hobby shops and specialty stores in the States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. Becoming exclusive licensee of Thomas is just one more move up the "scale."

If you would like more information on the scale models of Thomas & Friends, send an SASE to: Thomas the Tank Engine, c/o E-R Model Importers, 1000 South Main St., Newark, NY 14513.

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