The children had asked me if Thomas and his friends actually existed in the real world during circle time this morning. This instinctively began a discussion, so much so that we were kept engaged for over 45 minutes discussing every-bodies views. Since it had arrived time for break so we stopped and after I decided instead of showing the children some real images of the locomotives Thomas and his Friends are based on. I have prepared the images in this fashion so that children can directly compare the 2 images side by side and are able to stop to see the differences. The images below are the the legitimate sources of depiction for each character. I have provided the first 6 engines. I invite children to draw a picture of their favorite engine. Then they can either bring them to school or you can send them too me over the school recognised platform.
Thomas the tank engine is based on an LB&SCR Class E2
Edward the Blue engine is based on a Furness Railway Class 21/K2
Henry the Green engine is based on an LMS Stanier Class 5
Gordon the Express engine is based on an LNER Class A1 Pacific
James the Red engine is based on an L&YR Class Class 28
Percy the small engine is based off a Avonside 0-4-0ST
Mr Brendan's Classroom 