A big treat is in store for fans of 'Thomas the Tank Engine' as the famous engine and many of his railway friends from the Island of 'Sodor' will be visiting the South Devon Railway's ever popular 'Day Out with Thomas' event over the early May Bank Holiday weekend on 2nd, 3rd and 4th May.

In what is expected will be the biggest 'Day out with Thomas' event held in the South West this year, young fans of 'Thomas' will be able to meet their hero once again and enjoy scenes similar to those seen in the late Rev W. Awdry's books and videos.

As usual, there will be a diet of fun-packed entertainment as 'Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller', tries to get the various engines to keep to the busy timetable.

'The Fat Controller' has been having a lot of problems with 'Thomas' recently as he has been getting up to mischief and suffering a whole series of bad luck. It always seems to be poor 'Thomas' who runs out of water and finds fish in his tanks!

This year, 'Frank the Freight Engine' (GWR loco number 3803) will be pulling the big train to Totnes, along with 'Duck' (GWR loco number 5786) and 'Scottie' (Class 37 diesel number D6737).

Meanwhile, 'Thomas' will be helped at Buckfastleigh by 'Julian the Prairie engine' (GWR loco number 5542) with the shuttle train, along with 'Duck' lookalike engine GWR loco No. 1369 at Totnes.

'The Fat Controller' is hoping that the trainee guard won't miss catching the train to Totnes again! Sadly, Great Western 0-4-2 tank engine 'Oliver' has poorly tubes and is seeing the Doctor.

'Thomas' will also be joined this year by vintage buses 'Bertie' and 'Bulgy' who will be giving circular rides from outside Buckfastleigh station to Buckfast Abbey and Buckfastleigh town.

Train services start from Buckfastleigh at 9.55am and from Totnes at 10.38am and then every hour and half right through the day, with shorter 'Thomas' shuttles going for a short trip along part of the line throughout the day.

This year's prices are:-
• Adult £15.00
• Senior Citizen £14.00
• Child (2-14yrs) £10.00
• Familly(2 Adults & 2 Children) £42.00

The price also includes rides to and from Totnes on the main train; a ride in the Branch Line Shuttle train pulled by 'Thomas' & 'Julian', brake van rides at Totnes with 1369 and 'Toad', plus all of the fun at Buckfastleigh including a traditional fairground, miniature railway rides and the Thomas 'Imagination Station'.

This year for the first time, also include entry to the Totnes Rare Breeds farm and the Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies at Buckfastleigh.

Visitors will also be able to see the progress being made on various projects up and down the line:

At Totnes, a new signalbox is nearing completion which will control train movements around the station, and a new water tank for steam locos is now in use. At Buckfastleigh, inside the locomotive works, 'Oliver', locos No. 3205 and 1420 are being repaired by Dr Rob.

The South Devon Railway also features:
• An extensive museum, including Brunel's only surviving 'broad gauge' engine,
• Expressway model and gift shop,
• Riverside walks, a maze and children's play area,
• Newly refurbished 'Refreshment Rooms',
• Picnic area and wooded parkland.

Tickets can be bought over the phone from Buckfastleigh (01364 642338) or on line from *.

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