‘Thomas’ the little blue tank engine returns to the Strathspey Steam Railway on the first two weekends of July for his ONLY visit this year and perhaps for a last time.

The dates for fans young and old are Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th and Friday 8th to Sunday 10th July. This is his 60th Birthday but none the less he will be his usual busy, helpful self by pulling the trains up and down the line between Aviemore and Boat of Garten throughout the weekends. His diesel railcar friend “Daisy” will, as usual, provide a regular connection from Broomhill to Boat of Garten on these days.

The first ‘Thomas’ train will leave Boat of Garten at 10.00 each day and then every hour, on the hour until 4.00 in the afternoon. He will have a brief rest at Aviemore and leave again at 10.30 and, again, every hour until 3.30. There will be stalls selling ‘Thomas’ goodies, children’s rides, face painting, at Boat of Garten, and readings of ‘Thomas’ stories (2nd weekend) at Aviemore. Fans can get all the details by contacting the Strathspey Railway office at Dalfaber Road, Aviemore PH22 1PY or by ‘phone, 01479-810725. You can also book in advance on the web through “Ticketweb”.

‘Thomas’ can only make one journey from his home in North Wales, Isle of Sodor to fans, this year as he is being “really useful” elsewhere in the country at the times he usually calls in on Strathspey. Sadly he may not be back next year, as it is becoming more and more expensive to bring him all the way from his home station so this may be his last visit for some time.