Thomas & Friends Exhibition

James no5 · Sep 3, 2023

Themeparksandy1981 said:
I use to go at least once a year from the late 80’s to 2016 and since 2017 I had an annual pass.
I think with Park closures this month they can get to work on the model in peace

Yea and with no kids screaming or moaning

James no5 · Sep 9, 2023

The planned opening dates are in. Between October 20th and December 8th.this could change tho.

Themeparksandy1981 · Sep 9, 2023

James no5 said:
The planned opening dates are in. Between October 20th and December 8th.this could change tho.

really lol

James no5 · Sep 9, 2023

Themeparksandy1981 said:
really lol

I asked someone who was working on it. But ye probably will change

Themeparksandy1981 · Sep 9, 2023

How can they say it be May open in 41 days but it maybe another 49 days after that.

Sam · Sep 9, 2023

the team was on site today and as you can see there has been a good amount of progress and the fact it looks this good, it's worth the wait

Elise · Sep 9, 2023

James no5 said:
someone who was working on it. But ye probably will change

I wouldn't reccomend asking them as they may have one answer based on their timescales however the parks operations team may have other ideas ^^`

But it's soon

alfie8 · Sep 9, 2023

Sam said:
View attachment 4566 View attachment 4567the team was on site today and as you can see there has been a good amount of progress and the fact it looks this good, it's worth the wait

It is looking very nice. I always loved how in the original Thomas series they were actual physical models and to see them in real life at DM is incredible.

James no5 · Sep 9, 2023

AlfieJW said:
It is looking very nice. I always loved how in the original Thomas series they were actual physical models and to see them in real life at DM is incredible.

It is indeed

James no5 · Sep 9, 2023

Elise said:
I wouldn't reccomend asking them as they may have one answer based on their timescales however the parks operations team may have other ideas ^^`

But it's soon

I'm now saying Halloween looking at Sam pictures

Themeparksandy1981 · Sep 9, 2023

From my update 2 weeks ago they were installing the glass and the fake brick work looks finished.
Is all the push buttons been installed now?

Elise · Sep 9, 2023

Themeparksandy1981 said:
From my update 2 weeks ago they were installing the glass and the fake brick work looks finished.
Is all the push buttons been installed now?

Got to be honest. I couldn't see any buttons... but I am really short & had limited view through the gaps on the fencing ;_;

The Hedgenator · Sep 10, 2023

AlfieJW said:
It is looking very nice. I always loved how in the original Thomas series they were actual physical models and to see them in real life at DM is incredible.

I also liked the fact the characters weren’t cartoon. Personally I prefer kids programs that are models. Unfortunately Thomas,Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder have all been ruined by becoming CGI. I’ve got a 4 year old Cousin I’m glad I was a child when I was. I’m glad I was a kid when I wa most kids programs are lacking character or annoying. There are exceptions to the rule Postman Pat for instance is in the format it was originally created. Of course there’s been modifications to bring it up to date.

Anyway I was veering off the subject. In regards to your post I am also thankful the original sets and trains are preserved for future generations. One of the reasons I want to visit Drayton Manor is to see the Thomas exhibition.

Themeparksandy1981 · Sep 10, 2023

I think the problem was how long it took for an episode to be made with CGI they can made a whole season in a time it took to make 1 maybe 2 episodes.
I really hope once it’s all finished the team who working on it keep it all well maintained and surface the engines regularly but with it been push buttoned on the quiet days the engines will not be moving that often.

Steamenginelover · Sep 10, 2023

Sam said:
View attachment 4566 View attachment 4567the team was on site today and as you can see there has been a good amount of progress and the fact it looks this good, it's worth the wait

I guess that area near the windmill is some sort of petrol station or garage with a milk dairy/dock next to it.

James no5 · Sep 10, 2023

Steamenginelover said:
I guess that area near the windmill is some sort of petrol station or garage with a milk dairy/dock next to it.

Maybe a re do of eds garage

Steamenginelover · Sep 10, 2023

James no5 said:
Maybe a re do of eds garage

I think Ed's Garage might still be in Great Waterton. But then again, I could be wrong.

Themeparksandy1981 · Sep 10, 2023

I think the 1 side is all finished now

There’s even a couple of engines on the line.
Still a lot to do on the other side

Steamenginelover · Sep 10, 2023

Themeparksandy1981 said:
I think the 1 side is all finished now
View attachment 4575 View attachment 4576 View attachment 4577 View attachment 4578
There’s even a couple of engines on the line.
Still a lot to do on the other side
View attachment 4580
View attachment 4579

So, they did put the Sodor Maid's model on the display like I said two months ago. And I see they had already put Thumper and Tiger Moth the bi-plane's models on there along with some trucks.