A Day Out with Thomas at the Essex Steam Train

In 2018 our family visited the Essex Steam Train in Connecticut and despite the overcast weather we enjoyed ourselves. I knew we would be back eventually, but it was only when I saw last year that they frequently hosted the "Day out with Thomas" events that I realized what a great opportunity it would be. Our son Harrison loves Thomas the Tank Engine, as do I. I remember being enthralled with Shining Time Station in 1989 when it came out and still have some of my old Thomas toys from when I was a kid. So, this was a great time to combine our love for that cheeky little tank engine. My wife Sarah came along for the ride, though I think she enjoyed it too. 

A "dummy" Thomas was available to push the back of the train, and there were plenty of opportunities to take pictures of it between trips. It had an operating steam whistle that an Engineer activated throughout the trip, though he looked somewhat grumpy. Maybe he drew short straw?

The real muscle was provided by a Chinese-built SY mikado that was modified after a tragic fire to look more like a New Haven engine. However, if you knew where to look (like the unique pilot) you could see its Chinese heritage. A full history of the engine can be found here.

Would you believe I didn't take a single picture of the front of the engine? What a dope. (Well, in my defense, for much of the time I was holding Harrison's hand or carrying him).

As the train rolled out of the station Thomas "pushed" at the rear. What a really useful engine!

Percy was also on hand for pictures, as was Sir Topham Hat. And yes, I had my picture taken with them. Deep down, I am a kid at heart too.

I bought tickets for two different train rides, with time to walk around the museum and gift shop and eat lunch in the middle of them. Sadly, all the excitement (and the 2.5 hour car ride to get here) was too much for Harrison and he ended up falling asleep as the second train pulled out of the station. I know he still had a great time though.