The Hero of the Rails Tour, pulling into the Essex Steam Train, November 7 - 8 & 14 - 15

 

For more than six decades, children have been captivated by the courageous adventures of Thomas and his engine friends.  Pulling into Essex for its 11th consecutive year, the Day Out With Thomas 2009: The Hero of the Rails Tour will delight fans with a fun-filled ride on a train pulled by a 55-ton steam locomotive replica of everybody's favorite engine, Thomas the Tank Engine.  Plus, families will have an opportunity to indulge their own little engineer's imagination with a day full of activities and adventures in Essex Steam Train's authentic rail yard.    

During the Day Out With Thomas 2009, children will ride with Thomas up steep hills, around deep, blue lakes, and help him rescue his engine friends-- if only in their imaginations.  Day Out with Thomas 2009 activities include:  A 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine,  The opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, Controller of the Railway, A Thomas & Friends Imagination Station; featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts and crafts activities and coloring sheets, Storytelling, video viewing and live music. Children will be provided with a "Tour Map," that guides them through the four station stops - the Imagination Station, the Meet & Greet with Sir Topham Hatt, the Storytelling/Video Viewing area and the gift shop.  After receiving four stamps on their map, each child will receive a 3-D Thomas poster with glasses (while supplies last).  The day will also feature magic shows, face painting, "Kaboose the Clown," the opportunity to operate an oversized O-gauge Model Train and the thrill of climbing aboard a Diesel Locomotive Simulator to drive the engine, toot the horn and ring the bell!

The train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine will depart every 45 minutes, rain or shine, with departure times at 9am through 3pm daily. Tickets are $18 plus tax for ages two and up.  For tickets, call 866.468.7630 or visit www.ticketweb.com/thomas.html.  For more information and directions contact Essex Steam Train at 800-377-3987 or www.essexsteamtrain.com.