Many of you may remember Thomas the Tank Engine from your childhood. Whether it is from the illustrated children books or multiple television series, Thomas has been chugging along for quite some years.Thomas first appeared in 1946 in the second book of the Railway Series by Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his son Christopher, and was the focus of four short stories. In 1979, the British writer and producer Britt Allcroft came across the books and arranged a deal to bring the stories to life as Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. The television program became an award-winning hit around the world, with a vast range of spin-off commercial products.Children these days are watching a new version of the show entitle Thomas and Friends, and have fallen in love with trains because of his exciting television show. Lauren Hume at the Rusty Relics realized Thomas' fame and decided to bring train day to kid's day at the museum. The children were extremely excited for this day all summer, constantly asking when they would get to climb aboard the caboose located outside the museum`s headquarters. Waiting until the end of summer only made the day more exhilarating when it finally arrived. Twenty-one children packed into the museum for the big day, which is almost double the average attendance. The group was split into two and the first half entered the train. Once inside the caboose kids could be seen climbing the bunk beds and laying on the train`s beds. Many questions were asked, and children were pleased to hear that Humes` father had been taking this train to Toronto for many years, only stopping a couple of years ago. The long journey was never dull, and children were excited to hear that the train hadn't been parked in one spot it's entire life.The train enthusiasts went on to create Thomas necklace crafts. These crafts involved a lot of gluing, which is always enjoyed by this bunch. Although the cutouts had been printed off the museum computer, each one managed to look unique. Dizzy youth, were spun in circles and blindfolded to play Pin the Star on Thomas' nose. Much to the staff's surprise the kids were a lot better at this game than the adults, coming pretty close to the center of the trains face each time. Bubbles were also blown outdoors in the windy cold day, as to imitate the steam coming out of a steam engine, and a flute was blown that made the sound of a train horn.Kids left the museum chugga chugga choo chooing and of course decorated in train stickers. As Cornerstone Family and Youth summer camp has come to an end, many children were sad to leave as they don't expect to see their friends until the new school year begins.
