A local dream team have brought the iconic Thomas back to life, and he’s excited to be back giving rides to the children he loves.

After a long illness Cromwell’s much loved engine, Thomas, suffered heart failure while working for the children at Santaland last year.

Ten months later, Thomas has been restored to full health by the dedicated team at the Cromwell Menz Shed, and will be back at work with excited children of all ages at most events held in the Cromwell area from now on.

Lions president Russ Fowler welcomed the crowd to the official celebration of Thomas’s full recovery from surgery, held at the Lions’ Den Hospital on Sunday.

He remarked that Thomas’s first surgery had been his re-assignment from Smurf, and emergence as Thomas. However, this was his third and most extensive surgery yet.

Russ said the skilled teams working on Thomas had included Menz Shed nursing staff, who put in many, many hours of tireless work. They couldn’t have done it however, he said, without the strong support of businesses throughout the Cromwell area.

“The lengths that this community goes to, to help us, always surprises me.”

Thomas has had a facelift, lights are shining, and he has a powerful tractor motor installed.

Bruce Collins was the surgeon who removed the old engine, along with his team of skilled doctors and nursing staff.

Thomas then underwent a full body rejuvenation and extensive cosmetic surgery.

“We removed everything from inside Thomas, Marty repaired the woodwork, then we painted and finished his body.”

At the same time Thomas’s new internal system was prepared by a team of specialist doctors, led by John Lister. Anyone silly enough to come down to the den while John was there was also roped in to help. 

John also designed and built linkages to move the steering and pedals to one side, ably assisted by the skilled team. It was not a straightforward operation, he says.

Thomas’ rejuvenated body was then lifted up and placed over the good-as-new Fordson tractor chassis, powered by a robust 3-cylinder diesel engine.

Onlookers reminisced about some of Thomas’s previous adventures.

Garry Morton recalled Thomas had been the carriage to take his daughter to her school formal. Thomas had completed laps of Highlands in his heyday, and helped make birthdays memorable.

Thomas in all his new glory, sprung into life to the excitement of all present. The Central App was on board for his first excursion, as he rolled out with new energy. Kids and adults alike cheered him on.

Thomas is not one to bask in the limelight, however. He noticed a number children amongst the onlookers and invited them aboard. 

The much-loved train with a new heart ensured everyone had a fun taste of adventures to come.

Images Mary Hinsen