#dowt

Put simply, they're actors. They visit Sodor to 'train' alongside Thomas and learn his mannerisms, ect. Theres actually a group chat with all of them in it. One of my stories, More than One, fatures several of them visiting for refresher training courses.

Specifically:

The Nene Valley Thomas

The Watercrss Line Thomas

and the Strasburg Thomas

Now, what do the engines get out of Playing Thomas? Alot acutualy.

DOWT is a lucrative event for any preservation line. So being rebuilt to be a Thomas helps your preservation line out immensly. Even in the world of my AU, Preservation still costs money. Being Thomas helps keep their home afloat, and their friends overhauled and in service.

East Anglian Railway Museum Thomas

2. It keeps you running. Many engines hate waiting for overhual, and as Thomas, you're at the front of the line. The railway can't afford to have you out for long periods.

Avon Valley Railway Thomas

3.Lots of Attenion. Some engines can be very vain things. having hundreds of children coming to your railway to see you? Theres a reason the NWR has to approve the engines for the role

Oigawa Railway Thomas

TW For flashling/flickering footage