Although the Nene Valley Railway has bigger and more impressive steam engines, to most visitors especially children, the Railway is the home of 'Thomas'. Certainly 'Thomas' is the NVR's most famous engine and one of its biggest attractions. Few of his friends, however, know how and why 'Thomas' received his name.

Hudswell Clarke engine 0-6-0T No. 1800, built in 1947, spent all its working life at the British Sugar Corporation's Peterborough factory.

By 1970, when the Peterborough Locomotive Society built its compound within the factory sidings, No. 1800 was the regular stand-by locomotive. Thanks to its immaculate blue livery it soon became known as 'Thomas' to Society members.

At the British Sugar Corporation's National Sports and Family Day in 1971 and 1972 No. 1800 was used to give people short brake van rides. In 1971 the Rev W Awdry, author of the 'Thomas' books came to one of the open days and agreed to name No. 1800 'Thomas'.

Thomas being named by Rev. W. Awdry

In 1973 'Thomas' was in need of major repairs and was sold to the Peterborough Railway Society who stored it out of use until 1977 when parts from a similar locomotive were used in his repair.

By 1979 'Thomas' was back in action again!

In the past 'Thomas' has visited Didcot, Leicester and Cambridge promoting the Nene Valley Railway and has even switched on the Christmas Lights in Peterborough!

At Wansford he has attracted over 8,000 visitors during a single special weekend.

During 1990 to 1992 'Thomas' received a major overhaul costing in excess of £80,000 and again in 2003 'Thomas' underwent another essential major overhaul costing nearly £100,000 this was partially covered by a grant of £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In 2004 'Thomas' returned to service pulling trains to Yarwell Junction and other duties around the loco yard at Wansford.