Strasburg Turns Its Eyes To Thomas
By Sue Gleiter
The Patriot-News

All aboard. Here comes Thomas the Tank Engine. For the eighth year, the popular storybook character will come to life at the Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster County.

The railroad’s Day Out With Thomas attracts thousands of visitors who hop on board the steam engine’s cars for 22-minute rides.

This year, the cheeky choo-choo’s smiling face looks even more genuine. His once stationary eyes now move.

“He can look from side to side, and he can get a better view of the kids,” said Linn Moedinger, the railroad’s president and chief mechanical officer.

Strasburg is responsible for overseeing five replica Thomas engines that travel the country appearing at different railroads.

The facelift was part of recent upgrades on the fleet of engines, including the steam engine at Strasburg. Engineers control the eye movements.

I think it will have a long-term effect. When you see the eyes move, it’s pretty cool,” Moedinger said.

Thomas is based on a railway series of books written by the Rev. W. Awdry. The stories were created in 1942 to entertain the reverend’s son, Christopher, who was confined to bed with the measles.

They have spawned an industry of toys, games, DVDs and a television show.

Strasburg introduced the Thomas rides in 1998, and the event includes visits by Sir Topham Hatt along with storytelling, activities and live music.

Parking is available in a satellite lot at The Netherlands Inn & Spa (formally known as The Historic Strasburg Inn), Route 896, Strasburg. Shuttle bus service is provided to and from the inn.

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