A fully-functioning life-size version of Thomas the Tank Engine (and friends) will be open to the public in Japan from this weekend. Travellers will be able to take a ride between Shinkanaya and Senzu stations between this Sunday and October 12.

First published in 1945, the children’s books following the adventures of the small steam locomotive have been adapted into a TV series popular the world over.

thomas the tank engine in real life
thomas the tank engine real life
thomas the tank engine

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Tom founded Hong Kong Free Press in 2015 as the city's first crowdfunded newspaper. He has a BA in Communications and New Media from Leeds University and an MA in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. He previously founded an NGO advocating for domestic worker rights, and has contributed to the BBC, Deutsche Welle, Al-Jazeera and others.

Tom leads HKFP – raising funds, managing the team and navigating risk – whilst regularly speaking on press freedom, ethics and media funding at industry events, schools and conferences around the world.