Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories Launches with Really Helpful Engines

Thomas is back on the Island of Sodor in Really Helpful Engines, a new 30-minute animated special featuring animation services by Brown Bag Films.

All aboard for a new chapter in the story of the world’s most famous blue engine.

Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories has officially launched with Really Helpful Engines, a new animated special from Mattel Studios, with animation services provided by Brown Bag Films. The full 30-minute special is available to watch now on Netflix and also on the official Thomas & Friends YouTube channel.

A new adventure on the Island of Sodor

In Really Helpful Engines, Thomas is determined to prove that he is the most helpful engine on Sodor. When Percy and Gordon each set out on an important mission, Thomas begins looking for a big job of his own. But as the day grows busier, Thomas discovers that being helpful isn’t about doing everything alone.

The special brings Thomas, Percy and Rosie together with Deepak, a new crane truck character, for a music-filled story about teamwork, cooperation and the difference that helping others can make. It also features three new original songs.

A fresh look for Thomas & Friends

Really Helpful Engines introduces the refreshed world and visual identity of Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories. The new production celebrates the heritage of the much-loved franchise while presenting Sodor and its characters with updated designs for today’s preschool audience.

Produced by Mattel Studios, Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories features animation services by our Brown Bag Films Dublin and Bali teams. The special is narrated in English by Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) and in Spanish by Karla Souza (How to Get Away with Murder).

We’re enormously proud of the Brown Bag Films team whose talent, care and attention to detail helped bring this new-look Sodor to the screen. It has been a privilege to contribute to the next chapter of a series that has been enjoyed by families for generations.

The full series, Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories, will debut in early 2027 with multiple episodes.