Why Thomas & The Magic Railroad (almost) makes sense | The Magic Railroad Theory 

Hi all, the video was re-uploaded because since it was accidentally released at midnight last night, trying to make it public this morning killed it in the algorithm. Sorry about the confusion!

Damn......when you look at it that way this movie becomes alot more powerful...... And personal. It also explains why Diesel 10 never really threatens anyone. Not just because he's a goofy villain. But because that's not what life does. It doesn't kill your hobbies nor Dampens your imagination. It just gets in the way. A reminder you have other things to do or think about. It occupies your time. It's a deterrent. Not a destroying force. We do that to ourselves. We don't make the time. We don't keep our original personality. And when something traumatic happens.....we seldom escape those memories. Childhood is not ended with tears or staring out the window as we leave it behind. But with distraction and ignorance as the nessecities of life take over. And it's only once it's gone that we stop and wonder how we got here. When we try to revert back we can't. That's when Diesel 10 was at his most threatening. When the characters were trying to escape. So too life is most aggressive when we try to make time for ourselves.

This analysis was SO brilliant! You're right, this is the thing that everyone misses about TATMR. It's not about the engines at all... It's about Burnett. HE is the main character, HE is the thread that connects everyone. This whole movie is about reclaiming your childhood optimism and wonder. It's so interesting, really. The movie was made for kids, but old man Burnett is the one with the arc, the one who grows and heals throughout the film, while the actual kid standins don't evolve at all lol. The movie doesn't work when we focus on Thomas as the main, and it doesn't work when we try to logic out how all the worlds work together... It works THEMATICALLY, to reconnect Burnett to his youth, and every scene outside of that Burnett thread just serves to facilitate his return to Sodor and therefore, to the joy and peace of his youth. You put this SO well, really makes TATMR click!

I remember reading somewhere, that Britt Allcroft got the idea for the film because she had personally met children at schools, who said they felt very connected toward their grandparents. So it all makes sense that all the points made here link back to Lily's grandpa and his extended interests. For those of us who know the film's history, Diesel 10 became a composite character, inheriting the role of the intended human villain, P. T. Boomer, who was meant to embody the 'reality' that crushes Burnett Stone's lust of escapism, with Diesel 10 serving more as a parallel figure to how he is affecting the engines and Mr. Conductor; the parallel to 'reality' crushing the idealism of the realised model world of Sodor and, thus, Burnett's passions. I can compare this with the main message of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' - the detective Eddie Valiant's life being crushed by the very things he adored in the first place, which is why the toons play second fiddle in that film in the way that the Thomas characters do in 'Magic Railroad'. Unlike 'Magic Railroad' however, 'Roger Rabbit' benefitted from a more dynamically-driven plot and skilled film directors. Britt Allcroft was new to the field doing this film after being accustomed to television work, and she was fairly pressured during the process as I understand. (On a side note, it is likely Allcroft chose not to show human characters in prominence on Sodor because live actors interacting with wooden figures would seem strange, yet the fan-made Parody elsewhere on RU-vid does it that way as an intended joke, and no-one apparently minded.) Regards, Samuel.

Honestly never thought of it that way. Burnett is a crucial character, but never really saw it so deeply

I don't care if this was the original idea for the film, this is what I will believe as headcannon because holy moly is this one of the most logical and beautiful ways of interpreting this movie.

Peter Fonda was a wise casting choice for Burnett, May he rest in peace.

"Sodor is a giant magical play table" actually makes so much sense if you look at the context at the time of release. What was something you would see in every toy store in the late 90s and early 2000s? What was something a LOT of kids who loved this series most likely had? Those play tables of the wooden railway toy line. It was meant to make you feel like YOUR wooden train table could be a portal to Sodor too.

Thomas and the Magic Railroad has always been a favourite of mine, ever since I was kid. I've watched it well over 100 times, and never once have I looked at it this way Thomas and the Magic Railroad will now *always* remain a favourite of mine, because of this theory. Absolutely mind blowing, all the pieces connecting together, brings a tear to my eye

Yeah! I've always seen it as a metaphor too, the idea of magic returning is like the metaphorical magic returning to Burnett

That theory is mind-blowing. I'm supportive of the film myself as well as its originality that was originally gone for. The Workprints had cut out what was originally going to be in the original scripts, the May 1999 version had a lot more with Thomas in at least four scenes: the Friendship song, the quarry scene, the waterfall, when he finds himself back on the MRR before cutting to the workshop scene and when he heroically jumps the gap himself when Lady diverts onto a siding. I do like how you made these theories about the lore of the film and some do sound interesting. My guess for the humans not on Sodor is because when you think about it, seeing a live-actor interact with a static figure face to face wouldn't suffice to the viewer's eye. As for Burnett, he is also the heart and sole of this film, the test audiences really butchered him since PT Boomer got cut and when looking at the Workprints, he really gave it his all here.

8:26 "He's Crude." "He's Clawed." "And He's not British." Best description of Diesel 10 ever, 10/10 for devious truth and brutal honesty.

I must say, i'm glad to see an analysis of the movie that doesn't focus on its failure as a TTTE film. sure, that's obviously an issue with the overall production, and one has to wonder what Britt was trying to do with the characters, but I can't help but see parallels between this and the rumored plot of the cancelled Thomas film from a few years back. The Story itself as the tale of a broken man finding his way back to happiness is actually visible in the final movie and all the talk about Peter Fonda "trying too hard" really undersells what it's trying to say. Well done indeed.

This video finally made me realize why I fell in love with Thomas & the Magic Railroad all over again. Caleb, this video has helped in more ways than one and I can't thank you enough for making such a masterpiece. You're an incredible person, keep on creating amazing art with that big heart of yours man. 💙✨

I love this theory so much Caleb I recently just rewatched the movie and it made me think that maybe the world of Sodor is that "safe space" everyone dreams of having since there is no violence, no sadness, it's always bright and vibrant. Sodor is our safe haven from the real world and Thomas is the one who is always there to take us away temporarily from the real world and go back to being a kid again

I'm so happy to see such an awesome positive perspective on this eccentric yet iconic film. Thanks for the theory!

Between the Unlucky Tug's negative analysis video and his upcoming production history video, the first point of praise on your thoughts of "Thomas and the Magic Railroad" is that 'bonkers' is a tamer description than 'crap', which was slightly a bit of luck for me. Now, for your theoretical analysis video, I admire the symbolisms you've looked into with Burnett Stone being the heart of the movie, along with Lily and Thomas the Tank Engine himself, the themes of optimism and childhood, and Diesel 10 representing adult hardships. Hope to borrow some key points for my video to level the playing field on "Thomas and the Magic Railroad", if you don't mind.

This is actually a really interesting theory, really makes you ponder. Also, coming from an editing geek, i LOVEEE your editing style, so damn engaging!

I have drafted out an alternate idea of the film, where the Sodor element had more going to it than just a figure presence among many in the arc surrounding Burnett Stone. In my take, the Sodor characters are more prominently involved, with the plot point of Burnett's engine running parallel to a question Thomas has, when he learns from Edward about an engine he once knew who helped build the Sodor railway a long time ago. I mention Edward, who ultimately was never utilised in the film despite being the character that started the whole franchise off. Edward explains that, at one point, the engine broke down and was left in a siding to await repairs, but had vanished when the men came back for her, symbolising the Conductor family deciding to adopt her as an alternate method of transport between dimensions. This would therefore make only Burnett Stone completely aware of his engine's connection between the 'idealised reality' of Sodor and the straight-on reality of his home, whilst also giving Thomas himself a bigger role in the plot. Also, my take includes the cut P. T. Boomer plot, where I actually head-on depict him as a gunman, reinforcing the grimness of reality which undermines Burnett's confidence in confronting the bigger situation on his hands. Regards, Samuel Farris.

The way I forgot this movie existed and got to be reminded and get a deep dive at the same time??? Amazing!

I never realized how important the message was! Well, you know what they say, " Helping each other brings to life the magic in all of us!". 😊

“Sometimes, the best travels are those we can only dream about…”

My headcanon for this movie is it's just a bedtime story told by Mr. Conductor and nothing else. Lady, D10 and Splodge do exist in my canon but Lady works at Ulfstead Castle and is a normal engine and Splodge/D10 work at the Vicarstown Goods Depot from Escape and Rusty to the Rescue.

Never thought a Calebtrain video would blow my mind... mentally...

Holy hell, this is just MIND-BLOWING in this context. The film that was criticized by many as the film that almost destroyed the Thomas franchise because it is nothing like Thomas and Friends and RWS….is just taking the childhood imagination of Thomas and Friends through its toy franchise and magic while battling the world of crippling reality. So, the film didn’t directly cripple the show itself. It’s technically a sacrificial lamb by telling a story about one man and his grief of loss from his past and how it will affect his present and future alongside his own innocence from his past as well by USING Thomas the Tank Engine metaphorically as the franchise rather than its world in the TVS because its so HEAVILY established to the point it would be too much of a risk for Britt to take. It could be a GALAXY BRAIN maneuver by Britt. Fantastic theory, Calebtrain.

Definitely a good theory honestly I wouldn't be surprised if this is what Britt was going for (hopefully) perfect timing with unlucky tugs video coming out reviewing the magic railroad. Now I'd say this theory could go a little further in that the toys that burnet uses for this journey could be based off of the real engines of sodor , to try and bridge the gap everything's connected up. Pretty much like a symbiotic relationship the railway series created Thomas which Thomas created shining time, shining time then greats this movie (at least how I view it ) which then the movie brings it all together. Me personally I've always loved the Mr conductor aspect of shining time (especially George Carlin , if you know his comedy you understand why I enjoy it so much ) so to bring it all back around and say it's all together it's one universe would have been amazing (almost like a spider man no way home ) Now I will say I'm in the camp even after all that's come out on the movie , that it got shafted . Weather it be test audiences removing pt boomer (think it would have impacted this theory in that boomer could have been the reason Tasha died thus the pairing at the end of boomer and diesel 10 would have made more sense in the aspect of boomer is diesel 10 in a way ) or just cutting a lot of stuff. Ultimately I think magic railroad isn't canon but I think its more important than we often regard it as , for better or for worse.

Caleb!! This has blown my mind away!!

Unlucky Tug needs to see this

According to the Unlucky Tug, Britt Allcroft clearly wanted to make a film about a girl and her estranged grandfather based on how the work print focused on the human characters rather than the trains of Sodor. Honestly, I think that if this was just a movie about Shining Time, it would have been pretty good. The main issue the movie had was that it broke the established rules of the show. The Island of Sodor was always meant to be set in the real world, but in Magic Railroad, it changes everything and says that it is an island only accessible through magic.

This was an incredible theory Caleb, well done. I don't like magic railroad for obvious reasons, but this theory has made me look on the movie in a new way. While this movie was definitely a mistake for the series, you have definitely brought more of an idea for what Brit was going for when she made this movie.

This theory really does change my view of the film in a whole new light than it originally was when I was a kid, it actually makes sense when you put it like that, it seem to explain so much about this film like why Thomas isn't the main focus despite being the titular character himself. It actually makes us relate and connect with Burrentt Stone more than before.

This interpretation is so beautiful. Probably not what was in mind while it was being made, but such a happy accident. Wonderful video, loving your new style.

Wow! I always thought how important this movie was to me in my childhood, and now I realize how important the message of making your own choices in life. Other people are too hot-headed to get this message because they were only too focused on the movie's flaws. I care very much about this movie, because Magic Railroad is what introduced me to Thomas in the first place! WITHOUT MAGIC RAILROAD, I AM NOTHING!!!

Really brings it into more perspective, and while it doesn't save the film, it could also explain a few things and perhaps we can see it in a different light. For example, it could explain why the engines have American accents and why Sodor seems closed off from the world. If anything, the film could just be a dream within someone's head. That someone being Burnett Stone.

Tfw you just realized that the singular piece of media that almost brought down the entire TTTE franchise is also possibly the most thought provoking and symbolic, representing a story about a broken man who rejoices in relishing the magical and wonderful days of his youth:

I always felt this movie was criticized far to harshly by many (respectfully looking at you, Mr. Tug.) but now that I think on it, I believe it's partly due to them viewing this movie from the wrong angle, treating either Lilly or Thomas as the main character, but never Burnett. This theory makes so much sense to me that it honestly gave me whiplash with how many pieces of the puzzle have finally started to fall into place when looking at the fim from this angle. Neither Lilly nor Thomas were intended to be the films main focus, but rather catalysts leading the real focus, Burnett, to reconnecting with both his childhood and those still close to him. I always thought the Thomas world was meant to be real and the magic buffers were simply gateways between one place and another, but the idea that Sodor _is_ an imaginary world changes everything. Sodor representing an escapism world/safe space for Burnett changes how the film is perceived entirely, and the fact that (as you pointed out) D10 is implied to be representation of the real world taking those worlds/safe spaces away from us is very fascinating. I now imagine when D10 says "I've come back to desroy the lost engine for good" it's actually more of a metaphor for "I've come to take the last thing connecting Burnett to this world, therefor taking you all out with it." It actually makes so much sense that D10 was never a villain in a traditional sense but more the villainous embodiment of our real world taking priority over the magic and innocence of our youth that we struggle to make time for. As a side note, I like to imagine that Burnett did meet the original Mr. C at some point in his childhood, which is how he learned of Sodor and how to get there. (I feel that may also further explain his knowledge on how to make gold dust.) Anyone who knows that Shining Time was how Thomas was aired to US audiences, they'd also know that Burnett's Mr. C likely would've been the late George Carlin. I imagine the reason the films Mr. C (Alec Baldwin) doesn't know Burnett is because he wasn't the Mr. C that introduced Burnett to Thomas, but it was instead George who unfortunately passed away.

I’d like to believe this is what Britt meant, since she clearly thought they were making some kind of masterpiece, but if she had really thought of all this and just wanted it to be subtle, she would have mentioned the deeper meaning by now.

“That’s not real, that’s just a toy! A big blue toy that I can control it, anyway I want!” - P.T Boomer in the May 1999 script

The way I see it is that the toy Sodor we see on the movie is the model set, if that makes sense. This may sound really complicated, but if the show is canon within the Railway Series, then perhaps this movie takes place at Shepperton Studios (or Toronto, in this case). This means that there could be two Sodors; one in the real world, and the other on a gigantic train set. I sorry if this makes anyones' heads hurt.

I haven't seen the movie in years yet your explanation is so thought provoking. I feel like watching this unironically now.

This literally blew my mind. Like, this is deep. Side Note: I like to think that the Sodor seen in the film is actually the TV set. Meta, I know, but it makes a bit of sense, given how lightweight the engines sound.

I like to think that the entire movie is just a dream Thomas has

I have several other things to point out that could work. Why aren’t Edward, Duck, Donald, Douglas, Oliver etc. in the movie? If the engines are toys, then who’s to say that Burnett’s not lost a few toys? Why is Sir Topham on holiday? Well, because, somehow… he might’ve known what needed to be done. Even though to an extent, Sir Topham could literally *order the scrapping of Diesel 10 on the spot* and be done with it, at the same time, that wouldn’t help Burnett. Why does Diesel 10 have a claw? Well, what if Diesel 10’s ‘toy’ was just a regular Diesel that Burnett decided to modify for pretend track repairs? Possibly ‘writing’ him as a bully character, and forgetting to pretend he changes for the good. Now, he comes back, as… the funniest thing in the whole movie. The film works in a different context, something I think many films can do. And, uh, Diesel 10 is British, he’s a Class 42 who’s just got an American voice. Y’know, might’ve made more sense if he was something like a Class 59.

It’s a shame that one of the actors have been arrested for shooting during filming of another movie.

You present a very convincing theory about the symbolism and the real meaning behind the Magic Railroad. I agree that the movie was going to go off the rails, director's cut or no director's cut, I can't deny that this theory also connects with that special generation of Thomas fans who actually got to watch this movie growing up. In many ways, our childhood innocence and imagination really connected us to this film. For me, it was the real actors that gave a twist to Thomas that intrigued me. And later in life, I was still influenced by the Magic Railroad universe in many ways. I even had my own explanation/headcanon about the Southwest American-accented tumbleweed and the mysterious "rabbit."

My theory was the movie was try to teach about the importance of imagination and family.

This is my favorite video essay of yours! It really gives you a whole new view on TATMR! Not as a Thomas movie or even a Mr. Conductor movie, but an interesting movie! It also tugs at your heartstrings at points. Keep up the good work, Caleb! 👍 Also R.I.P. Peter Fonda 🙏

Bro you put into words what little kid me saw but never quite understood, thank you

I've read an interpretation of TATMR, called Thomas and the Lady of Sodor. The story itself is set up as an spin off of the RWS - certain events and characters appear at xx times, changes to engines happened in xx year, etc. The story is basically 1 part introductions, as with all stories, and 2-3 parts build up, lore, rising action, etc. The bridge collapse is changed to be Elsbridge Viaduct, with some of the bridges being damaged by storms during the winter, with Elsbridge Viaduct having been one of the damaged bridges. Lady is revealed to be a one off design that inspired the GWR 101 tank engine, but was the only one built after the GWR rejected plans for her siblings. The chase does happen, with Percy participating in it since it takes place on the Ffarquhar line rather than the main.

My headcanon is that it was all simply just a dream Thomas had one night. Non of the events in the film, especially stuff having to do with the magic element, are ever referenced in the series moving forward, so it can easily be written off as noncanon.

The Beginning tho 💀

It never bothered me that there weren't any people around in the Sodor segments, I always just assumed they were off-screen.

So with this theory, I think Thomas himself represents Butnett as well, but when he was a kid. Makes sense why he and Lilly are so close for a while in the film

I read on TVTropes that Thomas had only about 10 minutes of screen time in the entire film... I wonder if thats accurate, I know he definitely had little screen time to some extent, but 10 minutes??

You know? For all the crap, and hate Magic Railroad gets, although somewhat understandable... there is something about it that is truly magical, especially with Burnett Stone, he lost that spark of imagination when so many bad things happened in his life. I'm pretty sure alot of folks out there probably would say the same thing too. But despite this and his grief, he manages to see that magic again, and I think we a should too. Imagination is a very magical thing indeed, and sure there are some that just don't believe it or understand it, like with Diesel 10 and P.T. Boomer, one who doesn't believe in magic, and D10 who only knows of it, just to harm it. But that's ok, Imagination is a very special thing, and a piece of many other things that I believe make Thomas so beloved by so many, even of those who aren't a fan of trains, like myself. There's just something about Thomas that really pulls me in, even though I'm not a huge train fan. And I can certainly say the same for TATMR too, even with its flaws and all. I hope I maybe made you see Magic Railroad a little differently, there is certainly something about it that, although it isn't for everyone, it still can be for some. Just like Thomas and his friends. Once again, solid video, and interesting theory too! 💛💙🤍

Well, this movie makes far more sense when you put it that way 😐 and I really like how diesel 10 is pretty much a symbol of reality 💞🤔

8:28 He should’ve been voiced by Keith Scott or Dan Povenmire

I'm not going to lie, this is the best interpretation of the movie that I've ever heard. This movie was a damn hallmark of my childhood and seeing and thinking about it in this different perspective with Burnett at the focal point is so deep and eye-opening. Thanks for that.

Never seen anybody else deep dive into this, but this theory gives an entirely new perspective of the film. Really enjoyed this one too, seems really well put together! I'll check out some of your other stuff.

This video made Tatmr actually make sense. Like it’s such a perfect theory that it’s now gonna be my canon way of describing this movie. Great job dude!!

For me it always begs the question when the came out 20yrs ago is that Burnett pretty much knew the engines and because of Tasha's death he had to repress the memories of his childhood and had to live in solitude in the mountains reflecting on what he could've done better to protect Lady in the process. What do you guys think? Because for me this was how Sodor was seeing it through Burnett's eyes.

Is that meant to be me ill and dying on the floor in that hamsterball? I remember that viewing made this feel more like a fever dream than it already is. Great video Claleb!

My answer to the lack of humans aside from Mr Conductor, Junior, Lily, Patch and Burnet is merely because it would have been strange to have the little figurines alongside the human actors and the budget wouldn’t allow extras to just mimic being passengers walking along the platforms or being workmen. Sodor and Shining Time are merely in parallel universes that are bridged by the magic railroad.

Very interesting analysis. TATMR was definitely a childhood favorite of mine.

So Sodor in the movie is a product of Burnett's own mind?

When I was 11 I loved this movie and this theory brings a whole different look at it people say this film is shining time the movie but now I see it differently now thank you and keep up the good work wish I can donate

Very intresting theory good sir. And I will say, for Magic Railroad as a whole, even if it is quite weird and may not be exactly what Thomas is all about, there is something about it, much like Thomas and his friends, that is truly magical. Ambitious, flawed, but very much magical indeed! That's how I would describe TATMR. Great video! And keep up the good work Let's keep letting the magic continue to shine, as it always does! ✨️

This is a wonderful essay, I cried while watching this, this one video proves how much heart tatmr has

this Is a really good theory man keep up the good work 😄

I loved this movie as a kid and hearing this kinda proves that it’s an underrated gem.

This is the best, this was what britt was trying to make and it works better in this perspective

This! This is brilliant! By far my favorite theory and, as far as I'm concerned, THE explanation !

this definitely isn’t my favorite movie but you made like the movie more than i ever had

WOW! THIS BLEW MY MIND!!!!! FANTASTIC JOB!!!!

I have just thought of a really heart breaking origin story to Burnett stone and Tasha what if Tasha as a child was dying and the conductor family knew a way for her to be happy and healthy so they built lady and part of ladys magic made Tasha well but when diesel 10 threatened to destroy lady due to jealousy diesel 10 was also modified by the conductor family but he was always cast out everyone wanted lady everyone wanted to ride on lady but no one wanted to ride on diesel 10 he just wanted to feel like he mattered but when he didn't get that he tried to destroy lady Burnett knowing what would happen if he did destroy lady tried to fight back but realising he couldn't he tried to escape with lady but damaging her in the process therefore meaning he had to make the hard decision of making lady's magic lie dormant knowing if the magic was dormant for too long Tasha would die he tried everything to fix her but it wasn't enough and Tasha died Burnett blames himself as he chose to fight, he ran, he damaged lady and his actions lead to Tasha's death now diesel 10 realising he was unsatisfied with just the destruction of lady goes after the conductor family for making him feel like he didn't matter diesel 10 is not a villain he is just like every other engine he wanted to be really useful.

I guess this theory sort of makes up for the plot holes and bad dialogue in this movie. I enjoyed this movie as a kid anyway, but not as much now as an adult. Also I still say that Diesel 10 should’ve had a background story like in all those fanmade Thomas videos I’ve watched on here.

Omg this is such a great idea! It would be so cool if the movie was made with this idea in mind! That way it wouldn’t anger fans because it couldn’t be cannon, and would be so much of a better movie too

This theory really gives this movie a whole new perspective

This kind of reminds me of that really sad sonic eggman short film where sonic was this guy as a kid and the egg man was him as an adult

I Will never see magic railroad the same again.

This is mind-blowing. I never thought about all these facts!

Blew my mind sky high!

Cool video, also what’s your next model train you’re gonna make?

Wow, you saw something that most others overlooked or dismissed, and what an incredible thing to reveal that the film was trying to convey all this time. This really was a Shinning Time Station film rather it being solely about Thomas. It just seems that it got lost in translation after all.

Dude, I actually cried. This is amazing Caleb

This theory is incredible. It gave me a new perspective on how the film is watched and is interpreted, and it's honestly restored my enjoy of film, even though I think this film is to blame for the position Thomas is in now. I'd also like bring up things relating to how Diesel 10 represents the cruel nature of reality. In the final film, Diesel 10 clearly states that his goal is to destroy Lady and dominate Sodor, with the rest of Sodors engines being nothing but useless scrap. Sounds familiar. Well it should, because that is the reality of railway traction, as steam engines were being dominated by diesels' and becoming 'useless scrap.' With this knowledge, Diesel 10's connection to the cold hard truths of reality makes all the more sense. I'd also like to mention that your statement 'reality has a way of sneaking up on and grabbing you when you least expect it', perfectly summarises the scene when Diesel 10 catches up to Mr C and interrogates at the Viaduct. In fact, this metaphor of reality sneaking on and grabbing you while you least expect is probably why Diesel 10 has pinchy to begin with, being symbolic of this saying.

This is a theory about the film I imagine Allcroft herself would greatly appreciate.

This makes the movie better 10-fold

This was bloody brilliant and really helps an otherwise flop of a movie make so much more sense

Amazing analysis.

See I knew this movie was better than people give it for… everyone was talking about this movie and how “bad” it was but it’s personally always been my favorite… I would get backlash from liking it but I never cared thank you for this video!!!

The whole thing about Sodor being this literal storybook world is something that I registered even as a kid, and actually made me like the film more. I was able to register that Sodor felt more "real" in the actual episodes, but Magic Railroad was this exception where everything was dialed up to eleven, but because I held the hindsight of the RWS existing, I was able to just handwave it off as Sodor being a storybook world ala Winnie the Pooh. But this added layer to it of being a world held together by childhood innocence hits home all the more, and I think it's especially applicable given the bias and judgement that people enjoying Thomas as a franchise holds.

Mind blown oh my goodness this changes so much ABOUT TATMR for me

Last time I saw this movie in full, I was maybe 6 or even 7. For a long time, even after revisiting some classic Thomas content, I dismissed this as a dumb kids' movie I liked when I was too young to know better. But this is actually making me wanna rewatch it with your analysis in mind. And I myself am going through a period of rediscovering things I loved as a kid, so maybe I needed this.

I truly believe this is what the movie was trying to be

IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW THANK U FOR THIS VIDEO, U FILLED A VOID IN MY LIFE

Only the OGs remember the original

WoW what a theory Love you theory about this movie👏😊

LOL I thought a Thomas movie should take place on Wilbert Awdry's layout.

you gave me more incentive of why this movie is so good