Loved world over by children, Thomas and friends, will soon be introducing new characters aimed at reflecting more diversity in their fleet.
According to a report in the NYTimes, this expansion has been in the works for last two years.
With an aim to capitalize on the growing markets worldwide, four new characters will be introduced this August which belong to India, China, Brazil and Mexico.
Chinese engine Yong Bao, Brazilian engine Raul, Mexican engine Carlos and Indian engine Ashima are all female engines which will debut in a DVD movie, The Great Race this August.
Ashima will be introduced as one of the fastest engine in the movie who can take on Thomas. The story revolves around how Thomas develops a relationship with someone who looks very different from him and in some cases is able to do things better than he can. The makers of the character have described Ashima as someone who ‘shows no fear’ and is ‘happy to help out’.
Here’s how Ashima will appear:
- Ashima is a brightly-coloured Indian engine
- Ashima is a lively and colorful Indian engine whose outer beauty resonates on the inside as well.
- She shows no fear and is always happy to help out.
- Ashima is based on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway X class. She is based off of the oil-burning version of the engine.
- Ashima is painted pink with white lining, has her wheels and bufferbeam painted a dark blue, and has several bright green, white and orange patterns on her.
The fans are already excited.
