Thomas the Tank Engine, the iconic talking cartoon train that has thrilled millions of children around the world, and Edaville USA Railroad, a favorite destination of generations of families in the U.S. Northeast, are teaming up on a permanent Thomas-themed park.
Groundbreaking on the first Thomas Land in the U.S. is scheduled for next month, and the park is expected to open for business in summer 2015. There are two other Thomas Lands, in the United Kingdom and Japan, but the version in Carver, Massachusetts, would be the biggest.
“Thomas fits Edaville like a glove,” Edaville owner Jon Delli Priscoli said.
Thomas Land, being built on about 11 acres (4.4 hectares) of Edaville’s 250 acres (100 hectares), will have 14 rides based on the television show, with the highlight being a 20-minute train ride on a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine. A roller coaster, drop tower, Ferris wheel and other rides will feature more Thomas characters, including Toby, Cranky the Crane and Harold the Helicopter. Children will even be able to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the railroad’s administrator.
