Restored Thomas the Tank Engine model returning to Wymondham

A refurbished model of children's favourite Thomas the Tank Engine, which was originally made in 1988, is due to be unveiled to the public next month outside Wymondham Railway Station.

A group of roughly 10 members at The Shed in Wymondham have helped revamp the model (Image: Andrew Clarke)

Those tasked with fixing up the fictional train at The Shed Wymondham, which aims to help promote social connections through skill sharing, are hoping to stay on track prior to the big day.

Andrew Clarke, chairman of The Shed, said: "It was in quite a bad state when we were asked by Keith Benjafield, a member of Wymondham Town Team, to renovate the model.

The Shed was approached by Keith Benjafield, of the Wymondham Town Team, to renovate the Thomas the Tank Engine model (Image: Andrew Clarke)

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"Our team of about 10 members stripped it all back to bare wood and built it up again over the last two years.

"It looks brand new again.

"It's a very recognisable model within Wymondham and the railway station so it's nice to be able to help out and give something back to the community."

The work started in 2021, with Thomas' new look being unveiled on June 9 (Image: Andrew Clarke)

The model was made by Douglas & Co engineers in 1988 before being purchased by former station master, David Turner, from former TV presenter Katie Boyle as part of the Children in Need Fund in 1995.

With funding from both Keith Benjafield and Brendan Gray, owner of the Station Bistro at the railway, the project began in November 2021.

The old and much-loved model will be displayed outside the Station Bistro and will be unveiled by Janet Benjafield on behalf of her husband Keith, who died during the project before getting to see the finished product.

The new model will be unveiled by Janet Benjafield, wife of Keith, who died during the project (Image: Andrew Clarke)

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Mr Clarke added: "Thomas has been brought back to life.

"This has been a special community project for The Shed as it's the first both men and women members worked on together.

The team at The Shed stripped the model back down to the wood before building it back up again to bring Thomas back to life (Image: Andrew Clarke)

"Children walking through the station always stop to point out the model so it'll be great to get it back where it belongs."

The model is set to be officially unveiled at 10.30am on Friday, June 9.

The materials were provided from donations from Keith Benjafield and Brendan Gray, owner of The Station Bistro (Image: Andrew Clarke)

Andrew Clarke (Image: Andrew Clarke)