The series was produced by Britt Allcroft and Rick Siggelkow. It incorporated sequences from the British television show Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends. The series aired on PBS from January 29, 1989, until June 11, 1993, with four hour-long "Family Specials" premiering in primetime throughout 1995. Elements from the show were incorporated into the 2000 Thomas and Friends film Thomas and the Magic Railroad.
