Updated Article – May 29th 2025
You can now also grab the Thomas & Friends 80th Anniversary Expansion for £7.99.
This expands on what came about previously, to add in a few new features. Expect to find Thomas resplendant in his original green livery, with his original number – 70 – attached, alongside some pinstripe detailing.
Further, a new story will help you stay on track as Diesel takes on a special mission to secure the party supplies from the Troublesome Trucks. And from there, free roam enables the opportunity to take Thomas global, across any route that you have in your Train World Sim collection.
Why has all this come about now? Well, as the name suggests, it’s to celebrate Thomas’ 80th anniversary.
You’ll find the 80th Anniversary Expansion in place for Xbox, PlayStation and PC right now. Just be aware, to celebrate the 80th anniversary with Thomas & Friends, the following content is required:
- Train Sim World 5
- West Somerset Railway route Add-on
- Thomas & Friends™ Visit the West Somerset Railway Add-on
Original Article – March 20th 2025
Toot toot! Get ready for some really useful railway adventures as Train Sim World 5 drags Thomas & Friends along for a ride!
Train Sim World 5: Thomas & Friends Edition is a special bundle bringing the beloved tank engine and his friends to the world of realistic train simulation. And you’ll find that it is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4/5, and PC.
This isn’t your typical Train Sim World experience. Inspired by Mattel’s Thomas & Friends franchise, this add-on offers a story-driven adventure featuring Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, Diesel, and even those mischievous Troublesome Trucks. They’re all visiting the West Somerset Railway, a real-life heritage railway in England, and you get to join the fun!
A Really Useful Introduction to Train Simulation
Train Sim World 5: Thomas & Friends Edition is designed to be an accessible entry point into the world of train simulation. With simplified controls and a focus on story-based gameplay, it’s perfect for younger players, Thomas & Friends fans, or anyone who’s been intimidated by the complexity of traditional Train Sim World content. And believe us, Train Sim World 5 can be complex.
You’ll follow Thomas and his friends on their visit to the West Somerset Railway, learning the ropes of train operation along the way. But don’t worry, seasoned Train Sim World players – you can still enjoy the 23-mile route with the railway’s own diesel locomotives, offering a more traditional simulation experience.
What You Need to Know (and What You Need to Play)
Here’s the important bit: to play the Thomas & Friends content, you’ll need a few things:
- Train Sim World 5: The base game is required.
- West Somerset Railway Route Add-on: This add-on provides the setting for the Thomas & Friends adventure.
The Train Sim World 5: Thomas and Friends Edition, is priced at £19.99.
But, fear not! A bundle is also available, including both add-ons, Train Sim World 5, for newcomers, and is priced at $39.99 / £29.99 / €34.99.
Celebrating 80 Years of Thomas & Friends
This release is particularly special because the Thomas & Friends brand is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. From its humble beginnings in the 1945 book The Railway Series, created by the Rev. W. Awdry for his son, Thomas the Tank Engine has become a global phenomenon, captivating generations of children (and adults!).
Key Features to Get You Steaming Along
- Story-Driven Gameplay: Follow Thomas and his friends on their visit to the West Somerset Railway.
- Accessible Controls: Simplified controls make it easy for newcomers to jump in.
- Iconic Characters: Featuring Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, Diesel, and the Troublesome Trucks.
- Real-World Setting: Explore 23 miles of the West Somerset Railway.
- Dual Gameplay Options: Enjoy the Thomas & Friends story or drive the railway’s own diesel locomotives.
All Aboard for Adventure
Whether you’re a lifelong Thomas & Friends fan or a newcomer to the world of train simulation, Train Sim World 5: Thomas & Friends Edition offers a fun and engaging experience.
Grab the bundle (or the individual add-ons if you already own Train Sim World 5 and the West Somerset Railway route) from the Xbox Store and get ready for some really useful railway adventures.
Train Sim World 5: Thomas & Friends Description
Embark on a special journey as Thomas the Tank Engine makes his debut in Train Sim World 5! Following an invitation from the mainland, Sir Topham Hatt sent Thomas, Annie & Clarabel to the West Somerset Railway for a special event. But wait! Diesel has followed Thomas to West Somerset and is determined to prove he is Sir Topham Hatt’s most useful engine! Work around Diesel’s tricks to avoid confusion and delay. Train Sim World 5: Thomas & Friends™ Visit the West Somerset Railway brings Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, Diesel, Troublesome Trucks to TSW5. Enjoy the delight as a lifelong fan of the North Western Railway’s number 1 engine with story-based scenarios and accessible driving controls everyone can enjoy!
