Thomas causes a toy shop stir (From Gazette & Herald)

Thomas causes a toy shop stir

A SCARBOROUGH firm is right on track with celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of Thomas the Tank Engine.

Posh Pedals, a specialist retailer of ride-on toys for children, has been lucky enough to have the only prototype of a brand new, British-made Thomas the Tank pedal engine on display at its premises in St Thomas Street.

It has been launched to coincide with the anniversary celebrations of the famous engine.

Lesley Warrington, proprietor of Posh Pedals, said: "In the short time we have been able to display the prototype in the window, the interest shown has been tremendous.

''The first production models of this unique pedal engine will be available from September."

Designed and hand-built in the north east of England by the exclusive licence holder, Premier Pedal Cars, the bright blue pedal engine is suitable for children aged between three and five years.

It features a fully adjustable steering wheel and padded seat to allow for a child's growth.

The engine is easy to use on all surfaces as it has a rotary chain pedal drive to the rear wheels and pneumatic rubber tyres on sealed bearing wheels.

The bodywork is constructed using powder-coated aluminium, which will not rust, mounted on a steel box section chassis with the use of high quality ABS plastics, on frequent contact parts, for safety. Each Thomas The Tank pedal engine has its own serial plate, and personalised engine plates are also available.

Updated: 11:04 Wednesday, June 01, 2005