22 October 2021
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Isle of Man Post Office have issued six jolly seasonal railway stamps, featuring the familiar faces of the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends books and television series. The stamps, according to IOM Post celebrate all the fun of Christmas railway excursions in the beautiful scenery that typifies the Islands world-famous transport heritage network.
One of the most successful and widely-known characters in children’s literature, Thomas the Tank Engine is universally-recognised and much-loved by readers of all ages.
He first appeared in his own volume in 1946, the second of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s books in the series, making this year the 75th anniversary of publication.
The stamps pay tribute to the earliest era of Thomas artworks and have been created by local designer Emma Cooke with imagery derived from the work of Reginald Payne and Reginald Dalby.
Many of the featured locations selected for the stamps can be seen along the Douglas to Port Erin railway line, which today remains fully operational and in use by steam locomotives.
The hillside-view stamp, featuring Toby, incorporates the landscape that is home to the Snaefell Mountain Railway, a seasonal service operated under the management of the Isle of Man Government.
Meanwhile, Duncan’s stamp is set at the picturesque Groudle Glen Railway which is operated by volunteers and located along the coast a couple of miles north of Douglas.
Maxine Cannon, Stamps and Coins General Manager, Isle of Man Post Office said:
‘We are overjoyed to celebrate this Christmas with a marvellous set of six delightful Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends stamps. The Isle of Man has a strong connection with Thomas and here at the Isle of Man Post Office we share some fond memories of past stamp issues.’
Issue date: 27 October 2021, www.iompost.com/thomas