Tracking news and events in the railroad industry

Trains have long been loved by children of both genders, with many kids spending hours watching shows about talking trains, building model railways out of wood, and generally enjoying learning and discovering about trains. This activity is something that should be encouraged - not only is it good for children to develop their interests, but the shows and toys geared to children teach useful skills and life lessons ranging from friendship to shape recognition. Children of all ages can have fun with trains in one way or another, and parents can watch their children learn and grow.

Thomas the Tank Engine is possibly the most famous kids' train, having appeared on TV and in books for literally decades. The friendly blue train engine was first seen in 1946 in a book named after him, written by the Rev. W. Awdry and his son working together - the stories were originally told about a toy that Awdry's son loved to play with. The books and stories featuring Thomas were then discovered by the producer Britt Allcroft, who then began to produce what would become known as Thomas and Friends. Thomas is a friendly, can-do sort of engine who sometimes gets into trouble because of his tendency to think a little too highly of himself. His adventures pulling freight and passengers, as well as the adventures of his fellow train engine friends, teach important lessons about modesty, friendship, sharing, and the like. They also provide an often startlingly accurate look at the mechanisms of the railroads, providing a lovely path into a lifelong fascination with trains. For children who show interest in the show and in Thomas' destinations, there are wooden train sets made by BRIO that allow kids to assemble complex tracks and then guide Thomas and all his companions along them. The combinations and mechanisms should keep an engineering-minded child fascinated for hours while also teaching them about shape recognition, patterns, and the like.

Another famous story for children is, of course, The Little Engine that Could, which teaches bravery, optimism, and the value of hard work to children. The story focuses around a large, heavy train of cars that must be pulled over a steep mountain - difficult even for the best of trains. Various train engines refuse, either because they think they can't do it or because they feel they are too important for the job. Finally the titular little engine offers to try and manages the difficult climb by constantly repeating the motto "I think I can". In the end, of course, the engine makes it over the mountains and lets itself cheer as it goes down the downgrade. The virtues promoted here - never giving up, staying optimistic, and working as hard as you can - are important for any child to learn.