Flash in the pan? My daughter and I watched T the T on Shining Time Station in about 1986 and beyond. The show on public television then featured Ringo Starr as Mr. Conductor. Since then I know that George Carlin and Alex Baldwin have had a hand. Thomas has "vacationed" at our museum annually since 2003. He will be back a fifth time. This time he is bringing his buddy, Bob the Builder. Our Thomas is more like a dumpster on wheels with a smoke machine, but his fans don't seem to care. They clamor for pictures and merchandise like the "flash in the pan" had no tomorrow. Dire predictions like "Dying hobby" might come true, but my experience is most prophescies are self fulfilling. We anticipate a bright future for rail museums and Thomas as well.