A Train That Went Places: A multimedia study of Thomas the Tank Engine as it relates to Psychology and Fandom

Abstract

This paper discusses the value of the show, Thomas The Tank Engine, as it has endured over 75 years, in part thanks to its fandom. It does so through the lens of a multimedia study of the psychology of the appeal of anthropomorphic stories, of children on the autism spectrum's connection to the show, as well as a literature review of these stories, comparing the original show's work as compared to the more recent content produced by Mattel. Finally, in order to connect this franchise and its history to a broader picture, fandom studies are used to analyze how a fan project such as Project Tiger Moth can represent a fandom and their appreciation for the original authors at the same time. The examination of the history of the show as the identity has shifted over time is used to analyze how the franchise has persisted this long and why fans are still appreciating it. It also discusses post-structuralist ideas put forth by Roland Barthes to examine the value of the author's words and how fans have not clung to those words, but have remained passionate for the content because it was the author's passion. While Barthes posits that the author sacrifices themselves when they create a work, this paper puts forth that the author is important in looking at the story of the franchise and the fandom's continued appreciation of it. When looking at fan work, it is clear that they are aware of the authors and make it a point to tribute them because they can appreciate what they have created, while still feeling liberated enough to create their own meanings and connections from it. It is not so much that the authors are completely eradicated by making their stories, but are remembered because their work connected to an audience and inspired their own work. Likewise, it is not that fans are solely attached to what the authors intended so that they can derive their own meanings while also keeping their work in mind when they make their own to feel more connected to the work and immerse themselves.