Clarabel Lengths

generic_truck_69420

Hi all,

I've seen two types of clarabels, One is the standard that comes with any normal Thomas, and a longer version with a different face (that is printed on) . I've never understood why this is, but, I believe it came with 'real steam' Thomas. If anyone can explain why this variation was made that will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Generic

PerkyHydrAan

It does come with the Steam along thomas, and tho never having one irl, it is longer, and maybe the face is printed on because it is a "special edition" like maybe to make it exclusive? Also, why it is longer so that it doesn't look weird with the longer annie, which has the batteries. ( i think) 🙂

DalaGStanator

Correct. Also, both she and the powered Annie are reused from the 2004 Japanese Talking Thomas (where the engine is also unpowered). Annie was modified to use three batteries (4.5V), a new type of permanent coupling and a switch to make Thomas' steam and sounds optional.

Super

Does Muddy have a 'Complete Thomas' video which would show the sets that these longer coaches are in?

PerkyHydrAan

That would be a great video idea if he hasn't!

Donald9Douglas10Oliver11mp

So the long Annie and Clarabel are well known for being released with the steam along Thomas

This Thomas was individually released by Plarail without the metallic ,with a white running board and a prefitted back coupling and by Trackmaster(Tomy), with the only difference with the one above, being the markings and the traction tires being gray.
https://thomasmotorized.fandom.com/wiki/Steam_Thomas

It appeared in the:
"Water tower steam set" https://thomasmotorized.fandom.com/wiki/Water_Tower_Steam_Set and
"Steam along Thomas set" https://thomasmotorized.fandom.com/wiki/Steam_Along_Thomas_Set

The long Annie and Clarabel also appeared in the:
*"more talkative Thomas set"
https://thomasmotorized.fandom.com/wiki/More_Talkative_Thomas_Set

The long version of Clarabel is as log as the express coaches

Annie and Clarabel don't have the same faces

Here are some comparisons between the regular Annie and Clarabel and the long ones

In my opinion The reason why Clarabel is longer is that it would look strange if Clarabel wold be shorter than Annie.