We are a group of passionate Thomas & Friends fans from the Netherlands — and beyond — working together to save the lost Dutch-dubbed versions of Seasons 5 to 7.
Thanks to recent contact with Ian McCue from Mattel, we learned that these Dutch episodes are not stored digitally anywhere. The only existing copies are still on old master tapes, and to preserve them they must be professionally digitized.
The good news is that Mattel has already given clearance for the episodes to appear on the official Thomas & Friends YouTube channel, so fans will be able to enjoy them there publicly once everything is finalized.
The official post-production quote from Mattel’s facility is around $2,700 USD to digitize all three seasons. Unfortunately, Mattel’s current management isn’t allocating any budget for classic Thomas content right now — meaning these episodes could remain locked away forever.
That’s why we, as fans, decided to come together and make a difference ourselves.
By raising the needed funds, we can help ensure these rare Dutch episodes are safely preserved.
For many of us, these Dutch dubs were a beloved part of our childhood. Saving them isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about preserving an important piece of Thomas history and keeping it alive for future generations of fans.
Every contribution helps, no matter the size. Together, we can make this happen — as a community united by our love for Thomas the Tank Engine
Thank you so much for your support and for believing in this project.
— The (Dutch) Thomas Fan Community
PS: In the very unlikely situation where Mattel cannot or chooses not to proceed with the digitization, we will ensure that all funds are refunded to the donors.
Organizer
Tom Westerman
Organizer