The first 'Thomas and Friends' special to be animated by Arc Productions
Stephen's design is a mixture of both the original and rebuild designs of the real Stephenson's Rocket. The latter engine had to be rebuilt to keep up with the newer engines that succeeded Rocket.
This is the first film of Thomas & Friends to be narrated by Mark Moraghan in both UK and US dubs, taking over from Michael Angelis in the UK and Michael Brandon in the US.