Shauna Wilton, a professor of political sciences at the University of Alberta, also highlighted the class divide which sees Thomas and his friends at the bottom of the social ladder and the wealthy Fat Controller at the top.  She launched her study after watching the animated programme, which is shown in over 130 countries, with her three-year-old daughter.  She then analysed the plots, characters and other aspects of 23 different episodes to draw her conclusions, which she then presented at a conference of political science in Canada.

She was critical of the fact the show only has eight female characters out of the 49 who feature.  "The female characters weren't necessarily portrayed any more negatively than the male characters or the male trains, but they did tend to play more secondary roles and they're often portrayed as being bossy or know-it-alls," she said.

Any attempt to break out of this controlled hierarchy to gain individual power, show initiative or dissent is met with punishment, usually because it goes wrong, she said.  But Prof Wilton insisted she show was not all bad, and featured some positive political values like contributing to the community, tolerance of others and good communication.

Just think what she could do if used her talents for something useful!

He did have a certain "come to bed" quality...

Another story suggested by Cathy... thanks Cathy and I hope you're back on line soon!

The original was here