Help Thomas the Tank Engine find the clues and solve the mystery!

Our favorite No. 1 engine is set to roll into Boothbay Railway Village for the Day Out with Thomas: Mystery on the Rails Tour 2012. All little engineers and their families are invited to take a ride on Thomas and participate in fun Thomas-themed activities.

The event, which takes place Aug. 3-5 and 10-12, will be hosted by Boothbay Railway Village and presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by MEGA Brands, a leading toy company.

For 67 years, children have been captivated by the courageous adventures of Thomas and his engine friends. Pulling out of the station for its 17th consecutive ride on the rails, the Day Out With Thomas: Mystery on the Rails Tour 2012 will visit more than 45 cities in the United States and Canada. Day Out With Thomas is the only place for families to take a ride with a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, and enjoy activities at the Imagination Station, including stamps, temporary tattoos and hands-on arts and crafts. Each year the tour grows, traveling to new destinations, adding new activities and welcoming new visitors.

Day Out With Thomas activities

· A 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine

· Games and activities featuring a mystery element

· The opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, controller of the railway
· A Thomas & Friends Imagination Station, featuring stamps temporary tattoos, hands-on arts and crafts, train tables and coloring sheets

· Commemorative activities, merchandise and giveaways including a special reveal poster previewing new engines and a new destination from the upcoming 2012 Thomas & Friends feature “Blue Mountain Mystery”

· Storytelling, video viewing and live music

The tour provides a unique, interactive family experience at every station, offering a variety of entertaining activities that reflect the local flavor of each stop. At Boothbay Railway Village activities will include: Access to all museum exhibits, including our model railroad display, an exhibit of more than 50 vintage, classic and antique cars, plus the always popular barrel train, a bounce house and much more.

The approximately 25-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine will depart every 45 minutes, rain or shine.

Tickets for the Day Out With Thomas: Mystery On The Rails Tour 2012 are $18 plus tax for ages two and up. Tickets are on sale now by calling toll-free 866-468-7630 or logging onto www.ticketweb.com/thomas.html.

For more information and directions, contact the Boothbay Railway Village at 633-4727 or www.railwayvillage.org. For general information or to find a Day Out With Thomas: Mystery On The Rails Tour 2012 event near you, visit www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt.