What happened to Tugs? Models & Interviews! Documentary

[@LongStripeyScarf]

How excellent! I thought this brilliant show had just been forgotten forever. I’m so pleased that these relics have been salvaged and restored.

[@EngineShedStudios]

“You can see the Thomas models at drayton manor,” Yeah what’s left of them.

[@StuckUpYT]

ikr

[@TonsOfTrackmasters]

Sounds about right

[@owendinostudios1200]

Actually, they recently restored all of the models, they look better, but not perfect

[@TonsOfTrackmasters]

@@owendinostudios1200 i will have to see that :D

[@owendinostudios1200]

@@TonsOfTrackmasters well...I’ll link the video

[@stefanrobinson3819]

I had this on VHS as a kid the ghost ship one scared the shit out of me then

[@englishtwister]

*the music starts, and I get goosebumps as a memory is stirred from deep within*.

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Its been a pleasure supporting the team over the years, and something I'm certainly going to continue to do. I've learnt a lot from them and they're all truly great people in their own right that make up the team. Brilliant documentary! Very fascinating seeing a professional view on the whole set-up. Thanks for taking the time to make this!

[@samuelfarris1949]

You know what I'm really fired up by about TUGS? The idea that the whole rights debacle can be fixed and an official continuation of the original series can be put in place, using the best of what made it so great while bringing in welcome new elements. Likely CGI would be used, but in keeping with the style of the models and sets. In short it would really be something.

[@reganrowell9242]

I think top hats from tugs model got destroyed or stolen

[@mr.nightmaretheblackfire4577]

top hats and Grandpus are really old invaluable I hope someone found them already I hope what are they going to make tugs mini

[@johneisele6264]

I reckon top hat ended up in the u.s. somewhere, being he was on the theodore tugboat show, and made several cameos over the years in various commercials. I remember seeing top hat on pbs a long time ago, that was the only reason I learned tugs exsisted

[@GamerB2022LikesTugs]

He also could be in Japan according to a theory.

[@the4tierbridge]

@@johneisele6264 Tophat was on Theodore Tugboat?

[@juleksaas4144]

@@the4tierbridge no he's lying

[@TEKASHI-de1qt]

Learn to speak English

[@ToastyAvocado69]

Jeez this was a huge walk down memory lane. I completely forgot about this show, I used to have VHS cassettes of this show, it all came coming back after watching this. Thank you for bringing this back!

[@TweetsieRailroader]

3:28 I had no Ideas Chris was a TUGS fan! He does an amazing series called "Steam Locos in Profile" here on KZbin.

[@mightyalbert1470]

Me neither mate!

[@jessenelson1080]

We should restoreize it and film a searson 2 gobbles

[@Gothenburg32]

I remember when I went to the Midland Railway Centre, back in August 2017, when I was 13. I went into the TUGS exhibition and I was really amazed to literally see the models in person!

[@steam-powered-cyborg]

Such a lovely insight to the progress of the Star Tugs Trust collection. A bit off topic but I love how Steven seems to go to these events in a Z-Stack get-up. 😄

[@ivorythebashful]

I actually didn’t know about TUGS until I watched it randomly and watched the season. And I love the series!

[@xs0528]

Good thing you’re not the only one.

[@MiaSharkesque]

Everyone's childhood I had a tugs vhs and I miss it just like brum

[@PieAndChips]

I still have my copy!

[@parkerproductions4546]

What a wonderful documentary, James! It really shines to light the history of TUGS and what their fate was before being placed in good hands. Being a regular supporter of the Trust, I am proud to see them slowly but surely achieve their ambitions and future plans for the exhibition. All the stories and anecdotes the staff talk about when they were first establishing the whole display are extraordinary and ones that every new visitor should hear. And hopefully, more still yet to come!

[@PixelRefresh]

Thanks for the lovely comments, and I'm sure the Tugs are in very good hands for the future.

[@parkerproductions4546]

No problem! :)

[@samuelfarris1949]

@@PixelRefresh That the existence of TUGS is acknowledged in this manner at all is enough a merit as far as I'm concerned. A short and sweet documentary detailing the fascinating outcome of those original props. Samuel F.

[@TCTUGS]

Your support is always gratefully received :)

[@ltdan2001]

As an American I remember this show.

[@gamernick1]

Im glad I found this video. I've spent so many years thinking I imagined this show. Thank you for recovering a memory from my childhood

[@GeorgeLowther2000]

I’ve been there on 26th August 2019 and it was Fab and the Staff are the nicest people I have ever meet

[@thesudriana016]

I love Thomas & Friends, too. So I have no idea about TUGS and the only tugboat show I knew of from childhood was Theodore Tugboat. So after I first got onto KZbin, I first heard the theme via (Jivio) Rusty Red Scrap Iron's narration redubs (in the early years), but again, I have no idea about it. That wasn't until I first saw the series when I saw it via the episode "Warrior" and front cover VHS. At first, I was a bit doubtful about it, but as I watched a few of the other episodes, I was like WOW! I mean they are really outstanding. Filled with dark feels, comedy, action, mystery, and of course, explosions! Fun Fact: Some of the models from the show are recycled into Thomas & Friends, starting with Season 3, and even Big Mickey (now with a face since S21) and S.S. Vienna (now S.S. Roxstar) made it into the current CGI series. I was sorry to hear about the fate of the series, but at least it's still remembered via us fans (old and new). Fantastic documentary about the Star Tugs Trust, and I'm really sorry to hear that Top Hat isn't part of the exhibition as well (but at least his face masks are safe).

[@TF2Scout_YT]

How ever the “Now” Thomas models are being very sadly abused!!! There have been so much WRONG changes to the models and it hurts to see it!!!!! THOMAS DOESN’T EVEN HAVE HIS ORIGINAL WHEELS!!!! HIS BLOODY WHEELS GUYS!!!!

[@jdnottm]

OmG 20’mins from where I live! The Starr Tugs live! Yay! Must go and see!

[@rocingersol1361]

Chris is my hero. What a great bunch of guys! Love their passion and dedication to this great show. Favourite childhood memories watching Tugs ❤️❤️❤️

[@thetelegothika5327]

I am blown away by the interest in this series! I remember there was one website in 2003 which looked-back at the show and interviewed the director and producer. Now though, there's loads of videos and info out there. I'm amazed there's not been a crowd funded DVD release. Surely the 35mm footage or edits are around somewhere. A transfer to HD could look incredible, especially if they were remastered. Great documentary!

[@MaxxTrotter]

Tell me the first thing that comes to mind: Thomas Meets The TUGS!

[@yellowpete79]

Never going to happen.

[@BigSmoke-s9n]

Murdoch (I don’t know why that came up in my mind)

[@generalbacon6955]

In an early draft of Thomas and the Magic Railroad, David Mitton intended for the Star Tugs to appear

[@GrapesOfWrath1]

@@generalbacon6955 thats cool! I wish britt allcroft helped david mitton get tugs back again after TVS went bankrupt

[@merlinandmurdoch7837]

The Dynagator Tug O thought you said bacon

[@steamerfan2212]

0:52 HOLY GOD THIS IS GLORIOUS

[@bridazzel7588]

I bet my future kids would love to play with the TUGS models.

[@keatonthekoopatroopa246]

I hope Top Hat and Grampus are found it's quite a shame that Izzy Gomez John Cuba and The Coast Guard's model are now in Hit Entertainment's storage room. I also find it interesting in some earlier scripts of TATMR there was a scene Sea Side Run by thst would of featured them i think would go like Mr Conductor says he is good friends Captain Star and has his Star Tugs i guess it would a scene Ten Cents Sunshine and Top Hat getting startled by Boomer who is forcing Billy Shoepack to give his dynamite while Captain Star says he saw some biker said something about destroying a lost engine to Mr Conductor.

[@keatonthekoopatroopa246]

@@aestheticniro181 I heard that in 2019 since bought the garage were both TUGS and Thomas were filmed in that Mattel and Hit Entertainment going help them.

[@MalWave]

poor Izzy.....still looking for a tow.

[@Ryanthemudkip]

I think Johnny Cuba's model was destroyed in trapped

[@cnnickanddisneyfanboy9523]

Mr Weirdo you mean every character from TUGS will appear in future Thomas and Friends episodes?! Cuz you mentioned Top Hat’s model and Grampus’ model both being at the HiT Entertainment headquarters.

[@bradenkilby]

Just curious, what happened to Puffer and the goods engine and the railway stuff?

[@nikerailfanningttm9046]

12:28 O.J. seems happy to have found a loving home with his fellow Star Tugs and the Zed Stacks. I’m glad these models are preserved. It’s a shame we can’t find TopHat and Grampus. As O.J. once said in Munitions: “we must all salute a very brave tug”. Somewhere out there, TopHat is waiting his return to reunite with the rest of the Star Fleet.

[@Zenniter]

They NEED to start making this show again I want more

[@arthurbermejo640]

No.

[@dave41184]

Good to see that restoration work is underway :) Preservation of the models is massively important!

[@digitalversatiledisc69]

I just discovered this series on youtube. I really love it so far. It's a shame it didn't last longer.

[@agentM1991]

Never knew about TUGS. I live in the United States and I know the TUGS segment from Salty's Lighthouse on Ready Set Learn on TLC. Salty's Lighthouse ran from 1997 to 1998 and reruns from 2000 to 2004. The show revolved around life lessons like apologizing when making a mistake, to be brave when things look to intense and frightening, not being bossy and many more. I hope Grampus and Top Hat is found soon. I enjoyed a virtual look at the characters.

[@PixelRefresh]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lysol-2004]

Well on the episode of TUGS called "Munitions", you can see the death of Big Mickey the crain. After he sunk in the sea. He was transferred to the Island of Sodor and used him as a helper of Cranky in Brendam Docks. On the new episode of Thomas called "The New Crane at the Docks", that is the time you can see that Big Mickey is still alive and even gained a face and a deep voice. After I realize that they need to bring back TUGS but in CGI version just like T&F.

[@haydenglatemore]

Tugs is an underrated show

[@danthebluetank6636]

I love ten cents! His voice feels right to be Thomas’s! By that that’s how i thought Thomas would sound like

[@tonyheather-noon5291]

This was the greatest show of my childhood

[@faclesshenryproductions540]

I love Thomas and friends and TUGS!

[@johnsplayworld2402]

Sadly the only lasted in one season and its boring to see same episodes

[@rottenroads1982]

So how about we convince them to make a new series for Tugs, A CGI version of Tugs.

[@pettsonochfindusdvd4787]

Tomas the tank engine and tugs

[@Lover-of-Creative-Priorities]

I wish they made more seasons of this show with new characters being introduced, I had it 'recorded on a video tape when I was younger

[@emmettbyrne9835]

Nice interview. I never saw Tugs. I only remember the one from Thomas. Bet the series cost a fortune with the great attention to detail with the models and set.

[@TheZacDJ]

TVS was a great TV company, great place to work. Very sad they lost their licence in 1992. ITV just isn't the same these days.

[@ChrisBrandrick]

Loved this show. Thanks for this!

[@PixelRefresh]

Enjoy :)

[@ChrisBrandrick]

James Woodcock I used to have one Tugs VHS, wish I still had it!

[@PixelRefresh]

Yeah I had a few back in the day too... So desperate for a DVD release!

[@Honeydwarf85]

OMG I didn't know Chris was part of this! He runs the successful Steam Loos in Profile series! He's at 3:30

[@green5studios47]

He along with a lot of other people interview here have been a part of this show and Thomas for over a decade now. Through the SiF. Steven goes by the name of Professor Vengeance on the site, who does a series called “Tales From the Other Railway.” Douglas is better known as Fox. Chris Eden Green back the was known as Chris the Xelent and did several audio productions before steam locos in profiles. If you listen to some of them, you’ll recognize several of the voices you hear interviewed here. You might know this, but for those who don’t, you’ve learned something new.

[@graceygal2664]

Isn't there a video of them half putting a model in a firebox

[@linknowhereman]

If they had the Top Hat and Grampus models, they could remake Tugs, and even make new episodes! Imagine how cool that would be! All the potential.

[@TheKilroyman]

Grampus and Top Hat need to be found. And IMHO, more pressure needs to be put on Mattel to get hold of Big Mickey and Izzy Gomez, who are hopefully in storage at their main studio. Grampus was my favourite character (Face it, I'm a sucker for submarines. XD), and I hope to see him found.

[@antonberglund117]

Why haven't BBC or an KZbinr made a documentary about the production of Thomas The Tank Engine and/or Tugs? Interviews with the hole produktion crew, writers, Robert D. Cardona, David Eves and so on. Would be a dream come thru. And last I just want to thank you for this video:)

[@PixelRefresh]

Thanks :)

[@antonberglund117]

@JAMES COOK AND BUGSHOT*TAKEN* Link?

[@antonberglund117]

@JAMES COOK AND BUGSHOT*TAKEN* Okay, becuase I mean like an one hour long documentary. Not these five to ten minutes long ones. (I live in Sweden, so if BBC or any other channel has aired a documentary similar to the one I would want to see, I've obviously missed it. If it's not uploaded to KZbin😉😊👍.)

[@slicougar9222]

@@antonberglund117 you may have already found this but here's a short documentary kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaiahGaapa1pbqc

[@bjmorley]

I'd say with OJ, the head and cabin funnel was kept just incase there was a return to the Tug series?

[@TheGWR0-4-0]

Oh I didn’t realise Chris Eden Green was part of the Star Tugs Trust

[@BikliqiStudios2020]

Wow. My name is Scott. I love this video you made. :) I love it when some people mentioned Thomas and Thunderbirds which I also love, but I have been a fan of TUGS for 29 years and I never grow out of it as I am 32 years old. :) Thank you for making this. :) I love it. I will give it a 10/10. :)

[@PixelRefresh]

Thanks Scott glad you enjoyed it :)

[@BikliqiStudios2020]

@@PixelRefresh It's a pleasure, James. :) Hope you come to Norfolk to visit railways. If you're a train person. :)

[@BikliqiStudios2020]

@@PixelRefresh I finally had a chance to see most of the models on Saturday on the VIP event. :) I loved it.

[@TritonBrickRailway]

Wow, I never knew Chris Eden Green was a Star Tugs Exhibition member!!!

[@dca-Letsplay]

Another thing I’m surprised wasn’t mentioned is that the models for Puffa and the goods engine were destroyed more or less cut up for scrap

[@PizzaRollz1]

Never even thought that Theodore Tugboat could have been based off a previously existing show!

[@Thomasultimate1213]

What a great video. Very informative and great interviews.

[@callum110597]

Amazing how those models are on display at the railway. Shame they haven't got Top Hat or Grampus yet. And I have never been to the Midland Railway.

[@LCKplays]

Was devastated when I found out my mum gave away my collection of Tugs videos to a charity shop when I was younger, still not forgiven her haha

[@randomoldbloke]

I enjoyed the show when it first aired in Australia, watched it again recently enjoyed it as much if not more. BTW am now a 60 yo kid lol

[@dodo1opps]

There was a series out of Canada, Theodore Tugboat. It ran from 1993 to 2001.

[@onetrackmind3558]

Well Big Mickey is in T&F now, maybe they'll bring in all the Tugs characters.

[@Senile_Yeti]

Fantastic documentary

[@greatwesternproductions2857]

I’m glad the models have been preserved

[@Siege-v3m]

You know this be good when Chris Green part in this video!

[@AndrewThompson383]

I’m going there this spring

[@jonathannetsereab]

how was it

[@TheJasonFernyhough]

Well Done, James

[@PixelRefresh]

Thanks :)

[@duncanthenarrowgagueengine7095]

19:44 Makes me sad because top hat and grampus are my faviroute charicter from tugs :(

[@Arkonu]

We never got that Thomas x Tugs Crossover I always wanted...

[@xs0528]

Hey, we will get the crossover, someday.

[@roxaclock]

You forgot about grampus here. He's part of the star fleet around episode 4

[@NeidhardtDerBlitzschnelle]

2:57 Extremely limited? All Epidodes are available on KZbin in their full lenghts, I would not call this "Extremely limited Availability". I would more rather call the Availability extremely UNlimited.

[@georgiamapping7803]

I wish tugs still go on

[@connormclernon26]

If they have the original plans, could it be possible to make a new Top Hat and Grampus?

[@The8BitNerd]

Do the models still work, I’m guessing not but I’m interested.

[@andyholmes8171]

I had no idea this place existed, defintely need to go

[@mikesbricks9214]

Hey it’s Chris! Aka, Steam Locos in Profile!

[@jenniferpesquera1783]

I grew up with Thomas the tank engine and shining time station since I was a kid watching it on tv.

[@elanjaetheridge5898]

0:18 what background music is this from

[@iron1349]

it's surreal seeing Chris without his purple shirt and black jacket combo

[@tylerf5929]

So is that railway still in use, did they have Thomas events and engine replicas at one point

[@MrStabby19812]

There were really nice toys made too I had ten cents.

[@justplanecrazy5575]

Love that song

[@nothisispatrick6180]

10:16 looking at that pacer in the background

[@enginemedic73]

I wonder where the puffa (the steam engine) went, I hope he was preserved

[@douglasthenumberten749]

He and Little Owl where used as Scrap in Thomas.

[@enginemedic73]

NO

[@rachaeldavies7657]

I still have the VHS of tugs

[@imaclappedboy2804]

Top Hat may have ended up reused in TTTE as a backdrop model

[@thekathal]

Wasn’t expecting Chris Eden-Green!

[@quantrellbritt3528]

I wish tugs would get a reboot

[@croweman6515]

"You Either Die A Hero, Or Live Long Enough To See Yourself Become A Villain", Tugs died a beloved hero, Thomas The Tank Engine lived long enough to become an ugly animated villain.

[@croweman6515]

I will say, I wish Tugs could've had at least 2 or 3 more seasons before they sailed away into the sunset, that would've been a satisfying series run.

[@churroman183]

Funnily enough, the Tugs Trust people kinda also fell into that spiral.

[@PamsWorld101]

@@churroman183 how so?

[@wommyu]

big mickey was used later in thomas and friends too even in the CGI he is there he also gets a face in a new episode

[@Ducks-are-cool1]

Do the tugs work also if they had the money can they make new episodes working with the story writing and stuff to make new episodes ?

[@SebastianMarcialVideo]

My theory is in tugs that ten cents was being transpotransported on a flatbed by thomas

[@joegoodman4312]

This is the first time in 32 years that I have even thought of these 😃

[@lukeslocomotives8521]

Has anyone had the idea of building a replica of both Top Hat and Grampus?? That might be the next best thing if they cannot find the actual models.

[@TonsOfTrackmasters]

Hehe this place is 3hrs away from me :D

[@benkleschinsky]

I don't care what anyone says. CGI will never replace stop motion.

[@lord_scrubington]

Chris Eden Greeeeen!!!! My man

[@rottenroads1982]

I would love to make my own character and his name would be Travis and he is a Tramp Steamer. He works for both the Star fleet and the Zed Stacks and another company far away across the ocean called the Grey sun fleet.

[@TrainMania19]

BIG MAC 🍟🍔

[@ThatSB]

Is this different than Theodore Tugboat? Also, from someone who works in the tug industry, the premise you described is exactly what goes on today

[@davidantoniocamposbarros7528]

Ye it different

[@BluDog35]

Anyone remember the meathook abortion that was Salty's Lighthouse?

[@RailPreserver2K]

They should try to revive the series one day

[@DonaldandDougles57646]

my favorite Star tug is OJ

[@MoleculeMind7]

I think it’s likely Top Hat and Grampus were repurposed as props in another show. Someone might have looked at them every day for the last 10 years and not known who they were for they had been redecorated.

[@merlinandmurdoch7837]

why couldn't they kept going with the project of making a CGI version of tugs it could've been great we could've even had a crossover with you know who!

[@LotsOfPiecesOfJay]

as sad as it is to say, a thomas crossover wouldnt make sence as tugs is set in america compared to thomas being in england. but maybe now thomas js going around the world he may run into them!

[@davidantoniocamposbarros7528]

@@LotsOfPiecesOfJay well this comment aged well

[@PSNZAC315]

I don't think they should have fixed up the tugs they should have kept them as close to the original as possible. Maybe remake them as new but make it clear these are newly made

[@microbusss]

all the TUGS episodes are on here now