Thomas & Friends Mug by Portmeirion It's full steam ahead as Portmeirion adds the No. 1 cheeky blue engine, Thomas The Tank Engine, to its range. Thomas & Friends has been loved by children and grown-ups alike since the books were first published in 1945. It is now on track to entertain children at mealtimes, too, as Portmeirion adorns tableware and gifts with the familiar faces from Thomas & Friends.