According to a show reel by Chris Renshaw, when Thomas meets Lexi and Theo for the first time, the musical score would continue to play for much longer than in the final cut of the film. This was omitted for unknown reasons. The first special in where Ashima, Axel, Raul, Frieda, Shane, Gina, Ivan and Etienne do not appear since their introductions in The Great Race. When Frankie laughs and says "Well isn't he a clever little tank engine", her wheels are clipping through the rails. The only time the Mainland Diesels have spoken, as two of them speak in this special and this is the only time Ulli is referred to by name.

The first special in which vehicular characters are able to move their bodies, in that they perform when they speak or look in different directions, which while debuting in the preceding CGI series, was made more prominent as of this special, as well as the new comedic devices.The first time she is voiced by Nicola Stapleton in the UK and US, taking over from Teresa Gallagher and Jules de Jongh, respectively. Thus, Nicola Stapleton joins the voice cast.

Beresford's only appearance until the twenty-fourth series special episode, Thomas and the Royal Engine. In the UK dub, one of James' screams were later reused in the twenty-first series episode, The Fastest Red Engine on Sodor. James' American accent is heard when Frankie and Hurricane chase him into the steelworks in the UK dub. In Australia, Hoyts and Event Cinemas previewed the special 1-3 times everyday between 31st August - 6th September 2017 and on 9th, 10th and 12th September 2017.There are a few references to the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. This is the second Thomas production to reference it, the first being the fifth series episode, Stepney Gets Lost. Merlin and Beresford are the only characters introduced in this film to make appearances outside of the special. When Theo runs into the pole and it falls over, it is made of wood, but when it hits the barrels, it is made of metal. Thomas is rather cheeky, but is good at heart and generally behaves well, except when he is getting into mishap. He loves teasing the others and, on occasion, brags about his superiority, but is always brought down to earth in due course. If Thomas has one major character flaw, it is that he is forgetful, and slightly impatient. However, he is also optimistic and idealistic.

In the first shot of James passing Thomas with the band, his mouth is not animated to show him humming. Also, in the US dub, James hums with his British accent instead of his American accent. Thomas' Useful Stories* | Thomas' Fan Favorite Adventures* | Thomas' Magical Musical Ride* | Great Destinations! | Double Features | HiT Favorites The only special where the official Korean transcript file was shown on the internet in South Korea. Thomas the Tank Engine is happily going down his branchline with Annie and Clarabel, but as he enters Knapford, a cheery James the Red Engine begins to boast about him being the Fat Controller's favourite engine, which Thomas heavily disagrees with. James then calls everyone's attention in the station and allows Thomas to explain how he is more important, but before he can, James continues about himself before departing. Thomas is still fuming over James' boasting as he collects pigs from Farmer Trotter's farm, and James passes with the Sodor Brass Band. During The Most Important Thing is Being Friends, Beresford can be heard singing before he visually does.At the experimental engines' yard, Thomas, Lexi, Theo and Merlin put together a plan to save James, with Lexi and Theo to cause a distraction while Thomas sneaks in to rescue James and Merlin to be the lookout. The distraction works and temporarily draws Frankie and Hurricane from the Steelworks, allowing Thomas to sneak inside looking for James. But Merlin, becoming uneasy of Thomas' whereabouts, begins to sneak inside himself, but a nervous Theo manages to give him away and a chase into the Steelworks ensues.