During 2016, the decision was taken to trial moving the Day Out with Thomas event to Gembrook, starting with the spring season, thus inaugurating Gembrook as the railways new centre of special events.
The problem was bought under control so that the autumn season could be completed, at which point the decision was taken that Thomas would spend Christmas at Belgrave undergoing a ‘D’ exam.
The engine steamed well up the notorious Emerald bank, suffering no overheating issues, and with an improved lubrication regime, the Autumn Thomas season presented no further issues.
