This site is mostly done, just working on my instructions a bit and maybe changing a couple things. Also, haven't spell checked yet... so be kind! Anyway, just wanted to share my new tutorial with anyone interested. If you see anything that's confusing or not clear, let me know. I'm counting on my visitors to help me make this tutorial the best it can be.
Here's the link: http://thomasthetankenginecake.blogspot.com/
Let me know what you like and don't like about it. Thanks!
Wendy
Oh that is so nice! Thank you, I have bookmarked it. I hope to be able to make one sometime!
Awesome.
Thanks for posting it.
I think I have pm'd everyone on here that has made a thomas, but it is so much easier to see what to do.
But I do appreciate everyone that has replied to my pm's.
That tutorial is great! I love the pictures of the fondant work. I am still an amatuer and have never worked with fondant and had only a little idea how to do it. Your pictures of the face work are so helpful.
I have one question about smoothing the icing. Is it really that simple-run hot water over the spatula, shake and smooth? I tried smoothing with a bit of water on my finger as I really had no idea how else to do that and it didn't work so well. So, if it's that simple - I've learned yet another trick.
Thanks so much!
How on earth did you know, that I have to make Thomas next week? I love the tutorial on the face. I'll skip the cakecarving part and just use the face sculpting. I've got a 3D train pan and plan to use that, but the face was giving me problems, couldn't figure out, how to do that. Will start on the face today. Thnx so much
I have one question about smoothing the icing. Is it really that simple-run hot water over the spatula, shake and smooth? I tried smoothing with a bit of water on my finger as I really had no idea how else to do that and it didn't work so well. So, if it's that simple - I've learned yet another trick.
I use other techniques too. The spatula method works in certain areas, but sometimes it works better to take a Viva papertowel and rub the frosting (after it crusts). You can also take cornstarch on a dry paintbrush and push down areas that are rough or pointed. I use a ruler sometimes too... the flatside that is, once again do this only after the frosting has crusted. The spatula method is only good when the frosting is still moist.
If you notice though, you'll see my Thomas isn't all that smooth. I usually just go with it. I've never been a pro at getting my frosting smooth. 
Thanks for the great feedback. 
I wish I had a better grasp on how to construct a tutorial. I think this one will undergo a few revisions before I'm satisfied with it. What will help more than anything, is feedback from anyone who uses it. So, don't hesitate to let me know what might be missing, unclear, or unorganized.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! 
Hi Wendysue,
Wow I used your tutorial yesterday to make the Thomas face, needed a couple of tries, but after I mixed up a 1/2 fondant, 1/2 gumpaste mix, I think it came out quite well. Here's a pic, the cake will follow next week.
Thanx a lot for the tutorial, it's actually quite easy to follow
wow, that has got to be one of the BEST tutorials I have EVER seen.....very well done!!! I really wish this would have been around when I had to make a Thomas cake!! I love the way you did the face......I basically made all the balls and such and then rolled another piece of mmf kinda thin and laid it over top of everything!! The plastic surgery way seems like way more fun lol!!! I hope I have a reason to make another Thomas cake after seeing yours!!!
Ursula,
Thanks for sharing your Thomas face with me! It turned out very cute! 
I'm so pleased to have the positive feedback, but welcome any constructive criticism as well. My sister has experience writing tutorials and is going to help me iron a few things out. So, you'll probably see the site undergo a few changes, but hopefully it only gets better.
Happy cake decorating!
Wendy
You can buy high ratio shortening at a baking supply store that tastes a lot better, is lighter, and healthier. I think if you use all butter your frosting will taste awesome, but it might not work as well for use on a cake like this. I could be wrong though. I'd use something with more body to it though.
Anyone else know?
Wow Wendy, that's a FANTASTIC tutorial! You really put alot of work into making that and it shows. That was very sweet of you to put together and share with us. I know that was many extra hours of work. THANK YOU!!!! Wish I had your tutorial when I done my Percy and Thomas. I play with it as I went without help, but sure needed some. I've printed out your tutorial and will be sure to use it next time I have to do one. Thank you again and again and AGAIN!!!! Bless your heart!
Ellie
You did a great job! That was a nice tutorial!
Oh Yipppeee!!! I'm so stoked over this!! I have to make a Thomas cake for one of my nephews in a few weeks and I have been stressing trying to figure all this out in my head. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes for me but by reading through your tutorial I should do well. It seems so easy now that I've read your tutorial and seen your pictures! Thank you,thank you, thank you!!!
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