Is This the End for Thomas the Train?

Say it isn't so. The children's TV series and books that my kids, and so many kids grew up with, Thomas the Tank Engine, may have left the station for the last time.

A lack of money and ability to refinance debt, is the fly in the ointment.

People magazine reports the Toronto animation studio that produces the Thomas & Friends series has filed for bankruptcy protection. Arc Productions wrote a letter to its 500 employees explaining, "Arc is experiencing significant financial difficulties and a liquidity crisis. Despite the very best efforts of management to find a solution to this financial emergency, we have not been able to resolve this matter with our lender." The British children's show, which was created in 1984, has been produced by Arc Productions since 2013.

That would be a sad state of affairs if they're not able to put a plan together. Let's, for all kids sake, hope for the best.