Came across this elsewhere, and thought it might be of interest here:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_jERF0O-5fM/TdLX8D9lvCI/AAAAAAAADBI/g0pCf2G53fs/s1600/Hank%2Bthe%2BTank%2BEngine%2Bbook.jpg
http://www.amazon.com/Hank-Tank-Engine-Pat-Gramling/dp/1933916559
Have at with the comments--and out of curiosity, what might you consider a possible approach to an American-themed counterpart?
Just for fun, someone did do something--but be forewarned, the ending is sad, very sad indeed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtfBjJ7fncQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PBO6WxA98E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh9yKknywy4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9lB3lInO6Y&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXp6r187WZQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA4Nfysl4Hg&feature=related
for that you would have to contact HiT Entertainment. They are in charge of all things Thomas and Friends, not Bachmann. Bachmann only makes models of the characters. to add to that there is already a Hank and he's American, too! ;) He's based off of a PRR K4 Pacific. good idea though!
I don't think it'd be necessary. Thomas already has international appeal. ;)