Let's get some requirements out of the way at the start: This DLC for Thomas & Friends is an add-on for TSW5 (which is available on Game Pass), and requires the West Somerset Railway Route. To celebrate Reverend W. Awry's Railway Stories' 80th Anniversary, Sir Topham Hat (the Fat Controller to real Thomas fans) has decided that Thomas' "birthday" will be celebrated by repainting him in his original green LBSC livery (which stands for London, Brighton & South Coast railway.)
Three chapters feature a typical tale of Diesel and the Troublesome Trucks messing things up, and Thomas sorting things out so his birthday celebration can go ahead.
So yes, there are only 3 Chapters to play, which seems slightly underwhelming, even for a busy reviewer–I imagine most kids (adult or otherwise) will be disappointed with just 3 new outings for their £7.99 (£7.19 with Game Pass.) You can of course spawn Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, Diesel and the Troublesome Trucks on any TSW5 route you own, and create your own adventures.
One other thing I'd like to mention, and that I didn't really notice when I reviewed Thomas & Friends Visit the West Somerset Railway, is the HUD having the slope/gradient gauge removed, which seems daft to me. This means you can be losing speed on a subtle slope and not know why. Assuming a slope gauge is unnecessary or overcomplicated is rather patronising, and I think it will only confuse kids when Thomas or Diesel slows down on an upslope, or accelerates on a downslope. When simplifying the controls maybe they should have added some sort of cruise control, which would have cured this issue.
Thomas & Friends 80th Anniversary Expansion is enjoyable and high-quality but over too soon, like all the best parties.
Many thanks to Dovetail Games and Indigo Pearl for the review code.