Knapford Yards (T&F)/Behind the Scenes

Background Information
In 1984, Knapford Yards was introduced in the first series of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends. Unlike in the Railway Series, it is significantly larger and has plenty of sidings for trucks, as well as a carriage shed. It also has a high-level section of track, although it is unknown where it leads. It is located just north of the station.

Gauge 1 set
Knapford Yards has had numerous modifications throughout the years:
 * Series 3:
 * The elevated track is removed.
 * Series 5:
 * The Sodor Shipping Company building is removed.
 * Series 11:
 * The elevated track is added back.
 * A carriage shed is added behind the yard.

Close-up sets
Close-up sets of Knapford Yards were built to be used for scenes involving the close-up scale figures.

CGI set
In 2009, the series introduced Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) as a replacement for the show's long-standing live-action models. Knapford Yards was recreated from scratch in CGI by Nitrogen Studios. The models for the set were "hand-sculpted" in Maya, a 3D animation and modelling software.

According to Greg Tiernan, the CGI models are subjected to many rounds of review before they are submitted to HiT Entertainment for final input and approval.

Brendam Docks has had modifications throughout the CGI era. These include:
 * Series 17:
 * The carriage shed behind the yard is removed.
 * The size of the town around the yard shrinks.
 * Tale of the Brave:
 * Points are added to allow access in-between each line.
 * All in Vain and The Big Freeze only:
 * A coal hopper is added.