Morrowind Thomas Mod Ignites Mattel Feud, Modder Defiant
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind just got a dose of unexpected chaos thanks to modding virtuoso Trainwiz, who has once again unleashed Thomas the Tank Engine upon an unsuspecting fantasy world. This latest creation, the "Really Useful Cliffracers" mod, has landed on Nexus Mods, but not without reigniting a fiery confrontation with toy giant Mattel, who sources indicate is far from pleased with Trainwiz's continued reinterpretation of their beloved children's character.
Thomas Chugs Into Vvardenfell, Replacing Iconic Foes
On November 26, 2025, the modding community witnessed the arrival of Trainwiz's newest masterpiece. Known for introducing Thomas the Tank Engine to titles like Fallout 4, Resident Evil Village, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Trainwiz’s latest endeavor targets the classic Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. The "Really Useful Cliffracers" mod does precisely what its name suggests: it replaces Morrowind’s notoriously irritating flying cliff racers with fully rendered, albeit terrifying, versions of Thomas the Tank Engine, ready to chug down upon unsuspecting adventurers.
Modder's Battle Cry: A Direct Challenge to Corporate Goliaths
Accompanying the mod's release are defiant comments from Trainwiz that leave no room for misinterpretation regarding his stance on corporate entities. "I made a mod that replaces cliffracers with Thomas the Tank Engine," Trainwiz stated on the Nexus Mods page, continuing, "I am incapable of learning lessons whenever it involves corporations, because I fundamentally do not view toy company CEOs or media CEOs as people."
The modder further escalated the rhetoric, embracing the controversy with unyielding resolve: "I will do this no matter how many legal threats, actual threats, black vans with the Mattel logo on them, or severed Barbie heads are mailed to me." These comments underscore a deliberate provocation, highlighting a modder's refusal to be intimidated by corporate legal pressures.
Mattel's Past Displeasure: A Recurring Nightmare for Trainwiz
This isn't Trainwiz’s first dance with Mattel's legal team. An IGN report from 2019, referencing an interview with The Face, revealed that the modder's original Fallout 4 Thomas the Tank Engine mod caught the attention of Mattel's lawyers, leading to significant complications. "I got in so much trouble," Trainwiz recounted at the time, adding, "Mattel pretty much want me dead at this point--it's the reason why the Fallout 4 mod can’t be found on any normal website." This history paints a clear picture of an ongoing, contentious relationship between the creative modder and the global toy manufacturer.
Bethesda's Acknowledgment Amidst Modding Renaissance
While Mattel views Trainwiz's work with apparent disdain, it's noteworthy that Bethesda, the creators of The Elder Scrolls series, has previously offered positive acknowledgment of the modder's contributions. This context is vital within a vibrant Elder Scrolls modding scene that continues to thrive, with projects like the ambitious fan-made Skyblivion nearing release after a decade of development, and the recent arrival of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. The modding community remains a cornerstone of the Elder Scrolls experience, often pushing creative boundaries, sometimes to the chagrin of rights holders.