These are the guidelines on how to format pages on the wiki.
Subjects
The Thomas Ertl Wiki covers the following ranges:
- 1:64 Scale Die-cast Range (Thomas series)
- Miniatures (Thomas series)
- Keyring Collection (Thomas series)
- Gold Rail Series
- Wind-up Series (Thomas series)
- Other Thomas and Friends products by Ertl (Thomas Moneybox, Radio Controlled Thomas, etc.)
Naming
The primary name for articles should be taken from the name on the box.
Infoboxes
Infoboxes should contain the following features:
- Image: An image of the most recent version of the product.
- Active: The date of release and discontinuation. If the item has been released in different years in different countries, the years are arranged chronologically with abbreviations of each country next to each year.
- SKU: The stock keeping unit or item number used for the item. If the number has changed
- Collector Card Number: The number on the collector card for the item. If number has changed in different years, the numbers are arranged chronologically with years in brackets.
- Theme: The name of the theme the item has been released in if applicable, such as Lights and Sounds or a movie. If the item has not been released in a theme, the section remains blank.
- Batteries: A list of required batteries grouped by number and type i.e. "2 x AA". If there are no batteries required, the section remains blank.
- Components: For sets and track packs, the number of pieces in the item.
Articles
All articles on products should first describe the range that it has been released.
Vehicles
If the article is on a character, there should be a very brief basic description of who they are, such as the type of engine, their personality, or their type of work. Articles should not be produced for characters that haven't been released in any of the Ertl ranges.
Product Description
If applicable, this section features a transcribed description from the Collector Card.
Changes
If the vehicle has had multiple designs, make a list of years, with information that details the difference between each version in brackets. If one of the versions is part of a larger item like a multi-pack or set, the item in question should be mentioned in the listing.
Variants
A list of variants of the item along in chronological order.
Multi-Packs
Packs which include multiple vehicles can begin with stating things such as the story inspired by it or their features.
Product Description
If applicable, this section features a transcribed description from the back of the box.
Contents
A list of what is included in the pack.
Destinations
Articles on destinations should begin with a detailed description of how the item works.
Product Description
If applicable, this section features a transcribed description from the back of the box.
Contents
If applicable, a list of what is included in the destination.
Track Packs
Articles for track packs should begin with a brief description on what it's about.
Contents
A list of the included pieces.
Product Description
If applicable, this section features a transcribed description from the back of the box.
Sets
Product Description
If applicable, this section features a transcribed description from the back of the box.
Contents
A list of included items. The pieces should be roughly listed in the following order:
- Vehicles
- Destinations
- Track (comprising of a list of the pieces used)
- Accessories
Trivia
The Trivia section should be the second last part of the article. This section can be used for interesting facts or notes about the item, such as differences between prototypes and final versions. It should not be used for common information that can be placed earlier in the article such as changes.
Gallery
The Gallery is the last section of the article and the images should be arranged in chronological order. Preferably, images should have captions identical to the image file names.
Images uploaded must use titles beginning with the range name, year, name of item, and if applicable, a further description such as "box" or a number. If it is a prototype image, then "Prototype" should prefix the name of the item. Here are some examples:
- 1:64ScaleDie-cast1984Thomas
- 1:64ScaleDie-castPrototypeBoCo
The gallery images should be arranged in the following order:
- Prototype
- Main item image
- Additional images (applicable for notable elements unseen in the main image with a number at the end of the file)
- Box
- Box back
The ordering system should repeat if there are multiple versions. Multiple images of the same thing from different angles are not allowed. A separate "Variants gallery" with a heading can follow the gallery with an image of each variant arranged in chronological order.
Galleries may be separated into an individual page if there are an excessive number of images. There is no minimum number of images to warrant a separation, but a page with around less than ten images shouldn't require a separate gallery page.
Categories
Items should be categorized mainly by how they are officially designated, such as "Engines", "Multi-Packs", or "Sets". The year category of the item's first release is also used.