For a little wooden train, Thomas sure has a lot of puff.

When council workers saw him bobbing up and down in raging Wollondilly River flood waters near Towrang in December 2010, they thought the worst.

But last week he turned up in the most unexpected way – during a police drug search.

Detectives discovered the former Goulburn Waterworks attraction while sifting through evidence on an Eleanor Street, Eastgrove, property last week.

Despite the ordeal, Thomas looked in terrifically good nick, according to Acting Local Area Commander Evan Quarmby who praised police for their sleuth work.

“The team did a fantastic job with the Eleanor Street matter – and the bonus for the community is that we found Thomas,” Superintendent Quarmby said.

“It’s amazing that he’s still in such good shape given that he was washed away by the floods almost three years ago.

“One of Goulburn’s most wanted has been found after decamping in a north easterly direction!”

Police towed Thomas back to the station on Monday for a reunion with the Mayor and other council staff, before transferring him “by police escort” to the council works depot in Bourke Street where he’ll be repaired and given a fresh lick of paint.

Thomas spent his early years in Belmore Park before making his way across town to the Waterworks in 2008 where he was extensively refurbished by volunteers.

How Thomas ended up at the Eastgrove property is still a matter for police investigation.

But police are thankful the little wooden train remained largely intact.

Mayor Geoff Kettle said it would probably be some weeks before Thomas again assumes his position at the Waterworks, joining the magnificent Appleby Beam and Hicks Hargraves steam engines.

“On behalf of the community, I thank the police for their wonderful efforts,” he said.