Thomas the Tank Engine. The Thomas stories were not intended for the public, the original author Rev W Awdry invented them to tell his son Christopher whilst he was ill, to entertain him. It was Rev W Awdry's wife who kept telling him to get his stories published. Eventually in 1945 The first story was published, 'Three Railway Engines' The engines featuring in this book were Edward, Henry and Gordon, no Thomas! Thomas was not yet thought of, it wasn't until Christmas that year when Christopher's father made him a little wooden engine. Christopher named the engine 'Thomas The Tank Engine' now Thomas had finally arrived. After this Christopher asked his father to tell him stories of Thomas he then invented an imaginary setting for the trains 'The Island of Sodor'.
In 1946 'Thomas The Tank Engine' was published and after that Rev W Awdry publish a new book each year until 1972, after 27 years the last book was published 'Tramway Engines' he decided to enjoy his retirement.
Thomas had become one of the most popular children books ever. Years later Christopher Awdry told his son, Richard Awdry of the same stories and new ones of which he had thought of, then in 1983 christopher published 'Really Useful Engines' his first book. In October 1984 Thomas The Tank Engine And Friends hit the TV screen, it now shows in over 130 counrties
Select from our range of Thomas below, including sets for James, Percy Circus, Thomas and Bill and many more. |
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