| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine and the Rev W Awdry - ongoing discussion Posted by JayMac at 20:18, 17th October 2025 |     |
They were my bedtime stories when I stayed over at my grandparents house as a young child. The books (originals) were my uncle's - he being just 10 years older than me. They are now in the possession of my cousin and he read them to his young son. Three generations of enjoyment and counting.
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine and the Rev W Awdry - ongoing discussion Posted by PhilWakely at 16:32, 17th October 2025 | |
I, too, was lucky enough to meet Rev Audry, probably a similar number of years ago. He was booked to give a talk one evening at the Barnfield Theatre, Exeter.
A fascinating insight, not only into the Island of Sodor, but his life in general. He had to be reminded of chuck-out time as he was so enthusiastic, he ran well over the alloted time.
I now have a signed 'original' (well, I like to think anyway!) copy of 'The Three Railway Engines'
A lovely man!
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine and the Rev W Awdry - ongoing discussion Posted by bobm at 14:42, 17th October 2025 | |
Many years ago I was lucky enough to meet the Rev Awdry at that house in Stroud and interview him about his books.
It was scheduled for half an hour but we were still chatting two hours later. He also kindly gave me, and signed, a book for my then young son. He was a very humble man and genuinely pleased that his writing had given so much pleasure to so many. They still do.
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine and Reverend Wilbert Awdry - ongoing discussion Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:42, 17th October 2025 | |
More detail, from the BBC:
Thomas the Tank Engine author honoured with plaque
A blue plaque will be unveiled at the former home of Thomas the Tank Engine creator Reverend Wilbert Awdry later.
The ceremony marks 80 years since the first of the classic Thomas & Friends books was written by Rev Awdry. He lived at number 30 Rodborough Avenue, in Stroud, Gloucestershire, where the plaque will be presented by Historic England, watched by his family.
His daughter Veronic Chambers said: "On behalf of the Awdry family, I am delighted that my father has been honoured with a national blue plaque from Historic England."
"Alongside his role as a parish priest, he was a lifelong, dedicated railway enthusiast and by creating Thomas the Tank Engine and friends, he invented a magical, fictional world that has enchanted generations of children and adults across the world."
The plaque's inscription reads: "The Reverend Wilbert Awdry, 1911-1997, Children's Author, who created Thomas the Tank Engine, lived here."
Rev Awdry's grandson Mark Chambers said it was a "very special" day for the family. "It's a wonderful thing that these stories have endured as long as they have for 80 years," he added.
Rev Awdry was born in June 1911 in the small village of Ampfield, in Hampshire, and developed a fascination with railways from a young age. His interest grew when his family moved to Box, Wiltshire, where their home was close to Box Tunnel. He decided to follow in his father's footsteps as a vicar and was ordained in 1936. Hearing the trains as he lay in bed inspired him to write the Railway Series books.
He later created Thomas to entertain his young son when he was sick with measles and the character became a global icon, with more than 20 TV series made. After many years working in Stroud, Gloucestershire, he retired from the church and later died in the village of Rodborough in March 1997, aged 85.
Mr Chambers said he could remember visiting his grandparents in the village. "It was always exciting to go there," he said. "He had this wonderful office which was lined from floor to ceiling with books. He had a desk in the middle of that with an old type writer which he had written some of the latter books on. Mostly, it was just a warm, friendly, comfortable family home," he added.
A reconstruction of Mr Awdry's study at a museum at Talyllyn Railway
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: "Loved around the world, it's an honour to remember Reverend Awdry and the happiness he brought to so many childhoods. The early books, which would become The Railway Series, laid the foundation for a global phenomenon, based on the magic of the steam train which has appealed to all ages down the generations."
A blue plaque will be unveiled at the former home of Thomas the Tank Engine creator Reverend Wilbert Awdry later.
The ceremony marks 80 years since the first of the classic Thomas & Friends books was written by Rev Awdry. He lived at number 30 Rodborough Avenue, in Stroud, Gloucestershire, where the plaque will be presented by Historic England, watched by his family.
His daughter Veronic Chambers said: "On behalf of the Awdry family, I am delighted that my father has been honoured with a national blue plaque from Historic England."
"Alongside his role as a parish priest, he was a lifelong, dedicated railway enthusiast and by creating Thomas the Tank Engine and friends, he invented a magical, fictional world that has enchanted generations of children and adults across the world."
The plaque's inscription reads: "The Reverend Wilbert Awdry, 1911-1997, Children's Author, who created Thomas the Tank Engine, lived here."
Rev Awdry's grandson Mark Chambers said it was a "very special" day for the family. "It's a wonderful thing that these stories have endured as long as they have for 80 years," he added.
Rev Awdry was born in June 1911 in the small village of Ampfield, in Hampshire, and developed a fascination with railways from a young age. His interest grew when his family moved to Box, Wiltshire, where their home was close to Box Tunnel. He decided to follow in his father's footsteps as a vicar and was ordained in 1936. Hearing the trains as he lay in bed inspired him to write the Railway Series books.
He later created Thomas to entertain his young son when he was sick with measles and the character became a global icon, with more than 20 TV series made. After many years working in Stroud, Gloucestershire, he retired from the church and later died in the village of Rodborough in March 1997, aged 85.
Mr Chambers said he could remember visiting his grandparents in the village. "It was always exciting to go there," he said. "He had this wonderful office which was lined from floor to ceiling with books. He had a desk in the middle of that with an old type writer which he had written some of the latter books on. Mostly, it was just a warm, friendly, comfortable family home," he added.
A reconstruction of Mr Awdry's study at a museum at Talyllyn Railway
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: "Loved around the world, it's an honour to remember Reverend Awdry and the happiness he brought to so many childhoods. The early books, which would become The Railway Series, laid the foundation for a global phenomenon, based on the magic of the steam train which has appealed to all ages down the generations."
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine and Reverend Wilbert Awdry - ongoing discussion Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:23, 17th October 2025 | |
From Stroud News:
Blue plaque unveiled in Stroud for Rev Wilbert Awdry
A BLUE plaque will be unveiled in Stroud in honour of the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine.
Reverend Wilbert Awdry, who lived at 30 Rodborough Avenue, has been commemorated by Historic England as part of this year's Railway 200 celebrations.
The plaque will be unveiled today (Friday, October 17), marking 80 years since the publication of the first book, The Three Railway Engines.
Reverend Awdry's daughter, Veronica Chambers, will attend the event, alongside Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson.
Mr Wilson said: "Loved around the world, it’s an honour to remember Reverend Awdry and the happiness he brought to so many childhoods."
Ms Chambers said: "On behalf of the Awdry family, I am delighted that my father has been honoured with a national blue plaque from Historic England. Alongside his role as a parish priest, he was a lifelong, dedicated railway enthusiast and by creating Thomas the Tank Engine and friends, he invented a magical, fictional world that has enchanted generations of children and adults across the world. It’s wonderful that the national blue plaque has been installed at 30 Rodborough Avenue, his home for so many years after he retired as a parish priest."
Reverend Awdry, born in 1911, was a clergyman and railway enthusiast who combined his passions to create a beloved children's series. His stories, initially told to entertain his son Christopher, evolved into The Railway Series, featuring the characters Edward, Gordon and Henry.
The first book was published in 1945, with Thomas the Tank Engine himself introduced in the second book in 1946. By 1970, over three million copies had been sold. The stories were adapted into the Thomas and Friends TV show, which first aired in 1984.
Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher said: "This recognition is long overdue. The Rev W Awdry was a gifted storyteller. Originally written for his son, his dedication to his craft left us with a collection of finely written, multi-layered, inter-generational stories that still speak to us today. There is a wonderful line attributed to the Rev Awdry: 'Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones we can only dream about'."
The plaque is the first national blue plaque to be unveiled that has been nominated by a member of the public.
A BLUE plaque will be unveiled in Stroud in honour of the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine.
Reverend Wilbert Awdry, who lived at 30 Rodborough Avenue, has been commemorated by Historic England as part of this year's Railway 200 celebrations.
The plaque will be unveiled today (Friday, October 17), marking 80 years since the publication of the first book, The Three Railway Engines.
Reverend Awdry's daughter, Veronica Chambers, will attend the event, alongside Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson.
Mr Wilson said: "Loved around the world, it’s an honour to remember Reverend Awdry and the happiness he brought to so many childhoods."
Ms Chambers said: "On behalf of the Awdry family, I am delighted that my father has been honoured with a national blue plaque from Historic England. Alongside his role as a parish priest, he was a lifelong, dedicated railway enthusiast and by creating Thomas the Tank Engine and friends, he invented a magical, fictional world that has enchanted generations of children and adults across the world. It’s wonderful that the national blue plaque has been installed at 30 Rodborough Avenue, his home for so many years after he retired as a parish priest."
Reverend Awdry, born in 1911, was a clergyman and railway enthusiast who combined his passions to create a beloved children's series. His stories, initially told to entertain his son Christopher, evolved into The Railway Series, featuring the characters Edward, Gordon and Henry.
The first book was published in 1945, with Thomas the Tank Engine himself introduced in the second book in 1946. By 1970, over three million copies had been sold. The stories were adapted into the Thomas and Friends TV show, which first aired in 1984.
Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher said: "This recognition is long overdue. The Rev W Awdry was a gifted storyteller. Originally written for his son, his dedication to his craft left us with a collection of finely written, multi-layered, inter-generational stories that still speak to us today. There is a wonderful line attributed to the Rev Awdry: 'Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones we can only dream about'."
The plaque is the first national blue plaque to be unveiled that has been nominated by a member of the public.
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by grahame at 11:47, 12th May 2025 | |
12th May 1945 - First "Thomas the Tank Engine" book published - (link)
80 years today. When does Thomas's boiler ticket run out, or are there other rules on Sodor?
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by Red Squirrel at 16:31, 12th May 2023 | |
I had lunch at the Rattlebone, in Sherston, today. Just sayin’!
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by grahame at 06:57, 12th May 2023 | |
12th May 1945 - First "Thomas the Tank Engine" book published - (link)
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by Oxonhutch at 12:42, 30th April 2020 | |
Sounds a bit Irish to me.
More like the Morecambe Bay gas field has come onshore. Didn't see that in the books.
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by eightf48544 at 11:53, 30th April 2020 | |
According to the book 'The Island of Sodor, Its people, history and railways' by The Rev W. Awdry and G. Awdry' (and they ought to know), James is a L&YR Class 28 0-6-0, but as this class 'had a tendency to be nose-heavy especially when...driven at speed the designer George Hughes, in an effort to counteract this defect, built the engine we now know as James with 5' 6" coupled wheels, and a pony truck in front. The design did not entirely produce the improvement hoped for, and after the Grouping the LMS sold this engine to the North Western Railway [i.e. the main line railway of Sodor] who have now corrected most of the faults in the design, including the wooden brake blocks'.
Sounds a bit Irish to me.
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by Merthyr Imp at 22:22, 29th April 2020 | |
A bit pedantic. If he was watching trains at Box why is Thomas remarkably similar to a LBSC E2 0-6-0T.
As for James has anyone worked out the prototype? Wikipedia gives:
James the Red Engine is a mixed-traffic L&YR Class 28 'Mogul' 2-6-0 tender engine. But the 28s were 0-6-0s.
As for James has anyone worked out the prototype? Wikipedia gives:
James the Red Engine is a mixed-traffic L&YR Class 28 'Mogul' 2-6-0 tender engine. But the 28s were 0-6-0s.
It was the artist who illustrated the Railway Series books who drew Thomas as an E2 0-6-0T. The author only gives a very general description of him in the text.
According to the book 'The Island of Sodor, Its people, history and railways' by The Rev W. Awdry and G. Awdry' (and they ought to know), James is a L&YR Class 28 0-6-0, but as this class 'had a tendency to be nose-heavy especially when...driven at speed the designer George Hughes, in an effort to counteract this defect, built the engine we now know as James with 5' 6" coupled wheels, and a pony truck in front. The design did not entirely produce the improvement hoped for, and after the Grouping the LMS sold this engine to the North Western Railway [i.e. the main line railway of Sodor] who have now corrected most of the faults in the design, including the wooden brake blocks'.
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by ellendune at 11:43, 29th April 2020 | |
A bit pedantic. If he was watching trains at Box why is Thomas remarkably similar to a LBSC E2 0-6-0T.
As for James has anyone worked out the prototype? Wikipedia gives:
James the Red Engine is a mixed-traffic L&YR Class 28 'Mogul' 2-6-0 tender engine. But the 28s were 0-6-0s.
As for James has anyone worked out the prototype? Wikipedia gives:
James the Red Engine is a mixed-traffic L&YR Class 28 'Mogul' 2-6-0 tender engine. But the 28s were 0-6-0s.
Hmmm ... from my limited reading of the Rev Awdry's books, I've drawn an impression of a whole load of engines, each of different design and with different foibles, and as such I would draw a closer parallel with a heritage railway than any main line prototype. The timeline is probably wrong, but perhaps holidays were taken at Horsted Keynes, or near to one of the Col. Stevens lines.
He went to school in Hawkhust in Kent and later in Wiltshire. He then lived in Birmingham, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, before retiring to Gloucestershire. So quite apart form holidays he would have seen plenty of different engines.
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by rogerw at 11:36, 29th April 2020 | |
One of the books was certainly based on the Talyllyn railway
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by grahame at 11:27, 29th April 2020 | |
A bit pedantic. If he was watching trains at Box why is Thomas remarkably similar to a LBSC E2 0-6-0T.
As for James has anyone worked out the prototype? Wikipedia gives:
James the Red Engine is a mixed-traffic L&YR Class 28 'Mogul' 2-6-0 tender engine. But the 28s were 0-6-0s.
As for James has anyone worked out the prototype? Wikipedia gives:
James the Red Engine is a mixed-traffic L&YR Class 28 'Mogul' 2-6-0 tender engine. But the 28s were 0-6-0s.
Hmmm ... from my limited reading of the Rev Awdry's books, I've drawn an impression of a whole load of engines, each of different design and with different foibles, and as such I would draw a closer parallel with a heritage railway than any main line prototype. The timeline is probably wrong, but perhaps holidays were taken at Horsted Keynes, or near to one of the Col. Stevens lines.
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by Oxonhutch at 11:12, 29th April 2020 | |
But there really is a Bishop of Sodor and Man.
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by eightf48544 at 11:05, 29th April 2020 | |
A bit pedantic. If he was watching trains at Box why is Thomas remarkably similar to a LBSC E2 0-6-0T.
As for James has anyone worked out the prototype? Wikipedia gives:
James the Red Engine is a mixed-traffic L&YR Class 28 'Mogul' 2-6-0 tender engine. But the 28s were 0-6-0s.
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by bobm at 10:34, 29th April 2020 | |
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by grahame at 08:42, 29th April 2020 | |
Very good Grahame,using your lockdown time wisely ✅
All about efficiency - a couple of minutes at http://www.corington.co.uk/projects/blueplaque/
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by Western Pathfinder at 08:37, 29th April 2020 | |
Very good Grahame,using your lockdown time wisely ✅
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by grahame at 08:31, 29th April 2020 | |
Well Box has the blue plaque,so no dispute.
Sadly, you cannot 100% trust every blue plaque you see ...
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by infoman at 07:16, 29th April 2020 | |
Well Box has the blue plaque,so no dispute.
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by grahame at 06:57, 29th April 2020 | |
Locally we all agree that the idea for Thomas was generated by the Rev watching from his home in Box.
I would agree with Box, and so would the local historian sitting beside me (no social distancing - part of same household unit).
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by infoman at 06:36, 29th April 2020 | |
Locally we all agree that the idea for Thomas was generated by the Rev watching from his home in Box.
Although I was watching a preservation railway programme some where in Central Wales,a few weeks ago.
Presenter, Matt Baker? saying THEIR railway gave the idea to the Rev to write the books.
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by grahame at 05:48, 29th April 2020 | |
And from The Mirror
Thomas the Tank Engine: 75 facts about the lovable locomotive on his 75th anniversary
To mark Thomas the Tank Engine’s 75th anniversary, Prince Harry is introducing a new story about the impish train.
To celebrate, here are 75 facts about the lovable locomotive.
1. Thomas was created by Rev Wilbert Awdry when his son Christopher was suffering from measles and asked him for stories.
2. In Christmas that same year, Awdry made a toy tank engine called Thomas, for Christopher.
[etc]
To mark Thomas the Tank Engine’s 75th anniversary, Prince Harry is introducing a new story about the impish train.
To celebrate, here are 75 facts about the lovable locomotive.
1. Thomas was created by Rev Wilbert Awdry when his son Christopher was suffering from measles and asked him for stories.
2. In Christmas that same year, Awdry made a toy tank engine called Thomas, for Christopher.
[etc]
76. The Awdry family owned Melksham House from late Victorian times until 1920 when it was bought by the Avon India Rubber Company for the leisure use of their employees.
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by Lee at 13:58, 28th April 2020 | |
| Re: Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by CyclingSid at 07:50, 28th April 2020 | |
Oooos gonna pay?
| Prince Harry to read Thomas Posted by infoman at 07:32, 28th April 2020 | |
the Tank story,this coming May.
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by SandTEngineer at 11:56, 9th April 2016 | |
Yes BnM you are most probably right but one slightly different topic have you seen the signalling arrangements in Chuggington? Imagine to give SandTEngineer heart failure!
OK I'll bite. What signalling is that?............ 
Have you seen Chuggington S&T?
I can't believe I am doing this but here is a clip from YouTube...if you haven't seen it then you will soon understand what I mean by signalling (or lack of!)
https://youtu.be/s42nh8sbkZE
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by Merthyr Imp at 22:57, 8th April 2016 | |
From the Telegraph:
But if you must push an engine around and make chuffing noises, why does it have to come from an island that bears the immortally unfortunate name of Sodor?
It seems the writer is not aware of the reason why the island is called that:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_Sodor_and_Man
It being located, of course, between Barrow-in-Furness and the Isle of Man.
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by BerkshireBugsy at 21:22, 7th April 2016 | |
Yes BnM you are most probably right but one slightly different topic have you seen the signalling arrangements in Chuggington? Imagine to give SandTEngineer heart failure!
OK I'll bite. What signalling is that?............ Have you seen Chuggington S&T?
I can't believe I am doing this but here is a clip from YouTube...if you haven't seen it then you will soon understand what I mean by signalling (or lack of!)
https://youtu.be/s42nh8sbkZE
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by SandTEngineer at 20:56, 7th April 2016 | |
Yes BnM you are most probably right but one slightly different topic have you seen the signalling arrangements in Chuggington? Imagine to give SandTEngineer heart failure!
OK I'll bite. What signalling is that?............ | Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by BerkshireBugsy at 19:41, 7th April 2016 | |
What I think is most important with this CGI Thomas film and the current CGI TV series' is the target audience.
I've not heard any complaints from the near 3 year old nephew who watches the latest series' with me. Yes, I miss the original live action models, sets, and Ringo Starr/Michael Angelis, but those series' are still available from many outlets. I see nothing wrong with the latest iteration of Thomas & Friends. CGI allows for far more locations and storylines than the limitations of a studio set.
I'm fairly certain that my nephew will enjoy the upcoming film and care not one jot about what adults think of the show.
I've not heard any complaints from the near 3 year old nephew who watches the latest series' with me. Yes, I miss the original live action models, sets, and Ringo Starr/Michael Angelis, but those series' are still available from many outlets. I see nothing wrong with the latest iteration of Thomas & Friends. CGI allows for far more locations and storylines than the limitations of a studio set.
I'm fairly certain that my nephew will enjoy the upcoming film and care not one jot about what adults think of the show.
Yes BnM you are most probably right but one slightly different topic have you seen the signalling arrangements in Chuggington? Imagine to give SandTEngineer heart failure!
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by JayMac at 19:26, 7th April 2016 | |
What I think is most important with this CGI Thomas film and the current CGI TV series' is the target audience.
I've not heard any complaints from the near 3 year old nephew who watches the latest series' with me. Yes, I miss the original live action models, sets, and Ringo Starr/Michael Angelis, but those series' are still available from many outlets. I see nothing wrong with the latest iteration of Thomas & Friends. CGI allows for far more locations and storylines than the limitations of a studio set.
I'm fairly certain that my nephew will enjoy the upcoming film and care not one jot about what adults think of the show.
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by BerkshireBugsy at 19:07, 7th April 2016 | |
I'm not a fan of these CGI remakes - some things, in my opinion, are just not right. It's like Thunderbirds without strings or Crossroads without wobbly sets.
Oh, and does Ringo Starr do the voiceover?! (Yes, I know he wasn't the only voice for the TV series but he is the one I associate with it.
Oh, and does Ringo Starr do the voiceover?! (Yes, I know he wasn't the only voice for the TV series but he is the one I associate with it.
Quite agree with all this. These newer versions actually look less real to me - and far too clean
Bring back "Muffin the Mule" I say..
I'm almost certain that's an Offence .
It is most def politically incorrect nowadays but - I believe - still goes on in places
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by Western Pathfinder at 18:15, 7th April 2016 | |
I'm not a fan of these CGI remakes - some things, in my opinion, are just not right. It's like Thunderbirds without strings or Crossroads without wobbly sets.
Oh, and does Ringo Starr do the voiceover?! (Yes, I know he wasn't the only voice for the TV series but he is the one I associate with it.
Oh, and does Ringo Starr do the voiceover?! (Yes, I know he wasn't the only voice for the TV series but he is the one I associate with it.
Quite agree with all this. These newer versions actually look less real to me - and far too clean
Bring back "Muffin the Mule" I say..
I'm almost certain that's an Offence .
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by BerkshireBugsy at 11:28, 7th April 2016 | |
I'm not a fan of these CGI remakes - some things, in my opinion, are just not right. It's like Thunderbirds without strings or Crossroads without wobbly sets.
Oh, and does Ringo Starr do the voiceover?! (Yes, I know he wasn't the only voice for the TV series but he is the one I associate with it.
Oh, and does Ringo Starr do the voiceover?! (Yes, I know he wasn't the only voice for the TV series but he is the one I associate with it.
Quite agree with all this. These newer versions actually look less real to me - and far too clean
Bring back "Muffin the Mule" I say..
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by TeaStew at 11:25, 7th April 2016 | |
I'm not a fan of these CGI remakes - some things, in my opinion, are just not right. It's like Thunderbirds without strings or Crossroads without wobbly sets.
Oh, and does Ringo Starr do the voiceover?! (Yes, I know he wasn't the only voice for the TV series but he is the one I associate with it.
Oh, and does Ringo Starr do the voiceover?! (Yes, I know he wasn't the only voice for the TV series but he is the one I associate with it.
Quite agree with all this. These newer versions actually look less real to me - and far too clean
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by patch38 at 11:00, 7th April 2016 | |
I think Axel of Belgium is nothing more than Buzz Lightyear hit from behind by a locomotive...
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by BerkshireBugsy at 10:58, 7th April 2016 | |
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by RobT at 10:57, 7th April 2016 | |
I presume formidable Etienne is bi-mode...
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by BerkshireBugsy at 07:00, 7th April 2016 | |
I'm not a fan of these CGI remakes - some things, in my opinion, are just not right. It's like Thunderbirds without strings or Crossroads without wobbly sets.
Oh, and does Ringo Starr do the voiceover?! (Yes, I know he wasn't the only voice for the TV series but he is the one I associate with it.
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by JayMac at 04:00, 7th April 2016 | |
Ahhh... Allison Pearson. Aka Phillipa Column.
Editor's brief: Nothing to say in 1000 words or less, please.
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:17, 6th April 2016 | |
From the Telegraph:
Allison Pearson: I shuddered to read Thomas the Tank Engine books - even before they went multicultural
As a rule, attempts to update much-loved classics are doomed to failure, or at least to embarrassing naffness. When it comes to Thomas the Tank Engine, however, all new twists are welcome. I used to think the Thomas books were delightful, and then I had children. Reading the prose of the Reverend W. Awdry was to know what it would have been like if Enid Blyton had been demonically possessed by Ian Paisley. What on earth motivates the adults of the world ^not just the English-speaking ones ^ to go on buying Thomas books and paraphernalia? And why do kids go on demanding them?
In a word, trains. Anything you can push around on a track seems to speak to the depths of the childish mind. I accept that. But if you must push an engine around and make chuffing noises, why does it have to come from an island that bears the immortally unfortunate name of Sodor?
Everything about the place is deeply sinister. Various bad-tempered males called James and Gordon keep shunting one another into sidings, while the Fat Controller, who sounds like someone who escaped from a first draft of an Orwell novel, bosses them around. And, worst of all, they seem to like it. Nothing is more calculated to turn our darling offspring into little demagogues.
So, I say it^s high time for a reboot. Enter Mattel, whose Thomas toys earn more than 500 million quid every year. Conscious of its global responsiblities, Mattel has decided to broaden the appeal of the range. On top of his cranky British pals, Thomas will now have 14 new friends from other countries, eager to be coupled. Each comes equipped with a broadly smiling face and a full set of steam-powered ethnic stereotypes.
Yong Bao of China, for instance, is ^driven to achieve and make progress^, whereas Carlos of Mexico is ^proud^ presumably proud enough to knock down any walls built by Donald of America. Raul of Brazil is described as ^feisty^ and ^strong^, although if the news from Brazil is anything to go by, he may soon be forced off the tracks by frustrated passengers who are even stronger and feistier than he is.
All this is excellent news. It can only mean that Sodor will become a more democratic spot. Anything to hasten the day when the Fat Controller is overthrown, or at any rate goes on the Dukan diet. Also, to judge by the publicity photos, the flirtatious look that long-lashed Ashima of India is throwing at our hero may simply be too much for the old boy. ^New from Mattel: Thomas, with Real Exploding Boiler! Watch Him Go Loco!^
No word, as yet, on whether we can expect a Karlheinz of Germany, but if he doesn^t start ramming poor Yanis of Greece and telling him to lose half his carriages or else the whole island will hit the buffers, I want my money back.
As a rule, attempts to update much-loved classics are doomed to failure, or at least to embarrassing naffness. When it comes to Thomas the Tank Engine, however, all new twists are welcome. I used to think the Thomas books were delightful, and then I had children. Reading the prose of the Reverend W. Awdry was to know what it would have been like if Enid Blyton had been demonically possessed by Ian Paisley. What on earth motivates the adults of the world ^not just the English-speaking ones ^ to go on buying Thomas books and paraphernalia? And why do kids go on demanding them?
In a word, trains. Anything you can push around on a track seems to speak to the depths of the childish mind. I accept that. But if you must push an engine around and make chuffing noises, why does it have to come from an island that bears the immortally unfortunate name of Sodor?
Everything about the place is deeply sinister. Various bad-tempered males called James and Gordon keep shunting one another into sidings, while the Fat Controller, who sounds like someone who escaped from a first draft of an Orwell novel, bosses them around. And, worst of all, they seem to like it. Nothing is more calculated to turn our darling offspring into little demagogues.
So, I say it^s high time for a reboot. Enter Mattel, whose Thomas toys earn more than 500 million quid every year. Conscious of its global responsiblities, Mattel has decided to broaden the appeal of the range. On top of his cranky British pals, Thomas will now have 14 new friends from other countries, eager to be coupled. Each comes equipped with a broadly smiling face and a full set of steam-powered ethnic stereotypes.
Yong Bao of China, for instance, is ^driven to achieve and make progress^, whereas Carlos of Mexico is ^proud^ presumably proud enough to knock down any walls built by Donald of America. Raul of Brazil is described as ^feisty^ and ^strong^, although if the news from Brazil is anything to go by, he may soon be forced off the tracks by frustrated passengers who are even stronger and feistier than he is.
All this is excellent news. It can only mean that Sodor will become a more democratic spot. Anything to hasten the day when the Fat Controller is overthrown, or at any rate goes on the Dukan diet. Also, to judge by the publicity photos, the flirtatious look that long-lashed Ashima of India is throwing at our hero may simply be too much for the old boy. ^New from Mattel: Thomas, with Real Exploding Boiler! Watch Him Go Loco!^
No word, as yet, on whether we can expect a Karlheinz of Germany, but if he doesn^t start ramming poor Yanis of Greece and telling him to lose half his carriages or else the whole island will hit the buffers, I want my money back.
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film Posted by JayMac at 22:54, 6th April 2016 | |
What national stereotypes?
Cool Belgians? Russian comedians? Faithful Chinese?
Also, who are making the claims of political correctness? The Telegraph fail to mention that. Perhaps because it is they doing so.
| Thomas the Tank Engine and the Rev W Awdry - ongoing discussion Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:10, 6th April 2016 | |
From the BBC:
Thomas the Tank Engine goes global for new film
Thomas the Tank Engine competes against the new international engines at the Great Railway Show in the film The Great Race
Thomas the Tank Engine is getting a multicultural makeover with the introduction of trains from around the world.
Engines from India, Russia and China among others are being introduced in a new film The Great Race.
The new engines are due to only feature in the film and won't be appearing in future TV episodes.
The producer of the film has denied claims the filmmakers had bowed to political correctness.
Ian McCue told the Telegraph: "The intention was to create this big global racing event and make it feel real. I would hope it will get youngsters asking about foreign countries."
Flying Scotsman represents the UK in the Thomas film The Great Race
The Great Race is the eleventh animated feature film for Thomas and the new characters are likely increase interest from international markets.
It is released worldwide from May 2016.
In the Great Race Thomas competes against the new international engines at the Great Railway Show.
The Flying Scotsman represents the UK, while Thomas competes to represent the island of Sodor where he lives.
Here are the new trains with their official biographies.
There are two engines from India in the film called Ashima and Rajiv.
Ashima of India is hand painted
Fearless Ashima comes from the Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Southern India, which is dangerous and difficult to climb.
Rajiv's beautiful colours make him the perfect contender for the Best Decorated Engine Parade
Rajiv is a small tank engine from the East Indian Railway, who carries passengers and goods from Calcutta in the east up to the north of India.
Carlos of Mexico is the life and soul of the Great Railway Show
Based on a Nacionale De Mexico 903 2-8-0, Carlos of Mexico is a proud and happy steam engine from the heart of Mexico.
Axel of Belgium is effortlessly cool
Based on a SNCB Type 12.004, Axel of Belgium is a smooth streamlined tender engine built for speed.
Etienne of France is a formidable engine
Etienne of France is based on the SNCF DC BB 9004, he is a fast electric locomotive who has been setting world speed records in his home country.
Frieda of Germany has come to show that anything boys can do, girls can do better
Based on a DB Class 10 001-002, Frieda of Germany will be entering the Strongest Engine race in the film.
Gina of Italy is described as 'sweet and stylish'
Gina of Italy is based on the Locomotiva FNM 200-05 and she can match the boys pound for pound when it comes to shunting freight in the yard.
Ivan of Russia is said to be a real comedian
Based on a TGM 23, Ivan of Russia is the only Diesel locomotive competing in the Great Railway Show.
Raul of Brazil is a strong and agile shunter
Raul of Brazil looks like a diesel but he is in fact a steam engine based on a Sentinel 7109.
Shane of Australia loves to have fun and his carefree ways have made him many friends
Based on a SteamRanger 520 Sir Malcolm Barclay Harvey, Shane of Australia is one of the Whispering Giants of the South Australian Railway - a big strong steam engine who was built for passenger and mixed freight work.
Yong Bao of China is a kind and faithful tender engine
Based on an RM Class 4-6-2, Yong Bao of China once cleverly diverted an accident, saving hundreds of passengers and was decorated for his bravery and painted bright red, which is a colour that symbolises celebration and happiness.
Racing Vinnie of North America is not to be messed with
Racing Vinnie of North America is big and strong but his competitive nature could be his downfall.
Thomas the Tank Engine competes against the new international engines at the Great Railway Show in the film The Great Race
Thomas the Tank Engine is getting a multicultural makeover with the introduction of trains from around the world.
Engines from India, Russia and China among others are being introduced in a new film The Great Race.
The new engines are due to only feature in the film and won't be appearing in future TV episodes.
The producer of the film has denied claims the filmmakers had bowed to political correctness.
Ian McCue told the Telegraph: "The intention was to create this big global racing event and make it feel real. I would hope it will get youngsters asking about foreign countries."
Flying Scotsman represents the UK in the Thomas film The Great Race
The Great Race is the eleventh animated feature film for Thomas and the new characters are likely increase interest from international markets.
It is released worldwide from May 2016.
In the Great Race Thomas competes against the new international engines at the Great Railway Show.
The Flying Scotsman represents the UK, while Thomas competes to represent the island of Sodor where he lives.
Here are the new trains with their official biographies.
There are two engines from India in the film called Ashima and Rajiv.
Ashima of India is hand painted
Fearless Ashima comes from the Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Southern India, which is dangerous and difficult to climb.
Rajiv's beautiful colours make him the perfect contender for the Best Decorated Engine Parade
Rajiv is a small tank engine from the East Indian Railway, who carries passengers and goods from Calcutta in the east up to the north of India.
Carlos of Mexico is the life and soul of the Great Railway Show
Based on a Nacionale De Mexico 903 2-8-0, Carlos of Mexico is a proud and happy steam engine from the heart of Mexico.
Axel of Belgium is effortlessly cool
Based on a SNCB Type 12.004, Axel of Belgium is a smooth streamlined tender engine built for speed.
Etienne of France is a formidable engine
Etienne of France is based on the SNCF DC BB 9004, he is a fast electric locomotive who has been setting world speed records in his home country.
Frieda of Germany has come to show that anything boys can do, girls can do better
Based on a DB Class 10 001-002, Frieda of Germany will be entering the Strongest Engine race in the film.
Gina of Italy is described as 'sweet and stylish'
Gina of Italy is based on the Locomotiva FNM 200-05 and she can match the boys pound for pound when it comes to shunting freight in the yard.
Ivan of Russia is said to be a real comedian
Based on a TGM 23, Ivan of Russia is the only Diesel locomotive competing in the Great Railway Show.
Raul of Brazil is a strong and agile shunter
Raul of Brazil looks like a diesel but he is in fact a steam engine based on a Sentinel 7109.
Shane of Australia loves to have fun and his carefree ways have made him many friends
Based on a SteamRanger 520 Sir Malcolm Barclay Harvey, Shane of Australia is one of the Whispering Giants of the South Australian Railway - a big strong steam engine who was built for passenger and mixed freight work.
Yong Bao of China is a kind and faithful tender engine
Based on an RM Class 4-6-2, Yong Bao of China once cleverly diverted an accident, saving hundreds of passengers and was decorated for his bravery and painted bright red, which is a colour that symbolises celebration and happiness.
Racing Vinnie of North America is not to be messed with
Racing Vinnie of North America is big and strong but his competitive nature could be his downfall.
No national stereotypes there, then.
