Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
On the 12th of May 1945, a Reverend by the name of Wilbert Awdry published the first book of what is still to this day an extremely popular book series known as ‘The Railway Series’. The first book released in the series was ‘The Three Railway Engines’. Although at first the Reverend never intended for these books to ever published, as they were only written to help cheer up his son Christopher Awdry, when he was ill in bed with the measles. It was only when the Reverend’s wife, Margret Awdry told him that there weren't any good children’s books available anywhere, and she urged Wilbert to publish the books, and the rest as they say is history. He never even expected that the books would be become the ‘runaway success’ that they have now become. After the first book was published, a second book was written, this book introduced the world to a cheeky little blue tank engine, and this book was called ‘Thomas the Tank Engine'. With the success of the 42 Railway Series books, a TV series was then planned, and that series was of course ‘Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends' Thomas has been with me ever since I got into the series, and of course sparked my interest in Railways. I can see that my love for that number 1 Really Useful Engine will 'hit the buffer' so to round off as always, I just have one thing to say, “You’re a Really Useful Engine, Thomas!”
To celebrate the occasion, here is my tribute featuring the song 'He's a Really Useful Engine'
Dedicated to Stan Streather
Enjoy
This video is suitable for all ages
I do not own Thomas and Friends it is owned by Mattel.
On the 12th of May 1945, a Reverend by the name of Wilbert Awdry published the first book of what is still to this day an extremely popular book series known as ‘The Railway Series’. The first book released in the series was ‘The Three Railway Engines’. Although at first the Reverend never intended for these books to ever published, as they were only written to help cheer up his son Christopher Awdry, when he was ill in bed with the measles. It was only when the Reverend’s wife, Margret Awdry told him that there weren't any good children’s books available anywhere, and she urged Wilbert to publish the books, and the rest as they say is history. He never even expected that the books would be become the ‘runaway success’ that they have now become. After the first book was published, a second book was written, this book introduced the world to a cheeky little blue tank engine, and this book was called ‘Thomas the Tank Engine'. With the success of the 42 Railway Series books, a TV series was then planned, and that series was of course ‘Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends' Thomas has been with me ever since I got into the series, and of course sparked my interest in Railways. I can see that my love for that number 1 Really Useful Engine will 'hit the buffer' so to round off as always, I just have one thing to say, “You’re a Really Useful Engine, Thomas!”
To celebrate the occasion, here is my tribute featuring the song 'He's a Really Useful Engine'
Dedicated to Stan Streather
Enjoy
This video is suitable for all ages
I do not own Thomas and Friends it is owned by Mattel.
