1988: Rev W Awdry on THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE | Wogan | Writers and Wordsmiths | BBC Archive

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  • čas přidán 7. 05. 2023
  • Terry Wogan chats to Reverend W Awdry about his love of steam engines, and the phenomenal global success of Thomas the Tank Engine and his Railway Series of children's books.
    Originally broadcast 30 March, 1988.
    You have now entered the BBC Archive, a time machine that will transport you back to the golden age of TV to educate, entertain and enlighten you through our classic clips from the BBC vaults.
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Komentáře • 119

  • @hilaryepstein6013
    @hilaryepstein6013 Před rokem +254

    What a lovely man and the hero of generations of children. I hope he made lots of money out of Thomas.

    • @TheJacobite
      @TheJacobite Před rokem +59

      No one's sure if he really did, he gave most of it I read to charities though, so Thomas' success did a lot of good all round, not just for heritage railways.

    • @eliotreader8220
      @eliotreader8220 Před rokem +22

      I think he certainly lived a very interesting life.
      I loved reading my copy of the updated Thomas the tank engine man.

    • @horsewoodtrains15
      @horsewoodtrains15 Před rokem +8

      He is Sodor’s god, you know

    • @TrainmasterGT
      @TrainmasterGT Před rokem +5

      @@horsewoodtrains15 I thought he was canonically a clergyman on Sodor

    • @craneproductions2714
      @craneproductions2714 Před rokem +3

      @@TrainmasterGT that is correct

  • @tonysellen4340
    @tonysellen4340 Před rokem +150

    My now 3 year old Grandson is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine, thanks to his sadly departed Gramps. And as a family we try to keep that legacy fresh. Thank you Rev. Awdry for this gift for generations to come.

    • @spinballpac-man
      @spinballpac-man Před rokem +13

      My sister’s three year old son watched the last few episodes of the CGI era during 2020 and 2021. Once my sister realised how much he was enjoying it,they showed him the original model series,which he adored! Since then,he’s been to three Thomas events at the Watercress Line (Our local vintage railway) and has tons of books and toys of it! It’s great to see my nephew brought up by one of my favourite franchises growing up and certainly hope he doesn’t grow out of it anytime soon

    • @eliotreader8220
      @eliotreader8220 Před rokem +4

      @@spinballpac-man I helped to clean their own Thomas the tank engine back in 2011

    • @West_Coast_Gang
      @West_Coast_Gang Před 4 měsíci

      My little cousin likes Thomas, I always show him the model episodes

  • @Who.Knew-The.Salt.MustFlow
    @Who.Knew-The.Salt.MustFlow Před rokem +106

    Beautiful man. A wonderful legacy he has left in perpetuity.

  • @DillianTrainzStudios
    @DillianTrainzStudios Před rokem +78

    Bless you, Wilbert Awdry for making me and the rest of our childhoods great.

  • @SirRamone
    @SirRamone Před rokem +36

    That one bloke changed the lives of so many people and had no idea he was doing it, Just put in the research and gave trains characters to their real life copies. What a legend !

  • @brucewayneissupermanquinn601

    He and A.A. Milne were amazing. Created such wholesome characters beloved for generations!

  • @RatelHBadger
    @RatelHBadger Před měsícem +6

    Watching interviews with Awdry, its like watching my own grandfather (also a reverend). Same dry humour, love for wordplay and keen on spinning a vivid yarn. Always called people chap, that builder chap or that railway chap. He had The Flying Kipper on '72 which I played in his study on no doubt ENDLESS repeat. As well as printings of the first dozen or so railway books (the small hardback ones) which you cant get anymore.
    Its remarkable really.

  • @TheBerzerker666
    @TheBerzerker666 Před rokem +61

    Wilbert has made a lot of kids appreciate the joys of steam trains and how great our railways were 😃🇬🇧

  • @thattankengineguy
    @thattankengineguy Před rokem +35

    A man that's done so much for so many people, all through use of telling stories with talking trains.

  • @DanielNeedham2500
    @DanielNeedham2500 Před rokem +26

    The Rev W Awdry was a lovely man who brought joy to millions of children all over the world. I remember the early episodes of Thomas the Tank Engine narrated by Ringo Star and I admit, after he left the stories were never the same and the series today is a grim shadow of what it was.

  • @levidarling5107
    @levidarling5107 Před rokem +15

    Oh Reverend, how I wish you were still alive keeping your creation true to its core and safe with you.

  • @dainbramage3558
    @dainbramage3558 Před rokem +28

    Always loved thomas, and that in turn fueled a lifetime of loving steam trains

  • @JewelKnightJess
    @JewelKnightJess Před rokem +18

    As a kid in the 80s Thomas was my obsession. I adored it so much. Although I barely recognise the modern version of the franchise it makes me happy to know it's still bringing joy to children four decades on.

  • @mrdiamond365_
    @mrdiamond365_ Před rokem +8

    This man has saved me from a lot of difficult times with his creations. For that I am forever thankful for him

  • @DasaniDragon
    @DasaniDragon Před 12 dny

    "A steam engine is an extrovert" I love that. I was raised on the books, the model series (All be it the HIT era) and I still love it to this day

  • @ShukakuTheCrazy1
    @ShukakuTheCrazy1 Před 3 měsíci +2

    We all owe this man a great deal. Never let his name be diahonored

  • @wwb16
    @wwb16 Před rokem +13

    id love to see a biopic about this man

  • @matthewdunn2443
    @matthewdunn2443 Před 2 měsíci +4

    Thank you Reverend for the memories and hours of fun I had during my childhood because of your creation, RIP 🕊️❤

  • @missmanxee
    @missmanxee Před rokem +33

    Thank you Rev W Awdry for introducing me to the world of steam trains 🚂 through your wonderful series of stories about Thomas the Tank Engine and all his many friends that continues to inspire and delight both children and adults unlike the current pointless reboot that Mattel has made I will continue to read the original stories written by yourself as well as your son Christopher and watch the classic model tv series made by the brilliant Britt Allcroft and told by the legendary narrator’s Ringo Starr and the late Michel Angelis 👍❤️

  • @MATT2productions
    @MATT2productions Před rokem +6

    God Bless the Rev. W. Awdry for making Thomas the Tank Engine come into childhoods and making it Generational for everyone. True Icon and great writer and Creator

  • @plumbingstuffinoregon2471

    I really miss watching this on TV when it was still the actual model trains, before they computer animated everything. Similar case with Bob the Builder.

    • @eliotreader8220
      @eliotreader8220 Před rokem +4

      I can just about remember watching tv when they was still using models and using my imagination.
      Mattel doesn't know much about running steam trains at all. they have gotten rid of Thomas's well known branch line

    • @WinterroSP
      @WinterroSP Před rokem +4

      Right now it’s an another of Mattel’s soulless shells, I hope the next owner will be competent enough to know what it is.

    • @ttteproductions7609
      @ttteproductions7609 Před 3 dny

      I remember when thomas used to be Mattel’s priority now all they care about is Barbie

  • @flyinggordonproductions4875

    Amazing
    For 78 years this man made amazing memories for kids
    Im not into the show like i used to be but even when I’m old I’m going to remember the memories i had of this

  • @theamazinggamer111
    @theamazinggamer111 Před rokem +2

    Im so glad the old interviews surface from time to time. Just reminds me why I love the world of Sodor so much…

  • @TheJacobite
    @TheJacobite Před rokem +13

    Lovely interview, I'm glad to now see it in full.

  • @tomfitzpatrick7335
    @tomfitzpatrick7335 Před měsícem

    I never even knew this interview existed until now, but I'm glad I do now

  • @gwrgamer3606
    @gwrgamer3606 Před rokem +8

    A remarkable man with an even more remarkable legacy that has inspired so many. (myself included) Although Thomas & Friends isn't what it used to be, Wilbert's legacy lives on not only in the many people who grew up with the books and TV show but also the many content creators making and adapting both original and existing stories online.

  • @robyn051
    @robyn051 Před rokem +1

    He's such a delightful man when he's actually asked real questions in a good interview

  • @Levenstone132
    @Levenstone132 Před rokem +4

    I saw the man himself in 1973.Model railway exhibition.Westminster Hall? Long time ago...

  • @Its_PacFan
    @Its_PacFan Před rokem +5

    While Thomas may not be the classic interpretation from the Model and CGI series now, at least there will always be a Thomas for every generation to enjoy thanks to Awdry

  • @thomasrailfan5774
    @thomasrailfan5774 Před rokem +30

    I'd say he was the best children's author because he enjoyed what he did, and was highly invested in it. I think he enjoyed it even more than the fans of the books, and had a whole fictional world thought up for it, and recreated it in model form. The Island of Sodor was clearly his passion.

    • @LazyOldFusspot_3428
      @LazyOldFusspot_3428 Před 5 měsíci

      He might be a bit of a critical perfectionist at times, but in the end he was a guy who knew that kids were smart.

  • @RoseSupreme
    @RoseSupreme Před rokem +7

    What a legend... this man made my childhood. And I still cling on to the franchise to this day thanks to the talented fandom, and not the corrupt cretins that own the IP.

  • @giantreddevil
    @giantreddevil Před 6 měsíci

    Thank you Rev W. Awdry for making my childhood.

  • @Richardsrailway
    @Richardsrailway Před rokem +2

    Also not forgetting the Rev Teddy Boston who was a close friend and fellow railway enthusiast.

  • @ronaldsmith6829
    @ronaldsmith6829 Před rokem +2

    I'll have you know, Reverend Awdry, I enjoyed the books as much as my son. Likewise the videos. They made for many hours of fun shared with my sons.

  • @BlackFiveStudios
    @BlackFiveStudios Před rokem +4

    he seemed so nice.

  • @PositiveTigerGamer
    @PositiveTigerGamer Před rokem +4

    An amazing Reverend and children book writer. He probably still proud of what he has accomplished after Wibert died. Let's all continue to honor Wilbert's Legacy and make him around. Out of all the Railway Series book, one of my favorite is #38 Wilbert the Forest Engine that was written by his son Christopher. ❤

  • @DieselD7101
    @DieselD7101 Před rokem +9

    I’ve always loved Thomas since as long as I could remember. Thank you, Wilbert Awdry, for making our lives so wonderful. God bless your soul.

  • @BriceGum138
    @BriceGum138 Před 8 měsíci +1

    That was a wonderful interview from 1988.

  • @strafrag1
    @strafrag1 Před rokem +6

    Great story and a lovely man. Thanks for posting this video.

  • @kellyashfordtrains2642
    @kellyashfordtrains2642 Před rokem +5

    Thomas, we love you.

  • @theJamesexpress
    @theJamesexpress Před rokem +1

    I love thomas and friends since i was little, but now i wonder where did my childhood go with the state thomas is in. It's so nice too see that the rev.w.awdrey's model trains are persevered.
    R.I.P rev.w.awdrey

  • @fireflowerfilms2010
    @fireflowerfilms2010 Před 4 měsíci +1

    When I heard about his house being sold younger me was afraid that the models were still in his home and would go with it thanks to the unlucky tug I know they’re currently housed at the tally clyn railway.
    Rest in peace you wonderful man thanks for making my childhood happy with that wonderful blue engine.

  • @johnsurrey7426
    @johnsurrey7426 Před rokem +10

    He was my wife’s father’s cousin, and there is a very definite resemblance! There were many clergy in the family, including George Moberly, bishop of Salisbury and headmaster of Winchester.

  • @terrytopliss9506
    @terrytopliss9506 Před rokem

    The love of my childhood reading the books written by this wonderful gentleman.

  • @bigmanfrank5708
    @bigmanfrank5708 Před rokem +1

    This was my childhood thank you for creating Thomas 🙏🏾🙂

  • @ThatRetroGuy2005
    @ThatRetroGuy2005 Před rokem +16

    This is before the HiT Entertainment Area

  • @andresrios9855
    @andresrios9855 Před rokem

    He has my support from here in the States 🇺🇸. My brother and I were introduced to Thomas the Tank Engine in the 90's, almost a decade since their release into television.

  • @Jude-72
    @Jude-72 Před rokem +7

    That thumbnail I thought It was an unseen model of Gordon made by the reverend!

  • @eliotreader8220
    @eliotreader8220 Před 8 měsíci

    I imagine he had a lovely time talking about the origins of Thomas and his friends

  • @danielfennessey
    @danielfennessey Před rokem

    To think he created something that’s been popular for Sixty Years! Such a lasting legacy.

  • @edward002gaming
    @edward002gaming Před rokem +1

    He may rest in peace Rew. W. Awdry

  • @jayjayb89
    @jayjayb89 Před rokem

    My childhood in a respected man's words

  • @ThiccBrows
    @ThiccBrows Před rokem +1

    I love that I imagined Sodor when he told his story

  • @utahrailroadsofamerica1991

    Rev W. Awdry Is A Genius 🧠 & Knew Ringo Starr ⭐ For Shining Time Station 🚂 Where Dreams Do Come Ture. Waitting There For You 📖

  • @JintyandPugFan20
    @JintyandPugFan20 Před 6 měsíci

    We love you Wilbert

  • @alexis_ianf
    @alexis_ianf Před rokem

    Well even appering you can appreciate the Rev sense of humor on TV

  • @ThatCoalSoul
    @ThatCoalSoul Před 9 měsíci

    RIP to both of them.

  • @Thesuperdave894
    @Thesuperdave894 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Oh my goodness, I just realized all those engines are hornby prototypes

  • @donaldscottishengine
    @donaldscottishengine Před rokem

    we still miss awdry

  • @johnylitalo4163
    @johnylitalo4163 Před rokem +5

    Do you upload a 1953 pilot to the Railway Series, a sad story of Henry?

  • @eliotreader8220
    @eliotreader8220 Před rokem +2

    my Dad got me a model of Gordon for Christmas 2005

  • @jamesmitchell8922
    @jamesmitchell8922 Před rokem

    I think a clip of the TV show was shown first before the interview. The background featured the Pet Shop Boys singing Heart earlier

  • @Thomasin_motion
    @Thomasin_motion Před 9 měsíci +1

    James original bbc model is in the backround

  • @homersimpson2873
    @homersimpson2873 Před rokem +2

    At 5:06 remember this line

  • @WOLF-ZONE23
    @WOLF-ZONE23 Před rokem

    He will mad see all engines go

  • @Kashi-K
    @Kashi-K Před rokem

    would be great if they just randomly posted the Down the Mine pilot

  • @ryanbarth6691
    @ryanbarth6691 Před 7 měsíci

    All engines go

  • @1982sparkie
    @1982sparkie Před rokem +2

    Thank you rev w audrey for all your work, I been making 6ft wooden version of Thomas and his friends for the garden or for children's toy boxes, 14 completed so far :) just finished hiro ❤

  • @fishandjam5383
    @fishandjam5383 Před rokem

    3:20 Gordon in the episode Edward and Gordon

  • @JayceonGraham-sm7lf
    @JayceonGraham-sm7lf Před 9 měsíci

    Granpuff i drew ng scrapyard with petter sam duncan snd sir handle and ghost engine

  • @andylikesstuffchannel

    I stand by Thomas ❤ I used to read the books to my Son when he was little constantly. He learned so much about Numbers Colours he was even a Train Spotter for a month or 2 had all the Trains as well bloody expensive is a understatement 😂😂 he's now 16 and denys all knowledge 😂 😂 It's not cool

  • @you2square
    @you2square Před rokem +1

    This was recorded 9 years before he died

  • @alexpatrick3333
    @alexpatrick3333 Před 7 měsíci

    5:06

  • @vikingsmb
    @vikingsmb Před rokem +3

    i wont let my nephew and niece watch the new thomas as its crap they love the old series 1984/1986 which I saw when i was their age. and my sister agrees with me

  • @tigriller9727
    @tigriller9727 Před rokem +10

    It is such a shame this man's creation has been ruined by the TV creator.

  • @OlafProt
    @OlafProt Před rokem +11

    I have all the little books, 1960s & 70s editions. Pored over them throughout my childhood in 70s. Now shut up Wogan and stop talking over the man.

  • @csr2298
    @csr2298 Před rokem

    He would be so disappointed in what his creation has become.

  • @simracer1256
    @simracer1256 Před 4 měsíci

    Ive seen videos of him being nowty with kids for touching his model railway.

  • @brandynbuckle5059
    @brandynbuckle5059 Před 11 měsíci

    I wish he could come back to stop what thomas has become today

    • @NWR1991
      @NWR1991 Před 10 měsíci

      While I agree that AEG is not the Thomas you and I had grew up with, regardless of what era, but if Awdry were alive today I have very high doubts that he would do anything to stop it happening. He hadn't done anything towards Britt Allcroft's control during his life time and I really doubt his family would too since Mattel are a powerful company.

  • @Clasonnk684
    @Clasonnk684 Před 4 měsíci +2

    It sucks that Mattel made the awful AEG.

  • @Triadians677
    @Triadians677 Před 8 měsíci +1

    This guy created my whole childhood except mattel sucks

  • @TheEerieMaster
    @TheEerieMaster Před 6 měsíci

    This guy is rolling in his grave at light speed right now 💀

  • @EpicFurbynerd76YO
    @EpicFurbynerd76YO Před 9 měsíci +1

    is that god?

  • @swaneknoctic9555
    @swaneknoctic9555 Před rokem

    The word paed................Comes to mind.

    • @alastair810
      @alastair810 Před rokem +2

      Why?

    • @swaneknoctic9555
      @swaneknoctic9555 Před rokem

      @@alastair810 religion and children that’s why.

    • @alastair810
      @alastair810 Před rokem

      ​@@swaneknoctic9555 I don't understand, being a Reverend doesn't automatically make you a paedophile.

    • @philipstokes2824
      @philipstokes2824 Před 21 dnem

      ​@@swaneknoctic9555he actually wrote the first stories to comfort his son Christopher who was ill in bed.

  • @johnnyworzel3741
    @johnnyworzel3741 Před rokem +3

    Thomas is banned in my house.

    • @dainbramage3558
      @dainbramage3558 Před rokem +9

      Why?

    • @CalCalFPS
      @CalCalFPS Před rokem +12

      @@dainbramage3558 Got drunk on Christmas day, 2001. Punched Nan in the back of the head for taking the last stuffing ball.

    • @dainbramage3558
      @dainbramage3558 Před rokem +2

      @@CalCalFPS rofl

    • @buzzytrombone4353
      @buzzytrombone4353 Před rokem +2

      @@CalCalFPS LMFAO

    • @RUSH2112RUSH
      @RUSH2112RUSH Před rokem +3

      I guess you could say Thomas went 'off the rails' then...sorry ☹️

  • @M_ADAXsRailway
    @M_ADAXsRailway Před 8 měsíci

    Brilliant- wonderful- however- steam engines are female!!!!