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

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  • Опубліковано 7 тра 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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КОМЕНТАРІ • 121

  • @hilaryepstein6013
    @hilaryepstein6013 Рік тому +260

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

    • @TheJacobite
      @TheJacobite Рік тому +63

      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 Рік тому +23

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

    • @horsewoodtrains15
      @horsewoodtrains15 Рік тому +8

      He is Sodor’s god, you know

    • @TrainmasterGT
      @TrainmasterGT Рік тому +5

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

    • @craneproductions2714
      @craneproductions2714 Рік тому +3

      @@TrainmasterGT that is correct

  • @Who.Knew-The.Salt.MustFlow
    @Who.Knew-The.Salt.MustFlow Рік тому +109

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

  • @tonysellen4340
    @tonysellen4340 Рік тому +156

    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 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +4

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

    • @West_Coast_Mainline
      @West_Coast_Mainline 5 місяців тому

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

  • @DillianTrainzStudios
    @DillianTrainzStudios Рік тому +79

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

  • @SirRamone
    @SirRamone Рік тому +39

    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 !

  • @TheBerzerker666
    @TheBerzerker666 Рік тому +61

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

  • @thattankengineguy
    @thattankengineguy Рік тому +36

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

  • @dainbramage3558
    @dainbramage3558 Рік тому +28

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

  • @RatelHBadger
    @RatelHBadger 2 місяці тому +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.

  • @DanielNeedham2500
    @DanielNeedham2500 Рік тому +27

    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.

  • @DasaniDragon
    @DasaniDragon Місяць тому +1

    "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

  • @brucewayneissupermanquinn601
    @brucewayneissupermanquinn601 25 днів тому

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

  • @levidarling5107
    @levidarling5107 Рік тому +15

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

  • @JewelKnightJess
    @JewelKnightJess Рік тому +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.

  • @wwb16
    @wwb16 Рік тому +13

    id love to see a biopic about this man

  • @plumbingstuffinoregon2471
    @plumbingstuffinoregon2471 Рік тому +35

    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 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +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.

    • @Tugsboi47
      @Tugsboi47 26 днів тому

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

  • @mrdiamond365_
    @mrdiamond365_ Рік тому +8

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

  • @ShukakuTheCrazy1
    @ShukakuTheCrazy1 3 місяці тому +2

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

  • @missmanxee
    @missmanxee Рік тому +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 👍❤️

  • @matthewdunn2443
    @matthewdunn2443 3 місяці тому +4

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

  • @theamazinggamer111
    @theamazinggamer111 Рік тому +2

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

  • @MATT2productions
    @MATT2productions Рік тому +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

  • @tomfitzpatrick7335
    @tomfitzpatrick7335 2 місяці тому +1

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

  • @flyinggordonproductions4875
    @flyinggordonproductions4875 Рік тому +6

    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

  • @TheJacobite
    @TheJacobite Рік тому +14

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

  • @gwrgamer3606
    @gwrgamer3606 Рік тому +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.

  • @thomasrailfan5774
    @thomasrailfan5774 Рік тому +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 6 місяців тому

      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.

  • @Levenstone132
    @Levenstone132 Рік тому +4

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

  • @robyn051
    @robyn051 Рік тому +1

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

  • @Richardsrailway
    @Richardsrailway Рік тому +2

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

  • @Its_PacFan
    @Its_PacFan Рік тому +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

  • @RoseSupreme
    @RoseSupreme Рік тому +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 7 місяців тому

    Thank you Rev W. Awdry for making my childhood.

  • @PositiveTigerGamer
    @PositiveTigerGamer Рік тому +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 Рік тому +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 9 місяців тому +1

    That was a wonderful interview from 1988.

  • @strafrag1
    @strafrag1 Рік тому +7

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

  • @ronaldsmith6829
    @ronaldsmith6829 Рік тому +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.

  • @theJamesexpress
    @theJamesexpress Рік тому +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 4 місяці тому +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.

  • @kellyashfordtrains2642
    @kellyashfordtrains2642 Рік тому +5

    Thomas, we love you.

  • @BlackFiveStudios
    @BlackFiveStudios Рік тому +4

    he seemed so nice.

  • @ThatRetroGuy2005
    @ThatRetroGuy2005 Рік тому +16

    This is before the HiT Entertainment Area

  • @terrytopliss9506
    @terrytopliss9506 Рік тому

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

  • @johnsurrey7426
    @johnsurrey7426 Рік тому +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.

  • @bigmanfrank5708
    @bigmanfrank5708 Рік тому +1

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

  • @andresrios9855
    @andresrios9855 Рік тому

    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 Рік тому +7

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

  • @danielfennessey
    @danielfennessey Рік тому

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

  • @eliotreader8220
    @eliotreader8220 9 місяців тому

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

  • @edward002gaming
    @edward002gaming Рік тому +1

    He may rest in peace Rew. W. Awdry

  • @ThiccBrows
    @ThiccBrows Рік тому +1

    I love that I imagined Sodor when he told his story

  • @utahrailroadsofamerica1991
    @utahrailroadsofamerica1991 Рік тому +2

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

  • @jayjayb89
    @jayjayb89 Рік тому

    My childhood in a respected man's words

  • @Spiritstage
    @Spiritstage 14 днів тому

    Fun fact, Thomas the Tank Engine is basically a stop motion animation instead it uses model trains for its animation, quality, and most of its uses by camera. Perspectives and model trains affects. It may be as similar to Armen animations, but in a whole different level instead of using clay, it uses model, train parts and figures that were made homemade materials

  • @JjWeiss-ox9mz
    @JjWeiss-ox9mz 19 днів тому

    March 30th, 1988. (03/30/88).

  • @alexis_ian
    @alexis_ian Рік тому

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

  • @JintyandPugFan20
    @JintyandPugFan20 7 місяців тому

    We love you Wilbert

  • @jamesmitchell8922
    @jamesmitchell8922 Рік тому

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

  • @ThatCoalSoul
    @ThatCoalSoul 10 місяців тому

    RIP to both of them.

  • @Thesuperdave894
    @Thesuperdave894 2 місяці тому +1

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

  • @johnylitalo4163
    @johnylitalo4163 Рік тому +5

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

  • @donaldscottishengine
    @donaldscottishengine Рік тому

    we still miss awdry

  • @Thomasin_motion
    @Thomasin_motion 9 місяців тому +1

    James original bbc model is in the backround

  • @eliotreader8220
    @eliotreader8220 Рік тому +2

    my Dad got me a model of Gordon for Christmas 2005

  • @homersimpson2873
    @homersimpson2873 Рік тому +2

    At 5:06 remember this line

  • @Kashi-K
    @Kashi-K Рік тому

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

  • @WOLF-ZONE23
    @WOLF-ZONE23 Рік тому

    He will mad see all engines go

  • @ryanbarth6691
    @ryanbarth6691 8 місяців тому

    All engines go

  • @fishandjam5383
    @fishandjam5383 Рік тому

    3:20 Gordon in the episode Edward and Gordon

  • @JayceonGraham-sm7lf
    @JayceonGraham-sm7lf 10 місяців тому

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

  • @you2square
    @you2square Рік тому +1

    This was recorded 9 years before he died

  • @andylikesstuffchannel
    @andylikesstuffchannel Рік тому

    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

  • @1982sparkie
    @1982sparkie Рік тому +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 ❤

  • @tigriller9727
    @tigriller9727 Рік тому +10

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

  • @vikingsmb
    @vikingsmb Рік тому +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

  • @alexpatrick3333
    @alexpatrick3333 8 місяців тому

    5:06

  • @csr2298
    @csr2298 Рік тому

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

  • @OlafProt
    @OlafProt Рік тому +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.

  • @simracer1256
    @simracer1256 5 місяців тому

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

  • @brandynbuckle5059
    @brandynbuckle5059 Рік тому

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

    • @NWR1991
      @NWR1991 10 місяців тому

      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 4 місяці тому +2

    It sucks that Mattel made the awful AEG.

  • @TheEerieMaster
    @TheEerieMaster 6 місяців тому

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

  • @Triadians677
    @Triadians677 9 місяців тому +1

    This guy created my whole childhood except mattel sucks

  • @EpicFurbynerd76YO
    @EpicFurbynerd76YO 9 місяців тому +1

    is that god?

  • @swaneknoctic9555
    @swaneknoctic9555 Рік тому

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

    • @alastair810
      @alastair810 Рік тому +2

      Why?

    • @swaneknoctic9555
      @swaneknoctic9555 Рік тому

      @@alastair810 religion and children that’s why.

    • @alastair810
      @alastair810 Рік тому

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

    • @philipstokes2824
      @philipstokes2824 Місяць тому

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

  • @johnnyworzel3741
    @johnnyworzel3741 Рік тому +3

    Thomas is banned in my house.

    • @dainbramage3558
      @dainbramage3558 Рік тому +9

      Why?

    • @CalCalFPS
      @CalCalFPS Рік тому +12

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

    • @dainbramage3558
      @dainbramage3558 Рік тому +2

      @@CalCalFPS rofl

    • @buzzytrombone4353
      @buzzytrombone4353 Рік тому +2

      @@CalCalFPS LMFAO

    • @RUSH2112RUSH
      @RUSH2112RUSH Рік тому +3

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

  • @M_ADAXsRailway
    @M_ADAXsRailway 9 місяців тому

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