The Origin Of Thomas The Wooden Tank Engine And The Island Of Sodor
In 1945 a devout christian by the name of Rev. Wilbert Audry published his first book in the Thomas the Tank Engine Book Series. Wilbert’s creativity was assisted and driven by his son (Christopher), who at the young age of two developed measles. Wilbert being the loving father he was, spent much of his time beside Christopher in his hours of need.
History records as the Reverends son Christopher was fighting the measles, his loving father would chant out nursery rhymes. The tunes where intended to sooth the young chap while battling the deadly virus. Here’s how one of the tiny tunes went…
Early in the Morning Down at the Station all the Engines Standing in a Row. Along Comes the Driver Pulls the Lever, Puff, Puff! Chuff, Chuff Off we GO!
After hearing this diddy many times during his ailment, little Chris began to ask his father questions about the rhyme. Where is the train going, Does it have a name?
Rev. Audry had to be creative to pull this one off. He explained to His son that the trains and their station is located on the Island of Sodor in the Irish Sea between the Isle of Mann and the British Isles. There is where the tales are told.
Most individuals believe that Thomas was the first engine in the series, but that’s not true. Edward, is the oldest and most liked engine on sodor for a good reason. He is the original engine that Rev. Audry described to Christopher so many year ago. We suppose that’s why everyone likes him.
The stories grew larger and more detailed. Additional locomotives where then tossed in the mix. Soon came Thomas, Percy, Lady, Henry, Smudger, James and a slew of others, each with personalities of their own.
In the year 1945 the first of a long running series of children’s books was published. By 1984 the books had become so popular in Great Britain that a Television series was created. The Books are still in print although the original writers, firstly Wilbert Audry and Secondly Christopher Audry have since passed the flag to a series of ghost writers. Rev. Wilbert Audry passed away in 1997, he was 86.
In 1996 Christopher published his last book before handing over the series to professional children’s book publishers. Wilbert soon passed at the rich age of 86. Chris still enjoys his fathers stories and shares the tales with the rest of the world!
For more information on scale model locomotives visit Daryl’s Website surrounding model trains, you may also stop in to read thomas the wooden toy train reviews.