TV series · 1984 · ITV1
Is Thomas & Friends based on a book?
Quick answer
Yes. Thomas & Friends is based on the book series The Railway Series by Wilbert Awdry and Christopher Awdry (1945).
The TV series premiered in 1984 on ITV1.
The book series behind Thomas & Friends
The Railway Series
Book series by Wilbert Awdry and Christopher Awdry · first published 1945 · children's literature
Series of children's books by Wilbert Vere Awdry.
The Railway Series: books in order
- The Three Railway Engines (1945)
- Thomas the Tank Engine (1946)
- James the Red Engine (1948)
- Tank Engine Thomas Again (1949)
- Troublesome Engines (1950)
- Henry the Green Engine (1951)
- Toby the Tram Engine (1952)
- Gordon the Big Engine (1953)
- Edward the Blue Engine (1954)
- Four Little Engines (1955)
- Percy the Small Engine (1956)
- The Eight Famous Engines (1957)
- Duck and the Diesel Engine (1958)
- The Little Old Engine (1959)
- The Twin Engines (1960)
- Branch Line Engines (1961)
- Gallant Old Engine (1962)
- Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine (1963)
- Mountain Engines (1964)
- Very Old Engines (1965)
- Main Line Engines (1966)
- Small Railway Engines (1967)
- Enterprising Engines (1968)
- Oliver the Western Engine (1969)
- Duke the Lost Engine (1970)
- Tramway Engines (1972)
Other adaptations of The Railway Series
- Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go (TV, 2021)
- Thomas and the Magic Railroad (film, 2000)
Common questions
Is Thomas & Friends based on a book?
Yes. Thomas & Friends is based on the book series The Railway Series by Wilbert Awdry and Christopher Awdry (1945).
Who wrote the book Thomas & Friends is based on?
The Railway Series was written by Wilbert Awdry and Christopher Awdry and first published in 1945.
Should I read the book before watching?
Start with The Three Railway Engines, book 1 of The Railway Series. If you like knowing the full story and characters first, read it before you watch. Adaptations often change or cut plotlines, so the book is a different experience even if you've seen the TV series.