Thomas the Tank Engine

Best-known character in the ‘Railway series’ of books for young children by Rev W V Awdry (1911–1997). The series features a number of train characters who converse through their funnels and are supervised by the Fat Controller. The first of the 26 volumes in the series was The Three Railway Engines (1945), and others include Gordon, the Big Engine (1953), Edward the Blue Engine (1954), and Tramway Engines (1972).

A television series, followed by videos and a range of Thomas products, have contributed to the continuing popularity of the books.