List of books in The Railway Series
This article is a list of books in The Railway Series, a series of children's books written by both the Rev. W. Awdry and his son Christopher Awdry.
The Rev. W. Awdry Era: 1945–72
The first 26 books in the series were written by Rev. W. Awdry, who is sometimes mistaken as the sole writer.The Three Railway Engines
- Book no. 1
- Published 12 May 1945
- Illustrated by William Middleton, later by C. Reginald Dalby
This is the first book in the Series, and introduces Edward, Gordon, Henry and The Fat Director.
; Notes
- These stories were first told to the young Christopher Awdry when he was sick with measles in 1942, but due to wartime conditions, they were not published until 1945.
- Two of the three shed engines have not been seen nor heard from ever since, but it could be possible that the Fat Controller sent them away and replaced them.
- These stories were not intended to take place in a single volume, or even on the same railway. Edward, Gordon and Henry was written at the insistence of the publishers, Edmund Ward & Co, to bring the three characters together and to create a happy ending.
- The stories were illustrated by William Middleton, and Awdry was unhappy with the toy-like depictions of his characters. When C. Reginald Dalby became the illustrator in 1948, he redrew Middleton's illustrations, and it is this version that remains in print.
Thomas the Tank Engine
- Book no. 2
- Published 18 October 1946
- Illustrated by Reginald Payne, modified by C. Reginald Dalby
- Thomas and Gordon
- Thomas' Train
- Thomas and the Trucks
- Thomas and the Breakdown Train
; Notes
- First appearances of Thomas, James, and Thomas's coaches named Annie and Clarabel.
- The big station is not identified but is Vicarstown.
- The Fat Controller makes his return in this book, and is changed from a pompous figure of fun to a more fatherly character. He is also established as the sole director of the railway, rather than one of several.
- C. Reginald Dalby is often erroneously identified as the illustrator. The original artist was Reginald Payne, and Dalby modified the illustrations.
- This was the first book to include a foreword, a feature that would appear in every subsequent book in the Series.
James the Red Engine
- Book no. 3
- Published September 1948
- Illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby
- James and the Top Hat
- James and the Bootlace
- Troublesome Trucks
- James and the Express
; Notes
- The Fat 'Director' is renamed the Fat "Controller" in this book. This is because, like most railways in Great Britain, this railway had just been nationalised and was now part of British Railways.
- This was the first volume to be illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby from first publication.
- Awdry often said that this was his least favourite book, as it had been written in a hurry to meet a deadline rather than purely from inspiration.
Tank Engine Thomas Again
- Book no. 4
- Published September 1949
- Illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby
This book concerns the further adventures of Thomas on his branch line, with the bigger engines relegated to cameo appearances. Thomas leaves his guard behind by mistake; accidentally goes fishing because of a broken water column and some river water from a bucket; gets stuck in the snow and is freed by Terence; and has a race with Bertie.
; Notes
- First appearances of Terence and Bertie.
- Annie and Clarabel are named for the first time in this book.
- The bridge that appears in Thomas Goes Fishing is based on Isambard Kingdom Brunel's bridge at Maidenhead.
- Henry's brief appearance in the book caused a great deal of trouble for Awdry, as Dalby depicted him as looking identical to Gordon. The author received several complaints, and developed a stock answer to explain the problem – that Henry had been repaired using Gordon's spare parts.
Troublesome Engines
- Book no. 5
- Published January 1950
- Illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby
- Henry and the Elephant
- Tenders and Turntables
- Trouble in the Shed
- Percy Runs Away
; Notes
- Henry is repainted back to his original green colour.
- First appearance of Percy. Awdry was unhappy with Dalby's depiction of the character, which he felt did not look like a real engine. This would cause further friction between the author and the illustrator later on.
- Henry appears in green for the first time since the end of The Three Railway Engines, at the end of which he had been painted blue.
- The central theme of this book reflects the fact that, at the time when the book was written, there were labour difficulties on the real British Railways.
Henry the Green Engine
- Book no. 6
- Published June 1951
- Illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby
- Coal
- The Flying Kipper
- Gordon's Whistle
- Percy and the Trousers
- Henry's Sneeze
; Notes
- This was the only book to feature five stories instead of the usual four.
- This is the first book to refer to the Fat Controller by his formal name, Sir Topham Hatt.
- This book was largely written because Awdry was unhappy with C. Reginald Dalby's depiction of Henry. He was inconsistent and often looked identical to Gordon. By having the character rebuilt, this problem was solved.
- This was the first book in which all the engines carried numbers. Thomas 1, Edward 2, Henry 3, Gordon 4, James 5 and Percy 6.
- The story Henry's Sneeze was to cause problems for Awdry, because it described some soot-covered boys who ran away as being "as black as niggers." In 1972, complaints were made about the use of the term. Despite initially resisting, Awdry was convinced to make the change by a parent who wrote to him on the subject. The line was changed in subsequent editions to "as black as soot".
Toby the Tram Engine
- Book no. 7
- Published April 1952
- Illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby
Thomas is having trouble with the police – by travelling to the quarry without a cowcatcher and sideplates to cover his wheels. The Fat Controller realises that there is a solution. While on holiday with his wife and two grandchildren, he met Toby the Tram Engine, who together with his coach Henrietta, has been having problems of his own with his railway in East Anglia closing down.
; Notes
- First appearances of Toby, Henrietta, Mrs. Kyndley, Stephen, and Bridget. Stephen, seen in this book as a child, would become the third Fat Controller by the time of Really Useful Engines.
- The character of Toby was first inspired by a similar engine seen shunting at Great Yarmouth by the Rev. W. and Christopher Awdry.
- The events of this book took place in 1951.
- Although Mrs Kyndley's Christmas wasn't adapted, a flashback from this story was used in the TV version of Thomas' Christmas Party.
Gordon the Big Engine
- Book no. 8
- Published December 1953
- Illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby
- Off the Rails
- Leaves
- Down the Mine
- Paint Pots and Queens
- Note: This book featured an appearance by Queen Elizabeth II, who succeeded her deceased father, King George VI, in 1952, and was crowned in 1953. Awdry had sent copies of the early Railway Series books to the young Prince Charles, the Duke of Cornwall as a gift.
Edward the Blue Engine
- Book no. 9
- Published February 1954
- Illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby
- Cows
- Bertie's Chase
- Saved from Scrap
- Old Iron
; Notes
- First appearances of Trevor and the Vicar of Wellsworth.
- Edward's driver and fireman are identified in this book as being named Charlie Sand and Sidney Hever, the only engine crew to be given names.
Four Little Engines
- Book no. 10
- Published October 1955
- Illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby
Rheneas is away being mended, and the Skarloey Railway has recently acquired Sir Handel and Peter Sam. Peter Sam is naïve but well-meaning, but Sir Handel is rude and arrogant. Skarloey shows Sir Handel how to do things when he rescues the pompous engine's train.
; Notes
- This book was written at the suggestion of L. T. C. Rolt and was based upon the Talyllyn Railway.
- The story "Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady" was inspired by an incident when a refreshment lady was left behind on the Talyllyn Railway.
- The other 3 stories in the book are all based directly on L. T. C. Rolt's book Railway Adventure which describes the first 2 years of operation of the Talyllyn Railway by enthusiasts.
- The illustration of Glennock Station is based on Aberllefenni Station on the Corris Railway.
Percy the Small Engine
- Book no. 11
- Published September 1956
- Illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby
Percy loves playing jokes, which sometimes gets him into trouble with the bigger engines. So the Fat Controller obtains a new engine to do shunting work and sends Percy to work with Thomas and Toby on their branch line. He meets Harold the Helicopter and saves the day during a flood.
- First appearances of Duck and Harold.
- This was the last volume to be illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby. Awdry did not like the way Dalby portrayed Percy, saying that he made the engine look like "a green caterpillar with red stripes". Outraged, Dalby resigned from the Railway Series after this book. Brian Sibley notes that, despite the friction between author and illustrator, Dalby's work in this volume can be ranked among his best.
- The events of this book took place in 1955.
The Eight Famous Engines
- Book no. 12
- Published November 1957
- Illustrated by John T. Kenney
- Percy Takes the Plunge
- Gordon Goes Foreign
- Double Header
- The Fat Controller's Engines
; Notes
- Although no new regular characters appear in this book, it features the first appearance of engines from The Other Railway, namely: Jinty, Pug and the Big City Engine.
- This was the first book to be illustrated by John T. Kenney, who enjoyed a far better working relationship with Awdry than his predecessor. Although his illustrations are not as well remembered as Dalby's, they are far more technically accurate.
- The Rev. W. Awdry had intended this as a possible final book in the series. He considered using the title "The Fat Controller's Engines", a title that would later almost be used by Christopher Awdry in the 39th book of the series.
- Beatrice makes an appearance in the last illustration of "Double Header".
- The events of this book took place in 1956.
- "Gordon Goes Foreign" was originally going to be adapted for television, but it was cancelled due to the budget being too high.
Duck and the Diesel Engine
- Book no. 13
- Published August 1958
- Illustrated by John T. Kenney
- Domeless Engines
- Pop Goes the Diesel
- Dirty Work
- A Close Shave
; Notes
- First appearance of Diesel.
- In the book's first illustration, a vicar and a man in a bow tie are seen looking at Duck. Brian Sibley suggests that these men are supposed to be the Rev. W. Awdry and C. Reginald Dalby.
- This is the first book to feature a diesel engine. The character was introduced at the suggestion of series editor Eric Marriott, who suggested that Awdry should introduce a diesel character to keep the series up-to-date. At the time, diesels were being increasingly used on British Railways, and would eventually come to supersede steam.
- This is also the first book to include a real engine; City of Truro.
The Little Old Engine
- Book no. 14
- Published July 1959
- Illustrated by John T. Kenney
- Trucks!
- Home at Last
- Rock 'n' Roll
- Little Old Twins
;Notes
- This is the first appearances of Rusty and Duncan.
- First appearance of the Talyllyn Railway.
- The events of this book take place in 1958.
The Twin Engines
- Book no. 15
- Published September 1960
- Illustrated by John T. Kenney
- Hullo Twins!
- The Missing Coach
- Break Van
- The Deputation
; Notes
- First appearances of Donald and Douglas, and only appearance of the Spiteful Brake Van.
- This book is the first to allude to the threat of scrapping faced by steam engines on British Railways.
- Gordon's Express is given a name in this book. It is called "the Wild Nor' Wester", an allusion to the fact that the Fat Controller's railway was properly known as the North Western Region at this time. This was the first time that the name of the railway had been used in the books, and it reappears later in the form of the initials "NW" on the Spiteful Brake Van.
- 'The Missing Coach' was originally intended to be an episode in Season 2 of Thomas & Friends but was cancelled halfway through production as Britt Allcroft believed the plot would be too difficult for young viewers to understand.
- The events of this book took place in 1959.
Branch Line Engines
- Book no. 16
- Published November 1961
- Illustrated by John T. Kenney
- Thomas Comes to Breakfast
- Daisy
- Bulls Eyes
- Percy's Predicament
; Notes
- First appearance of Daisy, who is the first regular standard-gauge diesel character, and the first female engine in the books.
- The events of this book must take place soon after those of The Twin Engines, as Donald and Douglas are seen with their old black paint in a cameo appearance.
- Thomas' crash into the Stationmaster's house, which takes place in the first story of this book, was partially intended to enable a long-standing illustrators' error to be corrected. Thomas's footplate originally curved down at the front, meaning that his buffers were lower at the front than at the back. When Thomas returns from the Works, his footplate is straight, and this modification is retained from this book onwards.
- The top station on Thomas's branch line is shown in illustrations to be called Ffarquhar for the first time.
- The events of this book took place in 1960.
Gallant Old Engine
- Book no. 17
- Published December 1962
- Illustrated by John T. Kenney
- Special Funnel
- Steamroller
- Passengers and Polish
- Gallant Old Engine
; Notes
- First appearance of George.
- Although this is the third book set on the Skarloey Railway, it is the first to include a story featuring Rheneas as the main character, who had been almost completely absent in the previous two volumes.
- This was the final volume to be illustrated by John T. Kenney, whose eyesight was beginning to fail around this time.
- There is a blue car seen in one of the last illustrations of "Steam Roller" with a face. This was based upon John T. Kenney's own car, and its numberplate carries the letters "JTK" and "62", the year of the illustration, 1962.
- Two of the stories, Steamroller and Gallant Old Engine, are based on incidents in earlier works, respectively Patrick Whitehouse's Narrow Gauge Album and L. T. C. Rolt's Railway Adventure. Awdry received permission from the authors to use them.
- The events of this book took place in 1961.
Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine
- Book no. 18
- Published November 1963
- Illustrated by Peter and Gunvor Edwards
- Bluebells of England
- Stepney's Special
- Train Stops Play
- Bowled Out
; Notes
- This is the first book to centre on a real engine, and was intended to promote the Bluebell Railway. Other Bluebell engines besides Stepney are referred to and appear in the pictures for "Stepney's Special". These included Bluebell, Primrose and Captain Baxter. "Adams" and "Cromford" were names applied by Awdry to the Bluebell Railway's Adams Radial Tank and North London Railway tank engine respectively.
- This book also features the first and only appearances of "The Diesel" and Caroline the car.
- The second illustration in the book depicts a group of Victorian locomotives being cut up for scrap. This was actually inspired by Peter Edwards' cover illustration for Graham Greene's novel A Gun for Sale, which featured a chase on a railway siding.
- Percy's claim that the controllers on British Railways are cruel and "don't like engines" is a reference to the 1955 Modernisation Plan, under which steam locomotives were to be replaced by diesel and electric traction. The Rev. W. Awdry notes in the foreword that Percy is mistaken, and that the controllers had been very helpful in preserving steam locomotives. Indeed, it is worth noting that several of the Bluebell Railway's engines had only been saved thanks to the intervention of such controllers.
- This was the first volume to be illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards.
- The events of this book took place in 1962.
Mountain Engines
- Book no. 19
- Published August 1964
- Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards
- Mountain Engine
- Bad Look Out
- Danger Points
- Devil's Back
; Notes
- This is the first and only book to feature the Culdee Fell Railway. Christopher Awdry has written that the reason there have been no new books set on the Mountain Railway is that the limited traffic and stringent safety precautions make it difficult to find suitable material for realistic stories set there.
- The Culdee Fell Railway is based on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, and like many of the Railway Series volumes, was written partly as a promotional device.
- See Culdee Fell Railway for details of the engines and rolling stock.
- The events of this book took place in 1963.
Very Old Engines
- Book no. 20
- Published April 1965
- Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards
- Crosspatch
- Bucking Bronco
- Stick-in-the-Mud
- Duck and Dukes
; Notes
- This book was inspired by the 100th anniversary of the locomotives Talyllyn and Dolgoch, Skarloey and Rheneas' real life "twins". The first three stories are based on events from the early history of the Talyllyn Railway and one of the characters, Mr. Bobbie, is actually a real life engineer from the company that built the engines.
- This is the first, but not the last, book to be told mainly as a flashback. Skarloey narrates the stories Crosspatch and Bucking Bronco, while Rheneas narrates Stick-in-the-Mud.
- This book features a number of cameo appearances by Neil, an engine from the Sodor & Mainland Railway.
- "Duck and Dukes" would later be one of the main focal points in the 25th volume Duke The Lost Engine.
- The "Dukes" that Duck says "have all been scrapped" in real life refer to the Duke class of steam locomotives that were formerly used on the Great Western. The last one was scrapped in 1951.
- "Duck and Dukes" is the only story in this book whose title is not a former nickname for Skarloey.
- The events of this book took place in 1964.
Main Line Engines
- Book no. 21
- Published September 1966
- Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards
- The Diseasel
- Buzz, Buzz
- Wrong Road
- Edward's Exploit
; Notes
- First appearances of Bill, Ben, and BoCo.
- Despite the book's title, much of the book actually takes place on Edward's branch line.
- The characters of Bill and Ben were inspired by Awdry's visit to Par, Cornwall, where he saw a pair of tank engines named Alfred and Judy. Although the driver of these engines was "a crusty old fellow who did not like parsons", Awdry was able to impress him with his railway knowledge, and was even allowed to drive.
- The events of this book took place in 1965.
Small Railway Engines
- Book no. 22
- Published September 1967
- Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards
- Ballast
- Tit-for-Tat
- Mike's Whistle
- Useful Railway
; Notes
- The Arlesdale railway is based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.
- The stories "Tit-for-Tat", "Mike's Whistle", and "Useful Railway" were adapted in the 20th season of Thomas & Friends, making all 3 stories the first Railway Series stories since "Mind that Bike" from Season 4 to be adapted into television, while "Ballast" would be the only story to be cancelled due to the Arlesdale engines already being introduced in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.
- "Mike's Whistle" was loosely adapted into the sixth-season episode "Faulty Whistles." Duncan and Peter Sam replace Mike and Duck respectively.
Enterprising Engines
- Book no. 23
- Published 4 October 1968
- Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards
- Tenders for Henry
- Super Rescue
- Escape
- Little Western
; Notes
- This marks the first appearance of Flying Scotsman, D7101, Oliver, Toad and the Coaches: Isabel, Dulcie, Alice, and Mirabel. It marks the only appearance of Diesel 199.
- "Super Rescue" is based on an event at London Waterloo station in April 1967, where a steam locomotive was used to rescue two diesel trains.
Oliver the Western Engine
- Book no. 24
- Published 15 November 1969
- Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards
- Donald's Duck
- Resource and Sagacity
- Toad Stands By
- Bulgy
; Notes
- This book was originally to be called Little Western Engines, but the publishers wanted a book named after an engine. Awdry jokes in the foreword that if the attention goes to Oliver's head, he will set the publishers on to him.
- The Little Western is partly inspired by the Dart Valley Railway, according to the Foreword.
- First and only appearances of S. C. Ruffey, Bulgy, and Dilly the Duck.
- The foreword is actually written to the author's wife, Margaret Awdry. However, Margaret is referred to as M.
- The events of this book took place in 1968.
Duke the Lost Engine
- Book no. 25
- Published 15 October 1970
- Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards
- Granpuff
- Bulldog
- You Can't Win!
- Sleeping Beauty
; Notes
- First appearance of Duke.
- Only appearance of the Mid Sodor Railway.
- Only appearance of Peter Sam as Stuart, Sir Handel as Falcon, and Stanley.
- Most of the book is told in flashback, and it fills in some history for the Arlesdale Railway and characters from the Skarloey Railway.
- Duke is based on the engine Prince from the Ffestiniog Railway.
- The engine shed illustrated in the book is based on that at Snailbeach on the Snailbeach District Railways.
Tramway Engines
- Book no. 26
- Published 15 October 1972
- Illustrated by Gunvor and Peter Edwards
- Ghost Train
- Woolly Bear
- Mavis
- Toby's Tightrope
; Notes
- First appearance of Mavis and the only appearance of Sam the Farmer.
- In "Woolly Bear", Thomas refers to Percy as "a green caterpillar with red stripes". This insult actually dates back to the book Percy the Small Engine. Awdry had long been unhappy with C. Reginald Dalby's depiction of Percy, describing it in exactly those terms.
- The last book in the Series to be written by the Rev. W Awdry, and the last one until 1983.
- The events of this book took place in 1972.
- Tramway Engines had been a struggle for Awdry, and he was finding it harder and harder to come up with ideas. Although he considered a 27th book, he decided to retire. It would be more than a decade before there would be any new Railway Series books.
The Christopher Awdry Era: 1983–2011
All of his books were illustrated by Clive Spong, an illustrator who, it was felt, could combine technical accuracy with the appealing, colourful style exemplified by C. Reginald Dalby.
Christopher Awdry wrote his first book in 1983, and 13 further books followed between 1984 and 1996. No books were published between 1996 and 2007; book 40: New Little Engine, and the original books from The Railway Series went out-of-print. This was a source of friction between the Awdry family and the publishers. However, in February 2007, unofficial reports from the publishers, Egmont, suggested that there were plans to put the whole series back into print, in the original format, and that a new Christopher Awdry book was expected to be published later in 2007. This book, number 41 in the series, was published in September 2007, being the first Railway Series book to be published in 11 years. Number 42 in the series, called "Thomas and his Friends", was published in June 2011.
In addition, the fifteen original Christopher Awdry books have been put together into a large, "bumper" edition, in a vein similar to the master collection of Wilbert Awdry's stories.
Really Useful Engines
- Book no. 27
- Published 12 September 1983
- Stop, Thief!
- Mind That Bike
- Fish
- Triple Header
; Notes
- Entirely by coincidence, the Rev. W. Awdry's planned 27th book was to be called Really Useful Engines.
- The story "Triple Header" was the first to be written, and was based upon an incident related to Christopher Awdry at the Nene Valley Railway. The real engine involved was a blue 0-6-0 tank engine called Thomas, which was named by Wilbert Awdry and is now permanently disguised as its Railway Series namesake.
- Thomas is seen with his front dip. At this time, he has a straight footplate. This was probably because of the illustrator not following directions.
James and the Diesel Engines
- Book no. 28
- Published 17 September 1984
- Old Stuck-Up
- Crossed Lines
- Fire Engine
- Deep Freeze
; Notes
- This book marks the first appearance of the Works Diesel and the only appearance of 40125 aka Old Stuck-Up.
- The events of "Old Stuck-Up" could have possibly taken place before the real 40125 was withdrawn from service in May 1981 and scrapped in December 1983.
Great Little Engines
- Book no. 29
- Published 28 October 1985
- Patience is a Virtue
- Peter Sam and the Prickly Problem
- Pop Special
- Sir Handel Comes Home
; Notes
- This book was inspired by the fact that the Talyllyn Railway had paid tribute to the Railway Series by repainting their engine No.3, Sir Haydn, to look like Sir Handel. Sir Handel's adventures on the Talyllyn are simply retellings of real events that took place involving that engine.
- The title alludes to "Great Little Trains", a promotional campaign for the narrow gauge railways of Wales. The Talyllyn Railway was part of this campaign.
More About Thomas the Tank Engine
- Book no. 30
- Published 22 September 1986
- Thomas, Percy and the Coal
- The Runaway
- Better Late than Never
- Drip Tank
; Notes
- This book is unique in the series, in that it was written especially in order that Britt Allcroft could adapt it for the television show. The stories were therefore written specifically to include popular characters like Harold and Bertie. Despite this, the story 'Drip Tank' was never used in the TV show, and 'Thomas, Percy and the Coal' included some substantial differences in the adaptation.
- Thomas calls Percy a "drip" in the story 'Drip Tank', an insult meaning "pathetic" or "useless". Christopher Awdry has said that he regrets using this, as the insult has virtually fallen out of use by the time he wrote his book.
- He has also expressed dissatisfaction with the book in general, which he feels was unimaginative. He puts this down to the fact that it was put together in a hurry for the television company.
- The cattle truck that Percy is shunting in "Drip Tank" is marked with the initials "N.E.", an abbreviation used by the London & North Eastern Railway for its freight stock.
- The straight footplate Thomas has by now is back.
Gordon the High Speed Engine
- Book no. 31
- Published 7 September 1987
- High-Speed Gordon
- Smokescreen
- Fire Escape
- Gordon Proves His Point
; Notes
- First appearance of Pip and Emma, who would later return as a Royal Train in Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines and ultimately would be purchased by the Fat Controller.
- 2 diesels, numbered 31120 and 10751, make appearances in the illustrations of this book.
Toby, Trucks and Trouble
- Book no. 32
- Published 19 September 1988
- Mavis and the Lorry
- Toby's Seaside Holiday
- Bulstrode
- Toby Takes the Road
; Notes
- First and only appearances of Bulstrode and 1020.
- 'Toby's Seaside Holiday' is set in and around Great Yarmouth on the London & North Eastern Railway. As well as Toby himself, this story features an appearance by one of his brothers and two other engines from the old Great Eastern Railway.
- This book was the first in the series not to include the word "Engine" in the title. Christopher Awdry has observed that while it is in some ways a shame to break with tradition, it has opened up greater possibilities for future book titles.
- In 1990, Christopher Awdry wrote the annual story Hosepipes and Shunters to answer readers' questions on how Terence did the shunting for Percy and what was happening with Toby up at the quarry at the same time.
- This was the last Railway Series book to have a story televised until Series 20, where three stories from Small Railway Engines were adapted.
- 8783 makes a cameo.
Thomas and the Twins
- Book no. 33
- Published 11 September 1989
- Scrambled Eggs
- What a Picture!
- Trevor Helps Out
- Down the Drain
- Note: This book features the second appearance of Trevor.
Jock the New Engine
- Book no. 34
- Published 6 August 1990
- We Need Another Engine
- Sticking Power
- Jock
- Teamwork
; Notes
- First appearances of Jock and Frank.
- Frank has an accident when he crashes into the back of the shed. This was inspired by an incident on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway involving the diesel "Perkins" which took place soon after the book Small Railway Engines was published. People working on the railway joked that this accident was perhaps caused because Perkins was upset at not being included in the book.
- The character of Jock was not actually created for this book. In fact, he was first mentioned in the book The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways – this was only the first book in which he put in an appearance.
- Jock is based on the R&E locomotive Northern Rock.
Thomas and the Great Railway Show
- Book no. 35
- Published 12 August 1991
- Museum Piece
- Not the Ticket
- Trouble on the Line
- Thomas and the Railtour
; Notes
- This book was written at the request of the National Railway Museum.
- A reference to the television series is made in this volume.
- This book features appearances by real locomotives Stephenson's Rocket, Iron Duke, Mallard, Duchess of Hamilton and Green Arrow. Boxhill, another member of the collection, is mentioned but not seen.
- Clive Spong broke a major rule in this volume. All the engines at the National Railway Museum, except Rocket, are illustrated with faces. The Rev. W. Awdry had insisted that engines should not have faces, unless on Sodor.
- There are several references to guest characters from previous volumes. City of Truro and Flying Scotsman are both mentioned twice.
- In Gordon the High Speed Engine, Gordon mentions that he has a cousin who went at 126 miles per hour – a reference to Mallard.
- The reference to Flying Scotsman is particularly prescient – in 2004, Flying Scotsman was acquired by the National Railway Museum.
- 'Trouble on the Line' was originally intended as a rail safety story, but Christopher Awdry was unhappy with the final result, as the publishers had "watered down" the original story. It is not known how the original story would have run, but Awdry tantalisingly notes in Sodor: Reading Between the Lines that it reflected badly on crowd control at the National Railway Museum.
- The Railway Series books are part of the National Railway Museum's library. So in a sense, Thomas really is part of the National Collection.
Thomas Comes Home
- Book no. 36
- Published 15 June 1992
- Snow Problem
- Washout!
- Toby's Megatrain
- Thomas Comes Home
; Notes
- This book marks the second and last appearance of George.
- Despite the book's title, Thomas only appears in the last illustration, and he does not speak.
Henry and the Express
- Book no. 37
- Published 8 April 1993
- Out of Puff
- Overhaul
- Sliding Scales
- Henry Sees Red
; Notes
- This book features a brief appearance in one illustration of the Peel Godred Branch, the Island of Sodor's only electric railway.
- The first illustration features a diesel talking to Gordon. According to Diana Awdry, Christopher Awdry's ex-wife, this is a return appearance of The "Works Diesel".
- This book features the first appearance of Oliver since Duke the Lost Engine, although he only makes cameo appearances.
Wilbert the Forest Engine
- Book no. 38
- Published 8 August 1994
- Percy's Porridge
- Cab Over Wheels
- Foaming at the Funnel
- Wired Up
; Notes
- Wilbert is a real engine. He is actually named after Rev. Wilbert Awdry, Christopher Awdry's father and the creator of the Railway Series. Wilbert Awdry was President of the Dean Forest Railway.
- This book also features the only appearance of Sixteen, a steelworks shunter.
- 'Percy's Porridge' was written with the help of the children of Abingdon School as part of an exercise in creative writing, and the book is dedicated to them.
Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines
- Book no. 39
- Published 1 August 1995
- Birdstrike
- Edward and the Cabbages
- Rabbits
- Golden Jubilee
; Notes
- This book was actually written to commemorate the very same anniversary the engines are celebrating in the stories.
- The book was originally to be titled The Fat Controller's Engines, but the publishers insisted on a Thomas link in the title.
- The 39th book was originally intended to be called Barry the Rescue Engine and introduce a new engine named Barry. However, this plan was dropped due to the wish to have Thomas being the main character
New Little Engine
- Book no. 40
- Published 8 August 1996
- Speedkiller
- Sir Handel's Plan
- Dirty Water
- I Name This Engine...
; Notes
- First appearance of Ivo Hugh, Lizzie and Kathy. The railway's 2nd diesel engine, Fred, is mentioned but not seen.
- Peter Sam's visit commemorates the fact that the Talyllyn Railway again paid tribute to the Railway Series by repainting their engine, Edward Thomas, to look like Peter Sam.
- The name Ivo Hugh comes as a tribute to Tom Rolt, even to the number of letters in the names.
- During Speedkiller, Rheneas is drawn as an 0-4-2.
- Throughout the story "I Name This Engine...", Duke is missing his tender.
- Throughout the whole book, Peter Sam is missing half of his running gear.
Thomas and Victoria
- Book no. 41
- Published 3 September 2007
- Overloaded
- Avalanche
- Eels on Wheels
- Toby's Vintage Train
; Notes
- First Railway Series book published in over 11 years.
- First appearance of Victoria, a blue Furness Railway 4-wheeled coach; Helena, another coach and Albert, a Furness Railway locomotive.
- Henrietta is seen in this book with a small rectangular face on her door. This is the first instance in the books where Henrietta is seen with a face.
- Despite the title, Thomas only speaks once in the book.
- This book is dedicated to the Reverend W. Awdry.
- During this book, it is revealed that Edward comes from the Furness Railway.
Thomas and his Friends
- Book no. 42
- Published 6 July 2011
- Thomas and the Swans
- Buffer Bashing
- Gordon's Fire Service
- Centenary
; Notes
- This book was written to mark the centenary of the birth of the Reverend W. Awdry.
- For the first time ever in the series, the electric engines that work the Peel Godred branch are mentioned in the text.
- This book is dedicated to the Reverend W. Awdry.
- This book marks the only time in the series' history that "The End" was used at the end of a book, as this is intended to be the final book in the Railway Series.
Railway Series-related books
The Annuals
From 1979-1980 the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends annuals were written by Rev. W. Awdry, and from 1985-1996 by Christopher Awdry. They included several stories and articles about the characters. In some cases, these stories expanded upon earlier Railway Series books and in others they were entirely new. One, 'The Strawberry Special' in the 1985 Annual, was later rewritten and used in Thomas Comes Home as 'Toby's Megatrain'.A number of new characters were introduced in the annuals. Perhaps the most notable was Algy the Bus, a friend of Bertie's. Also, Henry's Driver's name is revealed to be Ted in one of the later annuals.
Thomas's Christmas Party
- Published 29 October 1984
- Written by Rev. W. Awdry
- Illustrated by Clive Spong
Thomas Comes to Breakfast
- Published 2 September 1985
- Written by Rev. W. Awdry
- Illustrated by Clive Spong
Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree
- Published 20 October 1986
- Written by Christopher Awdry
- Illustrated by Clive Spong
Thomas and the Evil Diesel
- Published 5 October 1987
- Written by Christopher Awdry
- Illustrated by Clive Spong
; Notes
- In America, this book was published with the title Thomas and the Naughty Diesel. A later version with illustrations similar to the My-First models was released under the title Thomas and Diesel.
- This book marks Diesel's second visit to Sodor.
- Diesel was the only engine available to come to Sodor in this book, a device that Britt Allcroft would use in the TV series.
- This is Clarabel's first accident.
- Three of Clive Spong's illustrations from this book would be modified for the Railway Series books Thomas And The Great Railway Show, Thomas Comes Home, and Thomas And The Fat Controller's Engines.
- The special points scenario of the book would inspire Christopher Awdry to write the 1991 Annual story Near Miss, which would explain to readers why special points are important to the railway.
Thomas and Gordon Off The Rails
- Published 3 September 1990
- Written by Christopher Awdry
- Illustrated by Stephen Lings
Thomas and the Hurricane
- Published 16 March 1992
- Written by Christopher Awdry
- Illustrated by Stephen Lings
Bad Days for Thomas and His Friends / More Bad Days for Thomas and His Friends
- Published 2001
- Written by Christopher Awdry
- Illustrated by David Anderson
Bad Days for Thomas and His Friends stories
- New Paint for Annie and Clarabel - Some boys are caught spraying graffiti around the station and on the 2 coaches.
- A Near Miss for Daisy - Some children on Thomas's branch line have been causing trouble throwing rocks at the trains and placing objects on the rails, one of which Daisy almost has a run-in with.
- Lucy to the Rescue - A boy named Andrew is riding his bike along the railway when one of his tires gets stuck between 2 rail joints. His dog Lucy runs ahead and warns Thomas, who was approaching with a train.
- Toby and the Skateboarders - A boy has a near miss when he falls off the station platform while skateboarding near Toby.
- Nearly an Unhappy Christmas - A girl named Alysha's new hat blows off and is stuck between some electric railway wires. An engine and his driver stop her just before she reaches out to get it.
- Trouble on the Train - 2 naughty girls push a girl named Gemma out of Annie and run off just before the train was due to leave. Thomas, Annie and Clarabel think Gemma should report the names of the other girls.
- Policeman Len appears in every story, disciplining or helping the children as needed.
- The Peel Godred branch appears in the story Nearly an Unhappy Christmas, as well as one of its engines, who has yet to be named.
- Colouring book versions of the two books were produced by Virgin Trains for children to colour in during their train journeys.
Companion volumes
The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways
- Published 1987
- Written by Rev. W. Awdry and George Awdry
- Illustrated by Clive Spong
The book came about as a result of Rev. W. Awdry's desire to create a credible and consistent world for his stories. This began with maps of Sodor, and was then expanded upon. Rev. W. Awdry and his brother George worked out details of Sodor, producing between them a comprehensive set of notes. These notes were compiled and published in this book.
The Thomas the Tank Engine Man
- Published 1995
- Written by Brian Sibley
Sodor: Reading Between the Lines
- Published 2005
- Written by Christopher Awdry