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. As the story is told, Christopher was recovering from that horrible bout of measles and Father Wilbert, told quick little nursery rhymes to keep young Chris in top spirits! One of the little diddys went something like this. . . 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! Little Chris heard the tiny tunes so often he began to ask Rev. Audry questions about the tunes. Can I see these trains father. Where is there station. . . Papa? 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. Many are under the false pretense that Thomas was the first locomotive on the island. That's not true. Although Thomas was one of the original trains in the early stories, it was Edward who began these tales spun by Rev. Audry. More than likely that's why Edward is so loved on the Island. As the stories continued and the adventures become more detailed, Rev. Audry invented a fleet of locomotives to traverse the rails of their tiny island. Percy, Thomas, James, Smudger and many more trains joined the team, each with their own attributes and pitfalls.

In 1945 the first of the children's books was published and in 1984 Great Britain Introduced the popular book in a television series that has taken off to enjoy world wide fame with tots!

The books are still in publication and in 1972 Christopher took over the honers of story telling and allowed his father Wilbert (1911-1997) to retire.

In 1996 Christopher Audry wrote his final tale before passing the long loved train tales in the capable hands of a wonderful group of writers who carry the Audry torch proudly. Christopher admits to still enjoying the stories his beloved father warmed him with so many years ago.
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.

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