Exclusive: The Railway Series unlikely to be continued

Future titles for The Railway Series are unlikely to be published in the near future.

The Wilbert and Christopher Awdry collection of Thomas' beginnings saw its last entry released in 2011 with the 42nd book, Thomas and His Friends.

During the Tale of the Brave premiere in London's Leciester Square last month, Roll Along Thomas caught up with Alf Fortnam, widow of the late Hilary Fortnam, about its continuation.

No, [Christopher] is finished with it. He feels that the last one was the real closing chapter. It did say "THE END" at the last page.

He likes to keep a low profile [in the public eye] and wants it to stay that way.

Fortnam also discussed how his late wife Hilary was very serious about her Christianity and fought about the TV series' handling of the winter holidays debate, something that Hilary felt very strongly to correct.

Unlike the books, audio adaptation series The Railway Stories is in development for a return in the future, with new owners Random House Audio taking on the reigns of production.

Railway Series anniversary collection pushes October

Egmont's celebratory release of The Railway Series has been pushed forward to this year.

In March, Roll Along Thomas revealed plans by the bookmakers to publish a 70th anniversary compilation of the Rev. W. Awdry books, leaving the Christopher Awdry era out.

Initially set for 2015, the year of The Three Railway Engines, the collection has instead been brought forward to the autumn.

A detailing of the collection has appeared on amazon.co.uk, with pre-ordering now available.

The Rev. Awdry's first book in the classic Railway Series, The Three Railway Engines, was published exactly 70 years ago. This elegant slipcase brings together the all 26 books from this famous series in one stunning volume.

The ultimate gift for all those who delight in the adventures of this cheeky little engine and his friends and a delightful present for new babies who are sure to grow up to be firm Thomas fans.

The Railway Series Complete Collection: 70th Anniversary Collection from Egmont hits UK book shelves on October 9th.

PRE-ORDER 'THE RAILWAY SERIES: 70TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION FROM AMAZON.CO.UK

70th anniversary build-up continues with logo designs

Plans for the 70th anniversary of The Railway Series have continued with designs for a logo.

Next year will mark the landmark celebrations of the first book The Three Railway Engines, originally published in 1945.

This week saw a work in progress logo, specifically for the Thomas & Friends brand, submitted to Mattel with the tagline Keeping kids happy since 1945.

A Little Trains for Big Imaginations poster is over-arched with a selection of characters and backdrops circled in a surreal way.

London freelance designer Carmelina, who designed the proposed specs, detailed her contribution to the anniversary.

In the face of growing competition, the brand has become recessive. [Mattel] want to use 2015 to really reinvigorate it, making the brand more exciting, relevant and contemporary without losing the trust and safety it stands for.

In addition, it is the 70th Anniversary and this provides a great opportunity to celebrate the brands heritage.

Exclusive: Hit Entertainment on Railway Stories return

Hit Entertainment have discussed candidly the renewal of The Railway Stories audiobooks.

The seventh volume in the Rev. W. Awdry adapted audios is in the planning stages under new owners Random House Audio.

Speaking to Roll Along Thomas in April, a spokesperson for Hit expressed their enthusiasm for the continuation.

We are very excited about the return of the Thomas & Friends Railway Stories. However, we are still in discussions with other audible partners and therefore unable to share more at this time.

In October 2013, the series' future encountered a bleak phase when former producers AudioGO entered administration before Random House's subsidiary took over the BBC arm a few months later.

The next volume, chronologically, will have Mountain Engines, Very Old Engines and Main Line Engines being told.

Railway Series illustrator Gunvor Edwards dies at 80

The Railway Series alumni Gunvor Edwards has passed away at the age of 80, it has emerged.

One half of the Edwards, Gunvor and her husband Peter were responsible for the illustrations of some of the Wilbert Awdry books, starting with Stepney the Bluebell Engine through to Tramway Engines.

Gunvor died earlier this year on April 23rd losing a battle with dementia. Her daughter Martina wrote a eulogy on her mother's website earlier this month taking a trip down memory lane. 

Born in Sweden in 1934, Gunvor went on to design artwork for childrens books Tiger-nanny, Cat Samson and Mrs. Pepperpot's Outing.

Her contributions to Books 18 to 26 of The Railway Series were most notable for her and Peter's impressionistic style. She leaves behind her husband and six children.

READ MARTINA EDWARDS' TRIBUTE ON GUNVOR EDWARD'S WEBSITE

Exclusive: Egmont planning Railway Series 70th release

Egmont is to commemorate the 70th birthday of The Railway Series with a special edition book.

The authors of current Thomas books in the UK will re-release the Rev. W. Awdry's Complete Collection in 2015 as an anniversary edition.

A centenary boxset marking the birth of Awdry went on sale in 2011. In a response forwarded to Roll Along Thomas, Egmont's Brand and Marketing Assistant, Katie Westlake, divulged the intention.

Next year, there are plans to print an anniversary edition of Thomas the Tank Engine: The Complete Collection.

Despite the occassion, the Christopher Awdry compilation is to be left out, as of now; We currently do not have plans to print an anniversary edition of Thomas the Tank Engine: The New Collection.

Several of the books written by Christopher Awdry are still available in the hardback series format along with those written by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry.

Christopher's era of The Railway Series was compiled together for a 2007 release coinciding with the arrival of 41st title, Thomas and Victoria. It no longer remains in print and has become a rare collector's merchandise.

Thanks to Daniel Coffey.

Railway Series illustrator nominated for heritage award

An illustrator credited for his work on The Railway Series has been recognised for a Green Plaque Award.

The artist John Theodore Kenney is among those nominated for the posthumous prize in Leicestershire, UK.

The plaque awards figures from the city who have lent heritage to the region with voting open till April 7th on the city council's website.

Kenney lent his illustrations for six books from 1957's The Eight Famous Engines until 1962's Gallant Old Engine.

Also part of the shortlist is Henry Wills, printer and founder of Ladybird Books. The company is known to Thomas fans for adapting the first two television series in book format during the 80s.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE FROM BBC NEWS

Thanks to SiF for the alert.

Hit Entertainment readies Thomas' 70th anniversary

Hit Entertainment have begun plans to prepare for the 70th anniversary of the Thomas & Friends brand. 

2015 will mark 70 years since the birth of The Railway Series by the Rev. W. Awdry and the release of its first book, The Three Railway Engines.

On crowdsourcing website Tongal, Hit are involved in the creation of a celebratory video directed at what Thomas & Friends means to fans, with Tongal members open to submit their own entries through a Wildcard round.

The project has surpassed its $45,000 target, with its objective detailing a brief with a winner to be announced on January 27th.

How does the magic of Thomas’ world break through the screen and into your everyday lives? Focus on how the wonder and adventure are relevant in today’s world, for today’s children and families. 

On January 13th, Veronica Chambers, the Rev. Awdry's daughter, paid tribute to her father and his legacy on BBC One's magazine show, The One Show, with Veronica revisiting The Old Vicarage home in Emneth, UK.

Previous milestones celebrated have included 50 years in 1995 with the broadcast of the Fifth Series and 2000's theatrical film Thomas and the Magic Railroad.

2005 brought the first feature-length special Calling All Engines!, with the first CGI made series and the fourth special Misty Island Rescue following in 2010, Thomas' 65th anniversary.

With a Thomas exhibition for the US, the TV series' 30th anniversary this year will bring the Tale of the Brave special and the 18th Series to screens.

In an interview with SiF in October 2012 however, head writer Andrew Brenner downplayed the focus on the show's own milestone.

The focus has always been on celebrating the landmark anniversaries of the first book rather than the TV anniversaries. Hit are not intending to mark this date, but looking forward to the 70th anniversary of the books.

The Railway Stories 'Audio Collection' goes Down Under

The Railway Stories' Audio Collection will be available for release in Australia next month.

The six CD boxset of the modern Railway Series audiobooks will arrive in stores simultaneously with the UK's at the start of September.

Former TV series narrator, Michael Angelis narrates the 18 so far adapted books with music provided by Ed Welch, Mike O' Donnell and Junior Campbell's songs from the show.

AudioGO spoke with Roll Along Thomas in July over the possibilities of a seventh volume being produced.

Audio Collection from AudioGO hits Australian CD shelves on September 1st.

PRE-ORDER THE 'AUDIO COLLECTION' ON ABC SHOP

Thanks to SteamTeam for the alert.

Railway Series exhibition in Kotyo houses TV models

It has been revealed that more of the TV series models are currently on display in Japan.

A collection of the former engines' models join the Jack and the Pack versions of Thomas and Percy at the Railway Series Painting Exhibition in Kyoto.

The showcase of the books' origins opened in July that not only boasts digitally remastered artworks of The Railway Series but also relative guides on its history, specially created merchandise and rare memorabilia.

In a special area of the exhibition presenting the TV series models, one glass cabinet houses Gordon, Donald and Douglas with a station house accompanying.

Another prized display contains five of the narrow gauge engines in the forms of Rheneas in between Sir Handel, Peter Sam, Duncan and Rusty.

Thomas, Edward, Henry and James are also noted for exhibition purposes as are Toby, Oliver, Bill, Ben, Mavis and more. Nitrogen Studios' facilities and Drayton Manor's Thomas Land also display some more of the models.

READ MORE ON THE EXHIBITION ON PUFF PUFF THOMAS' WEBSITE

Thanks to TheIronEngine, Thomas Stansfield and Puff Puff Thomas for the alerts.

Exclusive: AudioGO on more 'Railway Stories' update

The Railway Stories audios in the UK are still planned for a continuation at some point in the future.

The audiobook range has been in limbo since the release of Branch Line Engines and Other Stories in 2011.

Producers AudioGO spoke of their intention to continue the franchise by adapting The Railway Series books Mountain Engines, Very Old Engines and Main Line Engines for a seventh volume.

Speaking to Roll Along Thomas, the team have given a short update on the prolonged release; We hope to be able to carry on with the range, perhaps later next year. Many apologies that we can't be more specific.

A CD compilation of all six volumes to date was announced for September 1st by amazon.co.uk in last month.

Thanks to SteamTeam.

Railway Stories 'Audio Collection' for wider UK release

The Railway Stories' audiobook legacy will be re-released for the UK by AudioGO this Autumn.

All six current volumes of The Railway Series adapted audios have been compiled together for the Audio Collection.

First released as a tk.maxx exclusive in Winter 2012, the collection has been given a wider release, with all stories narrated by former TV series narrator, Michael Angelis.

Roll Along Thomas last year revealed that a seventh volume was on the cards by AudioGO for a planned release sometime this year. As of June 2013, no further updates have been issued.

Audio Collection from AudioGO hits UK CD shelves on September 1st.

PRE-ORDER 'AUDIO COLLECTION' ON AMAZON.CO.UK

Johnny Morris' Railway Series stints enter digital age

More of The Railway Series audios have been added to amazon and iTunes as digital downloads.

From the Johnny Morris era, the full recordings for the books The Three Railway Engines, Thomas the Tank Engine and James the Red Engines can now be purchased in mp3 format.
Once again, The Lost Noises Office have remastered each of the new additions. The Sad Story of Henry and Edward, Gordon and Henry were previously made available in the summer of 2012.

Willie Rushton succeeded Morris as narrator before Ted Robbins took over the mantle in the 90s.

Johnny Morris' Railway Series narrations by The Lost Noises Office are each available to buy on amazon and iTunes.

PURCHASE THE JOHNNY MORRIS RAILWAY SERIES RECORDINGS ON iTUNES

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Thanks to Hawk01 for the alert.

Railway Series reference in 'King' film reveals new book

King of the Railway is to include an element from The Railway Series books when released.

As part of a Sticker Activity Book tie-in, the revelation of a lost crown of Sodor is owned by a former king, as the book's summary reveals.

The Earl of Sodor has come to visit the island, and he wants to reopen Ulfstead Castle. All the engines have a job to do, but poor old Stephen doesn't think he'll be able to help.
Can Thomas help Stephen find a way to be useful? Relive the action from the movie and help Thomas and Friends find King Godred's lost crown in this activity book complete with stickers!

The Godred reference dates back to the Mountain Engines book in The Railway Series, where a Sudrian figure known as Godred MacHarold ruled the reigns of Sodor for a number of years as king.

In the story Bad Look-Out, Culdee tells a tale of Godred, a careless mountain engine who was named after MacHarold.

King of the Railway: The Movie premieres in the UK, US, Germany and Australia from this September while the Sticker Activity Book hits UK book shelves on September 2nd.

PRE-ORDER 'KING OF THE RAILWAY: STICKER ACTIVITY BOOK' ON AMAZON.CO.UK

Railway Series stories narrated by Rev. Awdry go digital

The original vinyl recordings of Edward's Day Out and Edward and Gordon have both turned digital.

The stories narrated by The Railway Series creator, The Rev. W. Awdry were both made commercially available on iTunes and amazon on New Years Day as downloadable audios.

The Lost Noises Office who specialise in spoken word audios, were responsible for the revivals, the same people who brought back the Johnny Morris recordings of The Sad Story of Henry and Edward, Gordon and Henry.

The Edward tales were first released by Chiltern Records Ltd. in 1952 before Delyse issued a re-release nine years later in 1961.

Edward's Day Out and Edward and Gordon narrated by The Rev. W. Awdry are available to buy individually on iTunes in the UK, US and Australia and on amazon.co.uk and amazon.com.

BUY 'EDWARD'S DAY OUT' AND 'EDWARD AND GORDON'

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AMAZON

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Thanks to SI3DFilms for the alert.

Rev. W. Awdry honoured with plaque at former house

The late Rev. W. Awdry has been honoured with a special plaque at his former residency in Wiltshire, England.

The Railway Series creator and writer lived at Lorne House, located in Corsham, in his growing up period during the 1920s for a space of 8 years.

Now run as a hotel, the current owners are to officially reward him with a dedicated plaque in a special event to be held on August 11th 2012.

One half of the owners, Mike Ralli divulged on an insight into Wilbert's early years; He lived here until the age of 18 and it is where he got the inspiration for the series.

Awdry's surviving family of Veronica Chambers, Hilary Fortnam and current Railway Series writer, Christopher Awdry will attend the celebratory ceremony.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Thanks to TurboJ for the alert.

AudioGO's YouTube Channel adds 'The Railway Stories'

AudioGO have uploaded snippets from The Railway Stories CDs on their official YouTube Channel, AudioGOUK.

The BBC Worldwide owned company formally known as BBC Audio, enlisted the few minutes of previews from nearly all of their titles at the start of this July.

The near three minutes of free listening come from not only the Michael Angelis spoken word albums, but also from The Great Discovery abridged Pierce Brosnan audiobook.

The first volume of The Railway Stories which contained The Three Railway Engines, Thomas the Tank Engine and James the Red Engine, is notably absent in the uploads.

AudioGO confirmed in June that plans were underway to continue making another Rev. W. Awdry spinoff work for an untimely release in 2013.

PREVIEW 'AUDIOGO'S 'THE RAILWAY STORIES' AND 'THE GREAT DISCOVERY' ON THEIR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Exclusive: AudioGO discuss more 'The Railway Stories'

Award winning audiobook makers, AudioGO have vowed that they will not discontinue producing another, The Railway Stories CD.

The spoken word merchandising company, who are owned by BBC Worldwide Consumer Products, are yet to distribute a seventh volume in the Michael Angelis audible franchise spinoff of, The Railway Series.

Speaking to, Roll Along Thomas, the formerly known BBC Audio team are in the early stages of planning a forthcoming sequel.

We hope to be able to carry on with the range, perhaps later next year and yes (Mountain Engines, Very Old Engines and Main Line Engines), those would be the next titles to follow.

Branch Line Engines and Other Stories was the last modern Awdry disc to be made and was dispatched to the public in June 2011.

The next Rev. W. Awdry literatures to be developed for CD, chronicled the adventures of the Culdee Fell Mountain, Narrow Gauge and Sodor Railways, with real life events relating to some of the tales.

Thanks to SI3DFilms.

'Railway Series' recognition continues with the Kindle

The Railway Series' popularity regain has flowed again for the upteenth time as another contributor helps the attention.

amazon have been named the next company to broaden The Rev. W. Awdry's early books for the digital age using the Kindle.

The e-book reader platform is now enabled for the downloading of the first four Awdry titles, converted especially for the device.

The action comes after the recent reclaiment of The Railway Series being converted to the iBooks Apple application and the double Johnny Morris recordings emerging on iTunes.

The Three Railway Engines, Thomas the Tank Engine, James the Red Engine and Tank Engine Thomas Again on the Kindle are now available to buy on amazon in the UK and US each for £1.37 and $2.15 respectively.

PURCHASE 'THE RAILWAY SERIES' ON THE AMAZON KINDLE

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Johnny Morris 'Railway Series' recordings get digitized

The rarely heard first vinyl recordings of The Railway Series adapted for audio format are now iTunes products.

The original tellings by the late, Animal Magic presenter, Johnny Morris were turned into digital form since the start of December 2011 by The Lost Noises Office who specialise in selling dated spoken word and music records.

The final two 1962 story narrations from The Three Railway Engines book, The Sad Story of Henry and Edward, Gordon and Henry are able to be purchased by Apple's paid On Demand service.

Altogether, the files run at an aggregated 10 minutes in duration. Morris ended his role in voicing the titles when Percy the Small Engine's merchandising spinoff was released.

Johnny Morris' Three Railway Engines duo narrations by The Lost Noises Office are each available to buy on iTunes in the UK, US and Australia for £0.79, $0.99 and $1.69, respectively.

PURCHASE THE JOHNNY MORRIS RAILWAY SERIES RECORDINGS ON iTUNES

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