Thomas & Friends Marks 80th Anniversary with Lost Pilot Episode and Charity Auction

Thomas & Friends is celebrating 80 years of storytelling with the release of a lost pilot episode from the 1984 TV show and a charity auction featuring original props and celebrity-signed memorabilia. 

As part of the celebrations, Mattel will release an original, never-before-seen pilot episode of “Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends” from 1983 on YouTube, just ahead of the brand’s 80th anniversary on May 12. The episode was reconstructed by piecing together 40-year-old 35mm film trims, the Thomas & Friends content team has taken footage from the first test shoot to rebuild and digitize both the picture and sound to give fans a new look at the episode that started it all. Mike O’Donnell, the series composer from 1984 to 2003, also created a new music arrangement for this special episode. The episode features the classic model trains and the never-before-heard voiceover by legendary musician, Ringo Starr. Starr was the first of many notable storytellers to join the show, paving the way for future celebrity voices, even royal ones.  

“For 80 years, the Thomas & Friends brand has brought joy to generations, sharing timeless stories and valuable life lessons,” says Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president, Hot Wheels and global head, vehicles and building sets, Mattel. “As we celebrate this momentous year, we’re unveiling 40-year-old footage and newly uncovered stories from the vault for the first time ever, offering longtime fans and new audiences the chance to reconnect with the beloved adventures of Thomas & Friends in new and nostalgic ways.” 

In addition to the pilot release, Mattel and British memorabilia auction house Propstore have partnered on a global charity auction. The event includes over 200 items from the franchise’s history, such as props from the 1984 stop-motion series and signed pieces from former voice actors, Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne and Hugh Bonneville. All net proceeds from the auction will benefit the U.K.-based National Autistic Society. Registration opens May 9, with bidding live from May 12 to 28. 

Mattel is also rolling out new weekly episodes of the “Thomas & Friends Storytime” podcast starting May 12. The upcoming season key themes from Thomas’ 80-year history, such as friendship and teamwork. Each episode will be complemented with a full retelling of a classic Thomas story. Some of the featured guests will be Andrew Brenner, one of the writers, Ian McCue, series producer, and members of the creator of “Thomas the Tank Engine” Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s, family including Christopher Awdry, Richard Awdry, Veronica Chambers, Mark Chambers and Claire Chambers.