A newly discovered and restored pilot of the classic children’s TV show “Thomas & Friends” is now available for fans to enjoy. The original pilot, filmed over 40 years ago, featured the beloved blue tank engine and his train companions in an episode titled “Down The Mine,” narrated by Ringo Starr of The Beatles.
Stored and forgotten for 43 years, the unaired pilot film reels were recently uncovered and brought back to life for the show’s 80th anniversary by a dedicated producer. Ian McCue, leading the restoration project, expressed his joy at the discovery and the beauty of the restored footage.
“Thomas & Friends” originated from the books by Rev. Wilbert Awdry and his son Christopher, first published 80 years ago. The TV series aired from 1984 to 2001 on various networks, with its spinoff “Shining Time Station” airing on PBS from 1989 to 2017. The series rights are currently held by Mattel.
McCue, who worked on “Thomas & Friends” from 2010 to 2020, shared the challenges of finding the lost pilot in poor condition within the Mattel archives. The film was in pieces and covered in residue, reflecting the lack of preservation standards during that era of television production.
After painstaking restoration at Silver Salt Restoration in London, the pilot was successfully reconstructed onto one reel. McCue emphasized the significance of preserving this piece of television history, especially as the show celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.
A notable aspect of the discovery was hearing Ringo Starr’s voice in the restored pilot, as he famously narrated the early seasons of the show. Additionally, the team had to recreate the original music score by reaching out to Mike O’Donnell, co-composer of the show’s theme music.
Kim Wilson, a Children’s Media Lab co-founder, commended the restoration efforts, highlighting the emotional connection viewers have with the show across generations. She praised the team for sharing this rare find with fans and speculated on more nostalgic footage resurfacing in the media industry’s push to preserve legacy brands.
Wilson emphasized the enduring appeal of “Thomas & Friends” and the importance of evolving with the times while maintaining the essence of the original content. She noted the universal fascination with trains, making the show a timeless favorite for children and families alike.
