A rediscovered and restored version of the pilot episode of Thomas & Friends, the animated children’s steam train series narrated by Sir Ringo Starr, is set to be shown for the first time since it was filmed in 1983.
In a surprising and heartwarming development for fans of the beloved children’s franchise, a long-lost pilot episode of Thomas & Friends has been rediscovered and is set for an official release later this year. The episode, considered a cornerstone of the show’s early development, has been the subject of fan speculation and archival hunts for decades.
A Piece of Television History Unearthed
The pilot, reportedly filmed in 1983, predates the official 1984 premiere of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends (as it was originally known). Created by Britt Allcroft and based on The Railway Series books by Reverend W. Awdry, the series has become one of the most iconic children’s shows in television history. While the pilot was never aired, it was used as a proof-of-concept to secure funding and distribution deals.
For years, the pilot was considered missing, with only rumors, script fragments, and blurry stills surfacing in niche fan forums and railway modeling communities. That changed earlier this year when a pristine copy of the 1983 pilot was discovered in a private collection belonging to a retired ITV producer.
Official Release Announced
Mattel, the current rights holder of the Thomas & Friends franchise, announced on Friday that the pilot has been digitized and restored in 4K resolution. It will be included as part of a special anniversary collection set to be released on Blu-ray and major streaming platforms in the fall of 2025.
“We’re thrilled to bring this missing piece of Thomas history to light,” said Helen Trowbridge, Mattel’s Head of Classic Content. “This pilot not only showcases the early charm of the series, but also gives fans a glimpse into how the world of Sodor came to life.”
What to Expect from the Pilot
Early reports suggest the pilot includes a nearly faithful adaptation of the first Railway Series story, “Thomas and Gordon,” featuring early narration by actor Ringo Starr, who would go on to voice the first two seasons of the show in the UK. The sets, models, and storytelling style are similar to the episodes that fans came to love, but with some charming rough edges that highlight the show’s humble beginnings.
Fan and Collector Excitement
The Thomas fan community has erupted with excitement following the announcement. “This is the Holy Grail of Thomas media,” said longtime fan archivist James R. Baldwin. “We never thought we’d actually see it in full.”
Collectors and historians are also praising the decision to restore the pilot instead of leaving it locked away in an archive. Many are hoping this release will open the door for more behind-the-scenes footage, rare model photography, and early concept art from the show’s formative years.
Looking Ahead
With the rediscovery of the pilot, the legacy of Thomas & Friends is stronger than ever. As the series celebrates over 40 years of storytelling, the release of the 1983 pilot serves as a poignant reminder of how a simple story about a cheeky little blue engine captured the hearts of children worldwide — and continues to do so to this day.
