The series aired as Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends from 1984 until 2021. Allcroft’s family remembered her as an “adoring mother and wife and visionary producer” in an emotional statement.

Britt Allcroft, the creator of the “Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends” series, died at 81, filmmaker Brannon Carty announced on X. Allcroft’s death was announced by filmmaker Brannon Carty.

Thomas the Tank Engine first appeared in The Railway Series books by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher Awdry, which was first published in 1945.

Like many 4-year-olds, Benny Nelson adores Thomas the Tank Engine. He has amassed a collection of more than 40 engines in the Thomas & Friends line, which he shares with his 2-year-old brother, Theo.

To commemorate the anniversary -- or Thomas’ birthday, whatever you want to call it -- below is a quiz on facts about the Tank Engine. We’ve also included some ways to celebrate throughout the ...

Thomas the Tank Engine TV series creator Britt Allcroft dies at 81 The beloved blue locomotive was first imagined in the 1940s — he starred in stories Rev. Wilbert Awdry told his son.

Allcroft was best known as a producer for several shows, including Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends after obtaining the rights to the Rev. W. Awdry's Railway Series books featuring Thomas the Tank ...