List of books in The Railway Series facts for kids

The Railway Series is a famous British collection of children's books about talking trains and other vehicles. It was first written by the Rev. W. Awdry and later continued by his son, Christopher Awdry. These books tell exciting stories about the engines on the fictional Island of Sodor.

The Rev. W. Awdry Era: 1945–1972

The first 26 books in the series were written by Rev. W. Awdry. He started telling these stories to his son, Christopher, when Christopher was sick.

The Three Railway Engines

• Book no. 1
• Published 12 May 1945

Stories

• Edward's Day Out
• Edward and Gordon
• The Sad Story of Henry
• Edward, Gordon and Henry

This is the very first book! It introduces three important engines: Edward, Gordon, and Henry. You also meet The Fat Director, who later becomes known as The Fat Controller (or Sir Topham Hatt). The stories were first told in 1942 but published after World War II.

Thomas the Tank Engine

• Book no. 2
• Published 14 September 1946

Stories

• Thomas and Gordon
• Thomas's Train
• Thomas and the Trucks
• Thomas and the Breakdown Train

This book introduces Thomas, a small tank engine who works at a big station. He dreams of doing more important jobs. After he helps out during James' accident, he gets his own special branch line and two coaches, Annie and Clarabel.

James the Red Engine

• Book no. 3
• Published September 1948

Stories

• James and the Top Hat
• James and the Bootlace
• Troublesome Trucks
• James and the Express

James is a shiny red engine who loves to show off. He can be a bit careless and gets into trouble. But he proves himself by making some naughty trucks behave and by pulling the Express train very well.

Tank Engine Thomas Again

• Book no. 4
• Published September 1949

Stories

• Thomas and the Guard
• Thomas Goes Fishing
• Thomas, Terence and the Snow
• Thomas and Bertie

This book follows Thomas on his branch line. He accidentally leaves his conductor behind, goes "fishing" because of a broken water pipe, gets stuck in the snow and is saved by Terence, and even has a race with Bertie.

Troublesome Engines

• Book no. 5
• Published January 1950

Stories

• Henry and the Elephant
• Tenders and Turntables
• Trouble in the Shed
• Percy Runs Away

The big engines miss Thomas after he leaves for his branch line. They feel overworked and decide to go on strike. The Fat Controller solves this by bringing in a new engine, Percy, to help out.

Henry the Green Engine

• Book no. 6
• Published June 1951

Stories

• Coal
• The Flying Kipper
• Gordon's Whistle
• Percy and the Trousers
• Henry's Sneeze

Henry often has problems steaming properly and gets sick. The Fat Controller tries special Welsh coal. After an accident, Henry is sent to Crewe Works for a big repair. He comes back with a new shape and feels much better, ready for new adventures.

Toby the Tram Engine

• Book no. 7
• Published April 1952

Stories

• Toby and the Stout Gentleman
• Thomas in Trouble
• Dirty Objects
• Mrs. Kyndley's Christmas

Thomas gets into trouble with the police for not having special parts on his wheels. The Fat Controller finds a solution! While on holiday, he meets Toby the Tram Engine, a tram engine whose railway is closing down. Toby and his coach Henrietta come to Sodor.

Gordon the Big Engine

• Book no. 8
• Published December 1953

Stories

• Off the Rails
• Leaves
• Down the Mine
• Paint Pots and Queens

Gordon has an accident because he is lazy and careless. He is taken off passenger duties. But he helps other engines when they get into trouble. Eventually, he proves himself sensible enough to pull the important Royal Train.

Edward the Blue Engine

• Book no. 9
• Published February 1954

Stories

• Cows
• Bertie's Chase
• Saved from Scrap
• Old Iron

Edward is the oldest and wisest engine on Sodor. He is kind and helpful. Even though he needs repairs, he shows everyone that he is still very useful and can teach the younger engines a lot.

Four Little Engines

• Book no. 10
• Published October 1955

Stories

• Skarloey Remembers
• Sir Handel
• Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady
• Old Faithful

Rheneas is away for repairs. The Skarloey Railway gets two new engines: Sir Handel and Peter Sam. Peter Sam is kind, but Sir Handel is rude. Skarloey teaches Sir Handel a lesson when he rescues his train.

Percy the Small Engine

• Book no. 11
• Published September 1956

Stories

• Percy and the Signal
• Duck Takes Charge
• Percy and Harold
• Percy's Promise

Percy loves playing jokes, which sometimes gets him into trouble. The Fat Controller gets a new engine, Duck, for shunting. Percy goes to work with Thomas and Toby. He meets Harold and saves the day during a flood.

The Eight Famous Engines

• Book no. 12
• Published November 1957

Stories

• Percy Takes the Plunge
• Gordon Goes Foreign
• Double Header
• The Fat Controller's Engines

The Fat Controller's engines – Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, Toby, and Duck – become famous. They have many adventures. The Fat Controller even arranges for them to visit London!

Duck and the Diesel Engine

• Book no. 13
• Published August 1958

Stories

• Domeless Engines
• Pop Goes the Diesel
• Dirty Work
• A Close Shave

Duck is settled on Sodor, but the other engines are tired of his know-it-all attitude. A smooth-talking diesel engine named Diesel arrives. When Duck shows him up, Diesel spreads lies about Duck. Luckily, the Fat Controller has a plan to clear Duck's name.

The Little Old Engine

• Book no. 14
• Published July 1959

Stories

• Trucks!
• Home at Last
• Rock 'n' Roll
• Little Old Twins

This book continues the adventures on the Skarloey Railway. Skarloey returns from repairs and finds two new engines: Rusty, a friendly diesel, and Duncan, a stubborn steam engine. A television crew visits, and Skarloey tells them about the Talyllyn Railway.

The Twin Engines

• Book no. 15
• Published September 1960

Stories

• "Hullo Twins!"
• The Missing Coach
• Break Van
• The Deputation

The Fat Controller orders an engine from Scotland, but two engines arrive instead! They are Donald and Douglas, twin engines. They are determined to stay on Sodor, and the other engines convince the Fat Controller to keep both.

Branch Line Engines

• Book no. 16
• Published November 1961

Stories

• Thomas Comes to Breakfast
• Daisy
• Bulls Eyes
• Percy's Predicament

Thomas has an accident and is sent for repairs. A diesel railcar named Daisy comes to help. Daisy is vain and only wants to do easy work. After some lessons and an accident by Percy, she is allowed to stay. Thomas eventually returns.

Gallant Old Engine

• Book no. 17
• Published December 1962

Stories

• Special Funnel
• Steamroller
• Passengers and Polish
• Gallant Old Engine

Peter Sam gets a new funnel after an accident. Sir Handel gets new wheels but argues with a rude steamroller named George. Duncan feels overworked. Skarloey tells a story about how Rheneas saved the railway, which changes Duncan's attitude. Rheneas returns from his overhaul.

Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine

• Book no. 18
• Published November 1963

Stories

• Bluebells of England
• Stepney's Special
• Train Stops Play
• Bowled Out

Percy is sad that steam engines are being scrapped on the Other Railway. He and Douglas are happy when they hear the Bluebell Railway saves some. Stepney from the Bluebell Railway visits Sodor, makes friends, and teaches a boastful diesel a lesson.

Mountain Engines

• Book no. 19
• Published August 1964

Stories

• Mountain Engine
• Bad Look Out
• Danger Points
• "Devil's Back"

The Skarloey Railway engines meet Culdee, a special engine who climbs mountains. He tells them about his railway and the story of Godred. He then meets the reckless Lord Harry, who causes trouble but later gets a chance to prove himself.

Very Old Engines

• Book no. 20
• Published 16 April 1965

Stories

• Crosspatch
• Bucking Bronco
• Stick-in-the-Mud
• Duck and Dukes

It's 1965, and Skarloey and Rheneas are getting ready to celebrate their 100th birthday! Skarloey tells his friends stories about his early life on the Skarloey Railway. The engines enjoy a wonderful party.

Main Line Engines

• Book no. 21
• Published September 1966

Stories

• The Diseasel
• Buzz, Buzz
• Wrong Road
• Edward's Exploit

More adventures for the main line engines of the Fat Controller's Railway. We meet Bill and Ben, twin tank engines, and a new diesel named BoCo. Gordon and James get into trouble, but Edward surprises everyone by getting a train home even after breaking down.

Small Railway Engines

• Book no. 22
• Published September 1967

Stories

• Ballast
• Tit-for-Tat
• Mike's Whistle
• Useful Railway

The Fat Controller uses a new type of ballast, brought by "very tiny engines." Duck is curious and discovers a miniature railway with three small engines: Mike, Bert, and Rex. The book then focuses on their adventures.

Enterprising Engines

• Book no. 23
• Published 4 October 1968

Stories

• Tenders for Henry
• Super Rescue
• Escape
• Little Western

Gordon is sad that steam engines are ending on The Other Railway. To cheer him up, the Fat Controller brings his brother, the Flying Scotsman, to Sodor. Henry is jealous. Douglas saves a tank engine named Oliver and his friends from being scrapped. The Fat Controller announces that Oliver and a diesel named Bear can stay, and he reopens a branch line for Duck and Oliver. He also promises never to get rid of steam engines.

Oliver the Western Engine

• Book no. 24
• Published 15 November 1969

Stories

• Donald's Duck
• Resource and Sagacity
• Toad Stands By
• Bulgy

Life is exciting on the Little Western branch line. Duck and Donald play jokes. Oliver loses the respect of the trucks after an accident but gets it back with help from Toad. A lying bus tries to steal the railway's passengers but gets what he deserves.

Duke the Lost Engine

• Book no. 25
• Published 15 October 1970

Stories

• Granpuff
• Bulldog
• You Can't Win!
• Sleeping Beauty

Duke was an old, respected engine on the Mid Sodor Railway with Falcon (Sir Handel) and Stuart (Peter Sam). When his railway closed, he was left behind and forgotten. Years later, an expedition finds him, and he is rescued and sent to live on the Skarloey Railway with his old friends.

Tramway Engines

• Book no. 26
• Published 15 October 1972

Stories

• Ghost Train
• Woolly Bear
• Mavis
• Toby's Tightrope

This book focuses on Thomas's branch line. Percy plays a trick on Thomas but later gets into trouble himself. The Fat Controller hires Mavis, a diesel engine, to help. Mavis is headstrong and ignores Toby's advice, causing problems. But she eventually saves Toby when his heavy load pushes him across a crumbling bridge.

The Christopher Awdry Era: 1983–2011

Christopher Awdry, Rev. W. Awdry's son, took over writing the Railway Series books. He was inspired by a visit to the Nene Valley Railway. The publishers wanted new books because the television show was being made. Christopher Awdry became the new author.

His books were illustrated by Clive Spong, who combined accurate details with a colorful style. Christopher Awdry wrote his first book in 1983, and 13 more followed until 1996. After a break, new books were published in 2007 and 2011.

Really Useful Engines

• Book no. 27
• Published 12 September 1983

Stories

• Stop, Thief!
• Mind That Bike
• Fish
• Triple Header

This book features stories from different parts of the Fat Controller's Railway. Thomas helps catch a car thief. Percy accidentally helps a friend. Duck has an accident with the Flying Kipper. Finally, three tank engines work together to pull the Express when Gordon is sick.

James and the Diesel Engines

• Book no. 28
• Published 17 September 1984

Stories

• Old Stuck-Up
• Crossed Lines
• Fire Engine
• Deep Freeze

James still doesn't trust diesels, especially after a pompous diesel visits. James has some accidents, but a diesel eventually helps him out. He then realizes that not all diesels are bad.

Great Little Engines

• Book no. 29
• Published 28 October 1985

Stories

• Patience is a Virtue
• Peter Sam and the Prickly Problem
• Pop Special
• Sir Handel Comes Home

Duke has been repaired. Sir Handel is sent to the Talyllyn Railway to help out. While he's away, hot weather and brambles cause problems for the Skarloey Railway engines. Sir Handel returns and tells them about his adventures.

More About Thomas the Tank Engine

• Book no. 30
• Published 22 September 1986

Stories

• Thomas, Percy and the Coal
• The Runaway
• Better Late than Never
• Drip Tank

This is the third book named after Thomas. Thomas and Percy have an argument. Bertie and Harold the Helicopter appear. Harold helps Thomas from a runaway train, and Thomas helps Bertie after he breaks down. Percy later rescues Thomas after an accident.

Gordon the High Speed Engine

• Book no. 31
• Published 7 September 1987

Stories

• High-Speed Gordon
• Smokescreen
• Fire Escape
• Gordon Proves His Point

Gordon is jealous of High Speed Trains on the Other Railway. He tries to copy them but slips. He is blamed for ruining wedding clothes with his smoke. But he manages to get the Express home after a problem, and the Fat Controller forgives him. Gordon finally gets to show how fast he is.

Toby, Trucks and Trouble

• Book no. 32
• Published 19 September 1988

Stories

• Mavis and the Lorry
• Toby's Seaside Holiday
• Bulstrode
• Toby Takes the Road

The engines at Ffarquhar quarry have adventures. Mavis has an accident, so Toby and Percy help more. Toby remembers old times. The trucks accidentally help put a disagreeable barge named Bulstrode in his place. Toby even briefly runs on the road like Trevor.

Thomas and the Twins

• Book no. 33
• Published 11 September 1989

Stories

• Scrambled Eggs
• What a Picture!
• Trevor Helps Out
• Down the Drain

Repair work on Thomas's branch line sends him to help on Edward's line, where he works with Bill and Ben at the china clay pits. The twins tease him at first, but Thomas soon earns their respect.

Jock the New Engine

• Book no. 34
• Published 6 August 1990

Stories

• We Need Another Engine
• Sticking Power
• Jock
• Teamwork

The Small Railway needs another engine. Their workshops build a strong new engine named Jock. At first, Jock thinks he's better than the others, but he learns the importance of teamwork, and everyone becomes friends.

Thomas and the Great Railway Show

• Book no. 35
• Published 12 August 1991

Stories

• Museum Piece
• Not the Ticket
• Trouble on the Line
• Thomas and the Railtour

Thomas is excited to visit the National Railway Museum at York. He makes new friends and has adventures. He saves a train from a landslide and becomes an honorary member of the National Collection.

Thomas Comes Home

• Book no. 36
• Published 15 June 1992

Stories

• Snow Problem
• Washout!
• Toby's Megatrain
• Thomas Comes Home

While Thomas is away, Percy, Toby, and Daisy take care of his branch line. Daisy battles a snowstorm, Percy causes a bridge to collapse, and Toby takes too many trucks. Everything is sorted out when Thomas finally comes home.

Henry and the Express

• Book no. 37
• Published 8 April 1993

Stories

• Out of Puff
• Overhaul
• Sliding Scales
• Henry Sees Red

Henry needs a big overhaul. Other engines help with his jobs. But when there's no engine to take the Express, Henry is called back early. He proves again that he is a "Really Useful Engine."

Wilbert the Forest Engine

• Book no. 38
• Published 8 August 1994

Stories

• Percy's Porridge
• Cab Over Wheels
• Foaming at the Funnel
• Wired Up

Donald and Douglas are overworked. The Fat Controller borrows an engine named Wilbert from the Dean Forest Railway to help. Wilbert tells Thomas and Toby a story about another engine, gets his tank filled with milk by mistake, and pulls a truck using wire.

Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines

• Book no. 39
• Published 1 August 1995

Stories

• Birdstrike
• Edward and the Cabbages
• Rabbits
• Golden Jubilee

It's 50 years since the first Railway Series book! The Fat Controller plans a big party. Things go wrong: Gordon has an accident with birds, Edward loses a wheel, Thomas is derailed by rabbits, and a spider's web causes electrical problems. But everything works out, and a Royal Personage arrives for the celebration.

New Little Engine

• Book no. 40
• Published 8 August 1996

Stories

• Speedkiller
• Sir Handel's Plan
• Dirty Water
• I Name This Engine...

The Skarloey Railway needs another engine. A new one is built in the railway's workshops. Peter Sam visits the Talyllyn Railway. The new engine is finally finished and named Ivo Hugh, after the railway's engineer, Mr. Hugh!

Thomas and Victoria

• Book no. 41
• Published 3 September 2007

Stories

• Overloaded
• Avalanche
• Eels on Wheels
• Toby's Vintage Train

Toby and Henrietta are too crowded with workmen. Thomas finds a solution: an old carriage named Victoria. While Victoria is being fixed up, she tells Edward stories from her old days. Daisy discovers she really doesn't like eels! Once ready, Victoria joins Toby and Henrietta as Sodor's Vintage Train.

Thomas and his Friends

• Book no. 42
• Published 6 July 2011

Stories

• Thomas and the Swan
• Buffer Bashing
• Gordon's Fire Service
• Centenary

The Fat Controller welcomes back Pip and Emma to help on his railway. Thomas is happy, but Gordon worries his time as an express engine is over. However, every engine gets their chance! Thomas makes an important rescue, Gordon becomes a hero, and all the engines celebrate a Very Important Event.

Railway Series-related books

There are also other books written by the Awdrys that are not part of the main Railway Series but still tell stories about the characters and the world of Sodor.

The Annuals

From 1979 to 1996, there were annual books for Thomas the Tank Engine. These included new stories and articles about the characters. Some of these stories were later rewritten for the main Railway Series books. New characters, like Algy the Bus, were also introduced in these annuals.

Thomas's Christmas Party

• Published 29 October 1984
• Written by Rev. W. Awdry

This was a special story written for the television show. The engines hold a Christmas party for Mrs. Kyndley.

Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree

• Published 20 October 1986
• Written by Christopher Awdry

Another story written for the TV series. Thomas is sent to get a Christmas tree but gets stuck in snow. Donald and Douglas save the day.

Thomas and the Evil Diesel

• Published 5 October 1987
• Written by Christopher Awdry

When Percy needs repairs, Diesel returns to Sodor and causes trouble. But when Thomas has an accident, Diesel surprisingly comes to the rescue, showing he has some good in him.

Bad Days for Thomas and His Friends / More Bad Days for Thomas and His Friends

• Published 2001
• Written by Christopher Awdry

These two books were written to teach kids about rail safety using the Railway Series characters.

• Bad Days for Thomas and His Friends stories:
  • New Paint for Annie and Clarabel – Boys are caught spraying graffiti on the coaches.
  • A Near Miss for Daisy – Children throw rocks and objects on the tracks, almost causing an accident for Daisy.
  • Lucy to the Rescue – A boy's bike gets stuck on the railway, and his dog Lucy warns Thomas.
• More Bad Days for Thomas and His Friends stories:
  • Toby and the Skateboarders – A boy falls off the platform while skateboarding near Toby.
  • Nearly an Unhappy Christmas – A girl's hat blows onto electric wires, and an engine driver stops her from reaching for it.
  • Trouble on the Train – Two naughty girls push another girl out of Annie's coach.

Companion volumes

The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways

• Published 1987
• Written by Rev. W. Awdry and George Awdry

This book tells you all about the Island of Sodor itself! It covers its history, where places are, and how the railways and industries work. Rev. W. Awdry and his brother George created many detailed notes to make the world of Sodor feel real and consistent.