Kids

Mattel has officially kicked off the 80th anniversary celebrations of Thomas & Friends with a landmark release that takes fans back to the very beginning of the beloved franchise. For the first time ever, the original 1983 pilot episode of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends has been unveiled, offering a rare glimpse into the origins of the iconic series.

Painstakingly reconstructed from 40-year-old 35mm film trims, the episode is now available to watch on YouTube. The Thomas & Friends content team restored both video and audio using footage from the very first test shoot. Adding to the nostalgic experience, the pilot features a never-before-heard narration by Ringo Starr, the original storyteller of the UK version, alongside a brand-new musical arrangement by series composer Mike O’Donnell, who scored the show from 1984 to 2003.

As part of the broader anniversary campaign, the Thomas & Friends Storytime podcast has launched new episodes that explore key themes from the brand’s eight-decade journey. Each episode includes a retelling of a classic Thomas tale, with appearances from notable guests such as head writer Andrew Brenner, series producer Ian McCue, and members of Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s family — the creator of the original Railway Series books.

Further extending the celebrations beyond the screen, Thomas & Friends has teamed up with Propstore to offer fans a chance to own a piece of history. A global auction, now live and open through May 28, features rare and original memorabilia from the franchise’s legacy. Items include props from the original stop-motion series, artwork, and exclusive collectibles signed by British stars who’ve voiced characters over the years, including Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne, and Hugh Bonneville.

“For 80 years, the Thomas & Friends brand has brought joy to generations, sharing timeless stories and valuable life lessons,” said Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president of Hot Wheels and global head of vehicles and building sets at 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.”