One hundred years ago today Wilbert Awdry was born at Ampfield Vicarage in Hampshire. BBC Radio Solent had an interview this morning with his son, Christopher, who described the start of the Railway Series (not the cult of Thomas the Tank Engine - he came later. Edward was apparently the first to be named).
The BBC iPlayer recording is available here for the next seven days. The complete item starts at 1hr 31min into the programme. Incidentally the singer in the second music item was Johnny Cash (confirmed later in the program). Somebody also stated that two of his engines at least were named after neighbours. This leads me to wonder if the Fat Owner/Controller was modelled on his friend and fellow train enthusiast, the Rev. "Teddy" Boston and the Skarloey Railway's Thin Controller on Wilbert himself.
The BBC iPlayer recording is available here for the next seven days. The complete item starts at 1hr 31min into the programme. Incidentally the singer in the second music item was Johnny Cash (confirmed later in the program). Somebody also stated that two of his engines at least were named after neighbours. This leads me to wonder if the Fat Owner/Controller was modelled on his friend and fellow train enthusiast, the Rev. "Teddy" Boston and the Skarloey Railway's Thin Controller on Wilbert himself.
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