Jump to content

The Railway Stories: Difference between revisions

From IdeaWazaWiki
← Older edit

Waza (talk | contribs)

1 user group
97 edits
m Add whitespace
remove deletion notice
 
(139 intermediate revisions by 78 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''The Railway Stories''' are a series of audio adaptations of [[The Railway Series]] books by [[W.V. Awdry|Rev. W Awdry]].
{{Short description|Audio recordings of readings}}
{{distinguish|text=the television series ''[[Thomas & Friends#Reboots|Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories]]''}}
<!-- Once discussion is closed, please place on talk page: -->
<!-- End of AfD message, feel free to edit beyond this point -->
{{italic title}}
{{multiple issues|
{{original research|date=May 2025}}
{{tone|date=May 2025}}
}}
{{use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
'''''The Railway Stories''''' are a series of audio adaptations of ''[[The Railway Series]]'' books by [[Wilbert Awdry]] and his son [[Christopher Awdry|Christopher]].


Nearly all 42 of the books in the series have been recorded by one of five different narrators: [[Johnny Morris (television presenter)|Johnny Morris]], [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]], [[Ted Robbins]], [[Michael Angelis]], and even the Rev. W. Awdry himself.


==Original Recordings ([[Delysé]])==
==Rev. W. Awdry recordings==
The first stories were narrated by [[Johnny Morris]] and released in the early 1960's by the [[Delysé Recording Company]]. Each 7" (45rpm) [[vinyl record]] contained two stories, taken from the first eight books of The Railway Series.
{{refimprove|section|date=May 2018}}
The first known audio adaptation was a 7-inch ({{frac|33|1|3}}&nbsp;rpm) [[Extended play|EP]] narrated by the [[W.V. Awdry|Rev. W. Awdry]] himself,<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Merchandising a.k.a. Miscellaneous Awdryania |url=http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/awdryania.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118154308/http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/awdryania.htm |archive-date=2012-01-18 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=www.pegnsean.net}}</ref> with "background effects taken from real engines".


The front of the record sleeve showed an original illustration from the story in the original book.  While on the back, there was a list of the other recordings in "The Railway Engine Series", together with an introduction from the [[W.V. Awdry| Rev. Awdry]] himself:
This record, released in 1957 by Chiltern Records of [[Princes Risborough]], contained two stories &ndash; ''Edward's Day Out'' and ''Edward and Gordon'' &ndash; from the first book in the Railway Series: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Three Railway Engines|''The Three Railway Engines'']].<ref name="SIFpage" />


:''My father was a railway enthusiast and brought me up accordingly.  Our home at Box, Wiltshire, was near the Great Western main line and listening to heavy freights clawing up the grade it was not hard to imagine train engine and banker talking to each other, and for me, steam engines developed personality.''
==Johnny Morris recordings (Delysé)==
:''So when my son caught measles at the age of three I told him these stories to amuse him.  They were not written down at first, I made them up as I went along. But I had to tell them so often, carefully using the same words, that both he and I soon knew them by heart.''
The first widely available recordings were narrated by [[Johnny Morris (television presenter)|Johnny Morris]] and released in the early 1960s by the Delysé Recording Company.  Each 7-inch (45&nbsp;rpm) [[vinyl record]] contained two stories, taken from the first eleven books of The Railway Series.  The recordings were released in [[monaural|mono]].<ref name="SIFpage" />
:''It was only later, at my wife's suggestion, that I wrote them down, so that other children besides our own might have pleasure from them too.'' (Rev. W. Awdry)


The label on the record was also quite distinctive, showing a smiling red engine on a blue/white background. The label was carefully designed so that the [[record player]] spindle fitted through the engine's 'nose'!  No attempt had been made to make the engine look like one of those from the stories.
The front of the record sleeve showed an original illustration from the story in the original book.  While on the back, there was a list of the other recordings in "The Railway Engine Series" [sic], together with an introduction from the [[W.V. Awdry|Rev. W. Awdry]]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155>''Reverse of record sleeve DEL155, Delysé Recording Co., 1966''</ref>


===Record Details===
{{cquote|''My father was a railway enthusiast and brought me up accordingly.  Our home at Box, Wiltshire, was near the Great Western main line and listening to heavy freights clawing up the grade it was not hard to imagine train engine and banker talking to each other, and for me, steam engines developed personality.''<BR>
Stories from Book 1 - ''The Three Railway Engines'':
''So when my son caught measles at the age of three I told him these stories to amuse him.  They were not written down at first, I made them up as I went along.  But I had to tell them so often, carefully using the same words, that both he and I soon knew them by heart.''<BR>
*'''DEL101''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Edward's Day Out, 2. Edward and Gordon
''It was only later, at my wife's suggestion, that I wrote them down, so that other children besides our own might have pleasure from them too.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&mdash; Rev. W. Awdry
*'''DEL102''' ([[196x]]) - 1. The Sad Story of Henry, 2. Edward, Gordon and Henry
}}


The label on the record was distinctive, showing a smiling red engine on a blue/white background. The label was designed so the [[record player]] spindle could fit through the engine's 'nose'. No attempt had been made to make the engine look like one of those from the stories.


Stories from Book 2 - ''Thomas the Tank Engine'':
===Record details===
*'''DEL103''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Thomas and Gordon, 2. Thomas's Train
Stories from Book 1 – [[List of Railway Series Books#The Three Railway Engines|''The Three Railway Engines'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List>''List of "Other recordings in the Railway Engine Series" – reverse of record sleeve DEL155, Delysé Recording Co., 1966''</ref>
*'''DEL104''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Thomas and the Trucks, 2. Thomas and the Breakdown Train
*'''DEL101''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Edward's Day Out, 2. Edward and Gordon
*'''DEL102''' ([[196x]]) – 1. The Sad Story of Henry, 2. Edward, Gordon and Henry


Stories from Book 2 – [[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas the Tank Engine|''Thomas the Tank Engine'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL103''' (1961) – 1. Thomas and Gordon, 2. Thomas's Train
*'''DEL104''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Thomas and the Trucks, 2. Thomas and the Breakdown Train


Stories from Book 3 - ''James the Red Engine'':
Stories from Book 3 – [[List of Railway Series Books#James the Red Engine|''James the Red Engine'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL114''' ([[196x]]) - 1. James and the Top Hat, 2. James and the Bootlace
*'''DEL114''' ([[196x]]) – 1. James and the Top Hat, 2. James and the Bootlace
*'''DEL115''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Troublesome Trucks, 2. James and the Express
*'''DEL115''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Troublesome Trucks, 2. James and the Express


Stories from Book 4 – [[List of Railway Series Books#Tank Engine Thomas Again|''Tank Engine Thomas Again'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL137''' (1964) – 1. Thomas and the Guard, 2. Thomas Goes Fishing
*'''DEL138''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Thomas, Terence and the Snow, 2. Thomas and Bertie


Stories from Book 4 - ''Tank Engine Thomas Again'':
Stories from Book 5 – [[List of Railway Series Books#Troublesome Engines|''Troublesome Engines'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL137''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Thomas and the Guard, 2. Thomas Goes Fishing
*'''DEL142''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Henry and the Elephant, 2. Tenders and Turntables
*'''DEL138''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Thomas, Terence and the Snow, 2. Thomas and Bertie
*'''DEL143''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Trouble in the Shed, 2. Percy Runs Away


Stories from Book 6 – [[List of Railway Series Books#Henry the Green Engine|''Henry the Green Engine'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL150''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Coal, 2. The Flying Kipper
*'''DEL151''' (1966) – 1. Gordon's Whistle, 2. Henry's Sneeze


Stories from Book 5 - ''Troublesome Engines'':
Stories from Book 7 – [[List of Railway Series Books#Toby the Tram Engine|''Toby the Tram Engine'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL142''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Henry and the Elephant, 2. Tenders and Turntables
*'''DEL152''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Toby and the Stout Gentleman, 2. Thomas in Trouble
*'''DEL143''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Trouble in the Shed, 2. Percy Runs Away
*'''DEL153''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Dirty Objects, 2. Mrs Kindley's Christmas


Stories from Book 8 – [[List of Railway Series Books#Gordon the Big Engine|''Gordon the Big Engine'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL154''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Off the Rails, 2. Leaves
*'''DEL155''' (1966) – 1. Down the Mine, 2. Paint Pots and Queens


Stories from Book 6 - ''Henry the Green Engine'':
Stories from Book 9 – [[List of Railway Series Books#Edward the Blue Engine|''Edward the Blue Engine'']]:
*'''DEL150''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Coal, 2. The Flying Kipper
*'''DEL212''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Cows!, 2. Berties' Chase
*'''DEL151''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Gordon's Whistle, 2. Henry's Sneeze
*'''DEL213''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Saved from Scrap, 2. Old Iron


Stories from Book 10 – [[List of Railway Series Books#Four Little Engines|''Four Little Engines'']]:
*'''DEL214''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Skarloey Remembers, 2. Sir Handel
*'''DEL215''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Peter, Sam and the Refreshment Lady, 2. Old Faithful


Stories from Book 7 - ''Toby the Tram Engine'':
Stories from Book 11 – [[List of Railway Series Books#Percy the Small Engine|''Percy the Small Engine'']]:
*'''DEL152''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Toby and the Stout Gentleman, 2. Thomas in Trouble
*'''DEL216''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Percy and the Signal, 2. Duck Takes Charge
*'''DEL153''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Dirty Objects, 2. Mrs Kindley's Christmas
*'''DEL217''' ([[196x]]) – 1. Percy and Harold, 2. Percy's Promise


<!--My research, and many months monitoring eBay, did not suggest that any more titles existed.
It is highly unlikely that, having got recordings by Johnny Morris for Books 9-11, Argo would have brought in Willie Rushton to make new recordings. If you can prove this is genuine information, then do so, please, and we can re-instate it. [EdJogg]
(commented-out suspicious section - start)
Stories from Book 9 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Edward the Blue Engine|''Edward the Blue Engine'']]:
*'''DEL212''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Cows!, 2. Berties' Chase
*'''DEL213''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Saved from Scrap, 2. Old Iron


Stories from Book 8 - ''Gordon the Big Engine'':
Stories from Book 10 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Four Little Engines|''Four Little Engines'']]:
*'''DEL154''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Off the Rails, 2. Leaves
*'''DEL214''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Skarloey Remembers, 2. Sir Handel
*'''DEL155''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Down the Mine, 2. Paint Pots and Queens
*'''DEL215''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Peter, Sam and the Refreshment Lady, 2. Old Faithful


Stories from Book 11 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Percy the Small Engine|''Percy the Small Engine'']]:
*'''DEL216''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Percy and the Signal, 2. Duck Takes Charge
*'''DEL217''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Percy and Harold, 2. Percy's Promise


==Later Releases ([[Decca Records|Decca]])==
-- Nov 2012 I have reinstated the section above, having come across a copy of DEL217 which is in exactly the same format, label design etc as described above. The other five records in the DEL2xx sequence are listed on the back cover. Presumably they were released at a slightly later date as a follow-up series. [JHCLudlow]
In the 1970s the stories were released on 12" (33⅓rpm) vinyl albums by [[Decca Records]] as part of their "World of Children's Stories" series.


The albums were later released on audio cassette under the [[Argo Records (UK)|Argo]] label. (Recordings were produced by Peter Johnson ('Peterjohn Productions'); [[Kaye & Ward Ltd]] and [[Third Man Music]] were identified as owning the works.)
(commented-out suspicious section - end)-->


The first eight books were again narrated by [[Johnny Morris]] (perhaps Decca had become owners of the original Delysé recordings?). He was later replaced by [[Willie Rushton]], who narrated ''Edward the Blue Engine'' through to ''Tramway Engines''.  
==Decca and Argo recordings==
In the 1970s the stories were released on 12-inch ({{frac|33|1|3}}&nbsp;rpm) vinyl albums by [[Decca Records]] as part of their "World of Children's Stories" series.  Each record contained the stories from two complete books, one book on each side. The sleeve notes included the same quote from Rev. W. Awdry (see Delysé recordings, above). The sleeve illustrations were taken directly from the artwork of the original books.


The first eight books were again narrated by [[Johnny Morris (television presenter)|Johnny Morris]]. The original Delysé recordings were re-used.<ref name="SIFpage" />


'''Volume 1: DECCA MONO PA 270 ([[1972]])'''
Decca was also the owner of the [[Argo Records (UK)|Argo]] label, renowned for its audiobooks and other non-music recordings. It was therefore a natural progression to extend the series on this label. New recordings were made for six further books from The Railway Series, starting with [[List of Railway Series Books#Edward the Blue Engine|''Edward the Blue Engine'']].  These stories were narrated by [[Willie Rushton]] and the gaps between the tracks included atmospheric (if not always accurate) steam or diesel sound effects.<ref name="SIFpage" />


'''Side 1''' (from Book 1: ''The Three Railway Engines'')
The albums were later released on audio cassette under the same labels. Recordings were produced by Peter Johnson ('Peter John Productions'); with Kaye & Ward Ltd and Third Man Music being identified as owners of the works.
 
Subsequently, Willie Rushton also recorded the remaining books (up to no. 26 [[List of Railway Series Books#Tramway Engines|''Tramway Engines'']]) on the Argo label.  These recordings were never released on vinyl, only on audio cassette.<ref name="SIFpage" />
 
===List of recordings===
 
====Individual books====
The Johnny Morris albums were identified as 'Volume 1' to 'Volume 4'; while the Willie Rushton recordings omitted any 'Volume' identity on the front cover.  For clarity, the recording details below have been identified by volume numbers, regardless of whether these were shown on the sleeve.
 
'''Volume 1: DECCA MONO LP – PA 270 (1972), Cassette – KCPA 270 (19??)'''
*Narrator: [[Johnny Morris (television presenter)|Johnny Morris]]
 
'''Side 1''' (from Book 1: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Three Railway Engines|''The Three Railway Engines'']])
# Edward's Day Out
# Edward's Day Out
# Edward and Gordon
# Edward and Gordon
Line 70: Line 120:
# Edward, Gordon and Henry
# Edward, Gordon and Henry


'''Side 2''' (from Book 2: ''Thomas the Tank Engine'')
'''Side 2''' (from Book 2: [[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas the Tank Engine|''Thomas the Tank Engine'']])
# Thomas and Gordon
# Thomas and Gordon
# Thomas's Train
# Thomas's Train
Line 76: Line 126:
# Thomas and the Breakdown Train
# Thomas and the Breakdown Train


'''Volume 2: DECCA MONO LP – PA 271 (1972), Cassette – KCPA 271 (19??)'''
*Narrator: [[Johnny Morris (television presenter)|Johnny Morris]]


'''Volume 2: DECCA MONO PA 271 ([[1972]])'''
'''Side 1''' (from Book 3: [[List of Railway Series Books#James the Red Engine|''James the Red Engine'']])
 
'''Side 1''' (from Book 3: ''James the Red Engine'')
# James and the Top Hat
# James and the Top Hat
# James and the Bootlace
# James and the Bootlace
Line 85: Line 135:
# James and the Express
# James and the Express


'''Side 2''' (from Book 4: ''Tank Engine Thomas Again'')
'''Side 2''' (from Book 4: [[List of Railway Series Books#Tank Engine Thomas Again|''Tank Engine Thomas Again'']])
# Thomas and the Guard
# Thomas and the Guard
# Thomas Goes Fishing
# Thomas Goes Fishing
Line 91: Line 141:
# Thomas and Bertie
# Thomas and Bertie


'''Volume 3: DECCA MONO LP – PA 272 (1972), Cassette – KCPA 272 (19??)'''
*Narrator: [[Johnny Morris (television presenter)|Johnny Morris]]


'''Volume 3: DECCA MONO PA ??? (TBA)'''
'''Side 1''' (from Book 5: [[List of Railway Series Books#Troublesome Engines|''Troublesome Engines'']])
# Henry and the Elephant
# Tenders and Turntables
# Trouble in the Shed
# Percy Runs Away


(from Book 5: ''Troublesome Engines'' and Book 6: ''Henry the Green Engine'')
'''Side 2''' (from Book 6: [[List of Railway Series Books#Henry the Green Engine|''Henry the Green Engine'']])
# Coal
# The Flying Kipper
# Gordon’s Whistle
# Henry’s Sneeze
''(The book ''Henry the Green Engine'' was unique in the series by having five stories rather than four.<BR>For the recording, it was the fourth story "Percy and the Trousers" which was omitted.)''


'''Volume 4: DECCA MONO LP – PA 273 (1972), Cassette – KCPA 273 (19??)'''
*Narrator: [[Johnny Morris (television presenter)|Johnny Morris]]


'''Side 1''' (from Book 7: [[List of Railway Series Books#Toby the Tram Engine|''Toby the Tram Engine'']])
# Toby and the Stout Gentleman
# Thomas in Trouble
# Dirty Objects
# Mrs Kindley's Christmas


'''Volume 4''' ([[TBA]])
'''Side 2''' (from Book 8: [[List of Railway Series Books#Gordon the Big Engine|''Gordon the Big Engine'']])
# Off the Rails
# Leaves
# Down the Mine
# Paint Pots and Queens


'''Volume 5''' ([[TBA]])
'''Volume 5: ARGO STEREO LP – SPA 559 (1979) Cassette – KCSP 559 (1979)'''
*Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]


'''Volume 6''' ([[TBA]])
'''Side 1''' (from Book 9: [[List of Railway Series Books#Edward the Blue Engine|''Edward the Blue Engine'']])
 
'''Volume 7''' ([[TBA]])
 
'''Volume 8''' ([[TBA]])
 
 
'''Volume 9: ARGO Stereo KCSP 559 ([[1979]])'''
 
'''Side 1''' (from Book 9: ''Edward the Blue Engine'')
# Cows
# Cows
# Bertie's Chase
# Bertie's Chase
Line 117: Line 181:
# Old Iron
# Old Iron


'''Side 2''' (from Book 10: ''Four Little Engines'')
'''Side 2''' (from Book 10: [[List of Railway Series Books#Four Little Engines|''Four Little Engines'']])
# Skarloey Remembers
# Skarloey Remembers
# Sir Handel
# Sir Handel
Line 123: Line 187:
# Old Faithful
# Old Faithful


'''Volume 6: ARGO STEREO LP – SPA 560 (1979), Cassette – KCSP 560 (1979)'''
*Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]
'''Side 1''' (from Book 11: [[List of Railway Series Books#Percy the Small Engine|''Percy the Small Engine'']])
#Percy and the Signal
#Duck Takes Charge
#Percy and Harold
#Percy’s Promise
'''Side 2''' (from Book 12: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Eight Famous Engines|''The Eight Famous Engines'']])
#Percy Takes the Plunge
#Gordon Goes Foreign
#Double Header
#The Fat Controller’s Engines
'''Volume 7: ARGO STEREO LP – SPA 561 (1979), Cassette – KCSP 561 (1979)'''
*Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]
'''Side 1''' (from Book 13: [[List of Railway Series Books#Duck and the Diesel Engine|''Duck and the Diesel Engine'']])
#Domeless Engines
#Pop Goes The Diesel
#Dirty Work
#A Close Shave
'''Side 2''' (from Book 14: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Little Old Engine|''The Little Old Engine'']])
#Trucks
#Home At Last
#Rock 'n' Roll
#Little Old Twins
''The case insert for the cassette version lists the story titles as being on 'Side 1' and 'Side 2', but the labels on the cassette itself are marked '5' and '6'. By comparison, the label on cassette KCSP 559 identifies the sides conventionally ('1' and '2'). ''
====Compilations====
In addition to the individual releases, the recordings were re-released together as compilations on the Argo label.  The first compilations were released on two pairs of individually cased cassettes: one pair for the Johnny Morris stories, one pair for Willie Rushton's.
The Willie Rushton compilation was released again after Decca's acquisition by [[PolyGram]] in 1980, this time as a twin boxed set. The recordings were distributed exclusively by [[EMI]], which was somewhat ironic as EMI was Decca's main competitor for several decades.  In addition to the 'new' Argo logo, the EMI logo was displayed on the spine of the case sleeve.
The sleeve artwork was a heavily cropped portion of the illustration from the earlier compilation.  The picture was based on one from the original books, the artist being credited as "Quick on the Draw".  Decca was shown as copyright holder; Kaye & Ward Ltd and Third Man Music were no longer mentioned in the sleeve notes
<u>First release:</u><BR>
'''The Railway Stories – ARGO – SAY 87/1 – two mono cassettes – (date unknown)'''
* Narrator: [[Johnny Morris (television presenter)|Johnny Morris]]
*Side 1 – [[List of Railway Series Books#The Three Railway Engines|''The Three Railway Engines'']]
*Side 2 – [[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas the Tank Engine|''Thomas the Tank Engine'']]
*Side 3 – [[List of Railway Series Books#James the Red Engine|''James the Red Engine'']]:
*Side 4 – [[List of Railway Series Books#Tank Engine Thomas Again|''Tank Engine Thomas Again'']]
''These tapes were marked as 'a Delesé Production.'''
'''The Railway Stories – ARGO – SAY 29 – two stereo cassettes – (1982)'''
* Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]
* Tape content is the same as for the 'second release' tapes.
''The cassette label and case insert showed the title as "The Railway Stories", and named the narrator and original author. Apart from this, and the usual copyright data, they were completely devoid of any indication as to the content of the recordings or the people behind them. It is not known whether the cassettes were originally supplied in some form of additional outer case that better described their content.''
<u>Second release:</u><BR>
'''The Railway Stories – ARGO 1058 – Double stereo cassette – (1982)'''
* Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]
'''Sides One & Two''' &ndash; (tape 1 – individually labelled '''ARGO 1059'''):
* Book 9: [[List of Railway Series Books#Edward the Blue Engine|''Edward the Blue Engine'']]
* Book 10: [[List of Railway Series Books#Four Little Engines|''Four Little Engines'']]
* Book 11: [[List of Railway Series Books#Percy the Small Engine|''Percy the Small Engine'']]
'''Sides Three & Four''' &ndash; (tape 2 – individually labelled '''ARGO 1060'''):
* Book 12: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Eight Famous Engines|''The Eight Famous Engines'']]
* Book 13: [[List of Railway Series Books#Duck and the Diesel Engine|''Duck and the Diesel Engine'']]
* Book 14: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Little Old Engine|''The Little Old Engine'']]
'''More Railway Stories – ARGO xxxx – Double stereo cassette – (1983)'''
* Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]
'''Sides One & Two''' &ndash; (tape 1 – individually labelled '''ARGO xxxx'''):
* Book 15: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Twin Engines|''The Twin Engines'']]
* Book 16: [[List of Railway Series Books#Branch Line Engines|''Branch Line Engines'']]
* Book 17: [[List of Railway Series Books#Gallant Old Engine|''Gallant Old Engine'']]
'''Sides Three & Four''' &ndash; (tape 2 – individually labelled '''ARGO xxxx'''):
* Book 18: [[List of Railway Series Books#Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine|''Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine'']]
* Book 19: [[List of Railway Series Books#Mountain Engines|''Mountain Engines'']]
* Book 20: [[List of Railway Series Books#Very Old Engines|''Very Old Engines'']]
'''Further Railway Stories – ARGO xxxx – Double stereo cassette – (1984)'''
* Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]
* Cover picture: [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]], from "Super Rescue"
'''Sides One & Two''' &ndash; (tape 1 – individually labelled '''ARGO xxxx'''):
* Book 21: [[List of Railway Series Books#Main Line Engines|''Main Line Engines'']]
* Book 22: [[List of Railway Series Books#Small Railway Engines|''Small Railway Engines'']]
* Book 23: [[List of Railway Series Books#Enterprising Engines|''Enterprising Engines'']]
'''Sides Three & Four''' &ndash; (tape 2 – individually labelled '''ARGO xxxx'''):
* Book 24: [[List of Railway Series Books#Oliver the Western Engine|''Oliver the Western Engine'']]
* Book 25: [[List of Railway Series Books#Duke the Lost Engine|''Duke the Lost Engine'']]
* Book 26: [[List of Railway Series Books#Tramway Engines|''Tramway Engines'']]
==Ted Robbins recordings==
In association with Reed-Tempo Publishing, [[Ted Robbins]] recorded most of the stories written by [[Christopher Awdry]].  These were released in the 1990s by Egmont Books, on a series of four audio cassettes.<ref name="SIFpage" /> In each case, the 'middle' book was split across the two sides of the cassette:
'''''Thomas and the Twins, and other stories''''' (1994) ( {{ISBN|1-86021-000-7}} )
* Book 33: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas and the Twins|Thomas and the Twins]]''
* Book 32: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Toby, Trucks and Trouble|Toby, Trucks and Trouble]]''
* Book 30: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#More About Thomas the Tank Engine|More About Thomas the Tank Engine]]''
'''''Gordon the High Speed Engine, and other stories''''' (1994) ( {{ISBN|1-86021-001-5}} )
* Book 31: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Gordon the High Speed Engine|Gordon the High Speed Engine]]''
* Book 36: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas Comes Home|Thomas Comes Home]]''
* Book 37: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Henry and the Express|Henry and the Express]]''
'''''Really Useful Engines, and other stories''''' (1995) ( {{ISBN|1-86021-013-9}} )
* Book 27: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Really Useful Engines|Really Useful Engines]]''
* Book 29: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Great Little Engines|Great Little Engines]]''
* Book 38: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Wilbert the Forest Engine|Wilbert the Forest Engine]]''
'''''James and the Diesel Engine, and other stories''''' (1995) ( {{ISBN|1-86021-021-X}} )
* Book 28: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#James and the Diesel Engines|James and the Diesel Engines]]''
* Book 34: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Jock the New Engine|Jock the New Engine]]''
* Book 35: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas and the Great Railway Show|Thomas and the Great Railway Show]]''
<!--Note that Amazon ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?ie=UTF8&rh=n%3A1067084&page=1 ) lists a number of other titles, but these may be mis-classified as audiobooks, since most state the number of pages!-->


==Current Release ([[BBC]])==
A selection of the stories were later released for the [[Early Learning Centre]], under the title ''Storytime with Thomas the Tank Engine'': "10 classic railway stories with music and sound effects". There were two cassettes released, both using the same Ken Stott-style illustration, the second being labelled 'Volume 2'.
A new Railway Stories recording was released on CD by [[BBC]] Audiobooks in March [[2006]]. It contained adaptations of the first three Railway Series books, and was narrated by [[Michael Angelis]].  The cover artwork featured a picture of [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]] from the [[Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends]] TV series.


==Michael Angelis recordings==
The first new Railway Stories recording in over 10 years was released on CD by [[BBC Audiobooks]] in March 2006.<ref name=SIFpage>{{cite web|title=Thomas on Audio|url=http://www.sodor-island.net/thomasonaudio.html|website=Sodor Island Forums|accessdate=May 25, 2018}}</ref> It contained adaptations of the first three Railway Series books, and was narrated by [[Michael Angelis]].  So far, six such CDs have been released, each containing three volumes from the Railway Series.


<HR>
The CDs are more reflective of the ''[[Thomas & Friends]]'' TV series than the Railway Series books. This is evident through the cover art, which uses promotional images from the recent series', the storytelling style, and the splicing of several of the songs from the TV series within the stories.<ref name="SIFpage" />


The first volume of ''The Railway Stories'' that Angelis narrated—consisting of ''The Three Railway Engines'', ''Thomas the Tank Engine'', and ''James the Red Engine''—is available for download at the [[iTunes Store]] as well.


==[[Marks & Spencer]] - 'The Railway Stories' Books==
Angelis has also recorded a number of stories for the "Thomas & Friends Audio Range". Each book, which is of a similar form to those in the My Thomas Story Library range, is accompanied by a CD containing the story narrated by Angelis, with sound effects and music.<ref name="SIFpage" /> Known subjects include: Thomas, Gordon, Henry, James, Toby, Bertie and Terence. <ref>{{cite web|title=Coming soon|website=World of Thomas|url=http://www.worldofthomas.co.uk/acatalog/Coming_soon.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070517160426/http://www.worldofthomas.co.uk/acatalog/Coming_soon.html|archive-date=May 17, 2007|url-status=dead}}<!--This is C Awdry's own webstore, hence books may not be available elsewhere yet.--></ref>
In the 1980's, [[Octopus Books]] published several paperbacks containing stories from [[The Railway Series]] for [[Marks & Spencer]], under their "St Michael" label. Unhelpfully (for the purposes of this article), the series was also titled: ''The Railway Stories''.


Each book contained all the stories from three of [[The Railway Series]] books using the original text and illustrations.  The book format was different from the original books: a more conventional 'portrait' shape, with a picture on each page above its text. The cover background was a distinctive '[[brick]]' pattern.  The [[W.V. Awdry|Rev. W. Awdry]] was identified as author, but the preface to each book was omitted.
==Other recordings==
There have been other audiobooks containing stories from ''The Railway Series'', although most of these are based on stories re-written for the ''Thomas & Friends'' TV series.<ref name="SIFpage" />


Two books were published:
==Translations==
*Vol 1 ([[1982]])
At least one set of stories has been released in Welsh [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0905775139 (Tomos A'r Goeden Nadolig)].  Published by Cyhoeddiadau Mei in September 1988, it is {{ISBN|0-905775-13-9}}, but no more is known about this recording.
**''The Three Railway Engines''
**''James the Red Engine''
**''Troublesome Engines''


*Vol 2 ([[1982]]) - ISBN 0862730546
==References==
**''Henry the Green Engine''
{{reflist}}
**''Toby the Tram Engine''
**''Gordon the Big Engine''


<HR>
==External links==
* [http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/awdryania.htm 'Awdryania'] – Description of the merchandise spawned from ''The Railway Series'' before the advent of the TV series. Includes pictures of ''The Railway Stories'' vinyl singles and albums.
* [http://www.123oldies.co.uk/ '123Oldies'] Johnny Morris Volumes 1 to 4 available on CD
* [http://www.sodor-island.net/storytellers.html Profile of the narrators of the TV series and audio recordings]


{{child-lit-stub}}
{{childrens-album-stub}}
{{Thomas}}
{{Thomas}}
[[Category:Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends|Railway Stories, The]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Railway Stories, The}}
[[Category:The Railway Series]]
[[Category:Audiobooks by title or series]]

Latest revision as of 02:50, 30 September 2026

Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:Italic title Template:Multiple issues Template:Use mdy dates The Railway Stories are a series of audio adaptations of The Railway Series books by Wilbert Awdry and his son Christopher.

Nearly all 42 of the books in the series have been recorded by one of five different narrators: Johnny Morris, William Rushton, Ted Robbins, Michael Angelis, and even the Rev. W. Awdry himself.

Rev. W. Awdry recordings

Template:Refimprove The first known audio adaptation was a 7-inch (Template:Frac rpm) EP narrated by the Rev. W. Awdry himself,[1] with "background effects taken from real engines".

This record, released in 1957 by Chiltern Records of Princes Risborough, contained two stories – Edward's Day Out and Edward and Gordon – from the first book in the Railway Series: The Three Railway Engines.[2]

Johnny Morris recordings (Delysé)

The first widely available recordings were narrated by Johnny Morris and released in the early 1960s by the Delysé Recording Company. Each 7-inch (45 rpm) vinyl record contained two stories, taken from the first eleven books of The Railway Series. The recordings were released in mono.[2]

The front of the record sleeve showed an original illustration from the story in the original book. While on the back, there was a list of the other recordings in "The Railway Engine Series" [sic], together with an introduction from the Rev. W. Awdry:[3]

“ My father was a railway enthusiast and brought me up accordingly. Our home at Box, Wiltshire, was near the Great Western main line and listening to heavy freights clawing up the grade it was not hard to imagine train engine and banker talking to each other, and for me, steam engines developed personality.

So when my son caught measles at the age of three I told him these stories to amuse him. They were not written down at first, I made them up as I went along. But I had to tell them so often, carefully using the same words, that both he and I soon knew them by heart.
It was only later, at my wife's suggestion, that I wrote them down, so that other children besides our own might have pleasure from them too.      — Rev. W. Awdry

”

The label on the record was distinctive, showing a smiling red engine on a blue/white background. The label was designed so the record player spindle could fit through the engine's 'nose'. No attempt had been made to make the engine look like one of those from the stories.

Record details

Stories from Book 1 – The Three Railway Engines:[4]

  • DEL101 (196x) – 1. Edward's Day Out, 2. Edward and Gordon
  • DEL102 (196x) – 1. The Sad Story of Henry, 2. Edward, Gordon and Henry

Stories from Book 2 – Thomas the Tank Engine:[4]

  • DEL103 (1961) – 1. Thomas and Gordon, 2. Thomas's Train
  • DEL104 (196x) – 1. Thomas and the Trucks, 2. Thomas and the Breakdown Train

Stories from Book 3 – James the Red Engine:[4]

  • DEL114 (196x) – 1. James and the Top Hat, 2. James and the Bootlace
  • DEL115 (196x) – 1. Troublesome Trucks, 2. James and the Express

Stories from Book 4 – Tank Engine Thomas Again:[4]

  • DEL137 (1964) – 1. Thomas and the Guard, 2. Thomas Goes Fishing
  • DEL138 (196x) – 1. Thomas, Terence and the Snow, 2. Thomas and Bertie

Stories from Book 5 – Troublesome Engines:[4]

  • DEL142 (196x) – 1. Henry and the Elephant, 2. Tenders and Turntables
  • DEL143 (196x) – 1. Trouble in the Shed, 2. Percy Runs Away

Stories from Book 6 – Henry the Green Engine:[4]

  • DEL150 (196x) – 1. Coal, 2. The Flying Kipper
  • DEL151 (1966) – 1. Gordon's Whistle, 2. Henry's Sneeze

Stories from Book 7 – Toby the Tram Engine:[4]

  • DEL152 (196x) – 1. Toby and the Stout Gentleman, 2. Thomas in Trouble
  • DEL153 (196x) – 1. Dirty Objects, 2. Mrs Kindley's Christmas

Stories from Book 8 – Gordon the Big Engine:[4]

  • DEL154 (196x) – 1. Off the Rails, 2. Leaves
  • DEL155 (1966) – 1. Down the Mine, 2. Paint Pots and Queens

Stories from Book 9 – Edward the Blue Engine:

  • DEL212 (196x) – 1. Cows!, 2. Berties' Chase
  • DEL213 (196x) – 1. Saved from Scrap, 2. Old Iron

Stories from Book 10 – Four Little Engines:

  • DEL214 (196x) – 1. Skarloey Remembers, 2. Sir Handel
  • DEL215 (196x) – 1. Peter, Sam and the Refreshment Lady, 2. Old Faithful

Stories from Book 11 – Percy the Small Engine:

  • DEL216 (196x) – 1. Percy and the Signal, 2. Duck Takes Charge
  • DEL217 (196x) – 1. Percy and Harold, 2. Percy's Promise


Decca and Argo recordings

In the 1970s the stories were released on 12-inch (Template:Frac rpm) vinyl albums by Decca Records as part of their "World of Children's Stories" series. Each record contained the stories from two complete books, one book on each side. The sleeve notes included the same quote from Rev. W. Awdry (see Delysé recordings, above). The sleeve illustrations were taken directly from the artwork of the original books.

The first eight books were again narrated by Johnny Morris. The original Delysé recordings were re-used.[2]

Decca was also the owner of the Argo label, renowned for its audiobooks and other non-music recordings. It was therefore a natural progression to extend the series on this label. New recordings were made for six further books from The Railway Series, starting with Edward the Blue Engine. These stories were narrated by Willie Rushton and the gaps between the tracks included atmospheric (if not always accurate) steam or diesel sound effects.[2]

The albums were later released on audio cassette under the same labels. Recordings were produced by Peter Johnson ('Peter John Productions'); with Kaye & Ward Ltd and Third Man Music being identified as owners of the works.

Subsequently, Willie Rushton also recorded the remaining books (up to no. 26 Tramway Engines) on the Argo label. These recordings were never released on vinyl, only on audio cassette.[2]

List of recordings

Individual books

The Johnny Morris albums were identified as 'Volume 1' to 'Volume 4'; while the Willie Rushton recordings omitted any 'Volume' identity on the front cover. For clarity, the recording details below have been identified by volume numbers, regardless of whether these were shown on the sleeve.

Volume 1: DECCA MONO LP – PA 270 (1972), Cassette – KCPA 270 (19??)

Side 1 (from Book 1: The Three Railway Engines)

  1. Edward's Day Out
  2. Edward and Gordon
  3. The Sad Story of Henry
  4. Edward, Gordon and Henry

Side 2 (from Book 2: Thomas the Tank Engine)

  1. Thomas and Gordon
  2. Thomas's Train
  3. Thomas and the Trucks
  4. Thomas and the Breakdown Train

Volume 2: DECCA MONO LP – PA 271 (1972), Cassette – KCPA 271 (19??)

Side 1 (from Book 3: James the Red Engine)

  1. James and the Top Hat
  2. James and the Bootlace
  3. Troublesome Trucks
  4. James and the Express

Side 2 (from Book 4: Tank Engine Thomas Again)

  1. Thomas and the Guard
  2. Thomas Goes Fishing
  3. Thomas, Terence and the Snow
  4. Thomas and Bertie

Volume 3: DECCA MONO LP – PA 272 (1972), Cassette – KCPA 272 (19??)

Side 1 (from Book 5: Troublesome Engines)

  1. Henry and the Elephant
  2. Tenders and Turntables
  3. Trouble in the Shed
  4. Percy Runs Away

Side 2 (from Book 6: Henry the Green Engine)

  1. Coal
  2. The Flying Kipper
  3. Gordon’s Whistle
  4. Henry’s Sneeze

(The book Henry the Green Engine was unique in the series by having five stories rather than four.
For the recording, it was the fourth story "Percy and the Trousers" which was omitted.)

Volume 4: DECCA MONO LP – PA 273 (1972), Cassette – KCPA 273 (19??)

Side 1 (from Book 7: Toby the Tram Engine)

  1. Toby and the Stout Gentleman
  2. Thomas in Trouble
  3. Dirty Objects
  4. Mrs Kindley's Christmas

Side 2 (from Book 8: Gordon the Big Engine)

  1. Off the Rails
  2. Leaves
  3. Down the Mine
  4. Paint Pots and Queens

Volume 5: ARGO STEREO LP – SPA 559 (1979) Cassette – KCSP 559 (1979)

Side 1 (from Book 9: Edward the Blue Engine)

  1. Cows
  2. Bertie's Chase
  3. Saved from Scrap
  4. Old Iron

Side 2 (from Book 10: Four Little Engines)

  1. Skarloey Remembers
  2. Sir Handel
  3. Peter Sam & The Refreshment Lady
  4. Old Faithful

Volume 6: ARGO STEREO LP – SPA 560 (1979), Cassette – KCSP 560 (1979)

Side 1 (from Book 11: Percy the Small Engine)

  1. Percy and the Signal
  2. Duck Takes Charge
  3. Percy and Harold
  4. Percy’s Promise

Side 2 (from Book 12: The Eight Famous Engines)

  1. Percy Takes the Plunge
  2. Gordon Goes Foreign
  3. Double Header
  4. The Fat Controller’s Engines

Volume 7: ARGO STEREO LP – SPA 561 (1979), Cassette – KCSP 561 (1979)

Side 1 (from Book 13: Duck and the Diesel Engine)

  1. Domeless Engines
  2. Pop Goes The Diesel
  3. Dirty Work
  4. A Close Shave

Side 2 (from Book 14: The Little Old Engine)

  1. Trucks
  2. Home At Last
  3. Rock 'n' Roll
  4. Little Old Twins

The case insert for the cassette version lists the story titles as being on 'Side 1' and 'Side 2', but the labels on the cassette itself are marked '5' and '6'. By comparison, the label on cassette KCSP 559 identifies the sides conventionally ('1' and '2').

Compilations

In addition to the individual releases, the recordings were re-released together as compilations on the Argo label. The first compilations were released on two pairs of individually cased cassettes: one pair for the Johnny Morris stories, one pair for Willie Rushton's.

The Willie Rushton compilation was released again after Decca's acquisition by PolyGram in 1980, this time as a twin boxed set. The recordings were distributed exclusively by EMI, which was somewhat ironic as EMI was Decca's main competitor for several decades. In addition to the 'new' Argo logo, the EMI logo was displayed on the spine of the case sleeve.

The sleeve artwork was a heavily cropped portion of the illustration from the earlier compilation. The picture was based on one from the original books, the artist being credited as "Quick on the Draw". Decca was shown as copyright holder; Kaye & Ward Ltd and Third Man Music were no longer mentioned in the sleeve notes

First release:
The Railway Stories – ARGO – SAY 87/1 – two mono cassettes – (date unknown)

These tapes were marked as 'a Delesé Production.'

The Railway Stories – ARGO – SAY 29 – two stereo cassettes – (1982)

  • Narrator: William Rushton
  • Tape content is the same as for the 'second release' tapes.

The cassette label and case insert showed the title as "The Railway Stories", and named the narrator and original author. Apart from this, and the usual copyright data, they were completely devoid of any indication as to the content of the recordings or the people behind them. It is not known whether the cassettes were originally supplied in some form of additional outer case that better described their content.

Second release:
The Railway Stories – ARGO 1058 – Double stereo cassette – (1982)

Sides One & Two – (tape 1 – individually labelled ARGO 1059):

Sides Three & Four – (tape 2 – individually labelled ARGO 1060):

More Railway Stories – ARGO xxxx – Double stereo cassette – (1983)

Sides One & Two – (tape 1 – individually labelled ARGO xxxx):

Sides Three & Four – (tape 2 – individually labelled ARGO xxxx):

Further Railway Stories – ARGO xxxx – Double stereo cassette – (1984)

Sides One & Two – (tape 1 – individually labelled ARGO xxxx):

Sides Three & Four – (tape 2 – individually labelled ARGO xxxx):

Ted Robbins recordings

In association with Reed-Tempo Publishing, Ted Robbins recorded most of the stories written by Christopher Awdry. These were released in the 1990s by Egmont Books, on a series of four audio cassettes.[2] In each case, the 'middle' book was split across the two sides of the cassette:

Thomas and the Twins, and other stories (1994) ( Template:ISBN )

Gordon the High Speed Engine, and other stories (1994) ( Template:ISBN )

Really Useful Engines, and other stories (1995) ( Template:ISBN )

James and the Diesel Engine, and other stories (1995) ( Template:ISBN )


A selection of the stories were later released for the Early Learning Centre, under the title Storytime with Thomas the Tank Engine: "10 classic railway stories with music and sound effects". There were two cassettes released, both using the same Ken Stott-style illustration, the second being labelled 'Volume 2'.

Michael Angelis recordings

The first new Railway Stories recording in over 10 years was released on CD by BBC Audiobooks in March 2006.[2] It contained adaptations of the first three Railway Series books, and was narrated by Michael Angelis. So far, six such CDs have been released, each containing three volumes from the Railway Series.

The CDs are more reflective of the Thomas & Friends TV series than the Railway Series books. This is evident through the cover art, which uses promotional images from the recent series', the storytelling style, and the splicing of several of the songs from the TV series within the stories.[2]

The first volume of The Railway Stories that Angelis narrated—consisting of The Three Railway Engines, Thomas the Tank Engine, and James the Red Engine—is available for download at the iTunes Store as well.

Angelis has also recorded a number of stories for the "Thomas & Friends Audio Range". Each book, which is of a similar form to those in the My Thomas Story Library range, is accompanied by a CD containing the story narrated by Angelis, with sound effects and music.[2] Known subjects include: Thomas, Gordon, Henry, James, Toby, Bertie and Terence. [5]

Other recordings

There have been other audiobooks containing stories from The Railway Series, although most of these are based on stories re-written for the Thomas & Friends TV series.[2]

Translations

At least one set of stories has been released in Welsh (Tomos A'r Goeden Nadolig). Published by Cyhoeddiadau Mei in September 1988, it is Template:ISBN, but no more is known about this recording.

References

  1. ↑ "Merchandising a.k.a. Miscellaneous Awdryania". http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/awdryania.htm. 
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 "Thomas on Audio". http://www.sodor-island.net/thomasonaudio.html. Retrieved on May 25, 2018. 
  3. ↑ Reverse of record sleeve DEL155, Delysé Recording Co., 1966
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 List of "Other recordings in the Railway Engine Series" – reverse of record sleeve DEL155, Delysé Recording Co., 1966
  5. ↑ "Coming soon". http://www.worldofthomas.co.uk/acatalog/Coming_soon.html. 

Template:Thomas

Retrieved from "https://ideawaza.com/index.php?title=The_Railway_Stories&oldid=76155"