THE OPINIONS, THOUGHTS AND MUSINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF ZACK WANZER, NOT THE THOMAS FANDOM IN GENERAL
(special thanks to the Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images)
Really Useful Engines
Written by Christopher Awdry
Illustrated by Clive Spong
Published September 12, 1983
A lot had changed in the past decade; the Beatles had long since split up, John Lennon was murdered in New York, Elvis Presley was found dead, Garfield entered the comic strip world, the United States pulled out of Vietnam, former actor Ronald Reagan became United States President, Star Wars blasted into theaters, Margaret Thatcher became the first woman to become Prime Minister, Mount St. Helens erupted, Pac-Man set the standards for video games, E.T. phoned home, Michael Jackson gave us Thriller, and there was the royal wedding between Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
In the railway world, despite diesels being the main motive power in Britain, steam engines were being rescued left and right for heritage railways, especially at Barry Scrapyards. On the Island of Sodor, they may not have been in the books for a decade, but that doesn't mean life is dull.
Dear Friends,
I am happy to say that Thomas and his friends are still at work, trying as hard as ever to prove themselves to be Really Useful Engines. Sadly my father is no longer able to be involved with the Region's affairs, but it is with grateful thanks that I would like to dedicate this book to him, the person who began it all.
The Author
I am happy to say that Thomas and his friends are still at work, trying as hard as ever to prove themselves to be Really Useful Engines. Sadly my father is no longer able to be involved with the Region's affairs, but it is with grateful thanks that I would like to dedicate this book to him, the person who began it all.
The Author
Thomas' crew is informed that the stationmaster's house had been burgled the night before; his gardening trophies and new car stolen. When Thomas puffs along the valley, he sees what appears to be the stationmaster's car and his crew conclude that they're the thieves and give chase. At the next signalbox, they inform the signalman with a note in the fireman's lunchbox, and later on, the thieves are stopped at a roadblock, and the stolen goods returned undamaged.
It's ironic, isn't it? Thomas had trouble with the police thirty years before, and now he's helped the police in stopping the thieves! I think this would've been great for TV; it would show kids that stealing is a crime (something Thomas and the Snowman Party failed to heed) and there are consequences if you do so.
It's ironic, isn't it? Thomas had trouble with the police thirty years before, and now he's helped the police in stopping the thieves! I think this would've been great for TV; it would show kids that stealing is a crime (something Thomas and the Snowman Party failed to heed) and there are consequences if you do so.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Season 4, Episode 26
After Tom Tipper the postman recovers from an illness, his van is replaced with bicycle, much to his dismay. When he arrives at Ffarquhar, he's asked to sign some papers and props it up against a fence, asking Percy to keep an eye on it. However, one of two boys rides the bike just as Percy starts, but the boy loses control and jumps clear as the bike lands on the rails, only to be crushed by Percy. Luckily for Tom, he's given his van back.
Bottom line, this is the worst adaptation of the classic seasons. Yes, I think it's worse than Rusty to the Rescue. While that episode could've worked with a couple of simple tweaks (mostly the change of characters, especially Stepney), the adaptation for Mind That Bike could've worked with a lot of tweaking. Firstly, the roles of Thomas and Bertie are pointless - yes, a classic episode where Thomas' role is unnecessary - cut them out, and the story would've been the same, probably better. That brings me to my next problem; why would Tom Tipper place his bicycle on Percy's mail vans?! (Further still, why did Tom not get scolded for it? At least Percy had some sense...) Even if he was in a rush, he should've ensured his bike was safe, even if it wasn't tied up! The boys should've been involved because it would show that dangerous actions have (or could've had) consequences!
I prefer the original story by a long shot; it did right what the adaptation didn't, and proved that you shouldn't fix what ain't broke - is that supposed to be a metaphor for something? The adaptation feels more like an Allcroft and Mitton script than a Railway Series story - it's simply utter crap, and it's a shame season four ended on such a low note...
I prefer the original story by a long shot; it did right what the adaptation didn't, and proved that you shouldn't fix what ain't broke - is that supposed to be a metaphor for something? The adaptation feels more like an Allcroft and Mitton script than a Railway Series story - it's simply utter crap, and it's a shame season four ended on such a low note...
RWS Rating: 8 out of 10
TV Series Rating: 1 out of 10
TV Series Rating: 1 out of 10
Season 4, Episode 24
The Flying Kipper has extra vans added due to an extra load of fish, but the vans are old and rusty. Henry manages to make good time though, and at Wellsworth, Duck is called in to help bank his train. Going up Gordon's hill proves to be troublesome when the tail lamp falls off, causing Duck to fall behind. Henry slows down too, but this results in Duck smashing into the vans causing damage to his front.
Isn't it shocking? Thomas was shoehorned into the episode, but it doesn't feel like shoehorning; it actually makes sense to have him warn Duck about the dangers of fish, especially considering his mishap in season one (I didn't know it back then, but now I do). Speaking of whom, it's quite odd that Duck's not on his branchline and instead at Wellsworth, but I digress. It's also odd that he got ahead of Henry so quickly, but again, it's probably a nitpick. However, unlike Mind That Bike, this was a very good adaptation, and it's one of the better ones of season four.
RWS Rating: 9 out of 10
TV Series Rating: 9.5 out of 10
TV Series Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Gordon is tired after pulling the express, and Thomas teases him by suggesting that Gordon become a tank engine - they never get out of breath. When Gordon is told that he needs new tubes, Henry takes over the express, but just before Gordon is due back, Henry falls ill too. Thomas, Duck and Percy are called in to pull the express, being the only engines available. On Gordon's hill, Percy runs out of steam, and near Crovan's Gate, Duck breaks down as well, leaving Thomas unable to carry on for all three. Gordon, who had seen everything from his siding, makes heavy breathing noises at Thomas.
A nice way to bring the three tank engines from the previous stories together, but I do find a few things... a little off. For one, why would three small tank engines pull the express, and why didn't they mention that they might have stopped for water? (I know it was lampshaded when it said they weren't as fast as Gordon, but still.) Also, who looked after Thomas', Duck's, and Percy's trains? Yes, even if you don't care about those issues, it gets rather distracting. Besides, I highly doubt the North Western Railway would be run by twenty locomotives, and I'm sure they would've had other engines working in the background but never referred to by name. Another oddity I found was also made strange - indirectly - in Bowled Out. Two tank engines can pull fifteen coaches okay, but three tank engines struggle with the express? The story is fine despite the obvious contrivances, but the faults I mentioned drag the story down considerably.
A nice way to bring the three tank engines from the previous stories together, but I do find a few things... a little off. For one, why would three small tank engines pull the express, and why didn't they mention that they might have stopped for water? (I know it was lampshaded when it said they weren't as fast as Gordon, but still.) Also, who looked after Thomas', Duck's, and Percy's trains? Yes, even if you don't care about those issues, it gets rather distracting. Besides, I highly doubt the North Western Railway would be run by twenty locomotives, and I'm sure they would've had other engines working in the background but never referred to by name. Another oddity I found was also made strange - indirectly - in Bowled Out. Two tank engines can pull fifteen coaches okay, but three tank engines struggle with the express? The story is fine despite the obvious contrivances, but the faults I mentioned drag the story down considerably.
Rating: 7 out of 10
Stray Observations
Coincidentally, Wilbert Awdry was actually thinking of naming the 27th book Really Useful Engines. How do you think it would've gone if he'd actually written it up back in 1973? Answers on a postcard, please!
The opening message from 1983 to 1999 said that Wilbert was still taking interest in the North Western's affairs, but it was changed in 2007 to reflect his death - he was no longer involved in the railway's affairs.
Although the last in the book, Triple Header was the first to be written, based on an incident on the Nene Valley Railway involving a tank engine, quite fittingly, named Thomas. This Thomas was named by Wilbert Awdry himself, and was actually subject of a lawsuit by Hit Entertainment which was eventually put to rest; believe it or not, the lawsuit eventually led to the Day Out with Thomas events.
The story's first two illustrations are actually based off illustrations from Thomas the Tank Engine and The Three Railway Engines. Don't believe me? Take a look:
The opening message from 1983 to 1999 said that Wilbert was still taking interest in the North Western's affairs, but it was changed in 2007 to reflect his death - he was no longer involved in the railway's affairs.
Although the last in the book, Triple Header was the first to be written, based on an incident on the Nene Valley Railway involving a tank engine, quite fittingly, named Thomas. This Thomas was named by Wilbert Awdry himself, and was actually subject of a lawsuit by Hit Entertainment which was eventually put to rest; believe it or not, the lawsuit eventually led to the Day Out with Thomas events.
The story's first two illustrations are actually based off illustrations from Thomas the Tank Engine and The Three Railway Engines. Don't believe me? Take a look:
Thomas and Gordon
Left: Reginald Payne's/C. Reginald Dalby's original. Right: Clive Spong's re-illustration.
Edward, Gordon and Henry
Left: C. Reginald Dalby's original. Right: Clive Spong's re-illustration.
Speaking of illustrations, this was Clive Spong's first book to illustrate, but his work wasn't totally faultless - Thomas' running plate is curved once more, Anopha Quarry and the Skarloey Railway seem to have vanished, etc. Good thing he got it under control... most of the time.
Overall
It was nice of Christopher to live up to his father's legacy, but his first attempt was not without its faults, especially on Triple Header - a few explanations to my complaints would've been fine. (It might not have been necessary, but at least it wouldn't have felt contrived, and let's face it - the North Western is an operational railway, not a heritage railway, even if it feels like one.) It's not the only time Christopher has made screw-ups in his books, and I'll get to those soon enough.
Overall Book Rating: 8.3 out of 10
The Railway Series Scorecard
1. The Three Railway Engines: 8.4
2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9
3. James the Red Engine: 7.5
4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.5
5. Troublesome Engines: 8.1
6. Henry the Green Engine: 8.4
7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9
8. Gordon the Big Engine: 8.6
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3
10. Four Little Engines: 8.8
11. Percy the Small Engine: 8.9
12. The Eight Famous Engines: 8.8
13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 8.5
14. The Little Old Engine: 8.9
15. The Twin Engines: 9.1
16. Branch Line Engines: 9.3
17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.3
18. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine: 8.5
3. James the Red Engine: 7.5
4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.5
5. Troublesome Engines: 8.1
6. Henry the Green Engine: 8.4
7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9
8. Gordon the Big Engine: 8.6
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3
10. Four Little Engines: 8.8
11. Percy the Small Engine: 8.9
12. The Eight Famous Engines: 8.8
13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 8.5
14. The Little Old Engine: 8.9
15. The Twin Engines: 9.1
16. Branch Line Engines: 9.3
17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.3
18. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine: 8.5
19. Mountain Engines: 8.9
20. Very Old Engines: 9.1
21. Main Line Engines: 9
22. Small Railway Engines: 9.3
23. Enterprising Engines: 9.5
24. Oliver the Western Engine: 8.9
25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.4
26. Tramway Engines: 9.1
27. Really Useful Engines: 8.3
20. Very Old Engines: 9.1
21. Main Line Engines: 9
22. Small Railway Engines: 9.3
23. Enterprising Engines: 9.5
24. Oliver the Western Engine: 8.9
25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.4
26. Tramway Engines: 9.1
27. Really Useful Engines: 8.3
Thomas and Friends Season 4 Scorecard
1. Granpuff: 7
2. Sleeping Beauty: 5
3. Bulldog: 7.5
4. You Can't Win: 8
5. Four Little Engines: 7
6. A Bad Day for Sir Handel: 6.5
7. Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady: 9.5
8. Trucks!: 8
9. Home at Last: 8.5
10. Rock 'n' Roll: 9
11. Special Funnel: 7.5
12. Steam Roller: 9
13. Passengers and Polish: 9
14. Gallant Old Engine: 9
15. Rusty to the Rescue: 2
16. Thomas and Stepney: 2.5
17. Train Stops Play: 8.5
18. Bowled Out: 9
19. Henry and the Elephant: 7
20. Toad Stands By: 8
21. Bulls Eyes: 6.5
22. Thomas and the Special Letter: 8.5
23. Paint Pots and Queens: 8
24. Fish: 9.5
26. Mind That Bike: 1
2. Sleeping Beauty: 5
3. Bulldog: 7.5
4. You Can't Win: 8
5. Four Little Engines: 7
6. A Bad Day for Sir Handel: 6.5
7. Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady: 9.5
8. Trucks!: 8
9. Home at Last: 8.5
10. Rock 'n' Roll: 9
11. Special Funnel: 7.5
12. Steam Roller: 9
13. Passengers and Polish: 9
14. Gallant Old Engine: 9
15. Rusty to the Rescue: 2
16. Thomas and Stepney: 2.5
17. Train Stops Play: 8.5
18. Bowled Out: 9
19. Henry and the Elephant: 7
20. Toad Stands By: 8
21. Bulls Eyes: 6.5
22. Thomas and the Special Letter: 8.5
23. Paint Pots and Queens: 8
24. Fish: 9.5
26. Mind That Bike: 1
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