THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE STEAMS AHEAD AT 80...

As a long-lost TV pilot makes its screen debut, creator Reverend Wilbert Awdry's granddaughter Claire Chambers and producer Ian McCue share their personal memories of the cheeky locomotive and what keeps his appeal firmly on track

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HE adaptations Ian is referring to were in answer to criticisms the early shows lacked any strong female engines.

Annie and Clarabel were merely Thomas's coaches and then there was Daisy, a diesel railcar - highly-strung, lazy, and with long fluttering eyelashes.

"We needed to address the gender imbalance so we introduced Emily who stood alone with the boys as a strong female role model," admits Ian.

"We also introduced the first black engine, Nia, from Africa. We consulted with the United Nations on this."

Other new characters included Ashima from India, Yong Bao from China and Shane from Australia.

"Some of the old engines were replaced by new characters and this too attracted criticism," continues Ian. "But whatever the changes, the values and lessons Thomas tries to instill in a younger audience remain the same patience and the importance of good communication. From the ages of two to four it entertains and educates in its gentle way."

Claire agrees and says she hopes the introduction of more female characters continues to attract young girls to the stories as well.

Thomas has always been especially loved by young children on the autism spectrum.