THE OPINIONS AND RAMBLINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY MINE AND DON'T REFLECT THOSE OF ANYBODY ELSE
This time, I'm reviewing....
30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine.
Written by: Christopher Awdry.
Illustrated by: Clive Spong.
Released: 22 September 1986.
In 1986, when Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends had its 2nd season in production, Britt Allcroft requested this book be published. Christopher was dissatisfied writing this book. Was he right to feel that way? Let's find out.
Foreword:
Dear Friends,
Sometimes Thomas and Percy both think they are the most important engines on the branch line. We know better, of course, and so does the Fat Controller, which is why he did not intervene when Thomas and Percy had a quarrel. Like most quarrels, it wasn't serious to start with. It began when Percy... But why not turn the page and read about it for yourself?The Author
27. Thomas, Percy and the Coal
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 24 September 1986. AUS: 18 April 1988. US: 23 April 1989.
Thomas brags that blue paint is the only proper colour for a Really Useful Engine. Next day, Percy is shunting when the door on a coal truck opens and coal dust covers Thomas. Thomas and Percy are furious at one another, and the argument gets worse and worse. Several days later Percy goes to get a drink but collides with a coalbunker, much to Thomas' delight.
Okay, why was this episode adapted, yet Drip Tank wasn't? Also, the way Thomas got covered in coal in this episode is different to the story. In the story, a truck's catch on the door burst open and coal rumbled out, but in the adaptation, a coal hopper poured coal all over Thomas. Also, Thomas and Percy's resolution was too fast. How hypocritical of a stuck-up producer who said The Missing Coach would be too confusing for little kids. This is not a great way to start a season. It wouldn't have been too bad if they went ahead and adapted The Missing Coach and push this one back for Season 3 or 4.
RWS rating: 9/10.
TV rating: 6.5/10.
36. The Runaway
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 22 October 1986. AUS: 29 April 1988. US: 28 May 1989.
When Thomas returns from the Works after an illness, his brakes are left stiff. One day, a "relief" fireman forgets to put Thomas' brakes on and Thomas starts off. Although an inspector tries to stop Thomas at Dryaw, Thomas is going too fast and Harold takes the inspector to Toryreck. Annie and Clarabel hold back so the inspector can leap aboard and stop Thomas.
It doesn't really make sense in the story that Duck doesn't know Toby, considering The 8 Famous Engines. But it makes more sense in the adaptation since it's the second episode of the TV series to star Duck. I have nothing to say here, except this adaptation stuck with the original.
RWS rating: 8/10.
TV rating: 9/10.
41. Better Late Than Never
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 12 November 1986. AUS: 6 May 1988. US: 7 May 1989.
The arches on the Viaduct need strengthening and the big engines are late at Knapford. One day, Bertie teases Thomas that he could beat him in a race - something Thomas vehemently denies. James later holds Thomas up, but just outside the tunnel Thomas sees Bertie broken down. Thomas offers to help Bertie's passengers home, and the next day Bertie comes to Ffarquhar to thank Thomas.
Out of all the adaptations, this is the most faithful of all of them. It also teaches kids the moral "Being late is okay sometimes." The only downside of the adaptation is James pulling a goods train because....goods.
RWS and TVS rating: 9/10.
Drip Tank
Percy wants to make things up with Thomas, but when he gets scratched by a branch Thomas is rude and Percy decides against it. Later, Percy asks Toby what a drip is, having heard a boy call his friend one at the platform, but Thomas interrupts and tells Percy he's a drip. Thomas soon gets his comeuppance when his side rod snaps and punctures his watertank on his way home. When Percy goes to help him, Thomas feels ashamed and apologises to Percy.
Why was this episode not adapted for TV, yet Thomas, Percy and the Coal was? This story had so much potential, and it had all been wasted. Did they want to provide a quick happy ending for Thomas and Percy?! It's such a shame, as this story was brilliant!
My rating: 9/10.
Illustration observation:
The first illustration of Better Late than Never is almost the same as the 7th illustration of Domeless Engines from Duck and the Diesel Engine. Observe:
Final thoughts:
I do think this is a nice book, but it didn't really contribute much to the Railway Series. Britt and Christopher had a choice. Either Christopher, write Barry the Rescue Engine or Britt, push these stories back for Season 3 or 4. But it's still a good read.
My rating: 8.8/10.
RWS scorecard:
25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.
30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.8/10.
40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.
RWS rating so far: 8.3/10.
Season 2 scorecard:
1. Thomas, Percy and the Coal: 6.5/10.
10. The Runaway: 9/10.
15. Better Late Than Never: 9/10.
Season 2 Rating so far: 8.2/10.
What is wrong with the last story being unadapted? Christopher himself regrets using the term, so it's not like the exclusion does much harm.
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