DUCK, OLIVER
& THE LITTLE WESTERN
By J. O. S. Smith
Dear Friends
During my early years, a friend invited me to the premiere of a film at the local picture house, a comedy about a small railway company struggling for
survival. Not only did this film amuse and catch me from beginning to end, but I couldn't help but notice that one of the 'silent stars' (as one might put it), was none other then a GWR 0-4-2 Tank Engine. Not only is this my favoured class of locomotive, but also that of an engine that had recently been saved from scrap and restored on Sir Topham Hatt's Railway.
I can contributed, some months before, towards the restoring of this locomotive, along with many other enthusiast railway fans, all determined to bring back the age of steam. The operation had been a complete success, and the news headlines spoke about it for weeks. An engine had been saved,
and given proper, Sodor Maintenance. And then, months down the line, this amusing motion picture was released.
Now, not long ago, I came across archives for the 'Steam World' magazine, and came found something that caught my attention straight away. Instantly,
my memories flowed back to that day at the picture house, watching that
fascinating tale of a small railway village's fight for the survival of it's one and only locomotive, against a devious bus company. And can you guess where the script writer gained inspiration? Why, none other then the
Little Western Branch Line on the Island of Sodor!
I wrote to Sir Topham Hatt at once, requesting that I came turn these events into an amusing new book, but at the same time, to tell the public
of the 'real' story behind the film. He himself had disapproved of the film, as dramatic elements had been added much against his wishes. But he was more then delighted to allow me to expose the truth and the true nature
of Sodor Railways.
And so, I proudly present to you this wonderful new collection of tales, From one of Sodor's most lively, colourful locations... The Little Western Branch! Without it's two splendid engines, it may not have been the same again! But of course, you'll need to read the stories to find out why!
The Author
These stories are adapted from true events which inspired the successful Elling Studios comedy; 'The Titfeild Thunderbolt'.
& THE LITTLE WESTERN
By J. O. S. Smith
Dear Friends
During my early years, a friend invited me to the premiere of a film at the local picture house, a comedy about a small railway company struggling for
survival. Not only did this film amuse and catch me from beginning to end, but I couldn't help but notice that one of the 'silent stars' (as one might put it), was none other then a GWR 0-4-2 Tank Engine. Not only is this my favoured class of locomotive, but also that of an engine that had recently been saved from scrap and restored on Sir Topham Hatt's Railway.
I can contributed, some months before, towards the restoring of this locomotive, along with many other enthusiast railway fans, all determined to bring back the age of steam. The operation had been a complete success, and the news headlines spoke about it for weeks. An engine had been saved,
and given proper, Sodor Maintenance. And then, months down the line, this amusing motion picture was released.
Now, not long ago, I came across archives for the 'Steam World' magazine, and came found something that caught my attention straight away. Instantly,
my memories flowed back to that day at the picture house, watching that
fascinating tale of a small railway village's fight for the survival of it's one and only locomotive, against a devious bus company. And can you guess where the script writer gained inspiration? Why, none other then the
Little Western Branch Line on the Island of Sodor!
I wrote to Sir Topham Hatt at once, requesting that I came turn these events into an amusing new book, but at the same time, to tell the public
of the 'real' story behind the film. He himself had disapproved of the film, as dramatic elements had been added much against his wishes. But he was more then delighted to allow me to expose the truth and the true nature
of Sodor Railways.
And so, I proudly present to you this wonderful new collection of tales, From one of Sodor's most lively, colourful locations... The Little Western Branch! Without it's two splendid engines, it may not have been the same again! But of course, you'll need to read the stories to find out why!
The Author
These stories are adapted from true events which inspired the successful Elling Studios comedy; 'The Titfeild Thunderbolt'.