A/N: Sorry this took so long, couldn't quite figure out how I wanted it to go. This chapter is based on a request from Kristinalprime23, although expanded upon to fit the length of a normal chapter. At first, I was just going to make it a side story, but eventually I decided that it had potential. Hope you all enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Thomas the Tank Engine, The Railway Series, or any affiliated characters or places. These rights belong to men better than me… and a Television company that has a lot to learn before they are really useful.

Chapter 111: Legacy of The Thin Clergymen

It was a grim day for the Island of Sodor. The engine drivers were in a sorry mood. A long-time friend of their, Wilbert W. Awdry, had sadly passed away recently, and all of them were miserable.

"It's so hard to believe that he's gone," muttered Thomas.

"Aye, but at least he was at peace."

"We have so much to thank him for, but now we'll never get the chance."

"Just think," thought Percy aloud, "If he hadn't wrote those books about us, we may not be around today."

"Do you guys still remember when Sir Topham Hatt presented us the first book of The Railway Series?"

Indeed, everyone who had been present that day did and remembered well.

An air of excitement surrounded Tidmouth Sheds. A few years ago, they had met a Reverend by the name of Wilbert at Wellsworth church who was very invested in Railways. He often did volunteer work for the railway. Whenever they would meet him, they would exchange stories. Wilbert would tell them stories about growing up on the mainland, and the drivers would tell him their about their various misadventures. Three years ago, he had requested the right to write their stories in a book for Children. He had told his son Christopher the stories, who enjoyed them, and his wife encouraged him to write it. A resounding yes could be heard from miles around that day.

A week ago, the book had been published, and Sir Topham Hatt had come to show them the finished product. They all looked on anxiously as Sir Topham Hatt exited the car.

"It is with great honor that I present to you The Three Railway Engines, based off of the stories who have shared with the Reverend W. Awdry."

He passed around a copy to each Engine Driver. As they continued through the book, their expressions turned to confusion, and then to anger.

"What? Where are we?"

"We don't appear in this at all. Just our engines!"

"Why are they alive? What ridiculousness is this?"

"I do believe that those engines are supposed to be us. They do have our names after all."

"This caused an even bigger uproar, which gave Sir Topham Hatt a headache.

"SILENCE!"

Everyone grew quiet at once.

"I understand your anger, but it was not your decision to make. It was Wilbert's, and its too late to change it now. I'm sorry."

And with that he walked away, leaving his employees to stew in their frustration. Finally, Edward spoke up.

"You know, perhaps we're overreacting."

Everyone turned to him.

"I mean, it is a book for children after all. He does want to entice their imagination."

"Yes, but talking trains? What's next, a giant balloon on a flatbed?"

"Or maybe an engine going around with a broken whistle?"

"Oh, now you're just being absurd. Wilbert cares deeply about the railway. He didn't do this to hurt us. Besides, if the stories are entertaining, who cares if the characters are trains or humans?"

The other engine drivers paused in thought. While they were still upset, they couldn't deny that Edward had a point.

"You're right, Edward. We shouldn't be so harsh."

"You know, re-reading the story, I realize how ridiculous my incident in the tunnel was. Its actually kind of funny re-reading it."

"Yeah, and I found myself laughing at the scenes at the hill."

And the engine drivers spent their free time that day reading the book over and over. Eventually, they all agreed that Wilbert had done a good job recreating their tales.

"And that was only the beginning of The Railway Series," Thomas chuckled.

"Yes, and I think we all know who got a book next."

Thomas blushed a deep red.

"Wilbert made many trips to the Island over the years, writing many fantastic books."

"I still remember his complaints about how my character looked like a green caterpillar with red stripes. He never did forgive Dalby."

"Aye, but he couldn't do it forever. I still remember the day he announced his retirement."

Wilbert pulled up to the sheds one morning. All the engine drivers smiled when they saw him. They always enjoyed his visits, but something seemed different. Wilbert walked slower, his head down. They could tell that something was wrong.

"Good morning, Wilbert. Is something the matter?"

With a heavy sigh, Wilbert spoke.

"Yes, Henry, I'm afraid there is. There's no easy way to say this, but…I can't write The Railway Series anymore."

Everyone gasped.

"B-But why? Did we do something wrong?"

"No, Percy, its nothing any of you have done. I've just lost the motivation. The last book was a great struggle for me to complete, nearly sapping all my health. I just don't have the energy to do any more. I truly am sorry."

A silence fell over the sheds. Finally, Thomas spoke up.

"We understand, sir. Maybe it's for the best."

Everyone else chimed in words of encouragement. Wilbert smiled.

"Thank you, everyone. I appreciate your understanding, and I truly am sorry."

With that, he sadly walked out of the sheds, leaving the engine drivers to themselves.

"Poor Wilbert. The stress finally got to him, and he had to retire. I do think it was for the best, though."

"Yes, but do you remember our joy when his son Christopher decided to continue the legacy?" asked Percy.

"The police had to come and get us to quiet down. We're lucky they didn't give us a ticket."

"But the books were just the beginning of the legacy. Don't forget the television show."

"How could we? It's played just as big of a part in keeping our railway running."

Everyone was soon reminiscing about when they first me Britt Allcroft.

It was early one morning when Sir Topham Hatt arrived to the sheds with a visitor. A bright eyed women followed him to the sheds.

"Good morning, all. Before I give the briefing, I'd like you to meet a very special friend of mine, Britt Allcroft. She has something she'd like to propose to you. Take it away, Britt."

"Thank you, Sir Topham. Now, I'm sure you're all aware of the popularity of The Railway Series books written by Wilber Awdry?"

"I should hope we are. They're based off of our adventures after all."

"Britt laughed.

"Good point, James. Well, My friends and I liked them so much that we thought it might make a good Television show."

This got everyone's attention.

"It'll be using the books as inspiration, meaning the characters will be living trains, but you'll still have supervising credit for the stories. Wilbert has already given permission but said that I need to get your permission too. What do you say?"

After five seconds of debating, the engine drivers had agreed.

"Splendid. I promise you won't regret it."

"She certainly kept that promise," said Edward with a chuckle.

"Yes, that series was and still is a resounding success. Heard they just finished their 4th season and are in production of the Fifth."

"Who knows? A feature film may be next."

Everyone laughed in reminisce, until their minds returned to what brought upon these memories.

"Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Wilbert Awdry was a credit to the world and will certainly be missed."

"But you know what I think? I think he isn't gone at all."

Everyone turned to Thomas.
"What are you talking about, Thomas?"

"I mean that if we keep his memory with us and honor it, then in a way it'll be like he never left us."

"Well put, Thomas. Three Cheers for The Thin Clergymen. Hip Hip…"

"Hooray!"

"Hip Hip…"

"Hooray!"

"Hip Hip…"

"Hooray!"

Later that night, the engine drivers went to bed, happier for their memories. Before Thomas went to bed, Thomas read one of the books to Annie and Clarabel. He smiled as he read the first line.

Dear Christopher,

Here is your friend Thomas the Tank Engine. He wanted to come out of his station yard and see the world. These stories tell you how he did it.

I hope you will like them because you helped me to make them.

Your Loving Daddy.

In honor of The Reverend W. Awdry, who lives on in the spirit of Thomas fans young and old. Gone, but certainly never forgotten.

A/N: Phew! Took me a million revisions, but I finally have a product I'm proud of. Hope you enjoyed it, Kristnalprime23, and sorry you had to wait so long. See you all next time.