"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." - Wilbert Awdry
"The passengers were thrilled. Most had their heads out of windows. They waved and shouted, cheering Edward on.
The Fat Controller paced the platform. Henry with the Special train waited anxiously too.
They heard a "Peep! Peep!" Then, battered, weary, but unbeaten, Edward steamed in." - The Narrator
"So, with 7101 growling in front, and Henry gamely puffing in the middle, the long cavalcade set out for the next Big Station.
Donald and Flying Scotsman were waiting. They cheered as Henry puffed past.
The passengers buzzed out like angry bees; but the Fat Controller told them about Henry, so they forgot to be cross and thanked Henry instead.
They called him an enterprising engine, and took his photograph." - The Narrator.
"An Alliance, Thomas, 'United we stand, together we fall'. You help me, and I help you. How about it?" - Gordon
"I was in Edward's train, and saw everything. You've made the most troublesome trucks on the line behave. After that, you deserve to keep your red coat." - The Fat Controller
"Harold told me you were - er - wizard, Percy. He says he can beat you at some things… …but not at being a submarine. I don't know what you've both been playing at, and I won't ask! But I do know that you're a Really Useful Engine." - The Fat Controller.
"Toby made the trucks behave even better than Thomas did. At first, Thomas was jealous, but he was so pleased when Toby rang his bell and made the policeman jump that they have been firm friends ever since." - The Narrator
"You were very brave indeed. I'm proud of you. I shall tell 'City of Truro' about you next time he comes." - The Fat Controller
A happy 80th anniversary to the iconic franchise that brings us all together.