The original 1983 pilot episode of Thomas & Friends is available to watch for free on YouTube.
The original test episode appeared on the Thomas & Friends YouTube channel in celebration of Thomas’ 80th anniversary.
Thomas the Tank Engine originally appeared in a book published in 1945 before becoming a staple of children’s television between 1984 and 2021.
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The pilot episode, titled Down the Mine, follows Thomas “as he cheekily tries to pass a danger sign”.
Sir Ringo Starr narrates the episode, which has been fully restored.
