The Railway Books in Order
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The Railway Series is a collection of forty children's books written by Reverend W. Awdry, an English Anglican priest and railway enthusiast, published between 1945 and 1997. The first book, Thomas the Tank Engine, was released in 1946. The series features anthropomorphized railway engines and other vehicles set on the fictional Island of Sodor, with each story presenting a railway-related event or situation emphasizing cooperation, responsibility, and following instructions. The books were originally created as bedtime stories for Awdry's son, Christopher, and the characters are named after real railway engines, portrayed with distinct personalities. The narrative style is straightforward, focusing on the daily operations and interactions of the railway vehicles. The series was continued after Awdry's death by his son, Christopher Awdry, who wrote additional books in the same style.
Books in this series
Ordered by first publication where known. The official numbering for this series is incomplete in our sources, so we don't show series numbers we can't verify.
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1945 · Reverend W. Awdry
Drei Dampfloks werden Freunde is the first picture book by Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry, part of his Railway Series. The book introduces three steam…
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1946 · Reverend W. Awdry
This is the second book by Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry (1911-1997) in the Railway Series (Wilbert Awdry's Sprechende Eisenbahnen). The picture book…
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1952 · Reverend W. Awdry
Toby the Tram Engine is a children's book written by Reverend W. Awdry and originally published in Great Britain in 1952. It was reissued in 1999 by…
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1956 · Reverend W. Awdry
Percy the Small Engine is a book in The Railway Series by Reverend W. Awdry, illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby. Dalby's artwork for the book was…
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1957 · Reverend W. Awdry
Percy and Gordon take unexpected trips, James reluctantly gives Toby a push, then the Fat Controller takes eight engines made famous in books to an…
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1959 · Reverend W. Awdry
Sir Handel's thoughtlessness causes Peter Sam to have an accident, Skarloey returns and he and Rusty each rescue Duncan after he makes foolish…
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1960 · Reverend W. Awdry
When the line gets busier a new engine is ordered, but a pair of mischievous twins arrive instead and cause a great deal of confusion.
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1961 · Reverend W. Awdry
While Thomas is being repaired after his pride gets him in trouble, a very difficult diesel engine named Daisy replaces him and causes Percy to make…
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1962 · Reverend W. Awdry
Peter Sam and Sir Handel receive special new parts, while Duncan gets only an extra run and sulks over the lack of attention. Duncan's mood changes…
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Buy on Amazon1962 · Reverend W. Awdry
Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine is a book in The Railway Series written by Reverend W. Awdry, featuring a real locomotive named Stepney, which was also…
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1972 · Reverend W. Awdry
Tramway engines by Reverend W. Awdry features stories set on Thomas' Branch Line, including the adventures of Percy's Woolly Bear and Toby's…
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Buy on AmazonThe Three Railway Engines / James the Red Engine / Troublesome Engines
1982 · Reverend W. Awdry
The book is a two-volume set issued together in a matching slipcase, titled The Railway Stories, and contains a collection of 25 stories. It was…
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1984 · Christopher Awdry
James initially believes diesels are not normal and should not be used, but after a diesel engine rescues him on a cold day, he comes to recognize…
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1985 · Christopher Awdry
Sir Handel and Peter Sam learn a lesson in patience, while Duncan brings drinks to boy scouts working near the railroad tracks. Sir Handel also…
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1993 · Christopher Awdry
Toby and Percy assist after Mavis has an accident, an incident partly caused by the actions of other trucks. Later, some trucks help teach a rude…
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1996 · Christopher Awdry
Daisy, Percy, and Toby each face challenges while Thomas is away, but they work together to keep things running smoothly. They continue their duties…
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Buy on AmazonYear unknown · Reverend W. Awdry
Four Little Engines is a book in The Railway Series by Reverend W. Awdry, first published in 1955. It was inspired by the author's experiences…
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Duck and the Diesel Engine (Railway)
Year unknown · Reverend W. Awdry
A visit from the City of Truro, a famous diesel engine, has Duck feeling proud and Gordon feeling envious, but when a new diesel causes trouble, Duck…
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Duke, the Lost Engine (Railway)
Year unknown · Reverend W. Awdry
An engine named Duke has been lost in his own shed for twenty-two years after a landslide. He is eventually dug out and repaired thanks to the young…
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Year unknown · Christopher Awdry
Thomas helps the police, Percy helps a postman, and Duck accidentally helps Henry. The engines all work together to pull a heavy load while Gordon is…
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Year unknown · Christopher Awdry
Rheneas experiences difficulties with slippery rails, while Peter Sam shares a story about becoming ill in Wales. The newest engine joins the railway…
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Frequently asked questions
What order should I read the The Railway Series books in?
Read them in publication order — the list above is sorted by first publication where known, starting with “The Three Railway Engines”.
How many books are in the The Railway Series series?
We list 44 books by Reverend W. Awdry , published between 1945–2001.
Where can I buy the The Railway Series books?
Each title above links to Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.
More series like The Railway Series
Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.