Learning that Britt Allcroft, the creator of the Thomas and Friends TV series, passing away wasn’t exactly the news I’d hear before my birthday.

I would say that her impact amongst railfans through adapting the Reverend W. Awdry’s Railway Series should be not be forgotten. Especially how it affects railway preservation. If we weren’t introduced to trains with the right formula of wonderful stories and characters, it would have been harder to find volunteers or employees to work on heritage railroads around the world.

So thank you, Ms. Allcroft, for your impact on this generation of railfans such as myself. Your legacy will not be forgotten for generations to come.