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Thomas the Tank Engine author gets blue plaque

A replica of Thomas the Tank Engine. It is a blue model steam train with a grey smiley face on the front. NurPhoto/Getty

Did you know that Thomas the Tank Engine is 80 years old? Yes, rail-y!

The famous engine was originally created by Reverend Wilbert Awdry, whose Thomas & Friends books then became a TV series.

So to celebrate the milestone, Rev Awdrey's former home will be honoured with a blue plaque.

Blue plaques are given to important figures from the past and the buildings where they lived.

A black and white photo of Reverend Wilbert Awdry. He is an elderly man with fair, short hair. He is wearing a shirt, tie and a blazer. He is holding a small model of Thomas the Tank Engine, a children's steam train character. It has a smiley face.Getty Images

Reverend Awdrey lived in Stroud in Gloucestershire, which is where the plaque will be hung.

The author died in 1997, but his daughter Veronica says she is "delighted" that her father is being "honoured".

How good is your Tank trivia?

Thomas the tank engine replica pulls real yellow carriages along a track. Either side are green fields and hill in the background. Manabu Takahashi/Getty

Thomas the Tank Engine is now global. Check out this train in Japan!

Did you know?

  • The series has had royal appearances! Prince Harry introduced a special episode of Thomas the Tank Engine to mark its 75th anniversary.

  • The books were inspired by a real railway in Wales. It's called the Talyllyn Railway and Rev Awdrey was a volunteer there.

  • A six-foot tall replica of Thomas was made out of CHOCOLATE and displayed in London. It took 250 hours to build!

  • The original 26 book series has now inspired toys, theme parks and TV shows.