News & Reviews News Britt Allcroft, ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ TV producer, dies at 81

Britt Allcroft, ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ TV producer, dies at 81

By Mitch Horner | January 7, 2025

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Britt Allcroft, best known for her television adaptation of Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s Railway Series characters, which introduced a new audience to characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine, has passed away at age 81.

thomas the tank engine with bubbles on it
Mattel image

Born Hilary Allcroft in West Sussex, England, Allcroft was a successful television producer prior to her involvement with the Thomas the Tank Engine series. While involved with the production of a documentary on British railroading, she met Rev. W Awdry, creator of The Railway Series. She expressed an admiration for the characters created by the Reverend, and they reached an agreement to bring the characters of his series to television. This agreement resulted in Thomas the Tank Engine series and subsequent projects.

The news of her death came on January 3rd in a social media post from documentary filmmaker Brannon Carty, which stated in part: “It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of Britt Allcroft.” 

Allcroft passed away in Los Angeles, California on December 25th, 2024.

5 thoughts on “Britt Allcroft, ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ TV producer, dies at 81

  1. sorry for the double post but Firecrown said not to post since it was a double yet what do we have anyhow, technology!!!

  2. It was great fun watching Thomas with my kids and made seeing the first “Thomas” at Nene Valley Railway outside Peterbourgh England named by the dear Rev. himself. Ms. Allcroft you have left a great legacy, Thank You!

  3. I will have to admit watching Thomas and Ringo Starr when my kids were of that age. It was great fun and made seeing the first “Thomas” at Nene Valley Railway outside Peterbourgh England named by the dear Rev. himself. Ms. Allcroft you have left a great legacy, Thank You!

  4. I owe my love of trains to Britt Allcroft, the Awdry family, and Thomas the Tank Engine. Rest In Peace.

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