...Not very long ago, in the top left-hand corner of Wales, there was a railway. It wasn't a very long railway or a very important railway, but it was called The Merioneth and Llantisilly Rail Traction Company Limited, and it was all there was. And in a shed, in a siding at the end of the railway, lives the Locomotive of the Merioneth and Llantisilly Rail Traction Company Limited, which was a long name for a little engine so his friends just called him Ivor..." ...And that was how it began, back in 1959: one of Oliver Postgate's most loved creations, Ivor the Engine. It was a series about the Welsh adventures of a little green railway engine and his many friends. But Ivor wasn't an ordinary steam engine. He pretty much wished he was a person and ended up doing things like singing in a choir and swimming in the sea! One season of six, 10 minute, Black and White films was made for and screened by Associated-Red.
Episodes
Episode 1
Ivor the Engine hears the sound of a Welsh choir for the first time, and wants to join in, though he knows this is impossible.
Episode 2
Jones the Steam is concerned that Ivor is not himself. Along with Dai Station, they visit the Chief Engineer, who tells them that Ivor is physically in excellent condition, but that obviously something is bothering him, but what?
Episode 3
Dai the Station has the idea of taking Ivor back to where he first became sad. On the hill above the choir practice, Jones the Steam discovers what is bothering Ivor.
Episode 4
Evans the Song agrees to listen to Ivor's whistle, but it is too weak and rough for the choir. Jones the Steam determines to change Ivor's whistle for proper pipes, capable of making a more pleasant sound.
Episode 5
With the help of all of Ivor's friends, Jones is able to replace Ivor's whistle with three organ pipes donated from the local roundabout. Now all they need is the choir committee and the railway management to agree to Ivor joining the choir.
Episode 6
Evans the Song convinces both the choir committee and the railway bosses, and Ivor joins the choir.
Top Cast
Oliver Postgate
Narrator (voice)
Anthony Jackson
Dai Station / Evans the Song / Mr. Dinwiddy
Olwen Griffiths
Idris the Dragon / Mrs. Griffiths / Mrs. Porty
