The TRUE Story Of The Flying Kipper

A small breakdown of the events that inspired the classic Thomas & Friends story, "The Flying Kipper."
Any other episodes I should check out? Let me know in the comments!
Original episode:
• The Flying Kipper (GC ...
Sources:
www.wikiwand.com/en/Abbots_Ri...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbots_...
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[@mayclarque4123]

The fact you open this with the theme to “wii sports resort” oddly amuses me. Well done.

[@angelhernandez6679]

yeah

[@greyscarclawcloud863]

love that profile picture

[@angelhernandez6679]

@@greyscarclawcloud863 thx

[@kayenzky]

I like it that Thomas movie

[@greycatturtle7132]

Ye

[@roaenokesyzlak7828]

The Rev. W. Audry himself said that in order to make it into the railway series, every story had to have had happened, to some train, on some railway, somewhere.

[@TheBritFromOz008]

This is conjecture, but I believe the reason for that was so if questioned on it, he could say “this happened, at this time, at this place, so it can happen here”. That worked in Awdry’s favour in Percy’s Predicament; a reader wrote in to say that Percy could not have possibly landed on the truck the way he did, so Awdry sent him a photograph that showed it could.

[@neetard7360]

@@TheBritFromOz008 damn the man really just said "oh really now?" lmfao King shit tbh

[@jonistan9268]

A detail in this episode I love is that they bothered to make Henry's lamps show the correct headcode for a fish train.

[@greycatturtle7132]

Thats interesting

[@WaterCrane]

To extend from that... when he arrives at the harbour, he has a single headlamp on his port side to indicate that he's a "pick-up", although in a goof, he sets off with this light still in place, before it switches to the "fast perishables" configuration in the next scene. The producers really showed their work.

[@VestedUTuber]

During the model era they treated the characters like the locomotives they were, and focused on realism. That all went out the window with the move to CGI.

[@spring626]

So two of Emily's siblings crashed. Time to recreat the story

[@ktsp2538]

That would be a good story though sad in real life

[@Duskypines6]

ye

[@toainsully]

I can imagine the story from Emily's point of view on how she heard that her siblings were involved in the crash

[@Duskypines6]

@@toainsully Emily: my two siblings crashed!" Zuko: That's rough buddy."

[@tmwarthunder1016]

@@toainsully Victor Tanzig should do this

[@toonraider7041]

Frankly, I'm curious to know if a Close Shave for Duck was based on a real accident

[@pheonix__kit-kat897]

Yea it was the reverend W awdry said he based it off that but I don’t know when or how it happened

[@MrNoUsername]

He got it from a page of offbeat accidents in "The Railway Gazette" which means: Yes, the accident was based on a real event, it happened at one of the hull stations instead of a barber's shop

[@toonraider7041]

@@MrNoUsername Interesting! Is there any more info on said event?

[@terencewilliammckenna6121]

@@toonraider7041 Into a coal merchants hut at the end of a siding.

[@toonraider7041]

@@terencewilliammckenna6121 Was there any description of what kinda engine it was, or any photos? I don't actually know the engine names or descriptions, just moreso curious if it was Duck's engine type that was involved

[@casandramedranobock8685]

(Three engines crash in accidents caused by snow which results in the deaths of 13 people ) Thomas:"snow is silly soft stuff! Nothing to it."

[@SIMBAANDKIONPRODUCTIONS759]

underated comment

[@levidarling5107]

Think again Thomas

[@COBO2]

The only overhaul James had after his accident in Thomas and Breakdown Train was that his wooden brakes were replaced by metal one. And he was repainted red.

[@ktsp2538]

And of course regular maintenance

[@COBO2]

@@ktsp2538 Um 😶 yes

[@robbiewalker2831]

@@COBO2 It is cool that "The Adventure Begins" made up for the "Show don't tell" type of action.

[@LocoMotorinStudios]

This dude literally made me watch an image for 7 minutes

[@ModelTrainMvrco]

haha same!

[@AglassOfHotCoCoProductions]

I mean what do you expect? There is no video of this crash so idk what he would do?

[@Oscar-xj1nd]

@@AglassOfHotCoCoProductions it’s called a joke

[@florjanbrudar692]

@@AglassOfHotCoCoProductions Why would you think there would be a video of the crash?

[@aricgill4605]

I believe I read in the original book when Henry did hit the brake van, the crew was still in there and rather than dying, they were catapulted by the impact and landing in the snow. Not to mention one of them even had a rant at Henry for ruining his cup of cocoa.

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

Yup! A bit of a recurring trend in the RWS books, actually - people can have locomotives nearly kill them by crashing into their residence, place of work, etc, and rather than being shocked that they nearly died, they instead choose to berate the locomotive for ruining their food, drink, or place of work. "You ruined my cocoa" - guard nearly killed in the Flying Kipper "Just look at my breakfast! Now I shall have to make some more!" - housewife in Thomas Comes to Breakfast "You scared all my customers" - a Barber that Duck crashes into.

[@ricky1912]

In true Awdry fashion lol

[@paulblichmann2791]

Well that's called "Irony". Brits were really into it.

[@gamingwithadinata2018]

Train : Derails irl Thomas & Friends : Hippity Hoppity ur derailment is now my property

[@JaysTheManNow]

9:52 That music change though

[@fanofthomas96]

That was completely random.

[@xzijity8867]

Ideas I Have: Thomas and the Breakdown Train Thomas comes to Breakfast James in a Mess Percy Runs Away Old Iron

[@johnshoepack]

PLEASE DO THOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@andrewryan4417]

Good news on the breakfast episode.

[@minty-industrialsteamprodu1747]

I've heard that Thomas and the Special Letter was based on an actual story or rather the accident was. Please do that next

[@gabrielstrainsproductions6541]

It was Based On An LB&SCR E4

[@minty-industrialsteamprodu1747]

@Man With 9000 IQ you know, I believe it was

[@TheBrickGuy7939]

I've heard of that accident and I believe it is this one www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/an-engine-which-ran-off-the-turntable-at-the-southern-news-photo/81615542.

[@leoespinosa1570]

Have you heard of the true events of Old Iron?

[@DanielReyes-nm3lw]

Wat

[@Meteoro_Fugaz]

Old Iron was based on a real event!!!??

[@hulksterish]

No but I am curious

[@terencewilliammckenna6121]

@@hulksterish Yes, based on the "railroad rodeo"

[@J50Tank8905]

Great video! While Henry's crash was serious in nature, it was due to Awdry's desires behind the scenes. He wrote in RWS supporting material, which can be found on the Thomas Wikia, that "Awdry was never satisfied with Henry due to the constant illustration errors with his design, being similar to Gordon. Awdry originally planned to write Henry out of the series, but then later settled on the idea of Henry having a serious accident that would result in a rebuild/redesign. He settled on an actual design (the LMS Black 5), so his artists would have to maintain consistency. He later went back and invented Prototypes and Backstories for the other engines as well. TL:DR: Henry's accident and redesign is the reason Thomas & his Friends are based on Real Engines, all due to Awdry wanting to fix illustration inconsistencies.

[@grantcollins3088]

I saw The Stirling single (Emilys model) and gasped

[@user-cn9sg5fy7k]

Emily kipper

[@c9h5]

@@user-cn9sg5fy7k lmao

[@spamtongspamton9192]

I love the fact w adry actually had henry lay on his side like in the irl crash

[@mattevans4377]

Someone really needs to make a list that we can tick off as we go along....

[@conor-rants-about-stuff]

Well hi cya in 5 years when this is recommended again

[@falfan7.62]

Yea lol

[@iforgotmymoney5823]

Lol

[@springbreezegaming4017]

Same

[@Skyway_Octane]

Lol

[@conor-rants-about-stuff]

Ye Lol I responded to my own comment

[@Yushir_o]

Ive heard of the Abbots Ripton accident before, but I never thought it was the basis for the Flying Kipper, so that’s interesting Good job on the video, man!

[@ivanplevancic]

Just saying that the flying killer theme is amazing 😂. Edit: What have I done.

[@brodster7042]

𝙁𝙡𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧

[@Shadow_Architect]

*flying killer*

[@noobgaming46530]

flying killer

[@MaminakaMrpaperbag]

Emergency Emergency the killer is Flying!

[@al-habsyadisubianto3673]

*f l y i n g k i l l e r*

[@ivanplevancic]

I love these thomas in real life story's very much just saying.

[@lloydi]

Can never unsee the hand pushing Henry into the brake van after someone pointed out to me

[@hulksterish]

I know I wish they didn't do that

[@SSkat4069]

Wow same

[@jkblohm9899]

I love the editing on this, like when you go off and say “You read the title, you know why you’re here”

[@Northern1225]

The problem isn’t just he had steaming issues, it’s hard because welsh coal is very expensive and hard to come by

[@DanTheMan2150AD]

Only discovered you through those Day out with Thomas vids, but you are quickly becoming one of my most watched KZbinrs, keep up the excellent work man.

[@toainsully]

It's amazing how Thomas and Friends accidents are based on true events

[@GomZilla1985]

Thank you so much for making this it’s my favorite episode and I’ve always wanted to know the true story and thanks to you I now know :)

[@ZackRoome]

Yes, thank you for continuing this. I commented on the gordon one but this is such a good history lesson

[@cloneengineer5141]

This... this is my favorite channel now

[@yankeedoodle7365]

I keep seeing these episodes and just having nostalgia of these episodes

[@onceomegas3851]

Of all the Thomas episodes I watched as a kid, this is the one that I remember most.

[@barretwallace398]

How about the true story behind Bad Look-out in Mountain Engines?

[@TheOnePhun211]

Nice to see the real stories being shown on this channel, Good to get a little history in the ol' noggin 😄 Again, love the way these videos are put together as well!

[@timostudios]

Amazing videos as always

[@michelleswondrousvideos2784]

“Crewe. We all knew what that meant.” “With those few words, he sentenced Henry to death.”

[@SSkat4069]

So im not the only person here who understands “the flying killer”

[@greycatturtle7132]

@@SSkat4069 this gives me shed 17 flashbacks...

[@ivanplevancic]

Next you should make a real life story on rusty and the boulder 😂

[@theboundless05]

Lmao

[@MaminakaMrpaperbag]

Is the Killer still flying?

[@BlueberryTucker]

yes

[@alexanderchapman5542]

I miss THIS kind of Thomas series.

[@sir.confident]

An amazing story! You've just earned a subscriber.

[@SodorTrain1225]

The engine pulling the express train is Emily's basis. Hope she didn't get hurt too badly.

[@FullMetalFab]

I always loved seeing the breakdown train in the older episodes.

[@joshvirsandhu9359]

how sad. I never would have thought that this happened, or that the story and the episode. Thanks for educating me on this stuff! l love your videos on real life events, like when a big boy crashes, and down the mine.

[@ItsTrainBoy]

Thank you so much my man! The real life basis of the stories has always stuck out to me, it makes me appreciate the older stories more and it’s great to know that you guys like to see it! :)

[@joshvirsandhu9359]

@@ItsTrainBoy no problem man

[@ThatE4]

Fat controller * sends Henry to crewe * * me wondering who he saw there * :p

[@cash3328]

Man I love your content all your videos are great thank you for being great

[@walruscrazy4390]

The Nostalgia hits right in the heart with Wii Games Music and Thomas

[@mmmrrreeeooowwwthecat8183]

Would you look at that, Edit: the inspiration for Old Iron would be nice

[@king_of_suddery]

By far your best video.

[@Farside2020]

This. This is why Thomas the Tank Engine and RWS books are important in their original context: Railroading history, told in the form of an engaging story - with occasionally inferred morals/lessons thrown in for children (and sometimes adults,) to grown and think on. Even better is when there's a larger, somewhat subtler narrative woven in - like Henry's arc (from being shut in the tunnel to "Super Rescue" in the books,) for example. Another important trait the RWS books and T&F Series had (for at least the first four or five seasons of the show anyway,) was their refusal to talk "down" to children. Both mediums were realistic without being too blunt or upsetting (you'll notice in both that no major accidents ever involve coaches or passengers - regardless of the real-world incidents they're based on,) and both were fun without being mindlessly pandering or condescending. Regardless of what Mattel's current/future plans are for the franchise, they could still do something great if they take these things to heart with their storytelling. Will they? That's entirely up to them, and doesn't seem likely based on what we know at the time of writing this. They're a global toy manufacturer looking to sell a product to children. Not saying that's inherently wrong per se (I mean, Britt Alcroft and Ertl/Learning Curve/Hornby, etc. were all basically doing the same to begin with,) but rather that they have a transparent goal: profit by marketing their franchise to a modern audience of children. It's clear that they see a trend of said demographic leaning towards shows/apps/games that are using whatever formula they're trying to emulate - thus their change of course to what we're seeing now. Things happen in the business world differently from what would otherwise be logical to we the audiences of the world (for a big corporation, safe & lazy = consistent profit, and all that jazz.) It's happened to a lot of properties that made bank during the 80's and 90's - Star Wars being a prime example - and it's hard to say what will change this mentality - if anything... but I digress. TL:DR - Great video, that brings attention back to what made the Thomas stories so valuable/memorable/etc. in the first place. Keep it up!

[@iandean7129]

I immediately starting smiling and laughing as soon as I heard the wii sports resort music. Well done. And I love this series

[@SteamLance]

Presumably the accident that made railway companies begin to change to upper quadrant signals (ones where the arm goes up 45 degrees into the "upper quadrant" and the aspects are the the left of arm), as if snow forced them down they'd be in the danger or on position.

[@tad7441]

What do you want to see next? Percy Takes the Plunge or A Close Shave

[@killakanzgaming]

Incidentally, this incident is also the reason why several railways in the UK swapped to "upper quadrant" signals, the type that points diagonally upwards to show clear instead of downwards. If snow was weighing the signal arm down, it would stay at danger instead of clear.

[@JoblyJohnny]

YES I WAITED FOR THIS!

[@A_penguin_from_matmart4928]

Hello five year older me! This for when this blows up in 4 or more years later.

[@TrainznProgress]

Hey 3 years!!

[@dankerthanclanker]

Nice to see you're experimenting with editing. The V.O is a little low compared to the start of the video and clipped a little too tightly in places, but you're making good progress.

[@mariafelixberumen6830]

I love train boy,s videos

[@JeremyOrangeHedgehog]

amazing story and research 👏

[@robbiewalker2831]

10:41: I wouldn't say "dumb down for the kids", I'd say "recollect their thoughts". I mean, the story in of itself didn't have much humans in major injuries, just Henry's driver. It would take a while for Henry to repair, but also have to get new parts to make up for how defective he was. Sure, he has a similar build to Gordon at some point, but Henry need a new firebox.

[@Sam-gm1ro]

It’s said that that Rev. Awdry first chose to crash Henry because he disliked the way Dalby, the original illustrator, drew Henry - he wanted Henry to look more like a Black 5.

[@thestarlightalchemist7333]

Oh my god, the MHA references were genius! Great episode! Also, was there a real story behind Edward's Exploit? I think that would make a neat, and less sad episode.

[@averytubestudios]

0:22 Combining the 2 biggest pieces of nostalgia for me, Thomas and Wii Sports Resort, worth a sub. Thanks.

[@djdamet]

That would make a great episode

[@nikolausbautista8925]

And somehow, EVERYBODY Ignored the chap at the Docks, looking almost straight at the camera, who has a striking resemblance to the 1st Mister Conductor/Ringo Starr!!! (Facepalms in ALL common Facepalming Characters - across Television and Film!)

[@GrimTheDragonLord7]

"to be o v e r h a u l e d" *laughs in Weeb*

[@flamingpit1232]

*laughs in Woody*

[@yurrrgang]

That Overhaul reference was unexpected but funny nonetheless.

[@Caledon91]

Lower quadrant signals (down=go/up=stop), can be weighed down by snow and will default to all clear even if it's set at danger. Upper quadrant signals (down=stop/up=go), will default to danger in the event a signal is weighed down, broken, etc. Incidences similar to the Flying Kipper lead to real life railroads to adopt upper quadrant signals as a failsafe. The RWS and T&F also focused on this transition with "Percy and the Signal" where a new upper quadrant signal confuses Percy. Despite this, later episodes of the series (mainly the CGI series) will go back to showing Sodor using lower quadrant signals.

[@Trent_The_Trainiac]

Yay, I always wondered what crash the flying kipper was based off of. 🤩

[@strategicgamingwithaacorns2874]

Based on _The Flying Kipper_ I'd have expected an incident where one freight train had rear-ended another.

[@lemmythebulldog8812]

James In a Mess I wonder if there’s ever been an accident like that one

[@JumbleJammyJokes]

I’ve always wondered ... in ‘The Flying Kipper’ the driver and fireman had to go back to their engine, but the guard didn’t really need to leave as he was already set up in the brakevan. I’m pretty sure the guard is dead.

[@amyrodgers4252]

Well, apparently not, actually. I forget where it said this but the guard was catapulted out of the brakevan the moment Henry crashed into it. He landed in a big pile of snow, unharmed but with a couple minor bruises.

[@JumbleJammyJokes]

@@amyrodgers4252 Phew that’s lucky. Though I do wonder the amount of lawsuits Sir Topham Hatt has to go through 😂

[@razorvolare]

Why is the Flying Kipper SO CURSED?

[@BrakeCoach]

If you want more stories that were based off of real events or similar events happened to the stories, you should check this out: www.trlottte.com/database.htm it has all Wilbert Awdry stories with its real-life counterparts

[@cheesechannel4075]

i was feeling the low mood throughout the story, listening and taking it in, and forethought shows up and Delfino Square. Massive mood flip. But i cant be mad, Delfino Square is one of the greatest Mariokart tracks and one of the greatest songs, how could i

[@stran2491]

I never knew, thanks!

[@IvanKNIGHTFROGSROCK]

man abbots ripton, huntingdon, stukely, peterborough, this is all where i grew up lol in cambridgeshire! (peterborough isnt but its just outside). hearing an american (im presuming u r (correct me if im wrong)) talk about all these places in my home area is quite cool cos i had no idea all this stuff happened here.

[@MarvelMTs]

Okay that Wii Sports Resort Theme was an unexpected but great surprise

[@kindcake]

That camera shot with the trees and the snowy hills and the train on the tracks reminds me of union Pacific Sherman Hill route from Cheyenne Wyoming to Laramie Wyoming in a winter sunset or at sunrise

[@trainmaster36productions]

That Wii Sports Resort music brings back them memories!

[@cheekybluee2]

Can you do Percy takes the plunge Percy runs away or Percy’s predicament

[@Cooloom]

Is it just me or does this guy like Percy?

[@telocvomin]

@@Cooloom I see nothing wrong with that

[@hulksterish]

Both are true

[@shauntempley9757]

Percy takes the plunge may be based on the Tangiwai Disaster on Christmas Eve 1953.

[@telocvomin]

@@shauntempley9757 maybe but I doubt it was that accident maybe another train fell in the water

[@Wolfric_Rogers]

0:58, Henry's tender only has 4 wheels!

[@FlyingScotFilms]

Was there a basis for Thomas and Gordon? Or maybe old iron? Another great one would be Oliver accident in the turntable ( I’m too big brained to remember the episodes name)

[@terencewilliammckenna6121]

Yes

[@ezrapotter4631]

1:06 that’s a crew member’s hand to the left

[@SSkat4069]

Wow

[@callumk5]

The book “Red for Danger” by Tom Rolt is full of fascinating stories from the early railways. At times I’m sure the the Rev Awdrey must have read it for inspiration for some of his stories.

[@dom-o-niic342]

I had my notifications on when it went live and i missed it. Wow thx youtube

[@jadethornton7975]

This is also the only episode in Thomas where someone is killed. No other episode ever implies a death except this one.

[@Lukedolan33]

Can you find events that could possibly relate to “A big day for Thomas”?

[@stevenjobswell]

I live in Crewe! I love when it gets mentioned in Thomas.

[@TheAtlantaRailfan]

8:05 what is it with telegraph operators sending I'm busy during an emergency or leading up to one?

[@Cooloom]

Idk if this is based off anything, but I would love an episode about Toby and the flood.

[@motorwayt-s628]

I don't know if the accident was based on anything but the set was apparently inspired by the Elan Valley railway in Whales

[@RCassinello]

A crucial difference between the book and TV versions is that the TV story says that the driver, fireman AND guard were all in the brake van, but only the driver and fireman got out in time - implying that the guard was killed. In the book, it's made clear that the guard survives and is very angry about the spilt cocoa!

[@jurassicsmackdown6359]

I have more in common with Henry than i should, he's my favourite

[@callum110597]

Amazing.

[@JTBJ50S_REAL]

“Just look, just look at these shots! Are you kidding me? That’s some S-rank….um…EVERYTHING!” -TrainBoy, a 18-22 year old person who makes Thomas videos

[@SAWNIX]

I think the story behind edward and gordon is quite interesting despite not being based on a crash

[@MrDanielNewton]

You know, funny enough there was another accident which happened one year after Awdry got his book published, at Torre Station in Devon (South England). The event was strikingly close to the book incident. Like in the book, the points had frozen but no one noticed. A large goods train hammered down the line, skidded into the goods yard and hit the back of another goods train at full force. Amazingly, like in the book, no one was killed, but there were a few broken arms and legs.

[@MrGreatWestern57]

Can you try looking for Thomas comes to breakfast? The story is fascinating but when I learned when all Awdry stories were based on true events, I need to know what inspired that.

[@brianglennon6657]

,Just for visuals this is the best episode ever

[@TheJacobite]

Great video. What about the real story of Oliver's escape?

[@TankEngine97]

I've always wondered what real life event The flying kipper was based on.

[@solidsnake4595]

Fun Fact: Henry's refit was to be made into a Black 5 from a failed real life prototype A1

[@thesilversignal]

This is my new history class.

[@zashamelproductions69420]

So that's why people ship henry and emily Ye I know bad joke