Clarence Reginald Dalby (born in 1904 in Leicester) was the first illustrator of the Railway Series by W.V. Awdry. 1904 (MCMIV) was a leap year starting on a Friday (link will take you to calendar). ... Leicester city centre, looking towards clock tower Leicester (pronounced ) is the largest city in the English East Midlands. ... Map showing the railways on the fictional Island of Sodor (click to enlarge). ... The Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry, OBE, (June 15, 1911 – March 21, 1997) was a clergyman, railway enthusiast and childrens author, best known as the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine. ...

History

He illustrates books The Three Railway Engines (re-illustrated) to Percy the Small Engine. Although Dalby's illustrations didn't entirely satisfy the author, and errors in detail caused all kinds of problems, his pictures - with their bold lines, lively energy and bright, gem-like colours - quickly caught the imagination of young readers and he undoubtfully set the style for the series. Dalby died, aged 79, in 1983 Percy the Small Engine Percy the Small Engine is a fictional living and talking steam engine from the childrens television series, Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, and The Railway Series books written by the Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry and his son, Christopher Awdry. ... 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...