Thomas the Tank Engine "Down the Mine" (partially found pitch pilot version of British children's TV series episode; 1983): Difference between revisions

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{{InfoboxLost
{{InfoboxLost
|title=<center>Thomas and Friends: "Down the Mine" (pitch pilot version)</center>
|title=<center>"Down the Mine" (pitch pilot version)</center>
|image=DowntheMine65.png
|image=DowntheMine65.png
|imagecaption=The aforementioned shot of Thomas' pilot model, from the final aired version of the episode.
|imagecaption=Shot from the final episode that appears to have originated from the pilot.
|status=<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
|status=<span style="color:orange;">'''Partially Found'''</span>
}}
}}
In the early 1980s, ''Thomas and Friends'' was being pitched to several networks. A test pilot was made of what would later become the 25th episode, '''"Down the Mine"'''. According to pilot editor Micheal Dixon, this was nothing like the final episode, with fewer characters, smaller sets, and flatter lighting.
In the early 1980s, ''Thomas & Friends'' was being pitched to several networks. '''A test pilot was made of what would later become the 25th episode, "Down the Mine"'''. According to pilot editor Micheal Dixon, this was nothing like the final episode, with fewer characters, smaller sets, and flatter lighting.


Nothing of this pilot version has surfaced, however, a single shot in the final aired version of the episode seems to be have been reused from the pilot. When Thomas passes Knapford station, his model appears to be much more simplistic than the one used in the series. The main differences being the paint on his front splasher appears to be missing the red lining, his siderods seem more toy-like in appearance and his face is different compared to the one used.
Nothing of this pilot version has surfaced except for a single shot in the final aired version which seems to be have been reused from the pilot. When Thomas passes Knapford station, his model appears to be much more simplistic than the one used in the series, the main differences being the paint on his front splasher appearing to be missing the red lining, his siderods seeming more toy-like in appearance and his face being different compared to the one used.


Images of the pilot version of Gordon, by model maker Christopher Noulton, can be seen in an interview by Sodor Island Fansite.<ref>[http://www.sodor-island.net/episodeguide/chrisnoulton.html Crewmember Spotlight on: Christopher Noulton.] Retrieved 29 Dec '13.</ref> The pilot model of Gordon was apparently revamped for use as a standby model in the second season of ''Thomas''. Eventually, however, it was dismantled and used as engine scrap set dressing.
Images of the pilot version of Gordon, by model maker Christopher Noulton, can be seen in an interview by Sodor Island Fansite.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120513082313/http://www.sodor-island.net/episodeguide/chrisnoulton.html Archived Sodor Island Fansite interview of Christopher Noulton.] Retrieved 19 Jan '20</ref> The pilot model of Gordon was apparently revamped for use as a standby model in the second season of ''Thomas & Friends''. Eventually, however, it was dismantled and used as engine scrap set dressing. According to Britt Alcrott the pilot was a showcase of how the story will be told because the rights were already bought.


==References==
==Gallery==
<references/>
{{Video|perrow  =2
  |service1    =youtube
  |id1          =fbQoExyirJs
  |description1 =Footage of the pilot from the broadcast version of the episode.
  |service2    =youtube
  |id2          =l0QDKzaEMYY
  |description2 =Video talking about the subject and providing updated information.
}}
 
==Reference==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Lost TV]]
[[Category:Lost TV]]
[[Category:Partially found media]]

Revision as of 00:51, 5 December 2020

DowntheMine65.png

Shot from the final episode that appears to have originated from the pilot.

Status: Partially Found

In the early 1980s, Thomas & Friends was being pitched to several networks. A test pilot was made of what would later become the 25th episode, "Down the Mine". According to pilot editor Micheal Dixon, this was nothing like the final episode, with fewer characters, smaller sets, and flatter lighting.

Nothing of this pilot version has surfaced except for a single shot in the final aired version which seems to be have been reused from the pilot. When Thomas passes Knapford station, his model appears to be much more simplistic than the one used in the series, the main differences being the paint on his front splasher appearing to be missing the red lining, his siderods seeming more toy-like in appearance and his face being different compared to the one used.

Images of the pilot version of Gordon, by model maker Christopher Noulton, can be seen in an interview by Sodor Island Fansite.[1] The pilot model of Gordon was apparently revamped for use as a standby model in the second season of Thomas & Friends. Eventually, however, it was dismantled and used as engine scrap set dressing. According to Britt Alcrott the pilot was a showcase of how the story will be told because the rights were already bought.

Gallery

Footage of the pilot from the broadcast version of the episode.

Video talking about the subject and providing updated information.

Reference