Recitals From The Railway

Recitals From The Railway (鉄道リサイタル, Tetsudō Risaitaru), is a Japanese animated television series and is the 23rd entry from the World Masterpiece Theatre line up (At the time called House Foods World Masterpiece Theatre) and is produced by Nippon Animation. The television series aired alongside Romeo's Blue Skies between 1995 to 1996. The series is loosely based upon The Railway Series by the Rev, Wilbert Awdry and was released in honour of the series 50th anniversary.

SYNOPSIS
Taking elements and plots from the original Railway Series, the series takes place between the late 1940s to early 1950s. On the Island Of Sodor, there is a home of railways and railroad life with trains galore. It is all run by the strict, but well-meaning Sir Topham Hatt. Each driver and conductor on the railway has a train that reflects who they are, but they all have a desire to be really useful and reliable. Each episode focuses on the main seven characters journey to achieving their goals.

RAILWAY DRIVERS
Thomas Benjamins/Tōmasu Benjaminzu (Voiced By: Keiko Toda): The main protagonist of the series. At the beginning of the series Thomas is a driver in training at the age of 12, who is working to support his new family after the untimely death of his parents. Thomas is an optimistic driver who likes a bit of cheekiness and mischief, but that doesn't mean he is free from priorities, as he still strives for perfection and makes sure that everything goes well. He can also shown as a result to be sarcastic and fussy and feels the older drivers don't understand him. His birthday is December 10th (Sagittarius) and his number is 1.

Edward Aldrinson/Edowādo Orudorinson (Voiced By: Yasuhiro Takato): A major protagonist of the series. Edward is one of the oldest drivers on the railway. His age isn't specified but he is stated to be between the age of 49 - 54. Edward serves as a surrogate mentor for Thomas and is described as a very wise, mature and compassionate engine who wants to help and protect every single one of his family and friends. He is also one to give lots of advice to his friends, due to his high amount of experience on the railway and being in similar situations as them. However, he still doesn't have much self-confidence, due to him being known to be "Old-fashioned" by other drivers and conductors. His birthday is September 2nd (Virgo) and his number is 2.