Definitely worth a read...
https://thebeautyoftransport.com/2017/12/20/seasonal-special-the-great-pretender-ivor-the-engine-itv-and-bbc-1959-c-1977/
I couldn't agree more. I absolutely love 'Ivor the Engine' and its portrayal of an (admittedly romanticised) life in the Welsh valleys when narrow gauge railways were at the heart of the community.
'Thomas the Tank Engine' is amusing enough, but a bit Old Testament in its mix of transgressions, judgments and punishments!
Cheers, NeMo