A long-lost and restored version of the pilot episode of "Thomas & Friends," the beloved children's animated series featuring steam trains, is set to make its first public appearance since 1983. This special episode, titled "Down The Mine," will be released online to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the iconic Thomas the Tank Engine franchise. Originally narrated by Beatles drummer Sir Ringo Starr, the series has been a cherished part of children's entertainment for decades. The journey of Thomas the Tank Engine began in 1945 with the publication of a book, which laid the foundation for what would become a long-running television series. "Thomas & Friends" officially aired from 1984 until 2021, capturing the hearts of young audiences worldwide. The original pilot episode, which was filmed on 35mm, has been rediscovered and digitally updated. Fans of the series will be able to view it on YouTube at 18:00 BST on Friday. This restored footage features Sir Ringo Starr's narration alongside a slightly altered musical arrangement of the theme tune, crafted by the series' longtime composer, Mike O'Donnell. Ian McCue, the series producer from 2010 to 2020, shared with BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the team "stumbled across" the original film cans in storage. They meticulously restored the footage, piecing it together with great care. McCue explained that the pilot episode was crucial in ironing out technical issues before the series officially launched. He noted that there were challenges, such as smoke effects and radio control device malfunctions, which were resolved through this test run. Despite these early hurdles, McCue believes the pilot possesses a "lovely charm and innocence," maintaining the timeless quality of the Thomas stories. Initially broadcast on ITV, "Thomas & Friends" later moved to networks like Cartoon Network, Nick Jr, Channel 5, and now finds a home on Netflix. McCue attributes the show's enduring appeal to its evolution while staying true to core themes of friendship and teamwork. These elements, coupled with its wholesome storytelling, have made it a trusted show for parents. Roberto Stanichi from Mattel, which owns the Thomas franchise, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the joy and life lessons the series has brought to multiple generations. As part of the 80th-anniversary celebration, previously unseen footage and stories will be unveiled, offering both longtime fans and new viewers a chance to reconnect with Thomas's adventures. In addition to releasing the pilot episode, the franchise plans to auction original pieces from its history to commemorate this milestone. Fans and collectors will have the opportunity to bid on artwork and props from the stop-motion scenes that aired in 1984. Notably, items signed by celebrities who have voiced characters over the years, such as Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne, and Hugh Bonneville, will be available. The proceeds from this auction, open for registration now with bidding beginning on May 12th, will be donated to the National Autistic Society. This initiative not only celebrates the legacy of Thomas the Tank Engine but also contributes to a meaningful cause, reinforcing the series' tradition of sharing valuable life lessons and fostering community spirit.