Thomas & Friends is releasing the original, never-before-seen 1983 pilot episode of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends on YouTube for the first time ever. PEOPLE has a sneak peek at the special ...

Rediscovered Thomas the Tank Engine Pilot Is Released The episode, from 1983, was found in storage by accident. It was restored and made available for viewing for the first time on Friday.

In April 1983, filming began on the pilot episode of one of television’s most enduring and iconic children’s shows, “ Thomas & Friends.” The pilot, titled “Down the Mine,” was a success.