SILVERHILL, Ala. — Somehow, the island of Sodor is coming to Silverhill.

If that does not mean anything to you, fine. But, if you have a youngster or a nearly grown person in the house, they are probably hearing train whistles in their head.

Thomas the Tank Engine is the locomotive hero of many of the late Rev. Wilbert Vere Awdry’s (often known as Rev. W. Awdry) “Railway Series” stories.

Awdry told the first stories about the trains on the island of Sodor to his son, Christopher in 1943 to soothe the youngster when he was ill. The elder Awdry later published the stories. His second book, “Thomas the Tank Engine” was about a brash, cheeky little blue engine that wanted more important jobs on the island. Eventually, Thomas gets his own “branch line.” In all, there are 26 books about the trains of Sodor written by Awdry. And there are another set of books written by his son, Christopher. Yes, the same Christopher the “Railway” stories were written for.

In 1984, a British producer, Britt Allcroft, came across the “Railway” stories and mortgaged just about everything she had to create a video adaptation of the stories, featuring Thomas. The gentle stories that often contain a message about good behavior were just as much a hit with other youngsters as they were with the young Christopher.

The rest is history. “Thomas and Friends” as the series was eventually called, became one of the most popular children’s shows, with fans in the United Kingdom, the United States, India and Japan, making Thomas one of the most famous locomotives in the world.

And he’s coming to Silverhill.

To the Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway on Smiley Street, actually. He will be at the resort April 24-25, May 1-2, and May 8-9. Full details can be found at Wales West’s Web site, waleswest.com. Tickets are $18, plus tax $14 plus tax for groups of 20 or more and can be obtained from Wales West or on-line at www.ticketweb.com or by calling 866.468.7630. People needing information should call Wales West at 988-8163.

Ann Zadnichek, one of Wales West’s owners, could not be happier.

“I love the nurturing part of the stories, the way the trains have personality. Some of the trains have difficult personalities and can be difficult. The stories teach you how to deal with difficult people. It really teaches life lessons,” Zadnichek said.

Zadnichek says that in addition to the ride with Thomas, (the train leaves every 45 minutes for the 25-minute ride and the train can hold 114 passengers) there will be a play table with coloring and other art projects, temporary tattoos, videos of Thomas and Friends, and Sir Topham Hatt, who runs the railway Thomas works for. Cameras are welcome, but there will be professional photographers on hand to get shots of youngsters with Thomas or Sir Topham Hatt. Youngsters can ride the resort’s 7 1/2 inch train, and at least one local model train club will have a demonstration. More activities are being planned, so it’s best to go to the Web site for more information.

“And there will be a retail tent with Thomas stuff,” said Zadnichek. She added that all the activities except for what is in the retail tent, food and the professional photography are covered by the admission price. While the ride with Thomas (Thomas is pushed by Dame Anne, the Wales West locomotive or by Gareth, the Wales West diesel locomotive. Thomas’ eyes work and he will “toot.”) is 25 minutes, the activities will take several hours to complete.

“There are no words to express the enjoyment of kids 2 to 6 years old when they see Thomas,” said Zadnichek.

In addition to the “Day Out With Thomas,” Wales West is hosting a “steam up” March 27 and 28. Call Wales West for times and admission prices, but there will be a display of old tractors, vintage automobiles, and locomotive whistles will sound.

The resort also hosts Bluegrass and Gospel concerts Tuesday and Friday nights though March. Admission is $5 donations, and refreshments are included. There will be a train ride at 9 p.m.

The railroad will also have the “Cottontail Express” in March through April. featuring rides with a very tall rabbit for Easter.

“We have a good time seeing everyone react to the trains,” said Zadnichek.