I remember telling my kids how much better TV was when I was young. So to prove my point a player them a random episode of the Ringo Star series if Thomas the Tank. After about 10 minutes my kids were horrified because the Fat Controller was burying Gordon alive (!!) because Gordon didn’t want rain on his new paintwork.

After that I realised maybe kids shouldn’t be exposed to the weird shit people thought was ok in the 80s.

That story is an original from Rev. W. Audry (my grandmother bought a lot of those books for me as a child, I specifically remember that story and Gordon being imprisoned until he accepted his lot in "life").

It wasn't just okay in the 80s / early 90s, it comes from waaaay before then.

I think you mean Henry (the episode is The Sad Story of Henry). Gordon is the "oh the indignity" guy.

I still haven't settled the nature of free will and determinism, aka who's actually controlling the trains, them or their drivers?

Do NOT watch Shed 17 to find out the secrets of Sodor