Lionel Thomas Caswall Rolt (February 11, 1910 - May 9, 1974) was a British engineer, automobile racer, historian and author; famous for his contributions to railway and canal boat preservation. His largest claim to fame was his role as one of the founding members of the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society
the world's very first volunteer ran historic railway. His 1953 book on the railway's first few years of preservation Railway Adventure would be partially adapted in The Railway Series in "Gallant Old Engine" which would later in turn be adapted in Thomas & Friends in an episode of the same name (Thomas the Tank Engine's creator Rev. Wilbert Awdry was also a member of the Talyllyn Railway and associate of Rolt's). Within The Railway Series itself, The Thin Controller and Mr. Ivo Hugh both take influence from Rolt alongside other people involved in the Talyllyn Railway (notably Hugh Jones and John Bate). In addition news of Rolt and the Talyllyn Railway's early years in preservation would serve as the inspiration for Ealing Studios' The Titfield Thunderbolt.
But... don't dismiss Rolt immediately as just an inspiration for talking train children's stories. The man was an accomplished writer, putting out books on history, engineering, biographies and even dabbling in horror in his 1948 anthology collection Sleep No More. In addition he helped establish the Prescott Speed Hill Climb event, and had also worked at the production line in Crewe building Merlin engines for the Spitfire & Mustang airplanes during WWII.
Rolt's personal life highlighted his love of history and preservation, including his first marriage to Angela Orred who was his partner in canal boating. After their separation Rolt married another canal boat enthusiast Sonia who supported his writing aspirations; and after his death Sonia Rolt continued to maintain a leadership role in Britain's Inland Waterways Association ultimately leading to her being admitted as on Officer to the Order of the British Empire.
After his death various accolades and memorials for Rolt in the industrial preservation sector have been given in his honor. This includes a bridge built in 1999 over one of the canals that inspired his book Narrow Boat and a 1991 rebuild of a steam locomotive on the Talyllyn Railway which bears Rolt's name.
