List of Thomas the Tank Engine characters

This is a complete list of characters who have appeared in Thomas the Tank Engine in order of appearance.

"Coffee Pots"
The Tidmouth, Knapford and Elsbridge Railway eventually became part of the North Western Railway, and was constructed with the help of the young Sir Topham Hatt, who also designed four small 0-4-0 tank engines with vertical boilers that were nicknamed "Coffee Pots". These engines were used by the North Western Railway to pull trucks from Anopha Quarry, but were worn out soon after Thomas was given charge of their branchline and withdrawn. They were not very well-documented, and were never even photographed before they were scrapped.

10751
10751 was the diesel who failed in Gordon the High-Speed Engine, forcing Gordon to take his railtour train.

10751 is based on a BR class 127 built at Metropolitan Cammell in 1959.

10751 is painted in a British Rail "Rail Blue" livery with yellow warning panels.

13
13 is a black saddletank engine with an open cab from the mainland. He is very unlucky, and when he first arrived he caused trouble for Donald and Douglas, had his firebox damaged and stuck in a landslide. The Fat Controller sent him to the Works, and although Donald and Douglas thought that would be the end of him he came back with a bigger firebox, which cured his unluckiness. After his repairs, 13 told Donald and Douglas that he came to Sodor as an unlucky engine, but returned to the mainland as a very lucky engine.

13 wears black livery with red stripes. He has a red "13" painted on each side of his saddletank.

13 presumably has a 0-4-2 wheel arrangement. He vaguely resembles Peter Sam and Stanley, minus a cab roof.

199
D199, nicknamed "Old Reliable" and "Spamcan", is a rude diesel engine.

D199 was built at Derby Works in 1960 and came on trial to Sodor in 1967 with another diesel engine, 7101. D199 soon made himself an enemy of the steam engines when he claimed that "steam engines spoil our image", and was swiftly quietened by 7101 and Duck.

The next day, 199 ironically failed and had to be helped home by Henry. He was soon sent home in disgrace.

D199 was pompous and rude, and sided with the general belief amongst diesels that steam engines are inferior to diesel power.

D199 is based on a BR Class 44 "Peak" 1Co-Co1.

D199 is painted in the British Railway's "Rail Blue" livery with yellow warning panels. D199's rear cab has a headcode reading "AC 10".

31120
31120 is a diesel who appeared in the last illustration of "Fire Escape". His headcode is "1X01", which is odd, as the "X" indicates "Royal Train" or "out-of-gauge load".

31120 is based on a BR Class 31 diesel locomotive, hence his number, built at Brush Traction in 1957.

98462 and 87546
98462 and 87546 are two blue tender engines who visited Sodor in 1922.

When the Reverend W. Awdry received correspondence asking about the other two engines in the shed - the other four being Edward, Henry, Gordon and the red engine - he replied that they were on the railway on trial, but were sent away for being rude and nasty. It is not known what happened to them since the decline of steam.

98462 and 87546 are rude, spiteful, impolite and nasty. Basis

98462 is an LNER B12 and 87546 is an LNER B17.

98462 and 87546 are painted blue with red and yellow lining.

A.J.R. No.1
A.J.R No.1 is a stationary steam crane, that works at the Wharf. It is painted black and has "A.J.R No.1" painted in white on its counterbalance.

Ada, Jane and Mabel
Ada, Jane, and Mabel are three open-sided carriages who where built for the Skarloey Railway while Skarloey was away. Ada was built at Skarloey Railway in 1955, Jane in 1956 and Mabel in 1957. They all arrived on Sodor in 1957.

Ada, Jane, and Mabel are used for tourist traffic when it is sunny. Sir Handel first considered the coaches trucks because they had no roofs.

When a documentary was made about the Skarloey Railway, the three had the honour of carrying the television equipment and cameras. They were later used for the same purpose when a documentary was made about Skarloey and Rheneas' hundredth birthday. They are pulled by Mighty Mac.

Ada, Jane, and Mabel are painted light blue (later cream and green) with their names written on their backs in cursive.

Ada, Jane, and Mabel are based on Talyllyn Railway's carriages 11, 12 and 13.

Adams
Adams, formerly 488, is an engine living on the Bluebell Railway. Stepney mentioned him while talking to Edward about the Bluebell Railway. He and Cromford did not have names then, so the others nicknamed him "Adams", after his maker. According to Stepney, his Controller is unaware of this name change.

"Adams" is currently requiring a new boiler barrel, but he can be seen on display at the Bluebell Railway along with other engines. The Bluebell Railway has not announced an exact date for his return to steam, but it will be several years at the least.

Adams is an LSWR 415 class radial tank engine, built at Robert Stephenson & Co. and designed by William Adamsin March 31st, 1885 for hauling goods. He was withdrawn in July 31st, 1885. His number is 488, previously 0488, EKR 5, 3488, and 30583.

Agnes, Ruth, Lucy, Jemima and Beatrice
Agnes, Ruth, Lucy and Jemima are coaches on the Skarloey Railway, whilst Beatrice is a guard's van. They are all named after Sir Handel Brown's daughters (with exception to Jemima).

The coaches like all the engines, Sir Handel least of all for referring to them as "cattle trucks". They also were mistrustful of Skarloey at first for being bouncy. Agnes is a deep-voiced first-class carriage who looks down on the others, who are third-class. Agnes appears to be the leader of the five. All four coaches look down on Beatrice, and claim that she "smells of fish and cheese". Beatrice is, however, very useful. She has a ticket booth and an emergency buzzer, and sometimes even carries passengers when the coaches are full.

Ruth, Lucy, Jemima and Beatrice are based on the Talyllyn Railway's first, second, third and fifth carriages. Agnes is based on the Talyllyn Railway's "Lulu". Jemima and Beatrice were built at Brown Marshalls in 1865, whilst Ruth, Lucy and Agnes in 1866.

Agnes, Ruth, Lucy and Jemima are painted blue with cream windows. Beatrice is painted all blue.

Alan
Alan was a dark green tank engine with an unusual box shape and a Scottish accent. He is a simple but kind engine who befriended Skarloey when he was young. He had a very horrible accident with his train of coal trucks before withdrawal. He derailed and was killed and smashed to pieces.

Skarloey said Alan was ugly but kind, and they soon became friends.

Alan was painted dark green with "S&M 3" written on his tank sides in yellow.

In Sodor: Reading Between the Lines Christopher Awdry states that Alan's class is unknown. However, he strikingly resembles a Neilson 0-4-0 box tank, a simple and robust class of engine built in Glasgow and sold all over the world. This would explain both his name and his accent.

Alaric
Alaric is a mountain engine mentioned in a conversation between Culdee, Wilfred and Ernest in Mountain Engines. According to them, Alaric is "nice and quiet".

Alaric was built at Winterthur in Switzerland in 1923 to a "super-heat" design. He arrived on Sodor in May 1962.

According to "The Real Lives of Thomas the Tank Engine", he and Eric have been "retired".

Alaric is painted purple with orange lining. In the magazines he is painted brown with red lining.

Alaric is based on the Snowdon Mountain Railway's Ralph, who was originally called "Aylwin" when built in 1923 and renamed "Ralph Sadler", before it was shortened to "Ralph".

Albert
Albert is a red tank engine who worked on the Furness Railway. He worked on the lakeside branch on the Furness Railway with Victoria and Helena. After snow fell on him as he set off with Victoria and Helena from Haverthwaite, he learnt to take more care in wintry conditions.

Albert's character appears to be like that of Thomas - Victoria described him as being gentlemanly and polite.

Albert is painted in the Furness Railway's red livery with "FR" written in yellow on his sides.

Albert is based on the Parker J1 2-4-2 class, rebuilt from the earlier E1 class of 2-4-0 tank engines of 1870, which were built originally by Sharp, Stewart and Co. and designed by Pettigrew. Seven of these were rebuilt into J1s in 1891. None have been preserved.

Albert
Albert is a blue narrow gauge engine built in 1903 that worked along with Duke, Stuart, Falcon, Jim, Tim and Jerry on the Mid-Sodor Railway. Albert is based on a Falcon Hughes loco, like Sir Handel.

Alf
Alf is a narrow gauge diesel, built by Hunslet Engine Co. and designed by Andrew Barclay in 1950, working on the Talyllyn Railway. He uses parts of another engine stored at Brynglas.

Fred is based on him.

Alfie
Alfie is an excavator whose motto is "More help means more dirt; more dirt means more fun!" He loves working hard, and handles even the toughest of jobs with ease, but he can be a really useful excavator.

Alfie is a friendly machine who gets on well with his work and never minds getting dirty or mucky during jobs.

Alfie is painted green with his number painted on his sides and on the back of his cab in white.

Alfie is based on a 1960 K1C10&K excavator.

Algy
Algy is a bus. When he first arrived he teased Bertie, but made up and became friends with him after breaking down. Algy now helps Bertie take passengers around Sodor.

When he first appeared, looked identical to Bertie, but with cream paint and a red stripe. The second and third time he was seen, he had a full cab and a light blue livery with a white stripe. His license plate is ALG85.

Alice
Alice is a young girl that lives near Thomas’ Branch Line on a Farm. She and Thomas are good friends. Thomas was desperate to give her, her birthday present on a rainy day but got blocked by a landslide. With the help of Rosie, she got her present.

Alice and Mirabel
Alice and Mirabel are two Great Western autocoaches pulled by Duck on his branchline. They were rescued from scrap by the Fat Controller, along with Dulcie, and given to Duck to use on the Little Western in 1968. They are to Duck what Annie & Clarabel are to Thomas.

Alice and Mirabel are based on Great Western Railway Suburban coaches and are painted in the Great Western's maroon and cream livery for coaches.

Alicia
When Alicia Botti came to Sodor, Thomas was chosen to take her with Annie and Clarabel. While being cleaned, a strange squeak came from the coaches. It kept up as Thomas went to Brendam and when he arrived, it was found that a small mouse had found it's way into Clarabel's compartment. The mouse was given a mousehole in Tidmouth Sheds, and was named Alicia by Thomas.

Alicia Botti
Alicia Botti is a world-famous Italian opera singer. When she first visited Sodor, Thomas was chosen to take her to the theatre, but after Alicia Botti discovered a mouse in Clarabel and screamed so loudly all the windows in Brendam were shattered, Percy was chosen to take her to the concert.

Amy
Amy is a Coach who operates with Alaric on the Culdee Fell Mountain Railway. Her fate since Alaric’s retirement is unknown.

Angus
Angus is a small red fire engine who works with the Sodor Fire Brigade.

Angus is based on an early Dennis Fire Engine. His license plate is FIRE 34.

Annie and Clarabel
Annie and Clarabel are Thomas' two coaches, whom he loves very much.

The details of Annie and Clarabel's lives up to 1946 are murky. In 1946, they were given to Thomas when he started working his branch line. They have had several adventures, such as losing their guard and becoming runaways.

Annie and Clarabel are respectful of all the engines, most of all Gordon and Thomas. They are Thomas' best friends, and are quick to rebuke him when he gets troublesome.

A coach that was to be the basis for Annie was first built by a teenage Reverend W. Awdry as part of a model railway layout.

Before their rebuild in 1984, they are a pair of bogie coaches (ie each coach is supported on a pair of four-wheeled bogies or "trucks").

Since their rebuild in 1984, they are a pair of four-wheeled coaches; they are rebuilt on a rigid chassis, with fixed axles, told apart by the fact that their names are painted on their sides.

Annie and Clarabel were originally painted orange; they are now painted maroon with a yellow stripe like the rest of the NWR coaches with their names written in white on their sides. They were refurbished in 1998.

Annie and Clarabel's old friend
Annie and Clarabel had an old friend, a coach who appeared in the magazine story An Old Friend. Annie and Clarabel were upset as he was going to be scrapped, but luckily for him a friend of Thomas' driver needed a tool shed, and the Fat Controller allowed him to use the coach as a tool shed.

Arry and Bert
'Arry and Bert are two diesels who work for the Sodor Ironworks at the smelters. 'Arry speaks with a North London accent while Bert speaks with a West London accent.

'Arry and Bert are simply downright villainous troublemakers. They have been known to attempt to scrap Stepney, make Percy and James "middle engines", and make the engines believe Neville was planning to bump them. According to merchandise bios, they also wish to scrap Oliver.

'Arry and Bert are unquestionably devious and scheming. Although at first they had a heartened dislike for steam engines, they appear to have accustomed to their smoke-puffing companions and now only have a "friendly rivalry" with them.

'Arry and Bert are BR Class 08 shunters, built at BR Works of Crewe, Darlington, Derby and Doncaster in 1953, approx. 29 ft 3 in long, and two which are part of the National Railway Museum, known by their numbers "08911" & "13079".

'Arry and Bert are painted green-grey with yellow hazard stripes on their fronts and rears and yellow cabs. They have "Sodor Ironworks" written on their sides in white.

The two are not quite identical: 'Arry has narrow eyes, while Bert has stubble and a deep voice.

Arthur
Arthur is a burgundy tank engine from the LMS.

Arthur took great pride in his spotless record, which he soon lost after colliding with Duck's trucks in an incident largely provoked by Thomas; however, this spotless record was soon amended, after Thomas apologized to him for causing the accident.

He was bought to shunt and pull goods, but then was transferred to the coastal run, on which he enjoys working. He is responsible for this line, which is famous for its fish. Arthur is the only known engine (with the exception of Salty) to enjoy the smell of fish.

Arthur is a reliable, kind and helpful engine, and often careful to get his jobs done without fuss or mess. When he first arrived he proved to be somewhat gullible - something which Thomas used to his advantage. He dislikes things that are new and different.

Arthur is painted LMS burgundy with gold lining and "LMS" on his side in yellow. His livery is inauthentic: if Arthur had been one of the ten 2MT 2-6-2Ts built for the LMS, he would have been painted postwar black with "LMS" written on his tank.

Arthur is based on an LMS Ivatt Class 2MT 2-6-2 tank engine built at Crewe Works in 1946 and designed by H. G. Ivatt, approx. 38 ft 9 1/2 in, developed for the London Midland and Scottish Railway (hence the initials on his tanks).

Bahamas
Bahamas is a preserved British steam locomotive.

5596 was built in 1935 by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow. She was named Bahamas in 1936 after the Bahamas, which were then part of the British Empire. After nationalisation in 1948, Bahamas was renumbered by British Railways to 45596, and transferred to Edge Hill, Liverpool.

In 1961, she was unusually fitted with a double blastpipe and chimney, and was returned to traffic and based at Carlisle. She was transferred to Stockport in July 1962, from which she was withdrawn from traffic in July 1966.

Henry mentioned that he met Bahamas at Crewe during his overhaul in Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines.

Barry
Barry - named after Barry Island, the home of the scrapyard in South Wales where he was rescued from - is a red tank engine working on Duck's branch line. He is partnered with Donald and Douglas to help them on the branchlines. Barry is based on the LNER Class J94. He is painted NWR red with blue lining.

Bash and Dash
Bash and Dash are two new twin steam engines slatted to appear in Misty Island Rescue.

Bash and Dash are mischievous twins who always finish each others sentences. They were sent to Misty Island because they were naughty on the mainland, but now they always try to do their best for The Fat Controller.

Bash and Dash are based on the Bear Harbor Lumber Company's locomotive #1. This type of engine is known as a "gypsy". However, their gearing appears to be on their backs instead of their fronts and their cabs appear much sturdier, as opposed to the "open" cab that their real life counterpart possesses.

Bash's boiler, wheels, and lining are painted grey, his cab and dome are painted yellow.

Dash's boiler, wheels, and lining are painted yellow, his cab and dome are painted grey.

Bear
Bear, so named for the growling noises his engine makes, is a diesel engine. He speaks with a gruff Cockeny accent.

At this time, Bear was known by his number, 7101.

7101 came on loan to Sodor with another diesel named 199. 199 was blatantly arrogant and bad-mouthed the steam engines until 7101 and Duck shut him up.

The next day, 7101's injector failed while pulling the "Limited". Henry, who had a failed regulator and was towing 199, who had failed while pulling some oil-tankers, came to help; 7101 was still able to move by himself with some help from Henry. To the passengers' delight, Flying Scotsman took their train, while Henry helped 7101 home. The engines persuaded Sir Topham Hatt to let 7101 stay on, and renamed him "Bear". Bear liked this name, saying it meant he "really belonged".

In 1983, James had befriended Bear by this time.

It was revealed Bear pulls the Express when Gordon, Henry and James are busy in 1986.

In 1993, Bear did Henry's duties while Henry was at the Works.

Bear is loyal and friendly - even James, who was the last to accept diesels, couldn't help but like him.

Bear is based on a BR Class 35 "Hymek" Bo-Bo, built at and designed by Beyer Peacock Ltd in 1961, approx. 51 ft 8 1/2 long. His initial number, 7101, is an in-joke: the Class 35 numbers only went up to 7100.

Bear is currently painted in the livery he should have carried when first built: all-over B.R. loco green with a narrow band of lime along the bottom of the sides with cream window surrounds and yellow warning panels. When he first arrived on Sodor, he wore the B.R. "Rail Blue" livery with yellow warning panels.

Becky
Becky is a Great Western goods engine. She's one of the younger engines, and is Duck's girlfriend. Becky's best friends are Duck, Oliver, Molly and Thomas. Becky is based on the GWR 2301 Class Dean Goods.

Ben the Shepherd
Ben the Shepherd is a magazine character who looks after sheep and has a dog named Jess.

Ben is a fairly elderly man who once got trapped in a ditch. His dog, Jess, alerted Thomas and his crew who rescued him.

Bennett and Co.
Bennett and Co. is a truck with "BENNETT AND CO. Wagon Owner and Company" written on his sides. He was being filled with iron but got overloaded and fell into a river. In the end, he was rescued by a floating crane and got the rest of the day off.

Bert
Bert is the quietest of the Arlesdale Railway engines.

Bert was built at Duffield Bank, Derbyshire by Sir Arthur Heywood in 1894 as 0-8-0 tank engine with no cab named Merlin. He arrived in Ravenglass via the Gretna munitions factory in 1917 with Petit and was principally used on stone trains. He received a major overhaul and rebuilt at Murthwaite in 1927, becoming a 0-8-2 tender engine with a new boiler, longer frames, a cab and a a six-wheel tender and renamed Bert.

Bert worked on an unnamed line in England until 1967, at which time it closed down and he, Rex and Mike were sent to Sodor to work the Arlesdale Railway. Some time after his arrival, Bert took offence when the Reverend W. Awdry and the Reverend Teddy Boston accidentally sprayed him with mud while passing him in their car, and in retaliation Bert drenched the Reverend Teddy Boston with water when he took a ride in Bert's cab. However, both parties made up and Bert was as a result featured in the Reverend W. Awdry's next book, Small Railway Engines. For a long time Bert had trouble with steaming, but this has stopped since he was rebuilt into a narrow gauge outline with a taller chimney, dome and cab in 1972. In 1976, he was rebuilt with a larger boiler, giving his current appearance.

Bert is friendly, and somewhat clever and cynical.

Bert is based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's River Irt, build at Duffield Bank and designed by Sir Arthur Heywood in 1894.

Bert is painted blue with red-and-yellow lining. He has a brass dome, red nameplates with yellow writing mounted each side of his smokebox and "Arlesdale" written on his tender in yellow.

Bert and Alf
Bert and Alf are two cleaners who washed Gordon down in Leaves after his dip in a ditch.

Bertie
Bertie is a red railway bus who works near Thomas' branchline.

After Thomas stuck in a snowdrift in 1948, Bertie came to rescue Thomas' passengers. He later raced Thomas after claiming he was the faster of the two, but lost after having to stop at a traffic light.

In 1953, Bertie tried to catch up with Edward while carrying Thomas' passengers.

In 1985, Bertie teased Thomas about being slow, but had to eat his words after breaking down.

In 2003, Bertie is continuously alluding to his race with Thomas and how he could win the next time. He actually raced Thomas again in the seventh season episode "Three Cheers for Thomas", but only won because Thomas was sidetracked with collecting the sport medals.

In 2007, Bertie was mentioned as being unable to help Toby and Henrietta with carrying the quarry workers.

Bertie is friendly, but can't resist teasing Thomas about being slow.

Bertie is based on an AEC Regal "T Class" London Country Area bus.

Bertie is painted in the common red livery of buses in the United Kingdom, mostly famously begin used by London Transport. His license number, "CRD54", refers to the fact his license plate was first seen in "Edward the Blue Engine", published in 1954 and illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby.

Bertram
Bertram, nicknamed "the Old Warrior" for his bravery, is an old narrow-gauge engine who worked in a quarry on the far side of Sodor.

Bertram was built at Boston Lodge in 1864. He was sent to Llanwinda in May 1876 to help with the construction of the NWNGR and was repaired with a set of brasses, set of brake blocks, 6 piston rings and 4 split pins. Bertram returned to the NWNGR on 9th July 1881. On his return, there was a long list of repairs including wheel turning, new pistons and piston rings, crankpins, neck rings, piston cotters, closing up slidebears, closing up eccentric straps, link motion overhauled, axle boxes refitted, reversing lever and quadrant overhauled, four mudholes re-tapped, new brakeblocks, new gauge glass and valves set up. It wasn't until 30th July that Bertram was fit for traffic. By 1879, his tyres were working loose, they tried fixing them in steel pins in October but by December the tyres had been replaced by those of Engineer. Bertram's cylinder then started to go, a brass patch was fixed on a cylinder, but it didn't hold, the cylinder burst in March 1880. A major refit followed with the cylinders, the smokebox, the sandpots, the crossheads and slidebars all being replaced. It was fitted with 'sham' saddle tanks made from cast iron (weighing 24cwt) to improve adhesion. The first of the original engines to be treated this way. Two new whistles were put on (only on previously). A year later it had a lubricator put on. From December 1881 there is a constant comment that it needs retubing, but in the end it was withdrawn for a complete new boiler in 1886. Bertram re-entered traffic in September 1888 and was rebuilt with both a saddle tank and an enclosed cab. In 1889, he was fitted with new sanding apparatus which seems to be steam powered. In 1891, his cylinders were in a very bad state. His valve port bridges were cracked and a piece of iron was bolted in. However, this was to no avail his cylinders finally failed in April. As part of the rebuild the opportunity was taken to shorten the length of the cab by 8 inches to enable it to have better access to the wharves at Arlesdale. Bertram seemed accident prone in the 1890s. In 1982, his axle broke (replaced by one from Little Ponder). In 1985, he was damaged by running into Quarrymans train at Oakleys curve. In 1897, he was damaged at Arlesburgh in July and at Marthwaite in December. In 1900, he was retubed with Red Metal tubes from Earl of Sodor who was retubed with new Red Metal tubes. From 1905, it started to get leaks from the firebox and he was coming out of service in October 1907. He was rebuilt in 1910 with a Low Moor Iron boiler. His cab and tank were set 1 1/2" higher and a new balance weight fixed to the front footplate.

Bertram used to work in a series of mines on Mid-Sodor Railwaywith other "little engines". His fate was unknown to many after the mine's closure, and it was assumed he was left to rust. However, Toby found him whilst watching over the quarry one night, and has since befriended him. He now works at the restored mines, taking passengers to the fairground within.

Nothing is known about Bertram's persona, other than that he is considered incredibly brave.

Bertram is based on Palmerston of the Ffestiniog Railway, but with a bunker.

Bertram is painted dark brown with red lining.

Bill and Ben
Bill and Ben are two tank engine twins that work for the Sodor China Clay Company, near Brendam, though they have also been known to work at Centre Island Quarry. They enjoy playing tricks and being cheeky to bigger engines. They speak with Cockney accent.

One day, Bill and Ben returned from shunting some trucks to find that some other trucks previously shunted by them were missing. Their drivers, after examining a puddle of oil on the ground, concluded a diesel was responsible. After the twins argued over who brought the "diseasel" into the yard, the drivers suggested they go looking the diesel. The twins were horrified at the possibility that the "diseasel" might magic them away like he did with the trucks, but their drivers quickly persuaded them otherwise, and so they set off.

At last, the twins found the "diseasel". While Ben ran behind, Bill confronted the "diseasel" over the theft. The "diseasel" claimed the trucks were his and ordered Bill to "go away"; Bill pretended to be frightened and slunk away, remarking, "You'll be sorry". With that, Ben ran up and accused the "diseasel" of being a "truck stealer", before running back so Bill could run up again. This continued until the "diseasel", under the impression that there was only one very swift and annoying saddletank, became so giddy that his eyes "nearly popped out", just as the twins puffed up beside him. The "diseasel", initially confused, laughed at his ignorance. When Edward arrived moments later, inquiring as to why Bill and Ben were not shunting, the twins angrily claimed that the "diseasel" had sneaked into their yard and stolen their trucks. Edward soon realized what was going on, and explained the situation. The twins, embarrassed, apologized to the "diseasel", who asked to be called BoCo, and then left to shunt some more trucks, leaving Edward and BoCo to laugh about the incident.

A few days later, after BoCo took the Express in James' "absence", Edward recounted what Gordon had said about branchlines to the twins. The next morning, after Gordon ended up at Brendam after a series of events involving poor preparations and a large floppy green hat, the twins snuck up beside him and loudly recounted what Gordon had said about branchlines. Concluding that the engine beside them could not be Gordon, the two declared he was nothing more than a pile of old scrap-iron, and began to contemplate what they should do (Bill was all for sending Gordon to be scrapped, while Ben favoured the more humane, or engane, option of dumping him in the sea), all the while ignoring Gordon's protests, until at last, BoCo arrived. Gordon begged him to save him, and so BoCo threatened the twins to leave with the trucks he had brought. The twins quickly left, leaving Gordon with BoCo. BoCo wisely neglected to tell Gordon the twins were joking.

Sometime later, a group of enthusiasts came to visit the railways of Sodor. When Edward brought them to Brendam, the twins took them to the China Clay Workings in a "brakevan special".

In 1988, Thomas was sent to work on Edward's branchline while repairs were carried out on the bridge. The twins were quick to tease him about his colour, but Edward was savvy enough to send the twins away before an argument broke out.

After Thomas returned to the Yard, covered in dairy from a collision with a farm lorry, the two teased him even more about his new livery. This continued until Edward announced a party of enthusiasts were coming, and threatened that he would not bring them to see the twins. The twins, excited, decided instead to worry about their own paint - ie, how clean it was - although one day, when the drivers remarked that "the enthusiasts [wouldn't] eat their dinner off [them]", Bill quipped that "They might if we were Thomas".

When, at last, the enthusiasts did arrive, a photographer with an "instant" camera began harassing Ben by continuously taking pictures of him, even after the remainder of the crowd went to watch Bill tug a boat into deeper waters. At last the photographer prepared to take one final picture, just as Bill's driver arrived to ask for assistance. Ben's driver turned on the steam just the photographer took the picture; disgusted with the poor quality of the shot, he abandoned it on the floor and left. The picture was later discovered by Bill's driver after the two rescued the boat.

The repairs to the bridge took a long time, and Thomas was still at Brendam when the rainy season came. At the "Drain", a hollow in the land where rainwater collected, the water even began to come near the rails, although no one took much notice. One particularly wet day, as Ben returned from the Workings, the wind whipped the rainwater into a wave which swamped Ben, dousing his fire. His fireman went for assistance, and brought Thomas to help. While Thomas dragged Ben out, Bill took away the trucks. When at last the water subsided four days later and Bill returned to Brendam, the two made a pact to never tease Thomas again.

Bill and Ben are cheeky and naughty and rather troublesome. According to Duck, Edward is the only engine who can keep them in order. Thomas and BoCo probably have the same effect over them too.

Bill and Ben are based on the Bagnall 0-4-0STs "Alfred" and "Judy" of Par, Cornwall, who are both preserved and in working order at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway.

Bill and Ben are painted dark orange-yellow. Bill and Ben both have brown nameplates with yellow writing, "SCC" written on both sides in yellow and "Brendam Bay" on the front above their faces.

Billy
Billy is an orange tank engine with prominent buck teeth.

Billy was built in 1903 with a weather board, and later with a full cab. From the years 1903 to 1972 he worked at a colliery in Leeds before being arranged to go to the North Western Railway in December 2001. However, he was in a bad state and was in need of an overhaul, so he was given a new boiler and saddletank. he was eventually shipped to the island in 2007.

When Billy first arrived on the railway in June 2007, Thomas was asked by The Fat Controller to show Billy around. But Billy miscontrued Thomas' advice for bossiness and so refused to listen to him, causing Billy to fail to complete his deliveries. At last, Thomas lost patience and told Billy to do his own thing. Billy was delighted, but his happiness was short-lived as he swiftly ran out of coal and water. In future, Billy paid attention to advice and worked hard with every job he did.

Because of Billy's inexperience, he was disobedient and refused to listen to advice. After his mishap, he learnt to listen to advice.

Billy is based on a Manning Wardle L Class 0-6-0ST. Charlie is another member of this class.

Billy is painted orange with green and white lining and the number "37" painted on his cab side.

Blister I and Blister II
Blister I and Blister II, so named for the problems they have with starting due to their engine troubles, are small twin diesels who work on the Arlesdale Railway.

The Blisters were built by R. A. Lister in 1932 with open-sided cabs for a 2-inch gauge. When they arrived on Sodor in 1985, the volunteers of Arlesdale used parts to rebuild them with two 2-cylinder 12 h.p. Lister engines to rebuild them to a 15-inch gauge. They were repainted and fitted with a new cab and bonnet, in the style of a Lister Blackstone RM2. In 1989, they were refitted with two 20 h.p. Lister engines to improve performance. Both have full electrics, radios and air brake systems for working light passenger trains in emergencies.

The Blisters are based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's Cyril. Their trouble starting is based on the trouble experienced with the Muir-Hill Fordson granite tractors that worked at Ravenglass with stone traffic until 1953.

Blister I and Blister II are painted black with wasp stripes on their fronts.

Bluebell
After her calf was taken to market, Bluebell mornfully trotted onto the bridge at Rolf's Castle, stopping Gordon and Henry from passing. She didn't move until Gordon's guard and a porter brought her calf to the bridge and led them away.

Bluebell and Primrose
Bluebell and Primrose are tank engine twins who live on the Bluebell Railway. According to Stepney, they had no names at first so their Controller gave them names. He says it made them over-confident, but they still work hard. At present, Bluebell is undergoing an overhaul with completion planned for August 2010, whilst Primrose is out of service awaiting an overhaul.

Primrose is painted dark green with red and yellow lining and "SE&CR" written on her tanks. Bluebell was painted blue with white lining with a red nameplate with her name in gold when she was first acquired by the Bluebell Railway. In 1998 she was repainted in the livery she carried in World War I.

Bluebell and Primrose are based upon the SE&CR P Class built at Ashford Works in 1909-1910 for lightweight passenger trains and later used for shunting.

Bluenose
Bluenose is a very strict and Sargent-like engine. He is very bossy and caused a lot of mishaps - he scratches Oliver's oil tankers (on purpose), and caused a fire at the docks, nearly killing Cranky! After the wreck, he was in grave danger of being sold for scrap. Bluenose made up for it, when Gordon broke down pulling the express, and was soon excepted as a member of the Sodor railway.

He plays precisely by the rules and acts as a kind of stereotypical army sergeant towards the other tugs. He is annoying, bossy, pompous, and self-centred. He is notorious for putting orders before common sense. He speaks with a regimented Army English accent.

Bluenose is based on LMS Stanier Class 8F, and is painted grey-bluish with black lining.

Bob
Bob, the second workshop engine, is a blue 0-8-2 tank engine based on LNWR 1185 Class built in 1911 by the London and North Western Railway (LNWR), who looks like Thomas but bigger. This tank engine was first seen in the background of the second and third illustrations of "Troublesome Trucks" in James the Red Engine, and he was described as "a little tank engine" when he asked James about his bootlaces. He is described in Troublesome Engines as looking anxious when the Fat Controller arrived. He makes a cameo in Henry the Green Engine passing the Engine Sheds in the first illustration of "Gordon's Whistle". He make a cameo in the fifth illustration of "Dirty Objects" in Toby the Tram Engine pulling the breakdown train. He takes Thomas to Crovan’s Gates for a new shape after broke down near Ffarquhar. However, Bob is mentioned as "another engine", who blew his whistle causing confusion for the signalman in James and the Diesel Engines. Probably, the second workshop engine was responsible for taking the Breakdown Train from Crovan's Gate to the scene of disaster and back to the Works. Bob's role was most likely taken over by Wendell the Works Diesel. By now, Bob is probably working at Tidmouth as a shunting engine, arranging all manner of rolling stock. As well as retaining his blue paintwork, Bob probably retains the sign-writing of "Croven's Gate Works" painted on his side tanks.

BoCo
BoCo is a diesel who works on Edward's branchline.

BoCo arrived on Sodor in 1965. He once accidentally took Bill and Ben's china clay trucks in 1966. They decided to play a trick on him, playing on their identical looks to make the diesel think that one engine was disappearing and reappearing around him. Edward was nearby to sort out the confusion, and Bill and Ben soon came to respect BoCo.

Duck, who was suspicious of diesels due to his own experience, nevertheless took quickly to BoCo when the diesel took trucks to Tidmouth. The two started talking in the shed, but were interrupted when James arrived and called BoCo a "buzzbox". Ironically, James was attacked by a swarm of bees the next day, and so BoCo had to take the Express. Gordon was furious that a mere branch line diesel got to pull a mainline train. Gordon was later stranded on Edward's branch line due to a signalman's error. Bill and Ben were quick to tease Gordon, and jokingly threatened to haul him away as scrap. When BoCo arrived with some trucks, he sent Bill and Ben to work, and the relieved Gordon felt he owed his life to BoCo.

When Edward had trouble pulling an enthusiasts' train, BoCo helped Duck to shut the big engines up, who said Edward should be preserved. BoCo later filled in on the branchline while Edward was at the Works. Donald and Douglas were the last engines to accept him.

In 1983, BoCo showed Old Stuck-Up around, but abandoned him when the new diesel insulted Sir Topham Hatt for keeping steam engines in service. Things had been smoothed over between James and BoCo by this time.

In 1987, BoCo tried to cheer Gordon up when he got into trouble for spraying ashes onto a wedding party, and later helped Gordon to Barrow-in-Furness when his firebars collapsed.

In 1995, BoCo also helped Edward to the Works when his bogie wheel snapped off, and ran the branchline while Edward was undergoing an overhaul. He later met Victoria when Edward stopped at Wellsworth with her in 2007.

In 1991, Bill and Ben were once called to the yard to help shunt trains for BoCo. The two began fighting after an incident with the turntable and soon began to give each other the silent treatment. Edward thought this attitude was counterproductive, so BoCo came up with a plan: convincing the Fat Controller to let him take a special, BoCo's own heavy goods train was left behind, with only Bill and Ben to pull - neither would be strong enough to pull the train himself, so the two had to compromise to finish the job.

Eventually in 1998, BoCo lost his buffer in keeping the twins in line and the Fat Controller decided to bring in a new diesel, Derek. Derek, however, had major teething troubles, and was prone to overheating. BoCo had to bring workmen to help Derek when he first broke down.

Although BoCo came across as bullying at first, he was still new to Sodor and turned out to be a good sort who was easy-going and good-natured.

BoCo is based on a BR Class 28 Co-Bo diesel-electric engine, built at Bowesfield Works and designed Metropolitan Vickers in 1958, approx. 56 ft 7 1/2 in long. His name is derived from his Co-Bo wheel arrangement, reversed in a way that Reverend W. Awdry thought sounded more affectionate.

BoCo was not immune to the mechanical failures of his real-life model, according to the Awdrys - however, the Fat Controller eventually found a fix to prevent this malfunction.

In the annuals, BoCo mentions a brother of his - D5705, a real preserved locomotive. In another annual, BoCo claimed to have a twin called "CoBo" in order to play a trick on Bill and Ben.

BoCo is painted in the green livery of British Railways in 1960s with yellow warning panels and has a grey face to match the other characters.

Bolster wagons
Bolster wagons usually carry long objects like logs, girders and pipes, although they were once used to carry saplings to the forest for planting.

Boulder
Boulder is a giant boulder who lives high in the mountains of Sodor. His home was reached by the Skarloey Railway, who then preceded to build a quarry on the cliffside below it. Rusty was suspicious of it, and thought that it may have been watching him. Later, the drilling into the mountain by Thumper caused vibrations that shook Boulder loose from his perch and sent him on a path of destruction along the Skarloey Railway, finally terminating by destroying the standard gauge sheds. After this, the Fat Controller closed the quarry and had Boulder moved to a new mountain, near Boulder's old one. It still stands there to this day.

Boulder is perfectly round, and has moss clinging to him in some places. A mysterious face sometimes appears on him. His persona is described as proud and silent.

It is assumed that Boulder's face was utilised from Gordon's face.

Boxhill
Stepney's brother, Boxhill, is an LBSCR 0-6-0T (for a time a 4-2-0T) A1 of 1872 who retained his original boiler, although he received a new funnel from the Southern Railway. He was converted to 2-4-0T in March 1905 for auto-train trials. He was restored to 0-6-0T in 1913. He was mentioned in Thomas and the Great Railway Show.

Brakevans
The brakevan, also known as the guard's van and the caboose (in American releases), is an important part of a goods train. It carries the guard and is equipped with a strong brake to assist with slowing and stopping the train. From here, the guard can keep an eye on the train in case of problems.

Bridget
Bridget is Edward's love-interest. She is a very shy and timid engine, but when she meets Edward, she gains confidence. Bridget is based on the LNER Gresley Class D49.

Bridget Hill
Bridget Amanda Hatt is Sir Topham Hatt's granddaughter. She is two years younger than her brother, Stephen.

She is first seen on holiday in East Anglia, where she offended Toby by asking if he was "electric".

Bridget Hill's friends
Bridget Hatt's friends are first seen going to Bridget Hatt's birthday party. Their favorite color is pink.

Bulgy
Bulgy is a double-decker bus who once was very opposed to railways.

Bulgy hated railways, and believed that someday they would all be replaced by roads. He even carried a poster on his side telling people to "JOIN THE ANTI-RAIL LEAGUE". His favourite phrase is "Free the roads!"

Bulgy tried to steal Duck and Oliver's passengers by pretending to be a railway bus. Bulgy was determined to get the passengers to Tidmouth before Duck, but got stuck under a bridge after attempting to take a short cut. His lies were exposed, and soon "nobody would believe his destination boards". Eventually he was turned into a henhouse and placed near the bridge, now nicknamed "Bulgy's Bridge".

Bulgy was later brought back to the road to help with passengers while Thomas and Emily needed repairs, but the chickens who had lived in him nestled in his luggage racks and caused trouble the following morning. He was then turned into a mobile vegetable stand. Bulgy enjoys his work delivering vegetables, because they don't lay eggs and they never complain.

Bulgy is a very rude and bad-tempered double-decker bus. After being restored, he saw the error of his ways and changed his attitude.

According to the "Character Cube" bonus features in the "Thomas Gets Bumped" and "Thomas and the Toy Workshop" DVDs, Bulgy "has no scruples" and "knows how to tell a lie when he is in a tight jam", and is friends with Diesel.

Bulgy is based on an AEC Routemaster bus.

Bulgy was previously painted red and cream, but after becoming a Vegetable Bus he was painted green and cream. His license is BLG 1.

Bulgy's friend
Bulgy's friend is a red doubledecker bus. He was mentioned by Oliver in Oliver the Western Engine and the third season episode Bulgy.

Although the friend was not seen in either of the above mentioned stories, the replacement bus did appear in the 'Thomas Story Library' book about Bulgy. However, the bus did not appear anthropomorphized.

Bulgy's friend is based on an AEC Routemaster bus, like Bulgy.

Bulgy's hens
After Bulgy was turned into a henhouse, these hens took up residence in him. When Bulgy was eventually restored, the hens snuck in and roosted in his luggage racks. When Bulgy swerved suddenly the next morning, the hens woke up and caused chaos in Bulgy.

It is unknown whether or not the chickens ever received a replacement henhouse.

Bulstrode
Bulstrode is a highly disagreeable barge.

Bulstrode was used to carry cargo like coal and stone, but always complained about not being loaded fast enough. This annoyed the trucks, but one day Bulstrode ended up getting what he deserved when Percy accidentally pushed trucks off the quay and into his hull. He was then towed to Knapford beach, where he was turned into a children's playground. He remains there today, still expectedly grumbling.

Bulstrode is bad-tempered and never stops complaining.

Bulstrode is painted cream, black and red. In the "My First Thomas" range he is painted orange, blue and green.

Bulstrode is based on a 1920s self-propelled coastal barge.

Buster
Buster is a simple steamroller who goes about his job with pride and content. What Buster lacks in imagination, he makes up for with heart, commitment and hard work, and is liked by all the machines, for his wonderful enthusiasm and kindness to help with everything.

Buster likes to think of himself as the "world's fastest steamroller", and often dreams of winning races. This came true when he won a race against Max and Monty on the newly completed Sodor Rally Track.

Buster is a hard worker with heart and commitment in what he does and he is a good dreamer.

Buster is based upon an Aveling and Porter steamroller.

Buster is dark red-orange with yellow lining.

Butch
Butch, also known as the "Sodor Heavy Recovery Unit", is a breakdown vehicle. He is kept busy clearing rubble, towing broken-down or stranded vehicles or assisting in engine rescues. He also helped with the demolition of Tidmouth Sheds in Calling All Engines.

Butch is based on a Scammel tank recovery vehicle. According to the official website, he was constructed out of parts from a diesel, a lorry and a crane.

Butch is painted yellow with a navy flatbed and "Sodor Heavy Recovery Unit" written on both sides in white. His license plate is "BRK 03".

Byron
Byron is a large bulldozer with a big blade and a deep, booming voice. He carries out bulldozing work along with levelling the ground.

Byron can be a bit pompous and loud, but likes to be useful, enthusiastic, reliable and wise.

Byron is yellow with a black cab with a number 18 painted on the sides of his cab in yellow.

Captain
Captain is a new lifeboat character slated to appear in Misty Island Rescue. He is part of the Search and Rescue Team.

Captain is very confident and is always in control when faced with emergency situations.

Captain is painted yellow, blue, and red with white lining.

Captain is based on the 1954-built 35ft 6in Liverpool Twin-Screw Lifeboat called "Grace Darling".

Captain Baxter
Captain Baxter is an 0-4-0 Dorking Greystone Lime Company Engine. He was built by Fletcher Jennings in 1877 and spent his working life at the Dorking Greystone Limeworks at Betchworth Station; it was here that he gained his mannerism of strong language.

In 1960 Captain Baxter came to the Bluebell Railway, and returned to service in 1982 after a comprehensive overhaul. He was later overhauled in 1990, and is currently nearing completion of an overhaul. Railway volunteers are seeking to appoint the restoration team who repaired Stepney's brother Fenchurch.

Stepney mentioned Captain Baxter while talking to Edward about the Bluebell Railway. He says that they are friends, and both miss pulling trucks. Stepney goes on to describe him as a tough, rude engine who worked in a quarry, which gave him bad manners, and rough language.

Caroline
Caroline is an elderly vintage car owned by a cricketer from the Elsbridge cricket club.

Caroline always refers to her driver as "Master". She does not like high speeds as these overheat her motor. She also disliked engines until Stepney brought her back to the Elsbridge cricket field, at which time she admitted engines had their uses (in her own words, saving "the wear and tear on a poor car's wheels").

Caroline later helped the Fat Controller to Lady Hatt's birthday, until she broke down again.

Caroline is based on a 1941/1928 Oxford Cabriolet "Bull-nosed" Morris Oxford.

Caroline is painted red and gold. Her license plate reads URA 1.

Carols on Wheels
The "Carols on Wheels" truck is a Thomas and Friends magazine character.

Catherine
Catherine is a coach who operates with Culdee on the Culdee Fell Railway. Over the years, she and Culdee have built up a strong working relationship, so he immediately knows if anything is wrong. She is very safety-conscious, and was upset by Lord Harry's risk-taking when she worked with him.

Cattle trucks
Cattle trucks are used to carry cows and other animals; some even carry animals for the circus. A herd of cows once broke through a train of these being pulled by Edward.

Sir Handel has been known to insult Agnes, Ruth, Lucy, Jemima and Beatrice by referring to them as "cattle trucks".

Champion
An inquistive bull who once strayed from some farm labourers and ran away. He eventually came across the railway and, seeing grass on either side, began to eat. Daisy tried to shoo him away, but was intimidated by Champion and backed away.

Charles
Charles is a mixed-traffic engine. He had problems on his first day, but he did well the next day, and even made the trucks behave. Charles is based on the LNER Class C1.

Charlie
Charlie is a little purple tank engine.

Charlie is always up for an adventure; while he is a small engine, he likes to have a lot of fun and cause mischief. Who owns Charlie is unknown, as it is said that he is owned by the Mainland Controller, yet he carries the number fourteen for the Fat Controller's railway.

Charlie is based on a Manning Wardle L Class 0-6-0ST. Billy is another member of this class. He has a brother called "Sharpthorn" who resides on the Bluebell Railway.

Charlie is painted purple with gold and light purple trim, a gold headlight and red wheels; he has the number fourteen painted in gold on his sides.

Chelsea
Chelsea is an tender engine. She was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1920. During the Second World War, she and her good friends Molly the D16 and Gordon the A3 were used for taking British soldiers to battle. Some of Chelsea's class was re-built by Edward Thompson in 1945.

In 1950, Chelsea was allocated to the eastern part of Sodor, before being withdrawn in 1961 due to bad condition. In 1975, she was found by Thomas and Percy, and was given an overhaul at the Crovans Gate Works, and emerged with a new coat of NWR green, and the number 16 on her tender side.

Chelsea now works on the mainline, hauling the express with Gordon, Henry, Spencer, and Bear, but sometimes works on the Little Western, and has found Duck the 57xx tank engine a great Western boyfriend.

Chelsea has a lot to learn, but she has a big heart, and feelings for Duck. Chelsea's best friends are Thomas, Emily, Molly and Gordon.

Chelsea is based on an LNER Gresley Class K3 tender locomotive.

Chelsea is painted NWR green with yellow lining and the number "16" painted on her tender sides in yellow with a red border.

China Clay trucks
The Sodor China Clay Company owns several trucks used to carry china clay, though they have been seen carrying scrap and other materials on occasion.

Circus Coaches
The circus coaches are coaches for circus performers to travel in. Two of these coaches were seen in the book Henry and the Elephant. The coaches are painted yellow with red lining and with "Circus" written on their sides in blue.

City of Truro
City of Truro is a steam engine who holds the record of being the first engine to attain the speed of 100 mp/h. He was designed by George Jackson Churchward and built at GWR Swindon Works in 1903. He was retired in 1961 and restored in 1984.

City of Truro arrived on Sodor when the Railway Society visited. Duck, although shy at first, quickly befriended him, but Gordon was jealous of his record and attempted to go as fast as him, only to have his dome blown off on a viaduct.

Coco the Clown
Coco the Clown is a clown featured in the Thomas and Friends magazines.

Cora
Cora is a guard's van who was built by Falcon Works in 1885. She worked with Peter Sam on the Mid Sodor Railway when he was known as Stuart years before. She came from the Mid Sodor Railway while Skarloey was away in 1954. She is used for maintenance and goods trains. Cora and the narrow gauge railway breakdown train are usually pulled by Rusty.

Cora is based on a brakevan from the Corris Railway that now runs on the Talyllyn Railway.

Cora is painted blue (later grey).

Cranky
Cranky is a grumpy crane who arrived on Sodor in 1998. He bullied Thomas and Percy by delaying their loads, but later got his comeuppance after the trampsteamer crashed into him and had to be rescued by the two tank engines.

The reason Cranky is so grumpy because he is kept working day and night without rest.

Cranky loves teasing the engines, and has an intense dislike for Salty's stories.

Cranky is painted olive with black and brown pullies amongst his mechanism and two work plates on each side that reads "CRANKY".

Cream Tankers
These trucks are used to transport cream. They are painted white with milk churns pictured on the sides.

Cromford
Cromford is an NLR 0-6-0 goods tank engine. He was built in 1880 and was used to shunt and pull light passenger trains around Derbyshire in Devon. He was loaned to Barrow Hill Engine Sheds in 1999, and returned to the Bluebell Railway in 2008. He is currently in need of an overhaul.

Stepney mentioned "Cromford" while talking to Edward about the Bluebell Railway. Then, he and "Adams" had no names, so the others nicknamed him "Cromford". According to him, the Controller was not aware of the name change.

Cromford is painted black with red and white strips, which is the BR goods livery. He formally carried the number 2650, and presently carries 58850.

Culdee
Culdee is a mountain engine named after Culdee Fell, the mountain his railway climbs.

Culdee was built at Winterthur, Switzerland, in 1896, and was the first to be used in the test runs on the Culdee Fell Railway. He was also the last mountain engine on Sodor to travel to Switzerland for an overhaul, in the 1960s. Culdee has his own coach, named Catherine.

Culdee is careful, cautious and friendly, filled with advice to give to the other engines.

Culdee is based on "Snowdon" of the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Culdee is painted purple with orange lining. He carries the number 4.

Cyril
Cyril is a Diesel engine working on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

Named after former company employee, Cyril Holland, Cyril is owned by the Murthwaite Locomotive Group, formerly named "Shabtrak", and is one of many industrial narrow gauge diesels built by R.A. Listers. It was built in 1932, used on a Peat Bog railway not far from Manchester and first preserved at the Moseley Railway Trust, in Stockport, in its original form of an open sided cab and on 2' gauge. When the engine arrived on the Ratty in 1985, the volunteers of "Shabtrak" used parts from another Lister locomotive and a 2-cylinder, 12 horsepower Lister engine to rebuild it to 15" gauge, and fitted a new cab and bonnet, in the style of a Lister Blackstone RM2. The engine now has full electrics, radio and air brake systems for working light passenger trains in emergencies, and in 1989 was re-engined with a 20 h.p. Lister engine to improve performance. It was rebodied in 2006 by Ian Page Engineering of Millom. It is currently painted dark green.

Blister I and Blister II are based on him.

Cyril
Cyril is a fogman who lives in an old cottage in Misty Valley. When there is fog about, he puts detonators on the tracks to warn the engines. One time, he was replaced by a foghorn, but saved the day when the foghorn caused a landslide with its vibrations and made Thomas crash. Cyril was soon given the job back, and has proven to be useful.

D5705
D5705 is BoCo's brother, who was only mentioned in an annual. D5705 is in fact a real diesel engine preserved at the East Lancashire Railway. He was designed by Metropolitan Vickers and built at Bowesfield Works in 1958.

D5705 survived by historical accident as a technical services engine and then carriage heating unit TDB968006 before being preserved in 1980. The Class 15 Preservation Society has signed an agreement with the owners of D5705 to become its custodians during its restoration and operation for the next ten years, although funding will remain separate.

D5705 is painted in the green livery of British Railways with yellow warning panels.

Daisy
Daisy is a diesel railcar. She was designed by Metro-Cammell and built at Washwood Heath in 1956.

After Thomas was sent to the Works to have his bufferbeam repaired in 1961, Daisy was loaned from the B.R. to do his work. Daisy was nasty to Henrietta, Annie and Clarabel, refused to sleep in the Ffarquhar engine sheds on the grounds that it was "smelly", and blatantly refused to pull freight because it was "bad for her swerves". Daisy later called Toby cowardly for having sideplates and cowcatchers and claimed that one only needed to "toot and look them in the eye" to shoo animals. This, of course, was proved false when Daisy tried to shoo an inquisitive bull. The Fat Controller discovered that Daisy was lazing about, but gave her a second chance after Daisy helped clear up the mess made when Percy collided into a train of stone. Daisy promised to change her ways.

In 1962, Mavis sought Daisy's advice about how to show Toby that her method of doing things was correct. This wasn't exactly the best move, as Daisy knew next to nothing about trucks.

In 1963, Percy used Daisy as an example of a good diesel to change Douglas' opinion about diesels.

In 1990, Daisy was put in charge of Thomas' fast run to Knapford while Thomas was in York. Daisy later claimed that she was not afraid of snow, but changed her mind after getting stuck in a snowdrift for a week.

When Thomas finally returned from York Daisy was given charge of a special train to bring guests to Knapford for the welcome-home party, but was delayed after running over some cones left inside the crossing gates at Dryaw crossing. She only just made it in time.

In 1993, Daisy, along with Thomas, Percy and Toby, saw Wilbert off when he returned to Gloucestershire.

In 1995, Daisy was stranded on the main line when the stretch before Dryaw was declared unsafe as rabbits had burrowed beneath it, and so she was given the task of ferrying passengers from the airfield to Knapford. She later tried to cheer Henry up when he started to worry about the Golden Jubilee.

In 2007, Daisy teased Percy for being afraid of grass snakes, but was humiliated when she blew a fuse out of fright when a crate of eels dropped beneath her.

Daisy used to be lazy, impatient and stubborn until she was threatened to be sent away. She's a good sort really, who is kind, sweet and hopeful.

In the "Thomas and Friends" magazines, Daisy was portrayed with her old persona of being rude and believing that anything up-to-date is always the best.

Daisy is based on a BR/Metro-Cammell DMU Class 101/102, approx. 57 ft long. She is, however, a single railcar instead of the traditional two.

Daisy is painted green with yellow lining, similar to the livery of the British Railways DMUs in the 1960s. She wears makeup, including eyelashes, red lipstick, blush and blue eyeshadow. She has a grey face.

Danni
Danni is a beautiful and kind-hearted blue engine. She is in love with Gordon when she first saw him but she gets nervous around him and sometimes her face turns flushed red. Danni's also the only one who never teased Gordon at all and she became Gordon's girlfriend after she saved his life or even stood up for him. Danni is based on the Caledonian Railway Single 123. She is painted royal blue with red lining and the number 26 painted on her tender sides.

Dennis
Dennis is a lazy diesel.

Dennis is lazy and is willing to go to great lengths to avoid having to work.

Dennis is based on a type of Bulleid diesel, "No. 11001", designed by O.V.S. Bullied and built at Ashford Works, England, in 1949. He also carries his basis' number.

Dennis is painted light grey with dark grey wheels and red buffers.

Derek
Derek is a diesel, best known for his initial "teething" troubles.

The Fat Controller realised Bill and Ben needed help and sent for Derek, but Derek's cooling system overheated on Gordon's Hill and BoCo had to come the rescue. The news of the rescue went through the North Western Railway's rumour mill in due course, until a confused Percy informed Bill and Ben that Derek had, of all things, a toothache! Bill and Ben were apprehensive of Derek as a result, but forgot their fear when Derek's cooling system overheated yet again and they had to help him home. Derek was then sent to the Works to be mended.

Derek is rather enthusiastic about his work, but unfortunately for him his problem with his cooling system prevents him from working to his full potential. Basis

Derek is based on a BR Class 17, a Clayton and Beyer-Peacock diesel-electric Type 1. He was designed by and built at Clayton Equipment Company and Beyer, Peacock & Co.

Derek is painted in the British Railway's green livery with yellow warning panels. He carries the number 2512.

Diesel
"Devious" Diesel is a devious diesel shunter. He speaks with a Neutral English accent (with lashings of Cockney).

When Diesel came on loan to the North Western Railway in June 1957, Duck was asked to show him around. Duck was unimpressed by Diesel's claims of being "revolutionary" and left him to his own devices. As a result, Diesel was made into a laughing stock by the trucks for trying to pull some rusty old trucks and failing spectacularly, and Diesel blamed Duck for not helping him. Diesel swore a vendetta, and spread rumours that Duck had given the big engines rude nicknames. Duck was sent to Wellsworth pending an inquiry into the matter, but Diesel got too big for his boots and tried telling lies about Henry. He was found out and sent home in disgrace.

Several years later, Diesel was brought back to help on Thomas' branchline whilst Percy was being repaired. Diesel tried to win Thomas and Toby over, without success, and after he destroyed several trucks he was to be sent away. However, on his day of departure Clarabel slipped on oily rails left by Daisy and came off at some points near Dryaw. Diesel, realising that Thomas was blocking his only way home, went to the rescue. Clarabel put in a good word for Diesel, and Diesel, although he returned to the Other Railway, is always welcome on Sodor.

Diesel was sent away, but returned when Duck and Percy needed help at Brendam in 1991. Diesel proved to be as bad as ever and was sent away for good after shunting some trucks of china clay into the sea, but he mysteriously snuck back to give Mavis advice and taunt Gordon about the triumph of diesel power on the mainland. It is possible that these events happened during Diesel's stay, or that Diesel returned at some stage with goods from the mainland.

When Henry was derailed by some trucks in 2002, Diesel was brought back as a last resort to do his goods work, but his attempt to prove his worth resulted in him falling in a barge, and he was sent back to the mainland yet again.

For reasons unknown, Diesel returned yet again in 2003, this time to assist Fergus at the Cement Works. Diesel became jealous of Fergus' reputation as the "pride of the Cement Works" and concocted a scheme to make Fergus run away. Diesel was partially successful - he managed to make Fergus abandon his post for a time - but was ultimately foiled yet again. Amazingly, Diesel was not sent back this time round, and has remained on the North Western Railway.

Despite remaining tricky and devious, Diesel learned how useful steam engines can be when Thomas brought fresh diesel fuel for him and the other diesel engines and James pushed him back to the Repair Yard when he broke down. However, he tried to convince Gordon that he's old and clapped out, Ben about there was a monster inside a tunnel, and Thomas about the "Curse of the Cliffs" and make him scared at Halloween. But, Diesel proved to have a good side inside him when he told Emily about his record he made for shunting lots of trucks, and proved to Thomas that he didn't ruin the photograph for the billboard on purpose.

Then, Diesel made fun of James when he was painted pink.

Diesel is, in essence, the average pantomime villain. He is oily, malicious, devious, scheming and full of ideas to get revenge. It appears Diesel has a good side in him, but one would still have to look deep to find it.

Diesel is based on a BR Class 08 0-6-0, built at BR Works of Crewe, Darlington, Derby and Doncaster in 1953, approx. 29 ft 3 in long. Over seventy members of this class survive today in preservation. They were in fact the most successful shunting engines in the world, with 996 of them built.

Diesel is painted in the black livery used by British Railways for shunting engines in the 1950s.

Diesel 10
Diesel 10 is a villainous diesel with a roof-top hydraulic grabber titled "Pinchy". He was designed by and built at British Railway's Swindon Works in 1958. He speaks with a deep, gruff voice and a strong, distinctive American accent.

Diesel 10 is a large, powerful Warship diesel. On his roof is a hydraulic crane arm with a metal claw attached - a claw he refers to as "Pinchy". He was originally named Jorgen.

Diesel 10 had been to Sodor a long time ago, creating problems for the steam engines. He chased down Lady - the engine who kept Sodor alive - and made her crash. In the years that followed, Lady's caretaker Burnett Stone took her into hiding, trying desperately, but failing to bring her back up to steam.

Diesel 10 returned many years later, intending to destroy Lady for good. He brought with him two lapdogs: Splatter and Dodge, who were present when the boss was scheming. He was first seen in the movie charging past Thomas and Gordon at Wellsworth. He also dumped sneezing powder all around Tidmouth Sheds, the wind from Harold's blades blew it all over the place. Diesel 10 had very little success with his plans - Mr. Conductor caused Pinchy to throw him safely onto bags of flour, and during a speech on "how to stop being stupid" he caused a coal chute to empty its contents on top of him at the coaling plant.

By using special coal from Sodor, Burnett Stone was able to bring Lady back to life. Diesel 10 was determined to attack her, but lost the aid of Splatter and Dodge. Burnett, Lady, and Thomas found themselves being chased by Diesel 10 over an unsafe viaduct. The center of the viaduct collapsed, and while Thomas and Lady were able to cross safely, Diesel 10 was too large and fell into a passing barge below. How Diesel 10 got back to Sodor is a mystery. It is very likely that Sir Topham Hatt decided to give him another chance.

In 2005, he was working at the scrapyards, using Pinchy to load rusted metal into trucks. The sight of him returning caused Thomas and Percy to shudder in fright.

Thomas and Mavis went to tell steam engines and diesels all over the island to meet at the coaling plant, a chance and hope for them to work together and get the new Sodor Airport done on time. When Thomas went over to tell Diesel 10 about the meeting, he got scared to his wheels. Not sure if Diesel 10 would want to help the steam engines anyway, due to their difficulties in the past, Thomas sped away as fast as he could.

Construction of the Airport was almost complete when a tower collapsed, cracking the runway and blocking the tracks. With Harvey the Crane Engine, too far away to clear the line, Thomas took a chance and decided to ask Diesel 10. Convincing his archenemy that helping the other engines would prove how useful he was, Thomas returned with help to clear the line.

In The Great Discovery, Diesel 10 and a number of other diesels later waited in the quarry yard to hear if Thomas had been found in the days leading to the reopening of Great Waterton.

When we first met him, Diesel 10 is an evil, conniving, bullying, and psychotic monster. He absolutely despises steam engines, and would call them taunting names like "puffball" and "teapot". He is Sodor's strongest but not quite largest diesel, his power being enforced by his slightly malfunctioning claw, Pinchy. He can use this deftly, and is even able to use it to make a sculpture. All engines, steam and diesel alike, fear but don't respect him.

Despite his aggressiveness, he will help on occasion ever since Sir Topham Hatt brought him back, but only when it suits his personal interest. He can have a caring side, but he very rarely shows it.

Diesel 10 is based on a BR Class 42 "Warship" with an added non-regulation hydraulic metal claw attached to a hydraulic crane arm on his roof.

Diesel 10 has thick bushy eyebrows, and is painted rusty-olive/yellow ochre with yellow warning stripes along his body and covered in oil stain.

Dignity
Dignity is a barge, which made a cameo in the first illustration of Percy and Harold in Percy the Small Engine.

Dilly
After Donald teased Duck about his "quacking", Duck's crew got revenge by slipping a small duckling into Donald's tender. When discovered, she becomes friends with Donald and his crew, and eventually settled down at Haultraugh, where a small pond was nearby. She was named Dilly by the stationmaster, but she is known to everyone else as Donald's duck.

Dilly appeared in the third season episode Donald's Duck. She appeared twice in the annuals, in "Donald's Duck" and "Gordon's Stowaway". She appeared in the song Donald's Duck which was dedicated to her.

In the annual, she disappeared for a few months, only to return to the station with her husband and children in tow!

Dolgoch
Dolgoch was built in 1866 by Fletcher, Jennings & Co., but to a very different design to that of Talyllyn. He is an 0-4-0 tank engine with both a back tank (behind the cab) and a well tank (between the frames). The long wheelbase allows the firebox to sit in front of the rear axle, with Fletcher's Patent inside valve gear driven off the front axle, a particularly inaccessible arrangement. In increasingly decrepit condition Dolgoch continued to operate the service single-handedly until 1952 when Edward Thomas became available and was then the subject of a prolonged overhaul between 1954 and 1963.

Dolgoch returned to service in late 1999 after a major overhaul involving firebox repairs and an extensive mechanical overhaul; as part of the overhaul he has been fitted with air braking equipment, the last steam loco on the Talyllyn Railway to be fitted.

Dolgoch is Rheneas's twin, and because of this he was mentioned multiple times in the Railway Series.

Dolgoch previously ran in his 1946 light green livery. As of 2009 he was temporarily running in Crimson Lake livery for one year only prior to his ten-yearly boiler examination.

The Talyllyn Railway staff and volunteers hope to have Dolgoch repaired by May 2011, which will mark the 60th anniversary of railway preservation. So, in Autumn 2009, "Steam Railway" magazine launched an appeal to raise funds for Dolgoch's next overhaul, which will include a new boiler to its original design. However, whilst the appeal was being made, an examination of Dolgoch showed that he had a crack in his rear tubeplate, which forced him to be withdrawn for overhaul earlier than expected. Luckily though, by January 2010, thanks to the readers of "Steam Railway" magazine, the Dolgoch appeal had been so successful that the overhaul was able to commence. During the second week in February, Dolgoch was dismantled for the removal of his boiler from his frames. Then, his boiler was lifted from his frames on February 23rd, 2010.

Donald and Douglas
Donald and Douglas (originally known by their numbers, 57646 and 57647, respectively) are twin tender engines from Scotland.

Donald and Douglas were built by John F. McIntosh at St. Rollox Works in 1899 and worked on the Caledonian Railway in Scotland, a large network that extended along that country's east coast, as well as the central and south-western regions. Despite being limited to Caledonian metals, they appeared to have a familiarity with other railways, as they were familiar with the locomotives and livery of the Highland Railway. Giving long and stalwart service, Donald and Douglas eventually became 57646 and 57647 on the Scottish Region of British Railways. In 1959 Sir Topham Hatt needed a goods engine, and by his request BR transferred 57646 (Donald) to Sodor.

To Hatt's surprise though, two engines arrived. Donald's twin Douglas (57647) could not stand to be separated from his brother, and was smart enough to realise he would eventually be scrapped if he stayed in Scotland. Neither engine could be told apart: both claimed to have forgotten their numbers, and indeed their numberplates had "slyly slipped off" in the journey from Scotland, forcing Hatt to keep both until he could determine which engine was freeloading on his hospitality. It was later revealed that this piece of skullduggery had been planned not only by the two engines, but also by their drivers and firemen, who were all related. The Fat Controller was unaware of Douglas' motive, and threatened the two that whichever engine he found out to be the truant would be sent home. Both engines resolved to give outstanding service so that Hatt would want to keep both of them. This plan quickly went to pieces, however, after Douglas accidentally shunted Thomas' special coach, full of passengers, into a siding at Tidmouth, causing a great deal of fury for the passengers. Things were more complicated when Donald demolished a signalbox at Tidmouth and Douglas destroyed the spiteful breakvan.

Despite all this grief, the twin's professionalism, competency, strong work ethic and personable natures had begun to win them support, particularly when they demonstrated an aptitude for snowplough work that they had learned in Scotland. After rescuing Henry from just such a snowy ordeal, the other engines came over to Donald and Douglas' side and led to the engines of Sodor taking industrial action. After a suggestion by Edward, and being pushed into it by Gordon, Percy was presented to the Fat Controller as a deputation, arguing the twins' case on their behalf and pleading that if sent away they'd be scrapped. Hatt's reaction to this was mixed - though he understood the engines' feelings he did not approve or appreciate them trying to interfere with his decision-making. However, Percy's statement and the twin's excellent performance was enough for Hatt to take pity on the twins and kept both. He demonstrated this intent with an offer of a fresh coat of paint for both engines, and by their request they were painted NWR blue.

Since then, the twins have, by all accounts, "transformed" goods traffic on the mainline. Such is their versatility that they regularly see service on Duck and Edward's branchlines, as well as duties as station-pilot at Tidmouth. A turntable has been provided for them at Arlesburgh; it was briefly decommissioned after Oliver was pushed into it by some trucks.

Such a demanding work-load has begun to tax them, however, and in 1993 the Fat Controller borrowed a navy saddletank named Wilbert from the Dean Forest Railway to deputize for them on the Arlesburgh branch, with the intention of at some point obtaining another engine of Wilbert's class to permanently fill that role.

Donald and Douglas are practical and level-minded characters who nevertheless enjoy a joke, especially impersonating one another - the fitting of the twins with nameplates was done to specifically end this element of their humour. Their tendency for jokes however has continued, and both display a keen sense of wit and, where necessary, an acid tongue. In their work, however, their performance is exemplary and they can be described as some of the most well-regarded engines in service on the railway, comparable with Duck and Edward in their reliability.

Donald and Douglas understandably held a grudge against diesels for a time - after all, the oil-guzzling engines were taking over their work - but after BoCo helped them in Edward's absence they have agreed that there is nothing wrong with diesels on the whole.

Donald and Douglas are based on Caledonian Railway "McIntosh 812" 0-6-0s.

Donald and Douglas were painted black from construction, and arrived on Sodor in the B.R.'s black goods livery with red-and-white lining on their tenders. They remained as such (with the addition of numbers on their tenders) until it was decided that both engines could stay, at which point they requested to be repainted in the NWR's blue livery with red-and-yellow lining. They apparently like the colour, as it reminds them of the Caledonian Railway, where many of their shedmates carried a similar shade of blue.

Douglas
Douglas is a 0-4-0WT built in 1918 by Andrew Barclay and Co. Ltd. for the Airservice Construction Corps.

From 1921 until 1945 he worked at the RAF railway at Calshot Spit, Southampton. After a period in store at Calshot he was bought in 1949 by Abelson and Co. Ltd. who presented him to the Talyllyn in 1953. After overhaul and alteration from 2ft to 2ft 3in gauge, he entered service in 1954 and was named "Douglas" at the donor's request. Although smaller than the other locos he has performed well and was returned to service in 1995, having been fitted with a new boiler, turned out in his old Air Ministry Works and Buildings livery. Between 2001 and 2008, Douglas was painted red and blue and running under the guise of Duncan. He is currently under overhaul, so Sir Haydn has taken over the duties for the children's day by running under the guise of Sir Handel.

Douglas is currently painted in red and blue in the guise of Duncan. In his minor cameo in the Railway Series, he wears the same green livery as Talyllyn and Dolgoch.

Dowager Hatt
Mrs. Dowager Hatt is the the Fat Controller and Sir Loham Hatt's mother, Stephen and Bridget Hatt's great-grandmother, and Lady Hatt's mother-in-law. She owns a Dalmatian, which she renamed "Gremlin" after her adventure in the aforementioned episode. In the Driver Perkins parts of the Thomas and the Runaway Kite DVD it is revealed that she also has a parrot named Beaky. As her name implies, she is a widow, meaning that the Fat Controller's father is deceased.

Driver
The drivers drive and maintain the engines, and, along with the fireman, keep the engines in control and provide a voice of reason when the engine is being difficult.

A driver's uniform is blue pants, a white shirt, a black tie, with a blue jacket over it, and a blue cap.

Dryaw FC coach
The Dryaw FC coach has first appeared in the episode Thomas and the Moles from The Pack mini-special. He looks like the Fat Controller.

Duchess of Hamilton
London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) Princess Coronation Class 6229 (British Railways number 46229) Duchess of Hamilton is a preserved steam locomotive living at the National Railway Museum in York. She made a cameo in Thomas and the Great Railway Show.

6229 was built in 1938 at Crewe as the tenth member of its class and the last in the second batch of five red streamliners (the original five 6220-4 having been given a unique Caledonian blue livery), complete with silver speed cheat stripes. In 1939 6229 swapped identities with the first of the class 6220 Coronation and was sent to North America with a specially-constructed Coronation Scot train to appear at the 1939 New York World's Fair. There was therefore for a while a blue 6229 Duchess of Hamilton in the UK and a red 6220 Coronation in the USA. R.A. Riddles drove for most of the tour, owing to the illness of the assigned driver. The locomotive (though not its carriages) was shipped back from the States in 1942 after the outbreak of the Second World War, and the identities of the locomotives were swapped back in 1943.

6229 was painted wartime black livery in November 1944. Her streamlined casing was removed for maintenance-efficiency reasons in December 1947 and she was then given the LMS 1946 black livery. In 1948 she passed into British Railways ownership. BR added 40000 to her number to become 46229 on 15 April 1948. She was painted in the short-lived BR blue livery in April 1950, but was soon repainted on 26 April 1952 into Brunswick green. The semi-streamlined smokebox was replaced with a round-topped smokebox in February 1957, and in September 1958 she was painted maroon. The lining was BR style to begin with then in October 1959 she received the current LMS style lining which she has carried for all her years in preservation.

46229 was saved from the scrap yard along with classmate 6233 Duchess of Sutherland and Stepney's brother Knowle as a result of Sir Billy Butlin's efforts to place these locomotives as children's playground exhibits at his holiday camps. Duchess of Hamilton survived at Minehead Holiday Camp and it returned to steam on the main line under the auspices of the Friends of the National Railway Museum. The Museum accepted the locomotive from Butlin's in 1976 on a twenty-year loan, and purchased it in 1987. It first ran as the Museum's flagship locomotive in 1980 and was operational until 1985. After an extensive overhaul, it resumed running in 1989 and was finally withdrawn from main line duty in 1996 when its seven-year boiler ticket expired.

From 1998 to 2005, 46229 was a static exhibit in the National Railway Museum, standing next to Mallard. She is one of three preserved Duchesses, the others being 6233 Duchess of Sutherland and 46235 City of Birmingham.

In 2005, "Steam Railway" magazine launched an appeal to raise funds for "Duchess" to be restored in her original streamlined form, and after a successful appeal she was moved to Tysley to be re-streamlined. On 6th of May 2006, "Duchess" was unveiled at Tysley to her appeal supporters with a sloping smokebox and the left side of her tender and boiler painted in post-war LMS black for a one-day event. Following this, the work on her re-streamlining carried on. "Duchess" was due to be completed in September 2008; but due to a worldwide search for the correct thickness of steel for the casing her re-streamlining took longer than expected.

Now in her original streamlined form and repainted in the LMS maroon livery with gold stripes, "Duchess" is back on display at the National Railway Museum as centre-stage of an exhibition called "Streamlined: Styling an Era". The locomotive is currently on display next to a 1933 Chrysler Airflow.

"Duchess of Hamilton", a real locomotive, is an LMS 8P Princess Coronation "Duchess" 4-6-2.

"Duchess of Hamilton" is painted LMS maroon with gold lining and black wheels. Before she was re-streamlined, "Duchess of Hamilton" was painted LMS maroon with yellow lining and black wheels. She also had a BR crest on her tender.

Duck
Montague (affectionately known as "Duck" because of his supposed waddle) is a Great Western pannier tank engine.

Duck worked at Paddington before moving to Sodor in 1955 to take over Percy's shunting duties, leaving the latter free to assist with the construction of Knapford Harbour. Duck was a hard worker, but the others mistook his work ethic for simplicity and tried to use this to their advantage. They soon found their mistake when Duck and Percy took revenge on them by barring them from the shed.

When Diesel arrived, the others took a liking to his flattery, but Duck was doubtful and left Diesel to his own devices, which resulted in the latter getting into mishap with some rusty trucks. Diesel vowed to get revenge, and, inspired by several incidents occurring around the yard in Duck’s absence, spread rumours that Duck had given offensive nicknames to the others. Duck was sent to work as a "banker" at Wellsworth pending further injury, and after bravely stopping a runaway goods train at his own risk regained the respect of the others. Of course, by this time the others were aware that the matter of all Diesel's fault, but Duck's triumph certainly helped.

Duck continued working on the main line until 1968, at which time the Tidmouth-Arlesburgh branchline - nicknamed "The Little Western" - was restored and Duck was asked to run it with help from Oliver, and Donald and Douglas on occasion. Apparently, if Barry is ever introduced into the Railway Series he will also work on Duck's branchline.

Duck is a loyal, wise engine and a hard worker who does his work without fuss. His personal philosophy and motto is "there are two ways of doing things: the Great Western way, or the wrong way".

Duck is based on a GWR 57xx 0-6-0 pannier tank with added sand boxes, designed by Charles B. Collet and built at Swindon Works in 1929, approx. 31 ft 2 in long.

Duck is painted in the GWR's green livery with yellow lining and black wheels, splashers and pipes. He has the letters "GWR" written on his pannier tanks in yellow and red, and an gold brass safety valve cover.

Before 1968, Duck carried a brass GWR numberplate on his cab sides (5741); since 1968, he has a yellow "8" painted on each side of his cab in yellow with a red border.

Duke
Duke, named after the Duke of Sodor and originally The Duke, is considered a hero amongst the engines. He speaks with a Welsh accent.

Duke was built at Boston Lodge and was regauged to 2ft 3in before being transported to Sodor for the opening of the Mid Sodor Railway.

In 1947, the line closed and Duke was sheeted and sheltered in Arlesdale Sheds. He was later discovered by Fergus Duncan, the Reverend Teddy Boston and the Reverend W. Awdry in 1969 and taken by road and rail to Crovan's Gate, where he was restored and returned to service in 1983.

Duke, when one first meets him, appears to be pedantic and strict, and in a sense both are true about him. However, Duke was sheeted up in a shed for more than two decades, so Duke possibly did not know how things have changed. Duke is wise from experience, and sees it as his duty to live up to his name's reputation.

Duke is painted brown with red lining, and he has two red plaques on either side of his saddletank with his name written in gold. He had "The Duke" written on his sides and "MS" written on his tender. On the Mid-Sodor Railway, Duke was numbered one.

The story of Duke was based upon a true story about an engine abandoned in the Brazilian rainforest. Duke himself is based on Prince, a tender engine from the Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog, North Wales.

Duncan
Duncan is a narrow gauge tank engine who came to the Skarloey Railway after Peter Sam's accident with the slate trucks. He speaks with a Orcadian accent.

Duncan was built by Andrew Barclay at Kilmarnock and worked in a factory in Scotland, which Peter Sam claims is the source of his strong accent.

In 1958, Duncan was sent to Sodor to do Peter Sam's work after his accident with the slate trucks, and regauged to 2ft 3in. Duncan was rude and arrogant at first, but was humbled after derailing while doing "rock 'n' roll" and having to be rescued by Rusty, whom he detests for being a diesel.

But as the years went on, Duncan forgot what he had learnt, and in 1962 he stalled on a viaduct out of spite for not being polished. Skarloey finally taught him sense with the story of Rheneas' bravery and now Duncan is a Really Useful Engine.

Duncan is currently on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales being mended. Sir Handel is also there taking over Duncan's duties until he is mended.

Duncan might decide to "Rock 'n' Roll" and act rudely and obstinate, however Rusty had to rescue him after his accident. When he was first introduced in the fourth season, he was often stubborn.

Since the sixth season, Duncan is quite often bossy to the other engines about getting their work done quickly and thinks he knows better than them. Duncan still seems to ignore Rusty's warnings and advice until he lands himself into trouble. Also, Duncan tries to do the jobs which he thinks suits him well and he is quite competitive with James.

Duncan is based on the Talyllyn Railway's Douglas, not to be confused with the standard gauge engine Douglas. This engine is currently selcted to be dressed up as Duncan on special events associated with the "Thomas the Tank Engine" franchise.

Before August 1994, Duncan is painted in the Skarloey Railway's red livery with blue-and-yellow lining. Since August 1994, he is painted amber with black and gold lining.

Dyson lorries
The Dyson lorries are used to help whenever there is an accident where the rails can't reach. They are also used for carrying cars and engines - one was once used to carry Duke to the Skarloey Railway.

Eagle
Eagle is a wise old tender engine. He was built at Horwich Works and designed by George Hughes in 1897.

Eagle seems to be of a helpful persona. He pulls passenger trains through the day, but often pulls trucks.

Eagle is based on the L&YR Class 25 with an added pony truck and a Fowler tender, very much like James.

Eagle is painted in the NWR's crimson livery with yellow and black lining. He has crimson wheels and a crimson dome.

Earl
Earl is an express engine. He's the second of his class, and helps Gordon and Spencer with the Wild Nor'Wester. Earl is based on the un-streamlined LNER Class P2.

Earl Sigurd of Orkney
Earl Sigurd of Orkney was a man who often tried to reclaim the lands of Sodor and Man from Godred MacHarold. He attempted to claim Man in 982, and Sodor two years later. He failed both times, but was never captured and returned in 989. His forces killed MacHarold and two of his sons in a battle in Man, but Godred's youngest son, Harold escaped with Godred's mother and daughter. Sigurd died in 1014, and Harold reclaimed both islands from Sigurd's young heir, Thorfinn.

Edward
Edward is a mixed-traffic engine. He speaks with a politically correct (P.C.) English accent.

Edward was designed by Pettigrew and built by Sharp Stewart and Company in 1896 and worked on the Furness Railway before coming to Sodor in 1920 to finish the building of the North Western Railway. After his work was completed, Edward was kept in a shed, to the delight of the other engines, who claimed that he was too weak to work. Edward was eventually let out again, and proved that what he lacked in strength he made up for in work ethic.

Edward currently runs the Wellsworth-Brendam branch line with BoCo, and occasionally Donald and Douglas. He is sometimes used as a pilot engine for special trains.

Edward is kind-hearted and always keen to help a friend in need. The small engines trust him to lend a listening ear and sympathetic advice. He is a hard worker too, and always does his best to finish a job.

Sadly, the big engines often see Edward as old-fashioned and slow. While it is true he is the oldest engine on the North Western Railway - it must be noted he helped build it - he has proved time and time again that he is more than capable of working as hard as any engine, but he is a more clever and wiser engine, too.

Since the eighth season, Edward's persona differs slightly. Despite his reputation of being kind and friendly, Edward has sometime seemed to act cheeky. Edward has also acted with a lack of confidence in himself in that he keeps secrets from the other engines and the Fat Controller when once he was leaking steam, and likewise when he was told to pull the post train whilst Percy was being repaired. Sometimes, Edward has seemed to share the same personality as James, such as when he decided to show off his special waterwheel and laughed at Thomas when he was wearing a funny funnel.

Unlike most characters, Edward is not directly based upon any particular class of locomotive. The Reverend W. Awdry had stated that Edward is based on a heavily modified Sharp, Stewart and Co. "Larger Seagull", supplied to the Furness Railway in 1896, but this was a piece of retcon created for "The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways". Edward is based on a 4-4-0 Furness Railway K2 locomotive, first built 1896. Since his rebuild in 1921, Edward has his rear splasher flush with cab, two square cab windows as opposed to cutaway and rectangular cab lookouts as opposed to the round originals. Also since 1928, he has his flared-topped tender replaced with a flush-riveted 3500 gallon-type Fowler-style tender with horizontal strips removed and the rivets facing inward rather than outward.

Sodor "historian" Martin Clutterbuck notes that Edward bears a close resemblance to a LNER D3/4 "Glen" (NBR Reid Class K) 4-4-0 from the London and North Eastern Railway. At any rate, the Reverend W. Awdry used an engine of this class to represent Edward on his model railway.

Crovan's Gate modifications to be seen are making rear splasher flush with cab, new cab windows as opposed to cutaway and new cab lookouts as opposed to the round originals.

Edward is painted NWR blue with the NWR red and yellow lining and the number "2" painted on his tender sides in bright yellow with a red border. He carries two plaques on his cab that reads "NWR No. 2, Rebuilt 1920, Crovans Gate Works".

It can be assumed that, before arriving on Sodor, Edward was painted in the Furness Railway's red livery with a yellow "FR" on his tender sides and black wheels.

Edward's ghost engine
The ghost engine was referenced in a story Edward told the others on Halloween. Thomas later teased Percy, saying Percy thought it was real, but learnt his lesson after remaining behind at the Smelters to take a special load and thinking that some chains touching his cab were ghostly fingers. He then believed that a whistle in the shed was the ghost's lost whistle, forcing Thomas to race out of the Smelters.

The reason for the engine's death is not certain, but it can be assumed it was scrapped.

The ghost engine is based on the Caledonian Railway "Mclntosh 812" 0-6-0s. With the use of Donald's model, minus the tender.

Edwin
Edwin is a tank engine.

Edwin was built by Sir Nigel Gresley in 1930 and rebuilt in 1939. He was drafted to Sodor in 1946, before being withdrawn in 1959, due to poor condition. Molly the yellow engine discovered him in 2009, and Edwin is now a really useful engine again, working hard on Thomas' branchline. Edwin loves the highlands of Scotland, and has found Donald and Douglas both great Scottish friends. Edwin is a loyal and hard worker. If the engines are in a situation, Edwin never hesitates to help out, even if they were mean to him. Deep down inside, he misses his brothers on the LNER, and hopes they have survived. Sadly, none have, and Edwin is the last of his kind. Edwin carries the British Railways black livery with red lining, and the number nineteen painted on his bunker sides in yellow with a red border, and is an LNER Gresley V3 tank engine. Edwin's name means "rich friend". It comes from the Old English elements "ead" (rich, blessed) and "wine" (friend).

Edward Thomas
Edward Thomas is a 0-4-2ST built in 1921 by Kerr, Stuart and Co. Ltd. for use on the Corris Railway.

Edward Thomas worked on the Corris Railway, along with Sir Haydn, until the line's closure in 1948. He was purchased by the Talyllyn Railway in 1951 and named after its former manager. After repairs were carried out by the Hunslet Engine Co., the engine entered service on the Talyllyn in 1952 and has proved most successful. From 1958 until 1969 a Giesl ejector was fitted instead of a conventional chimney, the first such installation in the British Isles.

Until 2000, the engine ran in the guise of his twin, Peter Sam, in red livery. He was then repainted into the British Railway black, the colour he might have acquired had the Corris line survived a little longer. An extensive overhaul, which included the fitting of a new boiler, was completed in late May 2004, and the engine returned to public service on the thirtieth of that month as "Edward Thomas" in unlined green livery.

He is currently running in the standard Talyllyn Railway livery of bronze with black and yellow lining.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a vintage Sentinel steam lorry.

Prior to his becoming Controller of the North Western Railway, Sir Topham Hatt owned Elizabeth - she notes that he was not the best driver. For reasons unknown, Elizabeth was sheeted in a shed and remained there until Thomas' crew found her several decades later when they needed urgent transportation to the works for new side-rods. Jem Cole restored Elizabeth, and she is to this day in perfect working order.

Elizabeth does not like laziness or rudeness, and will respond to both in the strongest terms. Although she believes roads are superior to rails, she often helps the engines out. She is very sensitive about how others refer to her by her age.

Elizabeth is based on a Sentinel DG4 steam lorry with a three-way tipper behind her cab.

Elizabeth is painted maroon with gold and black stripes. Her license plate is D645.

Ellie
Ellie is a coach that operates with Eric on the Culdee Fell Railway. Her fate since Eric’s retirement is unknown.

Elsie
Elsie is a small luggage van pulled by Toby. After his tramway closed, Elsie was brought with Toby and Henrietta to the North Western Railway.

Emily
Emily is a large green Stirling Single, and Thomas' love interest. She was designed by Patrick Stirling and built at Doncaster Works in 1870. She speaks with a Glaswegian accent.

Emily was ignored by the other engines for pulling Annie and Clarabel without Thomas' permission or knowledge. The matter was resolved after she saved both Thomas and Oliver from a nasty accident on the cross-points, and she was rewarded with two new coaches.

Emily is a feisty and fun-loving engine. She acts as a sisterly figure to the others, but can get into trouble because of her fussy and bossy attitude. She's a lot nicer and wiser than she lets on.

Emily is based on a GNR Stirling Single, of which there is only one left in the world, located at the National Railway Museum in York.

Emily is painted in the emerald livery of the Great Northern Railway with gold lining and chocolate running-boards. She has the number 12 painted on her tender sides in yellow with a red border.

Enid
Ernest is based on the Snowdon Mountain Railway's Enid.

The boilers are inclined on the locomotives, to ensure that the boiler tubes and the firebox remain submerged when on the gradient, a standard practice on mountain railways - the locomotive always runs chimney-first up the mountain. The water gauges (gauge glasses) are mounted half at the centre on the locomotive so that the water level does not change with the gradient. One result of the boiler's angle is that the firehole door is at waist height, requiring the fireman to lift the coal some distance. The boiler is not superheated.

Eric
Eric is a mountain engine who was mentioned in a conversation between Culdee, Wilfred and Ernest in Mountain Engines. According to them, Eric is "nice and quiet".

Eric was built at Winterthur, Switzerland, in 1923 to a "super-heat" design. He arrived on Sodor in July 1962.

According to "The Real Lives of Thomas the Tank Engine", he and Alaric have been "retired".

Eric is based on the Snowdon Mountain Railway's Eryri.

Eric is painted purple with orange lining.

Erin
Erin was built by the Sodor and Mainland Railway in 1882, originally engine number 5. When the box tanks were scrapped, Erin became number 2 in 1910. Before closure of the S&MR, she had a terrible accident in 1914, and withdrawn from service. However, in 2009, Percy discovered her, and promised to keep it a secret from Sir Topham Hatt. When found out by Alfred, Percy reluctantly told Sir Topham Hatt who understood, and now Erin is a really useful engine again and works on Edward's branchline as a mixed traffic engine. She was named after her designer's mother, Erin O'Patrick McIlwain.

Erin is kind-hearted and helpful to her friends, but can be very sensitive and shy. She is the only female engine who thinks James is cool, and has feelings for him. Her best friends are Percy, Thomas and Lady.

Erin was originally painted light green with "5", later "2" written on her cab sides in yellow and "S&M" written on his tender sides. When she was scrapped, her paint rusted, giving her a rusty orange color. She is currently painted red with blue wheels, yellow boiler bands, black lining, the number "38" on her cab sides and the letters "NWR" on her tender sides.

Erin is curious-designed 2-2-2 single tender engine.

Ernest
Ernest is a mountain engine built at Winterthur, Switzerland, in 1895. He only appeared in Mountain Engines informing Culdee of the changes on the Culdee Fell Railway in his absence.

Ernest is based on the Snowdon Mountain Railway's Enid.

Ernest is painted CFR purple with orange lining. In the magazines, he is painted blue with red lining.

Eryri
Eric is based on the Snowdon Mountain Railway's Eryri.

The boilers of these engines are superheated, making them more efficient, and in place of a lever type regulator, they have a wheel that must be turned 2¼ times between closed and fully open. The drive from the cylinders and to the wheels again uses levers, but in a different pattern. The linkage is fitted within double frames at the front of the locomotive. This results in a locomotive that is far more rigid. The side tanks are arranged vertically just in front of the cab. No.6 carries the same amount of water as the earlier engines, but No.7 & No.8 carry enough water to get to the top of the mountain without stopping, if required. There is no separate tank for cooling water as it is drawn from the boiler on these engines.

Express coaches
These form the fast and important passenger trains and are normally pulled by Gordon, James, or Henry. Several of these coaches form the express, known as the "Wild Nor' Wester" - usually pulled by Gordon, although Henry, James and Bear take the train when Gordon is busy - other coaches form the "Limited", which was pulled by Bear in Enterprising Engines.

The coaches were primarily painted yellow-orange until circa 1984, when they were repainted maroon with a yellow stripe. The other coaches are painted either green or red with custard-yellow window surrounds. The green version is primarily used for the express while the red version and is used for other fast trains and occasionally used for the express.

The express coaches are based on SR Maunsell Stock, LNER Gresley and GWR Suburban with added corridor sections onto the ends of the coaches and the larger windows of corridors stock on the far sides.

Father Christmas/Santa Claus
Father Christmas appeared in Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree and the second season episode Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree with no lines. His model was really one of the Fat Controller's dressed up.

Farmer Banks
Farmer Banks is a farmer featured in the magazines.

Farmer Collett
Farmer Collett is a farmer, who regularly appears in the magazine stories. He is good friends with Jem Cole.

Farmer McColl
Farmer McColl is a farmer. Toby enjoys visiting him and his animals. He also owns the field opposite his farm.

Farmer Trotter
Farmer Trotter is a farmer who owns a pig farm. He is good friends with Farmer McColl. He also bee hives.

Ferdinand
Ferdinand is a large slow engine.

Ferdinand is a gentle giant. He is a bigger and slower engine who is able to make special tweeting sounds with his whistles. He runs on wood and oil and can often be heard saying "that's right".

Ferdinand is based on a Climax Class C logging locomotive with British-style buffers and couplings.

Ferdinand is painted teal with grey lining.

Fergus
Fergus is a railway traction engine.

Fergus mainly works at the cement works, and thus calls himself "the pride of the cement works".

Fergus knows the rulebook off by heart, and his catchphrase is "Do it right!" His insistence on doing everything absolutely according to the rules can annoy the other engines, but he is a decent engine at heart and will not hesitate to help others in trouble.

Fergus is based on the Aveling and Porter 2-2-0 'T9' class railway traction engine No. 9449 "Blue Circle", which is the only one left in the world. Since Fergus' introduction, "Blue Circle" has been dressed up as Fergus on special occasions on its home line, the Battlefield Line in Leicestershire.

Fergus is painted navy with gold boiler bands and red wheels.

Ffarquhar Quarry Co. trucks
The Ffarquhar Quarry Co. trucks carry stone from Anopha Quarry. They have "FQC" written on both sides.

Fire engines
The Sodor Fire Brigade owns several identical fire engines.

Fireman
The firemen help maintain the engines, and, along with the driver, keep the engines in control and provide a voice of reason when the engine is being difficult.

While the train is moving they stoke the fire and keep the water level where it needs to be. After a trip, they clean the firebox. They also couple the engines if a shunter isn't around. A fireman's uniform is blue pants, a white shirt, and a black tie, with a blue jacket over it, and a blue cap.

Flatbeds and wellwagons
Flatbeds and wellwagons are used for transporting large items such as cars, tractors and heavy machinery. One carried the rock crusher to the quarry, another took Caroline to the Elsbridge cricket field after she broke down, and another carried the Queen of Sodor barge.

Flora
Flora is a yellow steam tram.

Flora was new to the railway when Thomas first met her. Sir Topham Hatt told Thomas to introduce Flora to Toby, as she was to lead an engine parade with him. Thomas was worried that Toby would be upset that he wasn't the only steam tram any more, so Thomas tried to detour Flora until Toby left for Great Waterton. Flora ran out of coal near Toby's shed and Toby saw the bright yelloew tram for the first time. To Thomas' surprise, Toby was delighted to see her! Thomas gave Flora his coal and she and Toby went to Great Waterton in time for the parade.

Flora is an attentive, friendly little steam tram. Her tram coach is her pride and joy.

Flora is based on a 1904 Moseley Road Tramway steam tram, rebuilt into standard gauge. Instead of buffers, she has three couplings upon her front and rear bufferbeam. She has a 0-6-0 wheel arrangement.

Flora is painted bright yellow with green and white lining, red cowcatchers and sideplates and green boards on her roof reading "Sodor Tramways".

Flora's tram car
Flora's tram car is a double-decker green coach, and is her pride and joy. It was given to her at the opening of the Great Waterton Tramway.

Flying Scotsman
Flying Scotsman, a LNER Class A3 4-6-2, is the last of Gordon's brothers. He holds the records for being the first engine to officially run at 100 mp/h and the longest non-stop run for a steam engine - 631 kilometres non-stop, between London and Edinburgh, in eight hours.

Flying Scotsman was completed in 1923, construction having been started under the auspices of the Great Northern Railway. He was built as an A1, initially carrying the number 1472. Flying Scotsman was something of a flagship locomotive for the LNER. He represented the company at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924 and 1925. At this time he acquired his name and the new number of 4472. From then on he was commonly used for promotional purposes.

With suitably modified valve gear, he was one of five Gresley Pacifics selected to haul the prestigious non-stop Flying Scotsman train service from London to Edinburgh, hauling the inaugural train on May 1, 1928. For this, the locomotives ran with a new version of the large eight-wheel tender which held nine tons of coal. This and the usual facility for water replenishment from the water trough system enabled them to travel the 631 kilometres from London to Edinburgh in eight hours non-stop. The tender included a corridor connection and tunnel through the water tank giving access to the locomotive cab from the train in order to allow replacement of the driver and fireman without stopping the train. The following year he appeared in the film "The Flying Scotsman".

On November 30, 1934, running a light test train, he became the first steam locomotive to be officially recorded at 100 mp/h and earned a place in the land speed record for railed vehicles; the publicity-conscious LNER made much of the fact.

On August 22, 1928 there appeared an improved version of this Pacific type classified A3; older A1 locomotives were later rebuilt to conform. On April 25th, 1945, A1 class locomotives not yet rebuilt were reclassified A10 in order to make way for newer Thompson and Peppercorn Pacifics. This included Flying Scotsman, which emerged from Doncaster works on January 4, 1947 as an A3 having received a boiler with a long "banjo" dome of the type it carries today. By this time he had become no. 103 in Edward Thompson's comprehensive renumbering scheme for the LNER, then 60103 from January 1, 1948 on the nationalisation of the railways when all the LNER locomotive numbers were prefixed with 60000. Between June 5, 1950 and July 4, 1954, and December 26, 1954 and September 1, 1957, under British Railways ownership, he was allocated to Leicester Central Shed on the Great Central, running Nottingham Victoria to London Marylebone services via Leicester Central, and hauled one of the last services on that line before its closure. All A3 Pacifics were subsequently fitted with a double KYLCHAP chimney to improve performance and economy. This caused soft exhaust and smoke drift that tended to obscure the driver's forward vision; the remedy was found in the German-type smoke deflectors fitted from 1960, which somewhat changed his appearance but successfully solved the problem.

Flying Scotsman came to Sodor in 1967-8 to cheer his only surviving brother, Gordon, up. He had two tenders at the time he arrived, causing Henry to feel jealous.

After Donald and Douglas told Harold about Flying Scotsman, Harold was confused and thought the twins were talking about a Scotsman who could fly. Thomas explained that the twins were actually talking about an engine.

60103 ended service with British Railways in 1963 and was sold for preservation to Alan Pegler, who had him restored as closely as possible to his original LNER condition. He then worked a number of railtours, including a non-stop London–Edinburgh run in 1968 – the year steam traction officially ended on BR. As watering facilities for locomotives had by then disappeared, a second eight-wheel tender was adapted as an auxiliary water tank.

In 1969 he went on a promotional tour to the USA, where he was fitted with cowcatcher, a high-intensity headlamp, a bell, air brakes and buckeye couplings. The trip was initially a success, but when Pegler's backers withdrew their support he began to lose money and was finally bankrupted in 1972. Fears then arose for his future, the speculation being that he could take up permanent residence in America or even be cut up. Fortunately, in January 1973 William McAlpine stepped in at the eleventh hour and had him repaired and repatriated. In 1988 the locomotive travelled to Australia to take part in the country's bicentenary celebrations. There he set another record, travelling 442 miles from Parkes to Broken Hill non-stop, the longest such run by a steam locomotive ever recorded.

In recent years Flying Scotsman has continued to have an eventful existence. In 1995 it was in pieces at Southall depot in West London and facing an uncertain future owing to the cost of restoration and refurbishment necessary to meet the stringent engineering standards required for main line operation. Salvation came in 1996 when Dr. Tony Marchington bought him and had him restored to running condition at a cost of some £750,000. During its overhaul between 1996 and 1999, Flying Scotsman's vacuum brakes were removed and replaced with air brakes.

In 2004 Flying Scotsman was put up for sale because of the mounting debts of its owning company. After a high-profile campaign he was bought in April by the National Railway Museum in York and is now part of the national collection. As of 2006 Flying Scotsman is undergoing a major overhaul at the NRM and is not due to resume running until summer 2011. The overhaul is taking much longer than excepted due to the National Railway Museum's decision to rebuild Flying Scotsman's "spare" A3-type boiler rather than rebuilding his A4-type boiler, which he had fitted in his last overhaul between 1996 and 1999. The copper inner firebox from Flying Scotsman's "spare" boiler was rebuilt - only for the engineers to discover some faulty welds, which meant that it was sent back to the Boiler Works in Devon to be mended again. Also, a decision has being made to replace the air brakes with more effective vacuum brakes, and Steam Railway magazine has made an appeal to fund the vacuum brakes. Meanwhile, Flying Scotsman's frames are under overhaul at the workshops of the East Lancashire Railway which are due to be completed in the Autmun of 2010.

The producers of BBC's motoring television programme "Top Gear" originally wanted to use Flying Scotsman for a secret race from London to Edinburgh; but due to the delay to his overhaul, they decided to use the brand-new mainline tender engine called Tornado.

The Flying Scotsman is painted LNER green with black and yellow lining and LNER painted in yellow on his first tender side and the number 4472 painted in yellow on his second tender side.

Choice of livery is a subject of controversy amongst those involved in the preservation of historic rolling stock, and Flying Scotsman has attracted more than its fair share, the result of forty years' continuous service during which the locomotive has undergone several changes to its livery. Alan Pegler's option was evidently to return the locomotive as far as possible to the general appearance and distinctive colour it carried at the height of its fame. A later option was to reinstall the double Kylchap chimney and German smoke deflectors that it carried at the end of its career in the 1960s; this encouraged more complete combustion, a factor in dealing with smoke pollution and fires caused by spark throwing. More recently, until its current overhaul, it was running in an anachronistic hybrid form retaining the modernised exhaust arrangements while carrying the LNER "Apple Green" livery of the 1930s. Some believe that the more famous LNER colour scheme should remain; others take the view that, to be authentic, only BR "Brunswick Green" livery should be used when the loco is carrying these later additions – the issue is further complicated by the fact that while in BR "Brunswick Green" Livery it never ran with the corridor tender! Other liveries that Flying Scotsman has had, are the wartime "Black" livery and the British Railways "Express Passenger Lined Blue" livery.

Frank
Frank, formerly, Peter, is a grumpy diesel. He sometimes loses his temper, which once caused him to crash into the back wall of the shed. Despite this, he is a hard worker and is sometimes called upon to rescue engines who have broken down.

Frank was originally a 0-4-0 named "Peter", built at Muir-Hill in 1929. In 1931, he was rebuilt as a steam-outline diesel 0-4-4 for use on passenger trains, and arrived on Sodor in 1968, and in 1975, was rebuilt with a Perkins P6 diesel engine, giving him a modern diesel engine's radiator grill at front instead of his fake smokebox and replacing his Fordson petrol engine. In 1984, he was rebuilt with a modern diesel outline, losing his fake steam outline and became similar to an industrial diesel shunter and renamed Frank. He has since been used as the permanent way stalwart, but also for shunting and relief passenger duties.

Frank is painted light gray with a red stripe. He has red nameplates with gold writing.

Frank is based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's "Perkins", constructed in 1984 at Ravenglass, a rebuild of a 1929 Muir-Hill tractor.

Fred
Fred is a diesel working on the Skarloey Railway. He was built in 1950.

According to Sodor: Reading Between the Lines, the Skarloey Railway bought two worn out Hunslet diesels from the National Coal Board and, using parts from both engines, constructed Fred. He was put into service in 1989, and is used mainly for maintenance and engineering work.

Like Dennis, Fred is lazy and tries to stay out of work by pretending to be ill.

Fred is painted charcoal-black with yellow lining and white lettering.

Fred is based on Alf, a Hunslet 0-4-0 diesel with a maximum speed of 9 mp/h working on the Talyllyn Railway.

Fred Pelhay
Fred Pelhay is an orange "Private Owner" truck with "FRED PELHAY Coal Co." painted on both sides in white. He made a cameo in Toad Stands by laughing at Oliver.

Fred the fogman
Fred the fogman is a fogman on the narrow gauge railway. He once saved Peter Sam from a running into a tree.

Fred and Bart
Fred and Bert are two porters at Tidmouth. They were carrying a beehive on a trolley, but when an old lady suddenly appeared in front, they stopped so suddenly the beehive fell over and broke, prompting the station's occupants (bar James and his crew) to clear the platform.

Freddie
"Fearless" Freddie is an old Warhorse engine.

After many years of absence Freddie returned to the Skarloey Railway. Although the reason for his absence is not stated, one can presume that Freddie was either on loan to another railway or undergoing an extensive overhaul.

Upon returning home, Freddie challenged Rheneas and Skarloey to a series of races up and down the mountain. After realizing that he wasn't as strong as he once was, Freddie used his knowledge of the mountain routes and short-cuts to secure victories. However, when his cheating placed Rheneas in danger, Freddie was forced to put his knowledge to better use. When Mr Percival's bike was delivered to the Wharf with no bell on it, Freddie decided to find a bell - even though he didn't know where to find one until he saw Thomas taking an old foghorn and decided that the bell from the old bike will be useful.

One Christmas, Freddie tried to re-organise a party so that Colin can take part. Despite his best efforts, Freddie left telling Mr Percival about his idea until the last minute. Luckily, Freddie's idea was sorted with the party taking place at the Wharf for Colin.

Freddie is competitive, but has since learned his lesson. He is now well respected by the younger engines on the Skarloey Railway.

Freddie is based on Russell, a locomotive from the Welsh Highland Railway in North Wales. He has added buffers and couplings.

Freddie is painted grey with black and red lining, and a brass dome. He has black nameplates and numberplates with gold writing. On the peel godred aluminium works, he was painted in an unlined darker shade of grey.

Fuel tankers
The fuel tankers are painted yellow with pictures of fire in red diamonds and "SODOR FUEL" in black on both sides. They are used to transport fuel.

Funfair trucks
The funfair trucks are popular with the engines. Funfairs usually consist of carousels, roller coasters, bumper cars, a ferris wheel, the Chinese Dragon and a fireworks display.

George
George is a grumpy steamroller whose interactions with engines generally lead to trouble.

George was built in 1920 and arrived on Sodor in 1962.

When he first arrived, he immediately entered a conflict with the engines of the Skarloey Railway. At the time Sir Handel was boasting about his broad tyres, which the other engines referred to as "steamroller wheels." Skarloey tried to trick Sir Handel into confronting George to divert his attention. George and Sir Handel immediately disliked each other. One afternoon, Sir Handel took a train down the line parallel to the site where George was working. George wouldn't give the train enough room to pass, and rammed his front roller into Sir Handel's train. The train and construction crews argued until a policeman broke them up and a barrier was built between the road and the rail. George's work was finished, and he was taken away, although Sir Handel took the credit for this.

George was at work near the Ffarquhar branchline, still grumbling about railways. He told Daisy that friends of his have paved roads over old railway lines, and was eager to do the same on Sodor. Daisy tried not to cross him, fearing he would follow through with his threat. George and his crew left some road cones where they were working. One day, wind blew some cones inside the level crossing into Daisy's path and were pulled under, jamming her brakes. Daisy felt certain he did this on purpose.

Once, on Lady Hatt's birthday in 1998, the Fat Controller was running late. His car had broken down, and when he was offered a ride by Caroline, she overheated. George pulled up alongside them and called Caroline "a disgrace to the roads". George's driver, who was fairly even-tempered, offered the Fat Controller a ride, but George lost control and veered into a pool of mud.

George later worked at an excavation site with Skarloey and Rheneas, and made rude remarks despite their assertion that their stone would be used to pave George's roads. George was still rude while Percy carried him on a flatbed to his new work site.

George was later creating a road on an old railway line, but was intentionally careless when he paved the road over a level crossing, later causing Thomas to become derailed and crash. Finally, George refused to allow Duck to pass him at the yard. As, a result a truck from his train was still on the main line. When the express came through, Gordon collided with the truck, smashing it. The Fat Controller was furious with these recent disturbances, and punished George by taking him off of the roads for a week.

For a long time afterwards, George had little actual contact with the engines. On one occasion, Thomas retrieved him to repair the runway of the new airport at the last minute.

George is unfriendly to all engines, even those who try to be pleasant towards him. He generally utters variations of the phrase "Railways are no good. Pull them up. Turn them into roads". His unpleasant attitude frequently creates chaos.

George is based on an Aveling and Porter steamroller owned by the Reverend Teddy Boston, who also owns the traction engine on which Trevor is believed to be based.

George is painted in an all-over green livery with yellow boiler bands and his name painted on his boiler.

Gertude and Millicent
Gertrude and Millicent are two coaches which the Skarloey Railway built while Skarloey was being mended. They run on bogies, which led Sir Handel to consider them the only "proper" coaches on the Skarloey Railway and likes to take them on his own. Millicent has a compartment for the conductor. Gertrude & Millicent are based on Talyllyn Railway carriage 9 and 10. Gertrude was built by W.G. Allen and Tisdales in 1954 and Millicent in 1955. They arrived on Sodor in 1955.

Gertrude and Millicent are painted blue with cream windows.

Godred
Godred, named after Godred MacHarold, a famed king of Sodor, was a mountain engine who worked on the Culdee Fell Railway.

Godred was built at Winterthur, Switzerland, in 1895, and scrapped at 1900. He was arrogant from the start, and believed that should he have any trouble his automatic brakes would save him. Of course, barely a month after the railway's opening he came off the rails and was sent to the shed in disgrace. According to Culdee, he was subsequently cannibalised for his parts. However, the true nature of Godred's demise is debatable, as it was said the whole tale was made up; then again, all other canonical sources support Culdee's version of events, which only confounds things more.

Godred was arrogant and self-centered - Culdee believes this may have been because of the nature of his naming. Godred put too much faith in his automatic brakes, despite all the warnings, and paid the price.

Godred is based on the Snowdon Railway's L.A.D.A.S., who also suffered a similar fate. L.A.D.A.S' accident was caused by subsidence of the track, leading to the pinion wheel disengaging - this was amended by fitting guard-bars to the rack-rail. Since the Culdee Fell Railway opened four years later, it seems likely that guard-bars would have been required by the Board of Trade from the outset, implying a different chain of events causing the derailment, somehow disengaging both the pinion wheels and the gripper fitted to the engine which connects with the guard-bars to prevent such an event.

The most likely explanation is that the Reverend W. Awdry wanted his fictional railway to mirror its real-life counterpart as closely as possible, but as this would involve the "death" of a character, he chose to end it as he did in order to avoid upsetting his readers.

Godred is painted purple with orange lining. In a magazine picture, he was painted red with yellow lining and buffers.

Godred Crovan
Godred Crovan, the son of King Harold and grandson of Godred MacHarold, was born in Iceland in 1045. Sometime after Harold was killed in 1047, Crovan and his mother Gerda returned to Sodor with Sigurd of Cronk, his wife, Helga, and his son Ogmund, also born in 1045.

Crovan and Ogmund were brought up together as best friends, and later as stepbrothers after Helga died and Sigurd married Gerda.

In 1063, Sigurd died and was succeeded by Ogmund in the position of most powerful man in Sodor, after the king. The king of Sodor and son of invader Earl Sigurd of Orkney, Thorfinn, was losing his grip to power, and Crovan set about regaining his father's kingdom. With Sodor virtually in good hands, he left and conquered the Isles, Dublin and eventually Man in the battle of Sky Hill in 1079. Ogmund, however, fell in the battle.

Crovan died sometime between 1089 and 1116. He is remembered for foiling the only Viking invasion in Sodor's history by means of a clever ruse, luring the Vikings to a small pass (now named Crovan's Gate in his honour) while another group destroyed the Vikings' ships.

Godred MacHarold
Godred MacHarold (known in Sudrian legend as King Orry or Starstrider) was King of Sodor and Man from 979 to 989. After the defeat of the Norse by the Irish, he harried Wales, then landed on Man, where, he famously pointed to the stars reflected in the water and said to the locals "There is the path running from my county to this place. That is my road to fame and fortune." Godred gave Sodor and Man ten years of peace, and his reign is remembered as a golden age. In Sodor, he is remembered affectionately as King Orry.

Godred often fought off attempts by Earl Sigurd of Orkney to reclaim Man in 982 and Sodor in 984 at a ford near what is now Peel Godred, named in his honour, which has now been replaced by a bridge and known as "King Orry's Bridge".

Sigurd was not captured during either battles, and returned in 989. In a battle on Man Godred and his two elder sons were killed, but his wife, daughter Gudrun and youngest son Harold escaped to Islay.

Godred was named after him. Culdee noted that this honour may have been a factor in his carelessness.

Goose
Goose is Duck's brother. He is based on GWR Class 57xx.

Gordon
Gordon is a blue express engine. He is Flying Scotsman's only remaining brother and Mallard and Spencer's cousin. He speaks with a Posh English accent.

Gordon was built by Sir Nigel Gresley at Doncaster Works in April 1922 as an A1 with a GNR eight-wheeled tender and green livery on the Other Railway, but when he arrived on Sodor in mid-to-later 1922 with a spare boiler and firebox later that year he was painted in the North Western Railway's blue livery.

Gordon is mainly used for passenger duties, pulling the North Western Railway's express, the "Wild Nor' Wester", but has occasionally pulled goods trains: he has been known to run into ditches and stop on hills to get out of doing these jobs, as he believes that these are below him.

In 1939, Gordon went to Crovan's Gate for a rebuild. His conjugated valve gear was replaced by a two-cylinder design, he received a smoother running plate (designed by the Fat Controller), Stanier underframes, "Black-5" wheels, cylinders, squared-off side windows, rectangular buffers and a Fowler-style tender; flush-riveted six-wheeled 3,500 gallon-type with horizontal strips removed and the rivets facing inward rather than outward to replace his standard eight-wheeled horizontal-stripped 5000 Gallon type Gresley tender..

Gordon has become famous after his adventures: in 1953 he pulled Queen Elizabeth II's royal train and in 1956 he traveled to London, where he was lauded by a large crowd. Gordon did not like the visit, however, as he discovered that London's big station was St. Pancras. In 1986, Gordon got to visit Carlisle when a diesel taking a Railtour failed.

When HM Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, visited the Island of Sodor, Sir Topham Hatt asked Gordon to take her around. Gordon is given an extra tender for when he travels from Sodor to London.

Gordon's important position as the engine who usually pulls the Express has made him proud, pompous and arrogant, with good reason, too; he is the strongest engine on Sodor after all. Gordon's philosophy "tender engines don't shunt" meant that he looked down on tank engines and tender engines who do shunt, but after being locked in the shed with Henry and James after going on strike he seems to have abandoned this philosophy.

Despite this, Gordon is kind-hearted, strong, intelligent, and fast. He doesn't mind pulling trucks, but won't pull dirty coal cars or oil tankers.

Because of his rank in the social order of the North Western Railway, Gordon expects to get the important jobs and either sulks when he doesn't, or gets jealous of those who do. Sometimes, Gordon acts as a bully, particularly towards Edward, but following mis-adventures where Edward had to help him, Gordon had to acknowledge that despite being old, Edward is still a very useful engine.

Sometimes Gordon shows a kinder side and gives the younger engines advice, usually after he has had some mishap as a result of his foolhardiness. Some of his advice isn't exactly honest, though, as James and Sir Handel have discovered.

According to Sodor "historian" Martin Clutterbuck, Gordon is supposed to be an experimental prototype for Sir Nigel Gresley's A1 "Pacific" design for the GNR, the so called "A0". Gordon was then built at Doncaster Works, Yorkshire, and tested against a similar NER Pacific in 1923. Gordon, being an experimental engine, never received a number, and was later rebuilt at Crewe with LMS underparts and a six-wheel Fowler tender in 1939, owning to various problems. Gordon has since been rebuilt below the footplate according to Stanier designs, his running plate being Sir Topham Hatt's own design. Gordon is based on an London and North Eastern Railway Gresley Class A3 4-6-2 engine, first built in 1922. He is a brother of "London and North Eastern Railway Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman" (whose speed record was 100 mph) who is currently at the National Railway Museum in York.

Gordon is painted NWR blue with NWR red-and-yellow lining and the number "4" painted on his tender sides in yellow. Before arriving on Sodor, he was painted Doncaster green with white and black lining.

Gordon's snow machine
Gordon's snow machine is used to blow huge snowdrifts away. It can be a nuisance, as Gordon once found out when trying to puff clear the tunnel mouth, only to be buried in snow loosened by the sound.

Green Arrow
Green Arrow is a LNER Class V2 preserved as one of the main attractions of the National Railway Museum. He has been put on display at "Locomotion" (the National Railway Museum in Shildon) since his boiler certificate expired in 2008.

He was built in June 1936 for the London and North Eastern Railway at Doncaster Works to a design of Nigel Gresley.

Green Arrow resembles Flying Scotsman; the only differences are that Green Arrow is shorter and has a wheel arrangement of 2-6-2 with a six-wheeled tender. Thomas met Green Arrow after his unusual arrival on the back of a lorry to find Green Arrow being repaired.

Green Arrow was withdrawn from service in August, 1962, and bought by the National Railway Museum. He would pull rail tours from time to time, but in 2008, was withdrawn from rail tour service. This was because two of his superheated tubes where cracked. These tubes were fixed, but Green Arrow was soon taken away for static display. His boiler was not to expire until mid-late 2008, but it failed shortly after the tubes where repaired. It is unlikely that he will return to steam in the coming future.

Guard
The guard, known as a conductor in America, blows his whistle when it is time for trains to leave and sits in the brakevan, where he can apply the brakes in case of an emergency. Guards also have two flags, one red and one green. The green flag means "all set", and the red flag means "danger".

A guard's uniform is blue pants, a white shirt, a black tie, with a blue jacket over it, and a blue cap.

Gunpowder wagons
These oddly-shaped trucks transport gunpowder. Because gunpowder is so dangerous, engines must take the utmost care when shunting and they are usually put in the middle of trains for safety.

Gunpowder wagons are painted black with "D. FUSIT" on the side in white and "GUNPOWDER" underneath in red.

The gunpowder wagons are based on the same type used on the Ffestiniog Railway.

Gwen
Gwen was a Coach that operated with Godred on the Culdee Fell Railway. Her fate after Godred’s accident is unknown.

Hamish
Hamish was a dark green tank engine with an unusual box shape and a Scottish accent. He is a simple but kind engine who befriended Skarloey when he was young. He crashed into Erin and was sent to the shed in disgrace. He was cannibalized as spare parts for Neil.

Skarloey said Hamish was ugly but kind, and they soon became friends.

Hamish was painted dark green with "S&M 1" written on his tank sides in yellow.

In Sodor: Reading Between the Lines Christopher Awdry states that Hamish's class is unknown. However, he strikingly resembles a Neilson 0-4-0 box tank, a simple and robust class of engine built in Glasgow and sold all over the world. This would explain both his name and his accent.

Hank
Hank is a large American tender engine. He was designed by Matthias W. Baldwin and built at Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1914.

Thomas and Percy first met Hank at Brendam when he arrived. Thomas was impressed, until Hank told him he was "one of the finest little engines he'd ever seen". Thomas misinterpreted the comment as making fun of his size, and became determined to pull all of Hank's loads himself. While Thomas tired himself out pulling the heavy loads, Hank insisted that he help Thomas with the train. With the strain, Thomas eventually cracked a cylinder and finally decided to accept Hank's offer for help. Hank pushed Thomas to Knapford, where the other engines were waiting to greet Hank.

Hank is unique in being very kind and helpful amongst the big engines, and is willing to offer any assistance to any engine who is struggling with their loads. He generally speaks with a stereotypical Texan accent. He has the enthusiasm of a cheerleader, the strength of a titan and a propensity to be cheeky.

Hank is based on the Pennsylvania Railroad's K4 Pacific, approx. 83 ft 6 in long. He has British-style buffers added to the back of his tender for coupling.

Hank is painted dark blue with red wheels, a red cowcatcher and red lining.

Harley
Harley is the newest engine on Sodor, and also one of the strongest. He is constantly late with all his trains and for meetings. The other engines feel sorry for his lateness, but James cannot help teasing him about it. Harley is not based on any particular locomotive class; he is custom built at Crovan's Gate.

Harold
Harold, nicknamed "Whirlybird", is a helicopter used for patrolling the railway. He was built in 1949.

When Harold first met Percy he stated that railways were "slow and out-of-date", but was proven wrong when Percy later beat him in a race. Harold is owned by the coastguard on Sodor and lives at Dryaw airfield by Thomas' branchline. He keeps a watchful eye over Sodor in case of trouble, and speeds to the rescue of anyone in distress.

Harold speaks in a manner reminiscent of an RAF pilot, using terms such as "wizard" and "old chap" in conversation.

Harold is based on a Sikorsky S-55 helicopter, built in the UK as the Westland Whirlwind. He has added floats.

Harold is painted white with red lining.

Harold
Harold was an ancient king of Sodor. When his father, Godred MacHarold, died in battle in 989, along with Harold's two older brohers, he escaped with his mother and sister to Islay. After the death of Sigurd, the leader of the forces that had killed his father, Harold seized his chance and reclaimed Sodor and Man for twenty years, until Thorfinn, Sigurd's heir, drove him out. His son died in the skirmish, but Harold escaped to Iceland, where he had a son named Godred Crovan with a woman named Gurda in 1045. Harold died in an affray in 1047.

Harry
Harry is Oliver's brother. He is based on GWR Class 14xx.

Harvey
Harvey is a tank engine with a crane mounted on top of his boiler, which makes him look rather unusual. He speaks with a deep, booming, gruff voice and a South London accent.

He arrived on Sodor in December 2001. The other engines except Thomas teased Harvey at first, but when he was able to rescue Percy after an accident they realized that his difference was what made him special. Since then, he has proved very useful, using his crane arm for maintenance, building and clearing up. He mainly works at Brendam and the yard, but his favourite place to be is at the Water Works.

Harvey is a kind, friendly and hard-working crane engine. He enjoy helping out when his friends are in distress.

With perhaps the most distinctive appearance of any engine, Harvey is painted burgundy with yellow line-work and brown square buffers. His name and the number "27" is written on both his sides in yellow, however the "27" is painted on his crane.

Harvey is based on an industrial crane engine - Dubs Crane Engine No. 4101, first built in 1901.

Headmaster Hastings
Headmaster Hastings is the headmaster of Strawberry Grove School. One day Duncan was pulling an organ for the school when his whistle shot off into a field, and Headmaster Hastings used the organ as a replacement.

Hector
Hector (the name stands for "Heavily Engineered Coal Truck On Rails") is a coal hopper who is good friends with Thomas and James. He speaks with an American accent.

Hector was being a pain for Bill and Ben when they were bringing him into the yard because he kept banging into the two. Hector, at first, was aggressive. He roared angrily at the engines to "KEEP AWAY!", giving Thomas a fright and scaring Rosie away. Thomas, determined to shunt him and having enough of the truck's behavior, accidentally pushed him off the line, and after being helped back onto the rails, Hector revealed he was intimidating so he wouldn't have to carry coal, being scared of doing so. Thomas showed him it was actually quite fun.

Later on, Hector helped James get through a snowstorm from Brendam Docks to Great Waterton after James ignored his previous advice and some of the other trucks got stuck in a snowdrift.

Hector used to be mean and aggressive, just to hide his fear of being filled with coal. Thanks to Thomas, he learnt that there was no need to be scared.

Hector is based on a Union Pacific #7801 hopper car with added buffers.

Hector is painted black with "HECTOR" painted on both sides in white.

Helena
Helena is a four-wheeled coach from the Furness Railway who operated with Victoria and Albert on the Lakeside branch.

Henrietta
Henrietta is a coach pulled by Toby, although Percy or Daisy takes her when Toby is absent.

After Toby's tramway in East Anglia closed, Henrietta was brought with Toby to the North Western Railway. Toby later mentioned to the Fat Controller that a stationmaster on his tramway wanted to use her as a henhouse, but the Fat Controller agreed that "that would never do".

Henrietta is based on a Great Eastern Railway Wisbech and Upwell 4-wheel passenger coach no. 7. It is revealed in an annual that Henrietta has one sister left, being a bogied version of herself.

Henrietta is painted orange with brown cabin and red bufferbeam.

Henry
Henry is a mixed-traffic engine.

Henry was built around 1920 from plans stolen from Sir Nigel Gresley and was something like a cross between a GNR/LNER Class A1 and a GNR C1 Atlantic. He was sold to Sir Topham Hatt, who was desperate for a locomotive.

Henry was vain and in August 1922 he stopped in a tunnel and refused to come out, citing that his paintwork would be spoilt by the rain. After several attempts to move him failed he was bricked up in the tunnel until Gordon broke down while pulling the Express. As Edward was unable to move the train himself, the Fat Director offered to let Henry out of the tunnel to help. Henry eagerly accepted.

Henry performed very well, and the Fat Director promised him a new coat of paint, as his existing paintwork had been damaged more by his stay in the tunnel than it would have been by the rain. Henry asked to be painted blue like Edward. However, many people confused him with Gordon, to the bigger engine's annoyance. The matter was worsened after a trip to the Works where Henry was given spares of Gordon's buffers and cab. This caused Gordon to be very rude to Henry.

The poor engine and his system, which was already finicky at best due to design flaws, never really recovered from the stay in the tunnel. Henry developed steaming problems, about which he complained constantly, though he found little sympathy, especially when it caused him to be late.

In 1949 Henry, when again offered new paint, chose green to end the confusion. Unfortunately, he was to suffer humiliation when he was hosed with water by an elephant he frightened. After Gordon and James suffered humiliations of their own (and all three had become thoroughly fed up having to do their own shunting and fetch their own coaches), the big engines went on strike. The Fat Controller naturally disapproved of this nonsense, and after purchasing Percy he locked them in the shed for several days.

Later that year, during a period when the main line engines were being supplied with a poor delivery of coal, Henry was having a very difficult time of it indeed. He had strength to pull trains only sporadically, in spite of numerous parts replacements. At last the Fat Controller looked into it personally, and asked the opinion of Henry's fireman, who told him about the coal and suggested purchasing the high-grade Welsh coal the Great Western Railway used.

When the Welsh coal came, Henry's performance was vastly improved, such that he was comparable to Gordon. He continued to use the coal until February 1950, when due to a conjunction of a forced signal and frozen points he had a collision with a goods train at Killdane while pulling "The Flying Kipper" and was sent to Crewe to be rebuilt. Henry was rebuilt into a Stanier 5MT. (Sir Topham Hatt had connections with Sir William Stanier, so this may be the reason he managed to get Henry rebuilt so quickly).

After returning, Henry was added to the rotation for the Express, and pulled it so well that he made Gordon jealous. Gordon tried to get even by rudely critcising Henry for whistling loudly at stations, but had to eat his words later that day after his own whistle valve jammed open. Some time later, Henry was taking a slow train. As he passed under a bridge, four boys he had assumed to be railfans dropped stones on him and his coaches. He paid them out on his return journey by "sneezing" ashes that collected in his smokebox at them.

In 1952, when Queen Elizabeth II was to come to Sodor, Henry (rightly) assumed he was the Fat Controller's choice to pull the royal train. But the day before, while he was idling at the station his smoke blinded a painter, who fell along with his paint pot onto Henry. The paint splashed over Henry's boiler, and as painting over it would take too long for him to have time for the train Gordon was given the job instead.

When Duck arrived in 1955 to take over Percy's duties as station pilot, Henry, along with Gordon and James, teased him and tried to give him orders, as they had been doing to Percy. Duck, with Percy's help, blocked the big engines from entering the shed. The Fat Controller arrived and told the two tank engines off for causing a disturbance. Henry and the others laughed- until the Fat Controller shouted for silence, and told them they'd been worse, as they had made the disturbance. He told them that Duck was right about he, Sir Topham Hatt, being in charge. Henry respected Duck more after that.

Henry's good opinion of Duck would be briefly spoilt in 1957. He and the other main line engines were growing very tired of Duck's incessant talk about the Great Western Railway following City of Truro's visit. A Diesel sent to the island on trial quickly developed a grudge against Duck, and spread nasty stories about the the main line engines to the trucks, stories he falsely claimed Duck had told him. Henry, furious at being called "Old Square Wheels", joined Gordon and James in barring Duck from the shed. He felt sorry a few days later when he became the next target of Diesel's slander, and when Duck returned after preventing an accident Henry cheered him loudly.

When Gordon started feeling depressed in 1968, Henry, thinking Gordon was just moaning and groaning, teased him and told him he should get a wash-out, and would feel much better. When Gordon's younger brother Flying Scotsman visited Sodor, Henry was jealous of the visitor's second tender. Duck and Donald explained, and while Henry took the point he still was vain enough to want an additional tender. Duck, deciding to bring Henry down to earth, told the big engine that he had in his possession not one, but six spare tenders, which as a tank engine he had no need of. Henry accepted, and all the engines waited to see him go past. But instead of a splendid sight, the tenders were old, rusted, and full of boiler sludge! Gordon mocked him with a comment about wash-outs.

Henry was so frustrated that the day after 7101 and 199 arrived on trial he became so hot his regulator fused wide open, and his driver had to use the reverser to control him. On his return journey (no train), he stopped at a signal box next to 199, who had a train of oil tankers. The signalman told them that 199, who he nicknamed "Spamcan", had failed and that he needed to be moved out of the way to clear the line for the "Limited". Henry pulled the train clear. But shortly afterward, 7101's ejector failed and the "Limited" ground to a halt. Henry then volunteered to help move both trains. Luckily all he had to do for 7101 was keep the vacuum brakes off, but it was still hard work. The cavalcade made it to a station where Flying Scotsman waited to take the coaches, and Donald to take the goods. Henry brought 7101 to the Works afterwards, and days later cheered the arrival of Oliver.

Henry is generally well-behaved, but he is occasionally arrogant and vain. Henry is at heart a hard worker, but his frequent bouts of illness hinder his work.

Henry has being portrayed a nature-lover as evidence in Henry's Forest. This personality carried on throughout the most recent seasons, with Henry being occasionally a tree-hugging engine too as he tried to prevent the tall pine tree and the wishing tree from being cut down.

Henry's history is unusual. He was built from rejected plans for Sir Nigel Gresley's A1. The plans were stolen from Gresley by a rival. Then resulting engine was a mix of GNR A1 Pacific and GNR C1 Atlantic, with a 4-6-0 wheel arrangement, a smoother-looking running plate designed by Hatt himself, a cutoff third splasher, that is flush with a small, very shallow firebox flush with the curved running boards, one cab window and a LNER Class B12-style tender. Henry in this shape developed performance issues from flaws in the design, compounded by his stay in the tunnel. Henry was a "bad steamer": with good-quality coal he could get enough heat to make plenty of steam, but when there was a poor lot delivered, his undersized firebox could not hold enough coal to make a proper fire. On advice from Henry's fireman, the Fat Controller ordered high-grade Welsh Coal, which made an appreciable difference in Henry's performance. When Henry suffered an accident and severe damage that winter, the opportunity was taken to to send him to Crewe, where he was rebuilt an LMS Stanier 5MT "Black 5" 4-6-0, approx. 63. ft 11 3/4 long. Since 1963, he has his 4000 gallon-type Stanier-style tender replaced with a flush-riveted 3500 Gallon type Fowler style tender with horizontal strips removed and the rivets facing inward rather than outward.

Henry is currently painted NWR green with NWR red-and-yellow lining and the number "3" painted on his tender sides in yellow. He was originally painted LNER green, but he was repainted NWR blue with NWR red and yellow lining at the end of "The Three Railway Engines" and remained so until the beginning of "Troublesome Engines". In "Henry and the Express" he was briefly painted orange-red as an undercoat before his standard green coat was applied.

Hiro
Hiro is a Japanese engine who was introduced in Hero of the Rails.

Hiro is wise, very dignified and enormously kind. He's friendly and is able to find good in any engine he meets. He does not appear to hold a grudge; in his first appearance, he helped Spencer after an accident, despite Spencer previously trying to send Hiro to the smelter's yard. Aside from telling stories from his native home in Japan, Hiro oftens tells the younger engines of the Sodor Railway stories of a very special steam engine he once knew named Lady. According to Hiro, Lady was a magical engine, who when she chuffed along the rails, she spread gold dust along the rails. As the Sodor Railway's "wise elder", Hiro possess unbeatable wisdom and stands for no nonsense. He cares for his fellow engines as a grandparent would for their grandchildren. Because he is from Japan, Hiro sometimes uses Japanese words in his sentences. These include the following - Hai (yes), Domo arigato (thank you very much), Konnichiwa (hello), O hayou (good morning) and Sayounara (goodbye).

Hiro once lived on a faraway island. He was the strongest engine on his railway, and was famously known as "Master of the Railway". He was eventually brought to Sodor where he worked for many years.

However, he began to show his age, and the works didn't have the necessary parts to repair him. To avoid scrap, he was put on a siding, where he had to wait for the parts to come from his homeland. Thomas eventually found him and, fearing Hiro would be scrapped if he wasn't Really Useful, promised to bring him back to his former glory while keeping him a secret from Sir Topham Hatt. Thomas also had many of his friends help in the restoration, and Hiro quickly gained their friendship. After breaking down again while trying to avoid Spencer, Hiro was hidden away in another siding, where passing engines visited him and kept him company.

When Sir Topham Hatt found out about the situation, Hiro was brought to the Sodor Steamworks, where Victor oversaw his restoration. Once Hiro was restored, he helped Spencer after his accident, and worked with him and Thomas to finish the Duke And Duchess's summer house. Despite everything, Hiro had grown homesick, so Sir Topham Hatt arranged for him to be sent back to his homeland.

Hiro eventually came back to Sodor to help the engines with the summer holiday traffic. Upon arrival back to Sodor, Hiro went to the Steamworks to be examined and then went to Knapford station for his welcome party, which was almost delayed as Thomas was trying to find a welcome present for Hiro instead of telling the other engines about the party. But, Hiro told Thomas that having his friends at the party was the best welcome present. During his visit, Hiro told Thomas to take the load of bees through the woods, which Thomas ignored.

However, Thomas took Hiro's advice after taking Hiro's flower truck to get the bees back to their hives. Later on, Hiro saw the Fat Controller, and assumed he was too busy to give orders to his engines. So, he tried to help the Fat Controller by ordering his engines - but he only suceeded in becoming "Master of the Muddle". However, he made up for his mistakes by telling the engines to go to Knapford and await orders from the Fat Controller.

Hiro is based on a Japanese National Railways (JNR) Class D51 built by Kawasaki Heavy Shima Industries Rolling Stock Company and designed by Hideo Shima in 1936, 19,730 mm long. However, Hiro runs on standard gauge track, while the real D51 engines were built for cape gauge. He has scaled up to 1,422 mm (4 ft 8 in) standard gauge, with added buffers on his front and his tender, a loose coupling on his tender and a knuckle coupler on his front (which make pushing rolling stock or being pulled away by another engine physically impossible, unless a special adapter used to connect knuckle couplers and loose couplings was fitted onto his knuckle coupler), regauged wheels and pistons as mentioned, and other minor modifications.

Hiro is painted black with gold bands and fittings and red wheels. His name is written in black on gold nameplates, on his smoke deflectors. He has the number "51" painted on the sides of his tender in white. His "patchwork" color scheme consists of some blue, green, purple, and rust colored parts. He is most likely based on D51 #22, which served in the Soviet Union. This engine left native Japan for Russia, just as Hiro did for Sodor, although ther complete history of this engine is yet to be recognized. This engine sports the same headlamp, handrails, detailing, and nearly identical livery to Hiro's. Many other D51 types did not have these features like #22 did, as the detailing and craftsmanship varied depending on the needs of the owner. Hiro bears a hybrid livery of Soviet Railway and Orient Express colors. D51 #498 sports the Orient Express livery, consisting of gold heater bands, tender stripes, and various other gold fittings like Hiro does.

Hiro's friends
Hiro's friends are Japanese steam and diesel engines, who live and work in Hiro's homeland. Hiro mentioned them as his "best friends at home" when he first met Percy during his restoration in Hero of the Rails. Hiro's male friends are Kenta the tourist engine, Masa the Japanese tank engine, Orochi the Japanese express engine, Ryota the Japanese freight engine, Takeshi the passenger diesel, Taysuya the strong freight diesel, Yuu the special helping engine and Yuudai the super-fast diesel. Hiro's female friends are Akane the shunting yards' diesel, Asami the wise engine, Chiyoke the brave passenger diesel, Eiko the special attraction engine, Hiromi, Hitomi the highly sprung diesel, Mariko, Rika, Rin, Sakura, Shizuka the train doctor, Suzme, Usagi, Yoshi the shed and sidings inspection engine, Yuki the special helping engine and Yumi the backup passenger engine.

Horrid Lorries
The horrid lorries are three small lorries.

When Percy was late one day, Cranky suggested that "perhaps a lorry" could do his work. True to his word, three red, incredibly rude lorries arrived the next day. They called Percy a "little green goblin on wheels", insulted Thomas and James and told Toby to "toodle off to a museum". Of course, all three got their comeuppance in due course: one fell off a mountainside, one broke down after being overloaded with flour and one reversed into the sea. They were sent away, but not before being nicknamed "Smashed", "Broken" and "Sunk" by Thomas.

The lorries are based on AEC Hanson lorries. Their license plates are LOR 1, LOR 2, and LOR 3.

Hunter
Hunter is used for shunting coaches for the bigger engines (Gordon, Henry, 98462, 87546), and is a useful tank engine. Hunter is currently working on Duck's branchline as a shunting engine. Hunter is based a Great Western Railway 4500 Class 2-6-2T Prairie tank engine, first built in 1906. Hunter is painted in the Great Western Railway's green livery with yellow lining, black wheels and a gold brass safety valve cover. He is allowed to carry his brass Great Western Railway number "4134" on his cab sides.

Inspectors
There are many inspectors in the Railway Series. Their appearances are listed here:
 * Thomas goes Fishing - arrives to examine Thomas' tank after he gets boiler pains.
 * Old Iron - rides in Edward's cab and manages to couple him to James with rope after James runs away.
 * Percy and the Signal - orders James to leave the Shed after Percy tricked him.
 * Gordon goes Foreign - tells Gordon's driver that the engine taking the Express has rolled over.
 * Hullo Twins! - informs the Fat Controller two engines have come instead of the single one ordered.
 * The Deputation - arranges with Donald and Douglas' crew to allow them to clear the line of snowdrifts.
 * Bowled Out - comes to quieten the engines after they make a noise protesting at the Diesel.
 * Bowled Out - watches a fitter inspect the Diesel, and has his bowler hat sucked into his air intake pipe.
 * Mountain Engine - inspects the early Culdee Fell Railway in Culdee.
 * Bucking Bronco - inspects the Skarloey Railway, and recommends Skarloey receives a new pair of wheels.
 * The Runaway - attempts to stop a runaway Thomas at Dryaw, but fails and rushes to Toryreck in Harold to stop him, this time successfully.
 * Museum-Piece/Not the Ticket - inspects Thomas after his collision with a crossing gate and calls for a lorry to take him to York.

Several inspectors have appeared in the television series over the years.

Iron Duke
Iron Duke is a broad gauge steam engine.

Iron Duke, the replica, appeared in Thomas and the Great Railway Show. When he told Thomas his type of gauge, broad gauge, was used on the Great Western (1838-1892) until a century ago, Thomas resolved to tell Duck later.

Iron Duke, the replica, is a broad gauge engine currently living in the National Railway Museum. The original Iron Duke whom was designed and built by Daniel Gooch in 1847, the engine could haul a large load at 96 km/h (60 mp/h). The original Iron Duke was displayed at the Great Exhibition in 1851, and by 1855 Gooch had produced another twenty-nine locomotives in this style.

The original Iron Duke's line runs from Swindon Works to London and Gloucester. The engine works was actually built in the town and had a station situated on the London and Bristol line in 1835 and the original Iron Duke was chosen to run this line.

For many years, the Iron Duke replica was a top attraction at the National Railway Museum, running on the broad-gauge demonstration line. Sadly, the broad-gauge track was tarmaced for a special show in 2002, so since then, Iron Duke was on display in the Great Hall at the National Railway Museum.

In 2006, the Iron Duke replica was sent to Bristol to be housed inside a shed alongside the famous iron steam ship, the SS Great Britain as part of the 200th birthday celebrations of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

In 2010, the Iron Duke replica will be sent to the Didcot Railway Centre to take up permanent residence, as it will work on the broad-gauge demonstration line, once some repairs are carried out to renew its boiler certificate.

The original and replica Iron Dukes are painted brown with a green tender and wheels and gold lining.

Isabel and Dulcie
Isabel and Dulcie are Oliver's coaches. Isabel came with Oliver when he escaped from the Other Railway, and Dulcie was later rescued by Sir Topham Hatt and given to Oliver.

Isabel and Dulcie are painted in the Great Western's maroon and cream livery.

Isobella
Isobella is a lorry.

Isobella is a hard worker, but does not like getting dirty. She can also be rather cheeky and sometimes temperamental, but she is useful too.

Isobella is painted yellow with red lining and the number 22 painted on her door. Her license plate is YX4892

Isobella is based on a Sentinel DG4 steam lorry with a flat-bed behind her cab.

Ivan Farrier
Ivan Farrier is the Chief Engineer of the Arlesdale Railway. He designed and helped build Jock.

Ivo Hugh
Ivo Hugh, named after the Skarloey Railway's former Chief Mechanical Engineer, Mr. Ivo Hugh, is a narrow-gauge tank engine.

Ivo Hugh was designed by Andrew Barclay and built by the workmen of the Crovan's Gate Works in 1996 and named in a special ceremony by Mr. Ivo Hugh, chief engineer of the Skarloey Railway. Before he was named, he was known only as Number 7.

Ivo Hugh is based on the Talyllyn Railway's Tom Rolt.

Ivo Hugh is painted in the Skarloey Railway's red livery with blue-and-yellow lining.

JTK 62
In the sixth illustration of Steamroller, a blue car with the license plate "JTK 62" can be seen. This references both the initials of the illustrator, John T. Kenney, and the year in which the book was published, 1962.

JTK 62 is based on a Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia.

Jack
Jack is a friendly and enthusiastic front loader.

When Jack first arrived on Sodor he worked with the Pack to clear room for railway lines. Jack did well with Alfie - that is, until he tried to take some stone up a ledge but lost balance and rolled over. Jack learned his lesson, and redeemed himself by holding up a collapsing bridge until Thomas had passed over, at the cost of damaging his arms. Jack has since become part of the Pack.

Jack was like a toddler at first, who was still learning about the world and how to stay out of trouble. He is brave and won't take any hassle, as seen when he stood up to Max when the latter was bullying him and Alfie.

Jack resembles a Nuffield Tractor.

Jack is painted red with the top half of his cab painted cream. He has his number "11" painted in white on his sides.

Jam wagons
Jam wagons (known as jelly wagons in North America) carry jam. They are painted silver.

Gordon had an accident with them once.

James
James is a vain mixed-traffic engine. He speaks with a Lancastrian accent.

James was built by George Hughes at Horwich Works in 1915 as an 0-6-0 with a wooden brakes, James was once unable to stop due to his wooden brake blocks. After his first accident he had his front sandboxes removed, was rebuilt into a 2-6-0 with a proper brake and a Fowler tender and repainted red with gold stripes and blue lining. He was troublesome when he returned, ruining Sir Topham Hatt's new top-hat with his steam and jarring his coaches so much a brake pipe leaks. He was threatened to be painted blue (which James detests), but later made the line's worst trucks behave after being given a second chance.

James is very proud of his paintwork. He hates pulling trucks, and believes that he should only pull coaches. He thinks himself superior to the others, and can be shallow, boastful and vain, particularly to those who appear old-fashioned, weak, slow or dirty. However, on a number of occasions he has found himself in need of help from those he has insulted, and is, in the end, apologetic.

James was the last engine to retain a prejudice against diesels. However, after stalling on a cold day he was rescued by the Works Diesel, and James had to admit that nothing was wrong with diesels. This appears to be one of the few lessons that has stuck.

In The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways it was claimed that James is based on a rebuild of a L&YR Class 27 locomotive from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway and designed by George Hughes, who added a Belpaire firebox and a Schmidt superheater and extended the footplate and sandbox. However, as with most of the early Railway Series characters, this information was purely retcon. Since his his rebuild in 1946, he has 5'6" driving wheels as opposed to the standard 5'1" driving wheels, extended the running plate for the fitting of the pony wheel truck, no sandboxes over the front splashers and a flush-riveted 3500 gallon-type Fowler-style tender with horizontal strips removed and the rivets facing inward rather than outward, and a three-chimed whistle. His whistle valve is turned on its side and attached to a brass pipe, which in turn is connected to the cab roof.

Sodor "historian" Martin Clutterbuck has pointed out that James strongly resembles an G&SWR "Austrian Goods" 2-6-0 from the Glasgow and South Western Railway, but with the addition of a belpaire firebox. At any rate, the Reverend W. Awdry used an engine of this class to represent James on his model railway. It is possible that he rejected this prototype for James' official "biography" on the grounds that an English locomotive would be more likely to end up on Sodor.

James was originally painted navy-black with red lining before his accident and was given his red coat with yellow stripes and black lining to cheer him up. Sometime during the 1960s, James' black lining was repainted blue and gold. James has the number "5" painted in bright yellow with a blue border on his tender sides.

In the television series, James has always been red with gold stripes and black lining, except in the tenth season episode "The Green Controller", when he was painted yellow and black, like a bumblebee, on Percy's orders.

Then, in the season 13 episode Tickled Pink, James was painted in pink! This time it was only an undercoat, though.

James' new trucks
James received eight blue trucks from the Fat Controller. James had them stay clean, but, after seeing that Thomas' trucks would rather feel useful than clean, James' trucks decided to do the same and caused James to have an accident with fruit.

Jem Cole
Jem Cole is Trevor's driver.

Jeremiah Jobling
Jeremiah Jobling was a passenger on James' train when James ruined a brake-pipe and the guard asks him for his leather bootlaces to fix it. When he refused, the passengers pressured him into giving the guard his laces. It was not revealed whether they were returned.

Jeremy
Jeremy is a jet plane who lives at the Sodor Airport.

Jeremy is painted white with a navy stripe.

Jeremy is based on a BAC One-Eleven Airliner.

Jerry
Jerry is a Narrow Gauge Engine that worked on the Mid Sodor Railway along with Duke, Stuart, Falcon, Stanley, Jim, Tim and Albert. Jerry is assumed to be a Fletcher Jennings 'Jeanette' 0-6-0. He was built in 1919. He is painted green with a gold dome.

Jim
Jim is a Green Narrow Gauge Engine, he was built in 1898. He worked on the Mid Sodor Railway along with Duke, Stuart, Falcon, Tim, Albert, Jerry, Stanley and Bertram.

Jim
Jim is a magazine character who owns a ride named "Jim's Jungle Ride". It used to be situated at the pier but had to be moved to the Wildlife Park to make way for a bowling alley.

Jim
Jim is Thomas' substitute when Emily and Thomas go to the other railway to search for new engines. When he arrived, Molly disliked him for "replacing" Thomas. After Thomas and Emily's return with the new engines, Molly forgave Jim, who was allowed to stay. Jim is based on the LMS Fowler 4F No. 44422.

Jinty and Pug
Jinty and Pug are two tank engines. They and five other engines were borrowed from the mainland to run the North Western Railway while the engines visited England. Jinty ran Thomas' branchline while Thomas was away, and also helped Thomas when the latter crashed into some buffers.

Percy probably knows them from the times he takes trains to the end of the line and tells the other engines stories, like at the beginning of Percy Takes the Plunge.

Jinty is based on an LMS 3F 0-6-0T. Pug is based on an LMS 0F Kitson 0-4-0ST. Their names originate from their classes' nicknames "Jinty" and "Pug".

Jinty and Pug are painted in the British Railways' black livery.

Jock
Jock, named by Douglas for his yellow-green livery, is the newest steam engine on the Arlesdale Railway, and the strongest. He was designed by Ivan Farrier and built at Arlesburgh in 1976.

After Rex's steampipe began leaking one day and Frank had to take his train, the Small Controller started thinking and so he arranged for Jock to be built. When Jock first came out for testing he was still unnamed. Douglas, remembering his days on the Highland Railway in his youth, suggested the name "Jock" for the new engine, and the name stuck.

Jock was very cocky when he was first built, as a result of being rather strong, but soon learned the value of teamwork when Mike's injector failed and he had to pull Mike and his train single-handedly.

Jock is based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's Northern Rock, built at Ravenglass in 1976.

Jock is painted in a Highland Railway yellow-green livery with red and dark green lining. He has a brass dome, red nameplates with yellow writing mounted each side of his smokebox and "Arlesdale" written on his tender in yellow.

Kathy and Lizzie
Two girls who worked on the Talyllyn Railway cleaning the engines. When their family went holidaying on Sodor, they polished Skarloey Railway engines.

Kathy is brunette, while Lizzie is blonde.

Kelly
Kelly is a crane. He is the oldest member of the Pack, having originally belonged to Miss Jenny's father. He speaks with a Welsh accent.

Kelly is good at heart and gets on with everyone. He is good friends with Isobella.

Kelly has a slight fear of strong winds, but he conquered that fear when he rescued Isobella.

Kelly is dark blue with a cream crane arm and red lining. His wheels are dark blue with red lining. He has the number 17 painted on his sides in white.

Kevin
Kevin is a four-wheeled crane who was introduced in Hero of the Rails.

In his initial appearance in Hero of the Rails, Kevin worked at the Steamworks with Victor, offering Thomas help whenever possible. When Spencer was sent to the Steamworks after getting slate in his funnel, Kevin distracted him by dropping parts all around him while Thomas took engine parts to Hiro. He would later participate in Hiro's official restoration.

Kevin is kind-hearted and eager to give a helping hook for anyone. He lives at the Sodor Steamworks with Victor (whom he calls "boss"). He has a terrible habit of dropping parts and falling over, and his catchphrase "It was a slip of the hook!" has become so well-known by the engines that they can usually finish the line for him. He drives Victor mad, but always tries his best.

Kevin is based on a Ransome and Rapier 20 ton crane. Just like Kevin, these cranes were known to be clumsy and cumbersome.

Kevin is painted in a yellow livery with black warning stripes.

King Andreas
King Andreas was the last king of Sodor before its lands became in possession of the English crown. He and his heirless son Prince Peter died in a campaign against Alexander III of Scotland in Largs, 1263.

King James I
King James I is a GWR 6000 4-6-0 tender engine who worked alongside Duck in the days when he worked at Paddington.

King James was designed by Charles Collett and built at GWR Swindon Works in August 1927. He has the number 6011.

Kitchener
King James I is a GWR 6000 4-6-0 tender engine who worked alongside Duck in the days when he worked at Paddington.

L.A.D.A.S.
L.A.D.A.S. was the Snowdon Mountain Railway's first steam engine built in the 1890s. It was operating during test trials prior to the opening of the railway when it had a very unfortunate accident. It was coming back down the line when it derailed and went cab over wheels down the mountain. Once it rolled down the mountain, it was a complete wreck with only the pistons, motion, frames and wheels still intact. It was beyond repair, so it was scrapped. Also, the Snowdon Mountain Railway never replaced L.A.D.A.S. with another steam engine carrying the number one.

Godred is based upon L.A.D.A.S., as they both suffered a similar fate.

Lady
Lady is a Victorian-style steam engine who runs the Magic Railroad. She is a beautiful, kind-hearted, and friendly tank engine.

Lady was chased and wrecked by Diesel 10 long ago and was brought to safety by Burnett Stone. She was brought back to life with the help of Burnett's granddaughter Lily after being stored at Muffle Mountain for years, and helped Thomas defeat Diesel 10.

She and Rusty later appeared in a dream to Thomas. She told Thomas how to resolve the problems Sodor was facing.

Lady is painted red-purple with gold head lamps on the front footplate, gold buffers, smokebox and funnel top, dome and whistles, side rods, lining and her name on each side in gold. She is also painted black on her cab roof, lower funnel section and her footplate.

Lady doesn't seem to be based on any real locomotive prototype, but it has been suggested that she bears some resemblance to a K&SER Northiam with the rear cab cut off and an enlarged chimney. She is also said to be based on "Lively Polly", owned by the Liverpool Overhead Railway Company.

Lady Hatt
Lady Jane Hatt (née Brown) is Sir Topham Hatt's wife and the sister of Sir Handel Brown I.

Lady Helen
Lady Helen currently named Patricia after Lord Harry Barrane’s wife, is a coach who operates with Lord Harry. She was scared by Lord Harry when he took risks on a steep precipice. After Lord Harry was re-named Patrick, she was fittingly re-named Patricia.

Little Barford
Little Barford is a tank engine with purple livery with red lining. He works on a narrow gauge line at the Power Station.

Percy met Little Barford and later told Gordon, who had called him "small", that he was actually "middle-sized".

Lord Callan
The Scottish-born Lord Callan is the lord of Callan Castle and the surrounding land, including the infamous Castle Loch.

Lord Harry
Lord Harry, a.k.a. Old Harry, currently named Patrick, after a climber, is a mountain engine.

Lord Harry was built at Winterthur, Switzerland, in 1922 to a "super-heat" design, and arrived on the Culdee Fell Railway in March 1962, where he was named after the railway's chairman, Lord Harry Barrane.

Lord Harry was troublesome and frightened his coaches by taking risks. After he came off at the Summit, Lord Harry was stripped of his name and sent to the back of the shed. After he heard the tale of Godred he asked for a second chance, and was given one as a lowly shunting engine. However, when a message came warning that some climbers needed help during a gale 6 went to the rescue, and was fittingly renamed "Patrick" in honour of a climber who risked his life to help the others.

Lord Harry was arrogant, pompous and reckless at first, but learnt his lesson after his mountain rescue. Now, he only takes risks if absolutely necessary.

Lord Harry is based on "Padarn" of the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Lord Harry is painted purple with orange lining.

Lord Harry Barrane
Lord Harry Barrane is the chairman of the Culdee Fell Railway. Lord Harry was originally named after him.

Madge
Madge is a snub-nosed white and green lorry with a three-wheeled cab and a flatbed.

What Madge lacks in elegance, she makes up for in strength and personality. She acts as a motherly figure to the narrow gauge engines, but can be playful and loves a joke.

Madge is based on a 1964 Scammell Scarab 6-ton tractor lorry.

Madge is mostly green along her trailer and the bottom half of her cab, whilst the top half of her cab and her headlights are cream. Her license plate is FMA 53F.

Mail coaches
Mail coaches used to run in a special night train in the charge of Thomas or Percy, but in recent seasons the train is pulled in broad daylight and Percy is almost always in charge, although Oliver, James and Edward have taken the train on occasion. These trucks are painted bright red with the letters "Sodor Mail" and an envelope with wings both painted on the sides in white.

Mallard
Mallard is the world's fastest steam engine, holding a speed record of 126 mp/h. He is a very popular exhibit at the National Railway Museum and is very well looked after.

Mallard was built on March the 3rd, 1938, at Doncaster, where Gordon, Flying Scotsman, and Green Arrow were built. On July the 3rd of that year, while undergoing tests, he established a world speed record of 126 mp/h. He was retired in April the 25th, 1963.

After the decline of steam, Mallard was immediately preserved and put on display at the Museum of British Transport in Clapham, London. In 1975 he was taken to the National Railway Museum, where he remained until 1986, when he was overhauled and taken onto the main line. In 1988, the 50th anniversary of his record, he was retired and put back on display.

In March 2010, it was announced that Mallard is to be moved to Locomotion - the National Railway Museum in Shildon on June 23rd, 2010. He will pulled by the brand new steam locomotive Tornado; his departure from the museum is a result of the planned redevelopment of the NRM's Great Hall.

Mallard is a LNER A4 4-6-2. Spencer is another member of this class.

Mallard is painted in the LNER's garter blue with red wheels and steel rims.

Mark V
Mark V is an electric trolley used by the Thin Controller and Mr. Hugh. He is based on the Talyllyn Railway's "Toby".

Marklin
Marklin is a black tank engine who was used for moving background rolling stock in the first season. His model was based upon the BR 80 heavy-duty tank engines used primarily in Germany and Poland.

Marklin was first credited in the crewmembers' dedication page on the Sodor Island Forums website. The page featured a "behind the scenes" photograph of Marklin in Tenders and Turntables.

Some think that Marklin was modified for use as Puffa or the goods engine in TUGS and although Puffa's cab resembles that of the BR 80, it is possible that another BR 80 model was used to make Puffa, as the BR 80 is the most widely-produced Marklin model. As so far, nothing has been confirmed.

Marty
Marty is a red tank engine who shunts trucks. He is a little naive and silly, but is still a really useful engine. Marty wishes he has his own branch-line, like his good friend Thomas. Marty is based on LSWR Class M7 0-4-4T. Marty is painted red with blue-and-yellow lining and the number "13" painted on his tank sides in yellow with a blue border.

Mavis
Mavis is a female diesel engine who works for the Ffarquhar Quarry Company at Anopha Quarry and Centre Island Quarry. She speaks with a Liverpudlian accent.

Mavis was particularly fond of putting the trucks at Anopha Quarry in different places, despite Toby's protests. Toby finally lost patience and left Mavis to her own devices. Mavis, urged by Daisy and Diesel, started to ignore Toby's advice and ended up looking silly when she stuck outside Ffarquhar.

Mavis was then forbidden to leave the quarry, but when a thaw increased production at Anopha Quarry, Mavis persuaded the manager to let her go up to the first crossing in order to shunt trucks quicker, and formulated a plan to pass the level crossing with help from the trucks. However, the plan backfired when the trucks decided to bump Toby instead, and he ended up being suspended by flimsy rails over a rushing stream and Mavis had to help. Mavis confessed, but the Fat Controller and the Manager were pleased by Mavis' courage and honesty and allowed her occasional trips to Ffarquhar.

In 1987, Mavis was involved in a collision with a lorry and Toby had to do her work while she was absent.

Mavis was arrogant until being brought down to earth after her embarrassing incident at the Ffarquhar crossing. Despite this, Mavis is a reliable, honest, hard-working engine, and shows respect for the steam engines.

Mavis is based on a BR Class 04 0-6-0, fitted with additional cowcatchers and sideplates so she can run near public roads, designed and built at Drewry Car Co. in 1952, approx. 26 ft 1/2 in long.

Mavis is painted black with hazard stripes on her front and rear. She has her name and "The Ffarquhar Quarry Co. Ltd." written on both sides in white.

Max and Monty
Max and Monty (full names Maximilian and Montgomery) are devious and troublesome dump truck twins. They are known to cause trouble, but are sternly scolded by Miss Jenny when they are found out. Also, Max speaks in an Eastern European accent, and Monty speaks in a neutral English accent.

Despite being unruly at times with dangerous stunts, they both have a good side – somewhere – and do the work like everyone else.

Max and Monty are usually devious and troublesome, and cause trouble for everyone they come into contact with.

Max and Monty resemble early examples of 4-wheeled 40-ton Mack dump trucks or Euclid dump trucks.

Max and Monty are painted red with grey dumpers. Their numbers "15" and "16" are painted in white upon their sides. Max has a thick front bumper, whilst Monty has a "two pipe-type" front bumper.