Sodor Railway

Human characters
The Mayor of Sodor: The Mayor is good friends with Sir Topham Hatt. Sir Bertram Topham Hatt: Sir Bertram Topham Hatt is the director of the Sodor Railway with a strong Yorkshire accent and is responsible for making sure the engines are always Right on Time and Really Useful. He has a firm but kind manner in dealing with the engines and staff, and has risen through the ranks from a railway engineer to his current position. Sir Topham Hatt was awarded a knighthoot for his services to the railway industry. Topham Hall, where he and his wife and butler life, is located somewhere in the outskirts of Wellsworth. When his not traveling by train, Sir Topham Hatt can be seen coming in his 1940s Rover car. Lady Jane Hatt: Lady Hatt is Sir Topham Hatt's wife. The engines are extremely fond of her and like when she visits the railway or rides in one of their coaches. A kind and gentle woman, Lady Hatt usually praises the engines for their good deeds. Stephen Topham & Bridget Amanda Hatt: Stephen & Bridget are Sir Topham and Lady Hatt's grandchildren, who visit them whenever they can. They love the railway and enjoy going on trips to the mountains with their grandparents along the old lines, and enjoy seeing Thomas and the other engines. Stephen is two years older than Bridget. Sir Loham Hatt: Sir Topham Hatt's brother and Lady Hatt's brother-in-law, who owns the Narrow Gauge Railway. He has other business to attend to, so he is rarely seen, and leaves Mr. Percival in charge. In addition to owning the Narrow Gauge Railway, Sir Loham Hatt has part-ownership of the Sodor Construction Company. He looks like his brother, Bertram Topham Hatt, but has a moustache. Mr. Peregrine Percival: Mr. Peregrine Percival is the director of the Narrow Gauge Railway. His house is located near the narrow gauge engine shed. Mr. Percival is often seen with his trusty bicycle around where Transfer Yards (bases of operations where the narrow gauge engines meet up with the Sodor engines to exchange goods and passenger traffic). Mrs. Polly Percival: Polly is Mr. Percival's wife. The Percival Twins: Two of Mr. and Mrs. Percival's children who are fraternal twins (one a boy and the other a girl) - both are redheads. Ms. Jenny Packard: Known as "Miss Jenny", Jenny Packard is a friendly Irish woman who is the owner of the Sodor Construction Company and takes responsibility for a number of building projects around Sodor. She likes all of her machines to follow the rules and make sure that they are kept in order. When she is pleased with someone doing a great job, she compliments them that they would "make a mother proud"! Jenny owns a blue and cream land rover series 1. Mrs. Dowager Hatt: Sir Bertram Topham and Loham Hatt's mother, Lady Hatt's mother-in-law, and Stephen Topham & Bridget Amanda Hatt's great-grandmother. She lives on the mainland with her Dalmation, which she aptly re-named "Gremlin" following an incident on her first visit to the Sodor Railway. Mrs. Kyndley: Mrs. Kyndley lives in a lonely cottage near Hackenbeck on Thomas' branchline. She's a firm friend among the engines who always give her a cheerful whistle as they pass her home, and once saved Thomas from a nasty accident when a landslide blocked his line, by waving her red dressing gown out of her window to warn him. Reverend Charles Laxey: Known as the "Vicar of Wellsworth", the Rev. Charles Laxey is a kind old soul, with love and respect for all of God's creatures. He was the one who saved Trevor from his scrapyard fate, and has given him a new home in his Vicarage Orchard. The Vicar is responsible for holding the Yearly Vicarage Fete, which all the children, not forgetting Edward and Trevor, love the most. Jem Cole: Jem is the technical expert of the Island. He is Trevor's Driver and helped restore him to his former glory when the Vicar was coming to see him at the scrapyard. Jem is also responsible for the restoration of various old rolling stock and vehicles - including Elizabeth and an old coach which went on to become the Refreshment coach. The Refreshment Lady: There's no guessing what makes the Refreshment Lady so popular with visitors and staff - she travels along the Narrow Gauge Railway to the Lakeside station where she sets up a smallshop selling refreshments such as cakes, sweets and drinks. She has a travelling tea shop so she can sell her treats from any location on the Narrow Gauge Railway. Tom Tipper: Tom Tipper is a postman at Ffarquhar, who assits Percy (and sometimes Thomas) with delivering the mail in his van. Tom has always been great friends with the engines, but has been more so since Percy accidentally ran over the bicycle he was supposed to be using for his mail run when his van was taken away. As a result, Tom got a brand new van and a more enjoyable means of delivering the mail around Sodor. Farmer McColl: Farmer McColl is a burly mustachioed, hard working farmer, who provides the livestock and farmyard supplies needed around Sodor. His farm is on Thomas' branchline. He is a good friend of Sodor Railway and calls upon them very often when he needs a favor. Farmer Trotter: Good friends with Farmer McColl. Alicia Botti: Alicia Botti is the World Famous Italian Opera Singer, who lives to visit Sodor for special occasions. Sodor Brass Band: A group of musicians who play cheery music at special events and locations. Duke and Duchess of Boxford: The Duke and Duchess of Boxford are the boastful Spencer's owners, and use him as their private engine to escort them all across the railway network. They have an affection for the Island of Sodor, as they are regular visitors and are good friends with Sir Topham and Lady Hatt. Their summer house is near the mainline. [edit]Sodor Railway Most of the engines on Island of Sodor are a part of the Sodor Railway, which is run by Sir Topham Hatt. [edit]Ffarquhar Branchline Thomas runs this branchline. He loves it dearly and considers it the most important part of the entire railway. It starts from Knapford and ends at Ffarquhar. Thomas and Daisy run passenger duties with Annie & Clarabel. Toby, with Henrietta and Victoria, run trains to Sodor Slate Quarry. Percy is in charge of goods duties, although when Thomas is absent he takes over passenger duties. He and Toby also share the workload of stone trains to Sodor Wharf, one of many lines which crosses lines with the Narrow Gauge Railway. Other stops are Bluff's Cove, Callan, Dryaw (where Dryaw FC is located), Hackenbeck, Hill Farm, Hillside Mill (up in the hills of Sodor), McColl Farm and Field, Farmer Trotter's Pig Farm, Ulfstead, River Els, Crowe's Farm Crossing (a loop line just off the mainline), Shen Valley, the Sodor Dairy, the Sodor Toy Factory (at Knapford), Hillside Mill, The Lion of Sodor (the most famous statue on Sodor), the Windmill, Elsbridge, Maithwaite, Seaside Halt, and a good's station. Thomas the Tank Engine - No.1: Having arrived on Sodor in May 1915, the East End Cockney accented Thomas is a cheeky little engine who often gets into scrapes, usually by being over-eager to do things best left to bigger and more sensible engines. But clouds never last long in Thomas' world and soon he's bustling about again, playing his part in the yard and on his very own branchline at Ffarquhar. Thomas works hard and he always strives to be a Really Useful Engine. Thomas is based on the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway 0-6-0 E2 with large rectangular extended side tanks to carry water, on each side of his boiler, first built in 1913. Thomas is painted in the Sodor Railway's standard blue livery and red-and-yellow lining and the number "1" painted on his tank sides in yellow with a red border. Thomas is also an honorary member of the National Railway Museum in York, and he wears the commemorative plaque he was given in front of his funnel. Aside from his faithful coaches Annie, Clarabel, and Old Slow Coach (who serves as a special coach), Thomas also has a set of 8 green trucks for goods. Percy the Saddletank Engine - No.6: Having arrived on Sodor in June 1949, the rather soft Newcastle (or Geordie) accented Percy is the junior member of Sir Topham Hatt's railway. He is quite content puffing around the yard with no particular desire for adventure in the world outsite. Percy is Thomas' best friend and his favorite job is delivering the mail. He is always happy to help and other engiens sometimes take advantage of his good nature. Percy is an 0-4-0 saddle tank engine based on engines from the Avonside Engine Company (like Great Western Railway No. 1340 Trojan which was built in 1897). He has a smokebox protruding from saddle tank, two sandboxes underneath the tanks on the footplate and a GWR 1361 Class-style coal bunker. First, his whistle valve has a triangular cone base, and a cylinder-shaped top like Gordon's whistle. Afterwards, the base is rounded, but the top is still flat. Finally, the top and base are both rounded. Percy is painted in the Sodor Railway's green with red-and-yellow lining and a "6" painted on his bunker sides in yellow. Daisy the Diesel Railcar - No.D1: Having arrived on Sodor in 1961, Daisy is a diesel engine that was built especially for service on Thomas' branchline. When she first arrived, she was highly strung and would only carry passengers because she felt she was too good to pull trucks. Daisy soon learned that all work is important on Sodor, and now helps out whenever she can. Daisy was brought to the Railway after Thomas broke through the Stationmaster's house and "visited him" for breakfast. Daisy is a British Rail Class 101 single car passenger unit built by Metro Cammell, approx. 57 ft. 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. Emily the Single Stirling Engine: Having arrived on Sodor in 2003, the Glaswegian-accented Emily is a beautiful emerald green engine with shiny paintwork and gleaming brass fitting. She can be a little bossy and think she knows best, but is always ready to help a friend. After rescuing Oliver and Toad, who were stuck on the tracks, Sir Topham Hatt rewarded Emily with a brand new pair of coaches. Emily is based on a Great Northern Railway Stirling 4-2-2, first built in 1870, and one of which, "No. 1", is at the National Railway Museum. Emily is painted in the emerald livery of the Great Northern Railway with gold lining and chocolate running-boards. Rosie the Small Engine: Having arrived on Sodor in 1945, the American-accented Rosie is a tomboy tank engine - feisty, fun and very free spirited! She idolizes Thomas and wants to copy his every move. While this sometimes drives Thomas crazy, he has come to realize they can be Really Useful Engines together. Rosie is based on a Southern Railway United States of America class 0-6-0T, first built in 1942, approx. 29 ft 8 in. Rosie is painted lavender with grey tank panels, gold boiler bands and red detailing on her wheels and metalwork. Rosie's whistle is positioned behind her rear dome instead of being on the right side of the middle dome, and her connecting rods are attached to her middle driving wheels instead of the rear driving wheels. Rosie's whistle has a triangular cone-shaped base, and an cylinder-shaped bell, very much like Gordon's, but the base and bell are both rounded. She has red-pink cheeks dotted with freckles. Whiff the Garbage Engine - No.66: Whiff has a look and a smell all of his own! He's a cherry, little tank engine on Thomas' branchline with a very special job - he collects garbage! Whiff doesn't care about his appearance, he only cares that he gets the job done. Whiff loves collecting garbage and doesn't notice the turned up noses he passes along the way. Whiff is painted in a dark green livery with black and gold stripes and green wheels. He wears large spectacles on his smokebox. Whiff is based on a North Eastern Railway's 2-2-4T, known as "Aerolite" (built in 1869), which is currently at the National Railway Museum in York. Stanley the Silver Engine: Stanley is one of the newest engines on the Island and is the boy-next-door of Sir Topham Hatt's railway. He is a little bit bigger, a little bit newer and a little bit stronger than Thomas. There's nothing he wouldn't do for another engine. And if he couldn't do it, he'd find someone who could. Stanley is a great friend to everyone. Stanley was brought to the Island to help out while Thomas worked on restoring Great Waterton. Stanley is a Hudswell Clarke/Kiston 0-6-0T/Austion No.1 hybrid 0-6-0T with a tall funnel, a whistle on his cab roof, and two bunkers; one at the front and the other that is slightly angled at the back of his cab. Stanley is painted silver all over, including his funnel, smokebox and pipework, with red wheels and lining. He has a red running plate with a dark grey basecoat, an arched shaped face and his name on each side of his saddletank in red with silver writings. Charlie the "Fun" Engine - No.14: Charlie is a small and playful engine from the Mainland who likes to have a lot of fun. He is always up for an adventures! While Charlie can be a little mischievous, he's always ready to help out a friend in need. Charlie is based on a Manning Wardle L Class 0-6-0ST. Charlie is painted purple with gold and light purple trim, a gold headlight and red wheels, and has the number "14" painted in gold on his sides. He has a brother called "Sharpthorn" who resides on the Bluebell Railway. [edit]Sodor Tramways The Sodor Tramways is a company serving Great Waterton and the other villages on Thomas' branchline. Toby the Brown Steam Tram - No.7: Having arrived on Sodor in November 1951, Toby is square - old-fashioned both in looks and nature. Toby's always happy to work and is uaually found on the Quarry line with his faithful coaches, Hernietta & Victoria. Sir Topham Hatt brought Toby to his railway in East Anglia to help out with Thomas' branchline, and later on Sodor Tramways. Toby is based on a Great Eastern Railway Class C53 0-6-0 steam tram engine, first built in 1903, approx. 20 ft 10 1/2 in. Toby is painted chocolate-brown with olive frames and blue sideplates and has a number "7" painted on his sides in bright yellow with a red border. Toby's shed is at Arlesdale End. Flora the Yellow Steam Tram: Flora is a new steam tram, and her tram car is her pride and joy. She's very happy to be one of the Sodor engines and delighted to be working with Toby. She's proud to be able to travel on road or tracks. Flora is based on a 1904 Mosely Road Tramway steam tram engine, rebuilt into standard gauge. Flora is painted bright yellow with green and white lining, red cowcatchers and sideplates and green boards on her roof reading "Sodor Tramways". Instead of buffers, she has three couplings upon her front and rear bufferbeam. [edit]Ffarquhar Quarry Company There are four passenger trains a day from Ffarquhar for workers at Sodor Slate Quarry and goods trains run when required, and Mavis works here, shunting trucks for the other engines. There is only a platform and waiting shelter at the quarry. The stone is used widely on Sodor and on the mainland for buildings because of its hardness. Toby and Flora, the only engines owned by the Sodor Railway and Sodor Tramways allowed on the line lawfully because of their cowcatchers and sideplates, bring the workers to the quarry. Toby takes stone back to Ffarquhar, and both he and Flora will help Mavis with shunting when their not busy. Mavis the Quarry Diesel - FQC No. 1: Having arrived on Sodor in 1962, Mavis is a feisty diesel engine who is full of her own ideas and doesn't take kindly to advice, which can sometimes get her into trouble. But being a friendly diesel, Mavis is usually the first one Thomas turns to when the steamies and diesels need to work together. Mavis is a 0-6-0 diesel/mechanical British Rail Class 04 locomotive fitted with cowcatchers and sideplates for use on the Wisbech and Upwell Tramway, first built at 1952, approx. 26 ft 1/2 in. She is painted black with hazard stripes on her front and rear, her name and "The Ffarquhar Quarry Co. Lit." written on both her sides in white. [edit]Brendam Branchline Edward runs this branchline, running from Wellsworth along a peninsula to Brendam. BoCo and occasionally Donald and Douglas assist in running the line. Among the stops there are Crosby, Pirate's Cove (where the Sodor Maritime Museum is), the Coaling Plant (near Brendam), and Suddery. The Brendam Branchline is one of the oldest lines on Sodor, having been opened in 1870. Edward the Blue Engine - No.2: Having arrived on Sodor circa 1920 and rebuilt in 1921, Edward is one of the older and wiser engines on Sir Topham Hatt's railway, Edward is kind and a good friend to everyone. When the other engines, misbehave, it's Edward that Sir Topham Hatt turns to in order to calm everyone down and restore order. 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. Edward is painted in the Sodor Railway's blue with red and yellow lining and the number "2" painted on his tender sides in bright yellow with a red border. Before coming to Sodor years ago, Edward used to work on the Furness Railway. BoCo the Green Diesel - No.5702/D2: Having arrived on Sodor in 1965, BoCo first came as a visitor and had the misfortune to encounter Bill & Ben, who mistook him for a thieving "Diseasel", causing him great confusion. But after having proved to being Really Useful during his stay, Sir Topham Hatt welcomed him as "one of the family". He's a kind-natured diesel with a sense of humor, which makes handling Bill & Ben much easier over the years. BoCo is painted in the green livery of British Railways with yellow warning panels, and is based upon the Metropolitan Vickers Type 2 British Rail Class 28 diesel locomotive, first built in 1958 and approx. 56 ft 7 1/2 in. [edit]Sodor China Clay Company The Sodor China Clay Company is situated near Brendam Docks. The twins, Bill & Ben, can be seen here, shunting trucks filled with China Clay, and carrying it from the China Clay Works along a private line to Brendam Docks. Bill & Ben the Tank Engine Twins - SCC Nos. 1 & 2: Having arrived on Sodor in 1966, Bill & Ben are twin engines, and identical in every way. Bill wears a huge devious grin most of the day. Ben enjoys being mischievous and teasing the other engines in the Railway. After a rockslide at the China Clay works, it was the quick thinking of the twins that rescued all of the workers and brought them to safety. They also enjoy taking holidaymakers to their works in a "Brakevan" Special. Bill & Ben are low-slung 0-4-0 saddle tank engines built by WT Bagnall of Stafford, based on Bagnall 0-4-0ST "Alfred" & "Judy" (Judy was built in 1937, Alfred in 1953 - both which are preserved in operational condition on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway). Bill & Ben are painted dark orange with red lining. Both have brown nameplates with yellow writing, "SCC" written on both sides in yellow and "Brendam Bay" along with their numberplates on the front above their faces. [edit]The Mainline The Mainline is staffed by Gordon, who usually pulls the Express, Henry and James, two mixed-traffic engines, and Bear, who assists with passenger duties. Donald and Douglas help out with shunting duties and goods trains. Pip & Emma take passengers from London to Sodor. Among places seen on the mainline is Vicarstown, Henry's Tunnel (so-named in 1922), the Viaduct, Cronk, Abbey, Gordon's Hill, Maron, Black Loch, Henry's Forest (where the Sodor Wishing Tree is), Fenlan Fields, the Kellsthorpe, Killdane, Kirk Ronan, Lower Tidmouth, Peel, and Rolf's Castle. Gordon the Big Express Engine - No.4: Having arrived on Sodor in mid-to-late 1922 and rebuilt in 1939, Gordon pulls the Express. As the senior member of the engine family, he is the fastest and one of the most powerful of Sir Topham Hatt's engines - approx. 70 feet - and he knows it. He's goodhearted, always willing to forgive, and uses his superior strength to help smaller engines out of trouble. When her majesty, 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 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. Since his rebuild in 1939, Gordon has a smoother-looking running plate designed by Hatt himself, Stanier underframes, most likely slightly larger two-cylinder Black-5 cylinders and Walschaerts valve gear (check the crosshead in two slide bars), 6'6" driving wheels opposed to the standard 6'8" driving wheels, three Raven A2 Pacific-style splashers over his driving wheels, squared-off side windows, rectangular buffers, and a pair of flush-riveted six-wheeled 3,500 gallon-type Fowler-style tenders 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's whistle is unique from the other engines, because it has a low tone. It also has several slight modifications-Gordon's whistle has a cone-shaped base, and an unrounded cylinder-shaped bell. Gordon is painted in the Sodor Railway's blue with red-and-yellow lining, with the letters "LNER" painted on the sides of first tender and the number "4" painted on the sides of his second tender in yellow (similar to Flying Scotsman). Henry the Green Engine - No.3: Having arrived on Sodor in 1922 and rebuilt in 1950, Henry is a long and fast engine and has a thoroughbred look. Like all thoroughbreds, he tends to be a little high-strung and a bit of a worrier. But on any day he'll give any engine a run for their money. Before his shape was changed in Crewe, Henry had to have special Welsh coal brought in so he could run properly. Henry is based on a London, Midland and Scottish Railway Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 engine, first built in 1934, approx. 63 ft. 11 3/4 in. He was originally based on GNR Ivatt Class C1/LNER Gresley Class A1/A3 hybrid 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. 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 painted Sodor Railway's green with red-and-yellow lining and the number "3" painted on his tender sides in yellow. Henry sometimes pulls "the Flying Kipper". He has a brother, "London, Midland and Scottish Railway Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 5000", who is currently at the National Railway Museum in York. James the Red Engine - No.5: Having arrived on Sodor in 1946, James is a medium-sized engine whose six driving wheels are not as big as Gordon's but not as small as Thomas'. He has a fine scarlet coat and brass dome and thinks of himself as a Really Splendid Engine. Occasionally this leads to misguided ideas about the sort of work suitable for such a distinguished engine, invariably landing James in trouble. James is a mixed traffic engine, which means he can pull both passenger coaches and trucks. James even has his own set of 8 blue-colored trucks. James is based on a Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Class 28 superheated 2-6-0 tender engine. 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 his whistle valve is turned on its side and attached to a brass pipe, which in turn is connected to the cab roof. James is painted red with gold stripes and blue lining and has the number "5" painted in bright yellow with a blue border on his tender sides. Bear the Blue Diesel - No.7101/D3: Having arrived on Sodor in 1968, the other engines gave him his name because of the way his engine growled, although this cannot be helped, Bear doesn't mind and accepts his nickname as a term of endearment, saying it meant he "really belonged". On his first day, his injector failed while pulling the Express. Henry, who had a failed regulator, came to help; Bear was still able to move by himself with some help from Henry. He is loyal and friendly. Bear is based on a British Rail Class 35, first built in 1961, approx. 51 ft 8 1/2 in, and is painted in the British Rail's "Rail Blue" livery with yellow warning panels. He helps pulls the express if Gordon, Henry and James are busy. Pip & Emma the High-Speed Train: Philippa (or Pip for short) and Emma make up an InterCity 125 High-Speed Diesel. When Gordon took a railtour to Carlisle, Pip & Emma were asked to take the Express back to Tidmouth for him. Pip's cooling system was faulty, but Emma was in order and so off they went. Unfortunately, Emma failed near Crovan's Gate and so James pulled them back home. The twin diesels were so friendly, the engines couldn't help but befriend them. Following Privatisation in 1995 (they brought Prince Charles of Wales to visit at the time), Sir Topham Hatt purchased them to run a faster service to London. Pip & Emma are based on the British Rail Class 43 (HST), first built in 1976, that holds the world rail speed for a diesel: 148 mph, and are painted in the original InterCity 125 livery of yellow and blue. Murdoch the Mighty Engine: Having arrived on Sodor in 2003, the Scottish-accented Murdoch is a mighty engine with 10 driving wheels. He was brought to the Island to help with the heavy workload and pull goods on the mainline. As shy as he is strong, Murdoch can often be found seeking peace and quiet. Murdoch finds that the countryside is not as peaceful and quiet as he would have liked when he encounters a track full of wandering, noisy sheep. Murdoch is based on a British Rail Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 goods engine, first built in 1954, 66 ft 2 in. Murdoch is painted orange with gold boiler bands, and green-and-red lining. He has smoke deflectors, on which he wears red nameplates with gold lettering. Murdoch has a brother "British Rail Standard Class 9F 92220 Evening Star" who is currently at the National Railway Museum in York, and another, "No. 92240", in service on the Bluebell Railway. Spencer the Silver Express Engine: Being a striking silver express engine and having visited on Sodor in 2003, the Upper Class (Posh English)-accented Spencer is just about the shiniest, sleekest engine the Island of Sodor has ever seen. Spencer is very strong and very fast - and he makes sure the other engines know it! Spencer was brought to the Island as the private engine of the visiting Duke and Duchess of Boxford. Spencer is based on an London and North Eastern Railway Class A4 (first built in 1935). He is a cousin of Gordon (both are 70 ft), and his brother "London and North Eastern Railway Class A4 4468 Mallard" (whose speed record is 125.88 mph) is now at the National Railway Museum in York. He is painted silver with blue-grey cylinders and wheels and black lining. He wears red nameplates with gold lettering. Spencer is also dreadfully jealous of Gordon for having two tenders. Molly the Yellow Engine: Having arrived on Sodor in 2005, Molly is a large, powerful and bright yellow steam engine. She's proud of her strength, but Molly is also very sensitive. She wants the other engines to think the best of her. She finds any conflict very upsetting and steams away to avoid it. Molly is a Great Eastern Railway 'Claud Hamilton' 4-4-0, built in 1904. Built by the Great Eastern Railway at Stratford works and named after the chairman of the company. Two of this class were appointed to haul the Royal trains to Sandringham. Molly is painted bright yellow with grey and red stripes. Neville the Black Engine - No.33010: Having arrived on Sodor in 1961-2005, the Cockney-accented Neville is a steamie who looks like a diesel. He's enthusiastic, friendly and always ready to help out the team. Neville never holds a grudge and can always be found with a smile on his face. Neville is based on an Southern Railway Q1 class 0-6-0 tender engine, approx. 54 ft 10.5 in, first built in 1942 and designed by Oliver Bullied. Neville is painted in the British Railway's plain unlined black livery. He has the number "33010" painted in white. He has a brother, "Southern Railway Q1 class No. 33001", is currently at the National Railway Museum in York. Hank the Pacific Engine: The Texan-accented Hank is a big and bold steam engine. In fact, at approx. 83 ft 6 in, he's the biggest steam engine on Sodor! He has the enthusiasm of a cheerleader, the strength of a titan and a propensity to be a little goofy! Hank doesn't look like the conventional Sodor Steam Engine - he has lots of bells and whistles. While initially Hank puts the other engines out of joint, they quickly realise that Hank means well and has a very big heart. Hank is based on the Pennsylvania Railroad's K4 Pacific, first built in 1914. 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. Hiro the "Master of the Railway" - No.51: The Japanese-accented Hiro was the first steam engine to arrive on the Island of Sodor and was originally known as the "Master of the Railway". Hiro is the oldest and one of the strongest engines on the Island. 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. Hiro is based on a Japanese National Railways Class D51 built by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company, first built in 1936, 19,730 mm, 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 and is painted black with gold bands and fittings and red wheels. His name is written in black on gold nameplates, on his smoke deflectors, and the number "51" painted on his tender sides in white, which is a reference to his class. 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. [edit]The “Little Western” The "Little Western" (originally known as the Arlesburgh Branchline) is a coastal branchline operating between Tidmouth and Arlesburgh, re-opened in 1964. It is nicknamed so because the line is decorated in Great Western Railway colors and is worked by Duck and Oliver. Many stops here are Bulgy's Bridge, Haultraugh, Harwick and Tidmouth Hault (which connects with Thomas' branchline). The line is based on the South Devon Railway. Duck the Great Western Engine - No.5741/8: Originally known as "Montague" and having arrived on Sodor in 1955, the Great Western-accented Duck is a cheerful and busy engine. He's only a small tank engine, but coming as he does from the Great Western Railway, he'll stand no nonsense whatsoever from larger engines who try to order him about. Duck received his name because they say he "waddles along the tracks". Duck is painted in the Great Western Railway's green livery with yellow lining and black wheels, splashers and pipes. He has the letters "GWR" written on his panniier tanks in yellow and red, and a gold brass safety valve cover. Duck is the number 8 engine, but is allowed to carry his brass Great Western Railway numberplate "5741" on his cab sides. Duck is based on a Great Western Railway 5700 Class locomotive, first built in 1929, approx. 31 ft 2 in. Duck had the privilege to meet the famous "Great Western Railway 3700 Class 3440 City of Truro" (whose speed record is 102.3 mph and was built in 1903) who is currently now at the National Railway Museum in York. Oliver the Western Engine - No.1436/11: Having arrived on Sodor in 1968, the Welsh/Great Western-accented Oliver was saved from being scrapped by Douglas, along with his autocoach Isabel and his brakevan Toad. Then he was given a new coat of green paint and now proudly works on Duck's branchline. Oliver is based on a Great Western Railway 1400 Class 0-4-2T tank engine push-pull fitted for branchline work, first built in 1932, 29 ft 11 in. Oliver is painted in the Great Western Railway's green livery with yellow lining and black (later green) wheels. Oliver is the number 11 engine, but is allowed to carry his brass Great Western Railway numberplate "1436" on his cab sides. [edit]Misty Valley Branchline The Scottish twin engines, Donald & Douglas (who help on the Brendam branch, the mainline and the Little Western) work this line in Misty Valley. Their favorite place, Castle Loch, can be found here, as well as the Sodor Suspension Bridge. Donald & Douglas the Scottish Twins - Nos. 9 & 10: Originally known by their old numbers - "57646" & "57647" respectively - and having arrived on Sodor in 1959, Donald & Douglas are twins from Scotland, and as such, they speak in a strong Scots dialect. Originally, Sir Topham Hatt had only ordered one goods engine, but when Donald & Douglas showed up he decided to keep them both. Donald hates to be parted from his brother, and he and Douglas love to play practical jokes, especially impersonating one another. They were fitted with nameplates to specifically end this element of their humor. Donald & Douglas are 0-6-0 tender engines based on the Caleodonian Railway 812 Class, first built in 1899. Donald & Douglas are painted in the Sodor Railway's blue livery with red-and-yellow lining, and have the numbers "9" and "10" painted on their tender sides. [edit]Bluebell Branchline This line is run by Stepney and is based on the Bluebell Railway. It's filled with bluebells. It runs alongside the Narrow Gauge Railway. Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine - No.55: Built in 1875 and rebuilt in 1912, Stepney is always busting with enthusiasm and eager to please, Stepney is every engine's friend. He loves helping out on Sir Topham Hatt's railway. Stepney was saved from scrap by Rusty. Stepney is a 0-6-0 London, Brighton and South Coast Railway A1 Terrier class engine, first built in 1872, approx. 26 ft 0 1/2 in, and is painted in the ochre locomotive livery of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, formally known as "Stroudley's Improved Engine Green". He has a brother named "Boxhill - No.82" who is now at the National Railway Museum in York. [edit]Sodor Ironworks The Sodor Ironworks is also known as the "Smelters' Yard". The engines who work here are diesel engines who are the main villains of the story. 'Arry & Bert the Scrap Diesels: The North and West London-accented 'Arry & Bert are twin diesel engines that work down in the scrap yards and smelters sheds. As with some diesels, they feel that diesels are superior to steam engines. They love breaking up old steam engines, and would really love to melt down Oliver and Stepney if given the chance. 'Arry & Bert are based on the British Rail Class 08 type of Shunters, first built in 1953, approx. 29 ft 3 in, and two which are part of the National Railway Museum, known by their numbers "08911" & "13079". 'Arry & 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 Diesel 10: The biggest (approx. 60 ft) and strongest diesel engine on the Island of Sodor, The gruff-voiced American-accented Diesel 10 believes that steamies are no match for diesels. Oily, scheming and ever ready to stir up trouble in the shed, Diesel 10's characteristic smirk and crunching, crushing claw are a sure sign that someone, somewhere is in for a bit of trouble. He is a scheming and evil diesel engine and his lackey, 'Arry & Bert, do his dirty work to keep him happy. But his plans usually end up backfiring - either throught the incompetence of 'Arry & Bert or through his own overconfidence. He doesn't appear to be afraid of anyone other than Hank, and has even been known to be scolded by Sir Topham Hatt. However, given a chance, Diesel 10 wants to show that he's a Really Useful Engine too! Diesel 10 is based on a British Rail Class 42 "Warship" with an added large non-regulation hydraulic metal claw, called "Pinchy", attached to a hydraulic crane arm on his roof, first built in 1958. 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 and a brown steel claw. [edit]Sodor Waterworks The Sodor Waterworks is the home of Harvey. Harvey the Crane Engine - No.27: The South London-accented Harvey is a big-hearted and relentlessly cheerful crane engine. With his booming, gruff voice and unusual shape, Harvey is always ready to help clean up after any crash. He's happy working in the yards, the Docks and building sites, but his true home is at the "Sodor Waterworks". Harvey is based on an industrial crane engine - Shelton Iron & Steel Works No. 4101, first built in 1901. 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, how the "27" is painted on his crane. [edit]Sodor Cement Works The Sodor Cement Works is where you will find Fergus working. Fergus the Railway Traction Engine: Also known as the "Pride of the Cement Works", Fergus is a Traction Engine whose main function is to shunt trucks at the Cement Works. It's dusty work and has left him with a slight but persistent cough, which punctuates his speech. Fergus believes in playing by the rules and is resistant to change. He has a flywheel which can be used to power tools, such as a saw, drill or a pump. Fergus is painted navy with gold boiler bands and red wheels, and is based on an Aveling and Porter 2-2-0WT No. 9449 "The Blue Circle", built in 1926. [edit]Fishing Village Line The Fishing Village line is Arthur's branchline. It's somewhere near Brendam and Kirk Ronan. Arthur the Big Tank Engine: Arthur is a big tank engine who shunts trucks and pulls goods. He is as excited to work for Sir Topham Hatt as he is proud of his famous spotless record. Only time will tell if that record will stay as spotless as Arthur would like. Arthur is based on an London, Midland and Scottish Railway Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T tank engine, first built in 1946, approx. 38 ft 9 1/2 in. Arthur is painted LMS burgundy with gold lining and "LMS" on his side in yellow. [edit]Sodor Railway Rolling Stock Gordon's Special Express Coaches: These 5 coaches are Gordon's special coaches, which he uses to take his trains. They are painted dark blue with an orange stripe under the windows. These coaches are based on South Railway Maunsell Stock, London and North Eastern Railway Gresley and Great Western Railway Suburban with added corridor sections onto the ends of the coaches and the largers windows of corriders stock on the far sides. This train is usually full of people from England, Wales and Scotland. Troublesome Trucks: The Troublesome Trucks are the rascals of Sir Topham Hatt's railway who take great delight in causing trouble for whichever engine has to pull them. Noisy and silly, they talk a lot and do not attend to what they are doing. The Troublesome Trucks are actually mixed goods trucks, so they can be used at all areas on the island, but especially enjoy causing trouble at the coal mines and quarries. Aside from carrying coal and stone, the Troublesome Trucks are also used to carry fruits, vegetables, tools, letters and parcels, and during the Holidays, Christmas packages. They are usually colored grey, light blue, red, and green. Except for Edward, Stepney and Salty, not all the engines like the trucks. Other trucks include the following: Tar Tankers: These trucks are filled with tar. They are painted black with "TAR" on the sides in white. Cattle Trucks: These trucks are used to carry cows and other animals. Brakevans: These trucks are an important part of a goods train - it carries the conductor and is equipped with a strong brake to assist with slowing and stopping the train. From here, the conductor can keep an eye on the train in case of problems. Milk Tankers: These trucks carry milk from local farms on the dairy at Elsbridge. They are painted white with "TIDMOUTH MILK" on the sides in blue. Flatbeds and Wellwagons: These trucks are used to transport large items such as cars, tractors and heavy machinery. Sodor China Clay Trucks: Several dozen of these trucks are owned by the China Clay works. Ffarquhar Quarry Company Stone Trucks: These trucks are used on the Sodor Slate Quarry. They have "FQC" written on both sides. Bolster Trucks: These trucks are used to carry long objects like logs, girders and pipes. Fuel Tankers: These trucks are used to transport fuel. They are painted yellow with pictures of fire in red diamonds and "SODOR FUEL" in black on both sides. Oil Tankers: These trucks are used to transport oil. They are painted black with an oil rig with oil coming out of it on a yellow circle. Raspberry Tankers: These trucks are used to transport raspberries. They are painted pink with raspberries pictured on the sides. Cream Tankers: These trucks are used to transport cream. They are painted white with milk churns pictured on the sides. Jam Tankers: These trucks are used to transport jam. They are painted silver. Toffee Tankers: These trucks are used to transport sticky toffee. They are painted orange. Other Express Coaches: Other Express coaches are used by either Henry, James, Bear or any of the other engines. They are similar in design to Gordon's, but are colored either cream and green. Annie & Clarabel: Annie & Clarabel are Thomas' faithful coaches and help him carry passengers around the Island of Sodor. Annie only passengers. Clarabel has two sections, one for passengers and the other for luggage and the conductor. Annie is always the first coach pulled by Thomas and travels facing him. Clarabel always travels behind Annie facing away from Thomas. They are a pair of bogie plain orange-brown (later maroon with a yellow stripe) coaches with their names written in white on their sides, and both are based on the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway coaches No. 100. Thomas' Set of Trucks: Sir Topham Hatt also gave Thomas a set of 8 green-colored trucks. At first, Thomas tried to get his trucks to stay clean, but they thought otherwise. Eventually, Thomas decided his trucks would rather feel useful than clean. They are usually coupled up behind Clarabel, and unlike most Troublesome Trucks, Thomas' trucks have learned to behave and sometimes help to brake. James' Set of Trucks: James recieved a set of 8 blue-colored trucks from Sir Topham Hatt. James had them stay clean, but, after seeing that Thomas' trucks would rather feel useful rather than feel clean, James' trucks decided to do the same and caused James to have an accident with fruit. Circus / Funfair trucks: Every so often, Circus and Funfairs (which consist of carousels, roller coasters, bumper cars, a ferris wheel, the Chinese Dragon and a fireworks display) come and special colorful trucks are needed. All the engines are very excited to pull such trains. Trucks include fireworks vans (which carry fireworks for Halloween celebrations, harvest festivals and funfairs), cattle trucks, and various flatbeds. The Chinese Dragon: The colorful Chinese Dragon was brought to the Island for the Sodor Funfair. Its mysterious and exotic look tends to scare the other engines at first, but he is actually quite harmless. The Chinese Dragon is actually made of paper, and must travel around the island on a flatbed. The Chinese Dragon is colored yellow with red and green detail. "The Flying Kipper": "The Flying Kipper" is the railwaymen's nickname for the goods train, usually pulled by Henry, which carries fish from Tidmouth to the mainland. Henrietta & Victoria the Vintage Coaches: Henrietta & Victoria are Toby's faithful coaches. Henrietta came to Sir Topham Hatt's railway with Toby after almost being turned into a henhouse. She now works with Toby, although she rarely carries a full load of passengers, Henrietta is quite content with her life on Sodor. Victoria is a vintage coach who once worked on the Furness Railway with her late sister Helena. However, when she was taken out of service, she was later made into a garden shed and found her way onto Sodor. It was there that Thomas found her in 2007, and suggested Sir Topham Hatt restore her to help Toby and Henrietta to transport Quarry workers. Together, Henrietta & Victoria are called "Toby's Vintage Train", and both feel Really Useful! Henrietta is painted orange with a brown cabin and red bufferbeams, and is based on Great Eastern Railway Wisbech and Upwell Tramway passenger carriage no. 7. Victoria is painted chocolate and white, and is based on a London, Brighton and South Railway Stroudley 4-wheeled coach. Mail Coaches: These 2 trucks are used to run in a special train in the charge of Percy. These trucks are painted bright red with an envelope with wings painted on the sides. Old Slow Coach: Old Slow Coach is an elderly express coach who was saved from scrap by Thomas and Percy. At first was used as a temporary hut for the workmen until a new one was built, but now she serves as a Special Coach for Thomas. After arriving at Tidmouth with the Express at 3:30 pm, Gordon shunts Old Slow Coach from the train into a siding. Thomas, with Annie, Clarabel and his trucks then comes from Knapford junction to collect her, coupling up behind the last truck of Thomas' train. Old Slow Coach is based on the Great Western Railway's Clerestory coach stock and is painted in the Great Western Railway's chocolate and cream livery. Isabel the Western Autocoach & Toad the Brakevan - No.GW 56831: Arriving on Sodor in 1968, the Great Western accented Isabel is Oliver's faithful autocoach, whilst the Great Western accented Toad is Oliver's brakevan. They were all saved from scrap by Douglas and are very grateful to him. Both Isabel and Toad have been completely refurbished and now work happily alongside Oliver on Duck's branchline. Isabel's name comes from the fact that there "is a bell" on her, which she rings when she is happy. She travels coupled behind Oliver. When he is pushing her, he cannot see ahead, and so Isabel looks out for him, and so does Toad. Isabel is based on a Great Western Railway Autocoach. Toad is a standard 50 ton Great Western Railway brakevan built at Swindon in 1940. Isabel is painted in the Great Western Railway's maroon and cream livery. Toad is painted grey with "GW 56831" written on the sides in white. Alice & Mirabel: The Great Western accented Alice & Mirabel are two express coaches given to Duck by Sir Topham Hatt in 1968 when he saved them from scrap. They are to Duck what Annie & Clarabel are to Thomas. Alice & Mirabel are based on Great Western Railway Suburban coaches and are painted cream and red. Emily's Coaches: After saving Oliver, these two six-wheeled green-and-cream colored coaches were given to Emily. Spencer's Coaches: Spencer has his own set of coaches for when the Duke and Duchess of Boxford go on holiday. They are painted maroon with a dull crimson finish and red lining. Hector the Coal Hopper: The American-accented Hector is a huge, happy hopper truck who can carry more coal and stone than any other truck on Sodor. Unlike many of the trucks on the Island, Hector isn't troublesome and enjoys helping all the engines on the Sodor Railway. Hector often helps to keep James' Set of Trucks in order. Hecter used to be afraid of being filled with coal, and because of this, everyone called him "Hector the Horrid"! Hector is painted black with "HECTOR" painted on both sides in white, and is based on a Union Pacific #7801 hopper car with added buffers. 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 Sodor Tramways. [edit]Narrow Gauge Railway Also known as the "High Hills of Sodor", the Narrow Gauge Railway is owned by Sir Loham Hatt, and is run by Mr. Percival. It has a slate quarry. The line was inspired by/based on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales, where the late Rev. W. Awdry worked on as a conductor in the 1950s. Among many stops there are Elephant Park, Proteus' statue, the Mountain Village, Culdee Fell, The Man in the Hills, Boulder, Whispering Waterfall, Glennock, Lakeside, Rumblin, Skarloey and Rheneas (both of which are also the names of two of the engines). Skarloey & Rheneas the Little Old Engines - Nos. 1 & 2: The Welsh-accented Skarloey & Rheneas are some of the oldest engines on the Island of Sodor and work on the Narrow Gauge Railway. Skarloey is a very chipper, hard worker, who shares his duties with Rheneas. He is a proper engine who is dedicated to his narrow gauge line and always eager to help out when he's needed. Rheneas is a tough little engine but, because of his age, often breaks down. Even still, Rheneas works hard and upholds the fine reputation of the railway system. Because of this, he is well respected by both engines and drivers alike. When the Narrow Gauge Railway was in jeopardy of closing, it was Rheneas' heroics which save the line, and brought his passengers home, earning him the nickname "Gallant Old Engine". Skarloey was built in 1864 and arrived on Sodor in 1865. Rheneas was built and arrived on Sodor in 1866. Skarloey & Rheneas are based on two narrow gauge, industrial tank engines, based on those built in England in the 1860s, named "Talyllyn" (built in 1864) and "Dolgoch" (built in 1866). Skarloey is painted in the Narrow Gauge Railway's red livery and blue-and-yellow lining with his name painted in gold on his saddletank, whereas Rheneas is painted vermillion with blue-and-yellow lining. Sir Handel the Little Blue Engine - No.3: Having arrived on Sodor in 1903, The Welsh-accented Sir Handel is one of the oldest engines on the Narrow Gauge Railway. He generally is of the opinion that he knows best and should be the boss. This occasionally leads him to have troubles with other engines and the trucks. Still, he always gets the job done. Sir Handel's name was originally "Falcon", but was changed when he came to Mr. Percival's railway in 1951. He is based on a narrow gauge, industrial tank engine built in England in 1878, named "Sir Haydn", an ex-Corris Railway locomotive. Sir Handel is painted in a dark blue livery with red lining. Peter Sam the Little Green Engine - No.4: Having arrived on Sodor in 1924, the Welsh-accented Peter Sam is a happy and kind engine, but is a little vulnerable and often teased by the others. A hard worker by nature, Peter Sam seldom grumbles about late hours or extra work. He can sometimes be seen pulling the Refreshment Lady's mobile tea room coach. Peter Sam was originally "Stuart", but his name was changed when he came to Mr. Percival's railway in 1951. He is based on a narrow gauge industrial tank engine built in England in 1921, named "Edward Thomas", an ex-Corris Railway locomotive. Peter Sam is painted in a dark green livery with red-and-yellow lining. Rusty the Little Diesel - No.5: Having arrived on Sodor in 1958, the Welsh-accented Rusty is the only diesel engine on the Narrow Gauge Railway. She is a very self-assured and dedicated worker with a hugh heart. Rusty loves adventure and especially loves her two-toned horn. Rusty was brought to the railway to help out Sir Handel and Peter Sam while Skarloey was in England being mended. She is based on a four-wheeled Ruston and Hornsby diesel engine built around 1940, named "Midlander". She can sometimes be seen pulling the Narrow Gauge Railway breakdown train, helping to mend the line, and also does odd jobs. Rusty is painted orange with yellow lining and white lettering. Duncan the Amber Engine - No.6: Having arrived on Sodor in 1958, the Scottish-accented Duncan means well but will "Rock 'n' Roll" along the rails whenever the mood takes him. Duncan has a great big heart but is a little misguided. Duncan is the tallest of the narrow gauge engines. He is based on a narrow gauge, industrial tank engine built in Scotland in 1918, at the time of World War I, named "Douglas". Duncan is painted amber with black-and-gold lining. Duke the Wise Old Engine: Having arrived on Sodor in 1880 and restored to service in 1983, the Welsh-accented Duke is the oldest of the narrow gauge engines and the most experienced. He enjoys teaching others the proper way to do things. He often talks about the "Good ol' days" when rules and regulations were obeyed. Whenever the young engines do anything they shouldn't, he'll say "That would never suit His Grace". Despite his "headmaster" attitude, Duke is gentle and kind to younger engines, but maintains his authority at all times. Duke was nicknamed "Granpuff" by Stuart/Peter Sam and Falcon/Sir Handel because of his long serive to the Mid Sodor Railway, where he originally worked before being brought to the Narrow Gauge Railway. He sometimes tells the younger engines stories about Proteus, a legendary narrow gauge tank engine with a magic lamp hung upon his funnel, which according to legend, should someone find the lamp, their wishes will be granted. Duke usually pulls a special train he calls "The Picnic". Duke is based on a 0-6-0 saddle tank-tender engine named "Prince" (the oldest working engine in the world, having been built in 1863) from the Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog, North Wales. Duke is painted dark brown with red lining. Mighty Mac the Double-ended Engine: The Welsh-accented Mighty Mac is two engines in one! He is Mighty on one end and Mac on the other - making him one of the most unusual engines working on the Narrow Gauge Railway. When Mighty and Mac work together, Mighty Mac is the strongest engine in the hills. But when they don't, Mighty and Mac pull each other backwards and forwards, only to end up right where they began. Mighty Mac is based on a Double Fairlie locomotive of the Ffestiniog Railway with added bufferbeams with low-set buffers and couplings. Mighty Mac is painted royal blue with gold and orange lining. "Fearless" Freddie the Warhorse Engine - No.7: The Welsh-accented "Fearless" Freddie is one of the oldest engines on the Narrow Guage Railway, second only to Duke. He spent a great deal of time away from the railway for reasons very much unknown, and was once the fastest engine in the hills. But in his old age, Freddie soon discovered that he's not as fit and fast as he once was. But nonetheless, he's still knowledgable of the old tracks through the hills and uses them to his advantage. Freddie is painted grey with black and red lining, and a brass dome. He has black number and nameplates with gold writing. Freddie is based on a locomotive from the Welsh Highland Railway in North Wales named "Russell", built in 1906. [edit]Narrow Gauge Railway Rolling Stock Agnes, Ruth, Lucy, Jemima & Beatrice the Old Coaches - Nos. 4, 1, 2, 3 & 5: Agnes, Ruth, Lucy and Jemima are coaches, whilst Beatrice is a brakevan. They like all the engines, but they like Sir Handel least of all for referring to them as "cattle trucks". Agnes, Ruth, Lucy and Jemima are painted blue with cream windows, whilst Beatrice is painted all blue, and all five are based on the Talyllyn Railway carriages 1-5. Jemima and Beatrice were built in 1865, whilst Ruth, Lucy and Agnes were built in 1866. Narrow Gauge Railway Breakdown Train: It is often hauled by Rusty. Troublesome Trucks: Like the Sodor Railway, the Narrow Gauge Railway has its own variations of Troublesome Trucks. Slate Trucks: These are some of the Narrow Gauge Railway's main type of truck. Besides carrying slate, they have been known to carry broken branches and sheep. The slate trucks are based on the ones used by the Talyllyn Railway. Coal Trucks: There are also trucks that resemble the coal trucks on the Sodor Railway, which carry coal and tools for the repair train. Goods vans: These trucks on the Narrow Gauge Railway have a door on each side, and are used for carrying anything that must be protected from the weather. Gunpowder Tankers: These oddly-shaped trucks are loaded with 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 trankers are painted black with "D. FUSIT" on the sides in white and "GUNPOWDER" underneath in red. The Gunpowder tankers are based on the same type of tankers used on the Ffestiniog Railway Cora the Skarloey Brakevan - No.6: Cora is a grey-colored brakevan who was built by the Falcon Works in 1885 and purchased in 1951. She worked with Peter Sam on the Mid Sodor Railway when he was known as Stuart years before. She is mainly used for maintenance and goods trains. Cora is based on Talyllyn Railway carriage 6, which was a brakevan from the Corris Railway. Ada, Jane and Mabel the Open-sided Coaches - Nos. 7, 8 and 9: Arriving on Sodor in 1957, Ada, Jane and Mabel are three open-sided coaches who are painted cream and green. They are used for tourist traffic when it is sunny. At first they had no roofs, making Sir Handel consider them trucks, but they eventually had roofs built to rectify it. Ada, Jane and Mabel are based on Talyllyn Railway carriages 11, 12 and 13. Ada was built in 1955, Jane in 1956, and Mabel in 1957. Gertrude & Millicent the Bogie Coaches - Nos. 10 & 11: Arriving on Sodor in 1955, Gertrude & Millicent are two bogie coaches with the same cream and blue livery as Agnes, Ruth, Lucy and Jemima. Sir Handel considers them the only "proper" coaches on the Narrow Gauge 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 in 1954 and Millicent in 1955. The "Picnic" Special: Duke pulls this train for summer visitors, and it is Duke's special train. He'll take the train even on days when he feels poorly. These coaches were recovered from the Mid Sodor Railway when Duke was found. The coaches for this train are based on the Ffestiniog Railway carriages 10, 16 and 23 and are painted blue. Other Narrow Gauge Railway Coaches: More bogie coaches are used on the Narrow Gauge Railway when there are more visitors. They are based on Talyllyn Railway carriages 16 and 18-23 and are painted red with a yellow stripe running under the windows or blue and cream like Agnes, Ruth, Lucy, Jemima, Gertrude and Millicent. The Tea Room Special: This is a coach Peter Sam found for the Refreshment Lady. Peter Sam can often be seen taking it, so the Refreshment Lady can serve at her favorite places. It is based on the Talyllyn Railway carriage 7, which was once a tea room. [edit]Sodor Shipping Company The Sodor Shipping Company is at Brendam Docks, where Cranky works. It has a number of warehouses. Ocean liners and tramp steamers frequently pass here. Cranky the Dockside Crane: Despite his gruff nature, Cranky always keeps things moving at Brendam Docks. His high and mighty attitude often annoys the other engines. From his lofty perch he sees the comings and goings on his part of the island. Cranky knows that if he ever gets too big for his crane hook, the engines have ways of bringing him back to earth. While he's almost always down at the docks, if he's needed elsewhere on the island, Cranky can be moved, but it's not easy! Cranky is painted olive with black and brown pullies amonst his mechanism and two work plates on each side the reads "CRANKY". Salty the Dockside Diesel - No.2991: The West Country-accented Salty is a hard working engine who loves to tell tales of his life by the sea. He will ocassionally work in the quarries and other areas on Sodor, but is happiest down by the docks. Salty is a little rough around the edges but has a great heart and will always rush to aid any engine, be it steamie or fellow diesel. Salty worked on an unnamed coastal railway for many years, where he acquired his vast collection of stories and songs, before coming to Sodor. Salty is painted crimson with pink warning stripes along his body, wasp stripes on his front and rear and yellow bufferbeams with signs of rust. At the top of his forehead, he has the rim of a skipper's hat. Salty is based on a British Rail Class 07 dock shunter, first built in 1962, approx. 26 ft 9 1/2 in. [edit]Sodor Construction Company The Sodor Construction Company, also known as "Packard and Co." or "The Pack", is a company whose ownership is shared by Jenny Packard and Sir Loham Hatt of the Narrow Gauge Railway. The construction company, first conceived by Jenny's father, Mr. Packard, involves various work such as building, demolishing, and transportation. Jack the Front Loader - No.11: Jack is the friendliest front loader the Island has ever seen. Jack and his construction crew work on projects all over the Island of Sodor. Jack loves his job and is so eager to pleace that he often takes on tasks he probably shouldn't. Jack's job when he first arrived on Sodor was to clear room for railway lines. Jack resembles a Nuffield Tractor. Jack is painted red with the top half of his cab painted cream. He has his number painted in white on his sides. Byron the Bulldozer - No.18: Byron's a giant bulldozer that likes to push things around. He's capable of moving lots of dirt with a single push of his blade. He's very proud and doesn't like to waste his talents on jobs he feels are beneath his stature. Byron's the envy of all the other vehicles...or, at least, he thinks he is. Byron is yellow with a black cab with his number painted on the sides of his cab in yellow. Kelly the Crane Truck - No.17: Kelly is part of the construction team and is considered the team leader. She is often called upon to assist other vehicles who are in trouble. Many of Kelly's tasks are dangerous and require great care and a steady hand. Kelly won't be hurried. She understands that you take one task at a time. Kelly was the first machine Jenny Packard's father bought. Kelly is dark blue with a cream crane arm and red lining. Her wheels are dark blue with red lining, and has his number painted on her sides in white. Alfie the Small Excavator - No.12: Alfie is an excavator who makes even the toughest job in the quarry look easy. He is friendly, helpful and loves to do all the dirty work. His favorite expression is "more dirt means more fun". Alfie resembles a 1960 K1C10&K excavator. Alfie is painted green with his number painted on his sides and on the back of his cab in white. Max & Monty the Dump Truck Twins - Nos. 15 & 16: Max & Monty are the devious and troublesome dump truck twins. They're known to cause trouble for the Construction crew members and also the engines; but are sternly scolded by Miss Jenny when found out! Despite being unruly at times with dangerous stunts, they have a good side in them - somewhere! - and still do the work like everyone else. Max & Monty resemble early exambles of 4-wheeled 40-ton Mack or Euclid dump trucks. Max & Monty are painted red with grey dumpers. Their numbers are painted in white upon their sides. Max has a thick front bumper, whilst Monty has a "two pipe-type" front bumper. Ned the Steam Shovel - No.19: Ned is a large, old steam shovel, and one of the biggest machines in Miss Jenny's team. He's sometimes known to be absent-minded and clumsy, and is always liable to cause accidents around the sites because of these attributes. But the other members of the team don't mind too much about his mishaps, because they know he's really a kind soul with a heart as big as his bucket. Ned is painted brown and orange with a grey roof, a dark brown bucket, arm and chassis and yellow detailing. He has his number painted on each side, along with "Sodor Construction Company". Patrick the Cement Mixer - No.23: The Irish-accented Patrick is a cement mixer who knows everything there is to know about concrete. As part of the construction team, Patrick takes pride in his work and makes sure that each job is done correctly. He has been on lots of job sites and knows many different ways to accomplish a tacks. Patrick will gladly explain how things are done...and how they could be done better. Patrick knows everything there is to know about concrete and each formula is a recipe to him, that has to be done just so. Patrick is based on an early Mack 6-wheel truck modified into a cement mixer. Patrick is painted maroon on the top half of his front, the section of his mixer closest to the cab and the rear section closest to his cement pipe. He is painted cream on his lower half on his front and upon his cement mixer in the middle. Nelson the Ballast Tractor - No.10: Nelson is the intelligent, if long-suffering ballast tractor who hauls members of the construction team to and from work. As the bearer of such weighty loads, Nelson naturally feels put upon. While he'll never offer up a complaint, Nelson is the first to comment on what's going wrong on the construction site. Nelson is based on a Scammell ballast tractor with a low loader trailer. Nelson is black with cream lining, red alloy wheels and a front beam. He has nis name painted on his front cab above his windows and has his number written on his cab doors in cream. Buster the Steamroller: Buster is a steamroller and is as simple and straightforward as the job he does. He loves his job - rolling over things and flattening them - and would work all day if he could. What Buster lacks in imagination he makes up for in commintment and hard work. When problems emerge on site, Buster's suggestion is always the same... "Would it help if I rolled over it?" Buster is based upon an Aveling and Porter steamroller. Buster is painted in an all-over dark red-orange with yellow boiler bands. [edit]Sodor Airport Close to Dryaw, the Sodor Airport is where holidaymakers come by air to see the Island of Sodor. Jeremy the Jet Plane: Jeremy is a jolly jet who who has a slightly inflated view of himself. He enjoys being able to do things that the Steamies and Diesels can only dream of, but choose to ignore the many things he cannot do that they can! When push comes to shove, Jeremy forgets his one-upmanship and becomes part of the team, becoming a Really Useful jet plane! Jeremy is the only named plane on Sodor. Jeremy is painted white with a navy stripe, and is based on a BAC One-Eleven Airliner. [edit]Sodor Wharf The Sodor Wharf is an interchange station between the Narrow Gauge and Sodor Railways. It contains an enormous shunting yard, factories and warehouses, all located beside canals and rivers in which boats and barges deliver and take cargo. Colin the Wharfside Crane: Colin is a chipper, cheerful, canal-side crane who works at the wharf. While he isn't the largest or strongest crane, Colin's determination and skill make him fast and efficient. He prides himself on always knowing the right lifting speed for the right load. Colin is a good friend to all and always looks on the bright side of the Wharf! As Colin cannot leave the Wharf, the engines bring him news from around the Island. He's always fascinated hearing about events that happen in other places. Colin is mostly green with red pullies and cogwheels amongst his mechanism. He has a grey roof with grey boards along the top of his cab above his door. [edit]Sodor Steamworks Also known as the "Repair Yard", the Sodor Steamworks can be found at Crovan's Gate, near Norramby Beach. Both Sir Topham Hatt and Mr. Percival's engine can meet here. Victor the Steamworks Engine: The Cuban-accented Victor is the manager of the Sodor Steamworks. He is a very busy engine, always on the run - fixing broken-down engines, finding useful parts and supervising others. Victor has a heart of gold and a good sense of humor and is a respected manager by all the engines. It is Victor who keeps the Island of Sodor steaming along! Victor is based on #1173, an 0-4-0ST-T narrow gauge locomotive that was built at the American Locomotive Company that worked on sugar plantations in Cuba. Victor is painted dark red with yellow stripes, and black and yellow hazard stripes on his bufferbeams. The sides of his cab has the Sodor Steamworks logo. Kevin the Steamworks Crane: Kevin is a friendly and funny crane who works with Victor at the Sodor Steamworks helping repair the engines. While he may be inexperienced, he's always ready to lend a helping hook. Kevin can sometimes drive Victor mad, but together they make a Really Useful team. Kevin calls Victor "Boss". Kevin is based on a Ransome and Rapier 20 ton crane. [edit]Sodor Search and Rescue Center The Sodor Search and Rescue Center is the base of operations for vehicles of the Search and Rescue team. Harold the Helicopter: Harold is a good hearted helicopter who is Really Useful in the skies! He likes to hover above the roadways and rails of Sodor, always keeping a watchful eye out for his friends. He's excited to be part of the Sodor Search and Rescue Team. Harold's nickname is "Whirlybird". He speaks in a manner reminiscent of a Royal Air Force (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, with added floats. Harold is painted white with red lining. Rocky the Breakdown Crane: Rocky is the gentle giant of Sodor. He is a very strong crane who wants to be everyone's best friend. Rocky does the heavy lifting on the Island, like picking up derailed engines and putting them back on track! Rocky has no engine, so he relies on other engines to pull him wherever he is needed. Rocky is based on a Ransome and Rapier 45-ton steam crane, built around 1945. Rocky is painted burgundy with yellow hazard stripes. Captain the Lifeboat: Captain is a lifeboat who is very confident and is always in control when faced with emergency situations. He is part of the Sodor Search and Rescue Team. 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". [edit]Misty Island Railway A railway on Misty Island, a neighboring island close to Sodor. Ferdinand the Teal Engine: Ferdinand is a gentle giant. He is a bigger and slower engine who is able to make special tweeting sounds with his whistles. Ferdinand is based on a Climax Locomotive Works Class logging locomotive, and is painted teal with white lining. Bash & Dash the Mischievous Twins: Bash & 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 Sir Topham Hatt. Bash & Dash are based on the Bear Harbor Lumber Company's locomotive #1, which is known as a "gypsy". 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. [edit]Non-rail Vehicles Terence the Tractor: Arriving on Sodor in 1948, Terence is slow but adaptable, he can go anywhere thanks to his caterpillar treads. Despite being teased about them, he just laughs it off and carries on with his work. Most often, Terence can be found happily ploughing fields by the side of Thomas' branchline. Terence is based on a 1934 vintage Caterpillar model Seventy - the largest, and last, design of petrol-powered tractors in Caterpillar's range. Terence is painted orange. Bertie the Bus: Arriving on Sodor in 1948, Bertie is a friendly bus who is always ready to help any engine, as long as they're prepared to admit roads are sometimes just as useful as rails. He usually works near Thomas' branchline. He and Thomas have been close friends since their Great Race. Bertie is a single-decker front entrance bus, with a direct line of descent from the English charabanc of the 1930s and 40s. Bertie is painted in the commen red livery of buses in the UK, mostly famously begin used by London Transport. His license number is "CRD54" and is based on an AEC Regal "T Class" London Country Area bus. Trevor the Traction Engine: When Edward first met Trevor, he was still in good condition but he was due for scrap because his master thought he was old-fashioned. But with help from Edward and Trevor's old driver Jem Cole, they saved him when they convinced the Vicar of Wellsworth to buy him in 1953. Trevor now lives at the Wellsworth Vicarage Orchard, owned by the Vicar, which runs beside Edward's branchline. Slow and versatile, he's a very hard worker, but his favorite time is the Vicarage Fete, where he patrols around the Orchard giving rides to children, who he enjoys most of all. Trevor is based on a William Foster and Co. eight-ton traction engine built in the 1920s for farm work and hauling heavy loads. Trevor is painted green with bright yellow boiler bands. Butch the Breakdown Vehicle: Butch, who serves as the "Sodor Heavy Recovery Unit", is an extremely powerful breakdown truck with an immense engine. He is serious about his job and loves working, especially with his railway friends. Despite his size, Butch has a kind heart and is always ready when his service is needed. Butch was actually manufactured from parts of different Sodor vehicles, including a crane, a truck and a diesel engine. Butch is painted yellow with a navy flatbed and "Sodor Heavy Recovery Unit" written on both sides in white. Elizabeth the Vintage Sentinel Lorry: Elizabeth is a beautifully restored vintage steam wagon who, like all trucks on the island, believes that roads are much better than rails. She tends to wear a scowl and will be quick to correct engines who comment on her age by exclaiming "I'm not old - I'm vintage!". She has no patience for dawdlers. She has a right to insult Sir Topham Hatt, because she was his first vehicle when he was younger. 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. Madge the Snob-nosed Lorry: Madge is the Matriarch of the Mountains! She is a lorry who has three wheels and a flat bed. What she lacks in elegance, she makes up for in strength and personality. She can be playful and loves a joke. But like all good matriarchs, she's always there when push comes to shove. Madge has a good hart, a good ear and a very strong engine tucked behind that snub nose...! Madge is based on a 1964 Scammell Scarab 6-ton tractor lorry. Madge is mostly green along her trailer and the bottem half of her cab, whilst the top half of her cab and her headlights are cream.