Wilbert

Wilbert, formerly "G. B. Keeling", is a navy saddletank named after the Reverend W. Awdry, who was at one time president of the Dean Forest Railway.

Bio
Wilbert was built at Hunslet, Leeds Works, in 1953 and worked as a shunter at a colliery in Staffordshire. He was purchased by the Dean Forest Railway in 1976 and given the name "G. B. Keeling" in August 1981, but was renamed "Wilbert" on September the 13th, 1987, after the Reverend W. Awdry, who was then the president of the Railway.

On November the 8th, 1983, Wilbert was honoured to haul a royal train for the Duke of Gloucester, and on September the 8th, 1991, attended the opening of the line to Lydney Lakeside with City of Truro.

When Donald and Douglas needed help on the branchlines in 1993, the Fat Controller borrowed him from his railway in Gloucestershire - the railway's controller was a friend of his - to give the twins assistance. However, after Percy had an accident with some sacks of oatmeal Wilbert was redirected to Thomas' branchline to do Percy's work. After Percy's return, Wilbert went to help Duck and Oliver on the Tidmouth-Arlesburgh branch.

Wilbert is currently out of service and awaiting an overhaul.

Persona
Wilbert is sensible and polite, and does his best to work well. He is also clever and inventive, as seen when he suggested that signal-wire might be used to act as a coupling for a truck.

Basis
Wilbert is based on the engine of the same name - a Hunslet WD 0-6-0ST - from the Dean Forest Railway in Gloucestershire, England.

Livery
Wilbert is painted navy with red lining and black wheels. He also has red nameplates with gold writing. His nameplate has the words "Rev. W. Awdry" underneath "Wilbert".

Appearances
Wilbert only appeared in Wilbert only appeared in Wilbert the Forest Engine. (Railway Series) and Thomas the Magical Railway Adventures