Smudger (VRS)

Smudger is a narrow-gauge tank engine, and the first engine to arrive on Tanishima from the Island of Sodor.

Bio
According to Duke, Smudger was a show-off who rode roughly and often came off the rails. Duke tried to warn him to be careful, but Smudger never listened to his advice. He was finally punished by being turned into a generator and being put behind the engine shed.

No information was given about his fate once the Mid Sodor Railway closed, so it must be assumed that he has either remained there or been scrapped.

Smudger was built specifically for the Mid Sodor Railway, but as he was still young, he was a reckless showoff who refused to heed warning from more experienced engines, including Duke. Eventually, the Manager decided to convert him into a stationary steam generator, and was eventually sent to Great Waterton to work as a pumping engine for the nearby mine. However, when he failed, the mine was flooded. Thankfully, he was rescued and returned to Mid Sodor, and was undergoing restoration to be used as a backup locomotive, in case either Duke, Stuart or Falcon failed.

In 1945, Ryo Gunji, the Representative Tanishima, came to visit the railway, and Smudger, almost completely restored, was purchased and brought to the new Island. He kept his original number to take the place of the Lower Valley Railway's lost No. 2, who had been destroyed during the War. Smudger worked until he finally wore himself out to bits in early 1952, and was brought to the Works to undergo a more complete restoration. He is now painted a dark blue color and is a much happier, friendlier and more reliable engine.

Persona
In his early Sodor years, Smudger was a complete showoff, and often came off the rails, but refused to listen to advice. Duke warned him to be careful, but he took no notice until he was put in his place by being turned into a generator. Humbled by his generator experience, he vowed to become a friendlier, more reliable engine on his new line. He still likes to show off when given the chance, but he's much more cautious and friendlier to others. He is especially good friends with Candy and Hiro.

Livery
Smudger is painted dark blue with red stripes, with his name and number painted on in white and his side-rods colored red. In his Sodor years, Smudger was painted dark green with black lining, and his nameplate and number were both gold.

Name
In "The Little Old Engine", it's revealed that Smudger loses water faster than he naturally should because when he brakes, the pressure under his frames forces water out from his well tank, smudging the ground with water. Smudger never realized the story behind his name until Kudo noticed him leaving puddles on the tracks at the Works. Despite this problem being resolved thanks to his restoration, the name has stayed.

Basis
Smudger is a Fletcher Jennings 0-4-0WT, similar to Rheneas, but with several minor modifications.