Narrow gauge engines (Thomas and Friends)
Encyclopedia
In Thomas and Friends, the Island of Sodor is home to a narrow gauge railway in the hills. These lines and the engines who work on them are some of the oldest on the island. The narrow gauge railway has some contact with The Fat Controller's
standard gauge engines
, but the location of the railway leaves the little engines in relative isolation.
Victor was introduced in the feature length special Hero of the Rails
. The show's staff were researching real-life engine workshops as inspiration for the Steamworks when they learned that one had a self-contained narrow-gauge line, used to transport parts internally. The staff decided they wanted an engine with a cab, and chose as a prototype ALCo
's #1173, which was specially built for a sugar plantation line in Cuba
. Some artistic licence
was taken, as the original #1173 is a standard gauge
locomotive. Victor made multiple further appearances in the thirteenth series.
) is one of the oldest engines on the narrow gauge railway (in the original books he is the oldest). He is painted burgundy
with white stripes, and sports the number "1" as well as nameplates on both sides.
When Skarloey first appeared in Season 4
, he had not worked in some time, but soon proved his worth once more. He has often been a dedicated worker and a very wise engine, however later seasons have portrayed an element of timidness, and occasional childishness. The back of Engines and Escapades
even describes him and Rheneas as a young and mischievous duo.
) is one of the oldest engines on the Island of Sodor. Rheneas is painted vermilion
with black nameplates and the number "2" on each of his sides.
Rheneas was first featured in the fourth season
, in which Skarloey told of how Rheneas' dedication saved the railway despite considerable obstacles. This dedication earned Rheneas extensive repairs, and he was touted as a hero on his return. Since returning, Rheneas has worked diligently on the Narrow Gauge Railway on Sodor.
He was given a set of wheels with broad tyres, which the other engines called "steam roller
wheels". Sir Handel can be hot-headed and always has to have his way, which makes the trucks and coaches dislike him, but his personality seemed milder after a period of work at the stone quarry.
Sir Handel made his debut in Season 4
, but was not seen again until Season 10
. In The Railway Series
, Sir Handel was given the Skarloey Railway's red livery, but he remained blue in the TV series.
) began his life as Stuart, working on an old railway with Duke and Falcon (Sir Handel). He has dark green paint with red stripes, red nameplates and wears the number "4".
Peter Sam was bought to work on the Narrow Gauge Railway at the same time as Sir Handel, and often ended up apologising for his old friend's behaviour. Coaches and trucks alike found him polite and easy to get along with, so he quickly became a useful addition to the railway.
Following an accident with some trucks, Peter Sam's funnel came loose and was taken off by an icicle hanging in a tunnel. The replacement funnel was square and strange-looking. The other engines made fun of the new funnel until they discovered how well Peter Sam worked because of it.
Peter Sam first appeared in Season 4, and he has made appearances in every season (except Season 8) since. In The Railway Series
, he was given a red coat of paint like the other narrow gauge engines.
Rusty came to the railway to help maintain the line, pulling trains of workmen and equipment around the railway. Rusty is fearless, practical, and friendly. Rusty quickly made friends with the other engines. Although Duncan can be rude to him, he always apologizes after Rusty has helped him out.
He was one of many engines to make the transition from The Railway Series
to the TV Series
in Season 4. In The Railway Series
he was painted black with a similar nameplate to the steam engines.
Duncan is boisterous and likes having something to complain about. His "rock 'n' rolling" along the line got him in trouble when the end of a tunnel collapsed on him. He likes to be polished and often feels that he's overworked. Duncan can be prone to abandoning his work in search of adventure, which often gets him into trouble.
Duncan first appeared in Season 4 of the TV Series
, and reappears frequently. He was painted red in The Railway Series
, and is often portrayed with a Scottish accent
. Duncan is based on the engine 'Douglas' on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales. Currently, the real version of the engine carries a character face, name and colour.
Upon returning home, Freddie was challenged by Rheneas and Skarloey to a series of races up and down the mountain. When he realised he wasn't as strong or fast 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 and help Rheneas.
Fearless Freddie is based upon Russell, a locomotive found on the Welsh Highland Railway
in North Wales.
Duke lived and worked on a now-closed railway with Stuart and Falcon. He was the oldest engine on the line, and liked everything to be "just so". This prompted Falcon and Stuart to give him the nickname "Granpuff". When the railway closed, Stuart and Falcon found new homes, but Duke was left behind in his shed. Many years later, a group of enthusiasts excavated Duke's shed, and promised to reunite him with Stuart and Falcon. All three were very happy to meet each other again.
Duke was introduced in Season 4, but this is the only season to date in which he was featured. The story of Duke was based upon a true story about an engine abandoned in the Brazilian rain forest. Duke himself is based on the engine Prince, a tank and tender engine on the Ffestiniog Railway
at Porthmadog
, North Wales
.
Mighty Mac had only ever worked in the shunting yards for a long time. Their conflicting personalities placed themselves and their passengers in danger while running an important errand. But with Thomas' advice in mind, they were able to complete their task and realise the value of working together.
Mighty Mac made their debut in Series 9 of Thomas & Friends, in an episode of the same name.
Smudger was only seen in "Granpuff," substituting a red Baldwin
called "Number 2" from the original story in the Railway Series
. Smudger's model was similar in shape to Rheneas, but painted a dark green with black stripes. Smudger is based on a Jennings Fletcher 0-4-0
engine.
Bertram only appeared in "Toby's Discovery" and had no dialogue. His body was modified from Duke's, and his face was taken from Smudger. According to Britt Allcroft, Bertram was intended to be a tank engine.
The other engines have kept him in their minds, and a bronze statue of him has been set up by the railway.
Proteus first appeared in "The Magic Lamp," in which his shape was similar to Sir Handel's. His statue appeared in "Mountain Marvel."
The name Proteus
occurs in Greek Mythology: Proteus was a water-god known as the "Old Man of the Sea
".
The Fat Controller
The Fat Controller is the head of the railway in The Railway Series of books written by the Rev. W. V. Awdry. In the first two books in the series he is known as The Fat Director...
standard gauge engines
Railway engines (Thomas and Friends)
This article lists the standard gauge Railway Engine characters of the Television Series Thomas and Friends . These are the characters that run on the Fat Controller's railway....
, but the location of the railway leaves the little engines in relative isolation.
Victor
Victor (voiced by Matt Wilkinson) is a bright red Hispanic tank engine in charge of the Sodor Steamworks. He supervises all the engines who journey in and out of the workshops, as well as Kevin, the clumsy yard crane. Victor always has a helpful, constructive disposition and is good-humored with everyone he meets.Victor was introduced in the feature length special Hero of the Rails
Hero of the Rails
Hero of the Rails is a 2009 animated film and feature spin-off of the TV series, Thomas and Friends. The film is a follow up, not a direct sequel to Thomas and the Magic Railroad and a sequel to Calling All Engines! and The Great Discovery...
. The show's staff were researching real-life engine workshops as inspiration for the Steamworks when they learned that one had a self-contained narrow-gauge line, used to transport parts internally. The staff decided they wanted an engine with a cab, and chose as a prototype ALCo
American Locomotive Company
The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:...
's #1173, which was specially built for a sugar plantation line in Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
. Some artistic licence
Artistic licence
Artistic licence is a colloquial term, sometimes euphemism, used to denote the distortion of fact, alteration of the conventions of grammar or language, or rewording of pre-existing text made by an artist to improve a piece of...
was taken, as the original #1173 is a standard gauge
Standard gauge
The standard gauge is a widely-used track gauge . Approximately 60% of the world's existing railway lines are built to this gauge...
locomotive. Victor made multiple further appearances in the thirteenth series.
Skarloey
Skarloey (voiced by Keith WickhamKeith Wickham
Keith Wickham is a British actor, comedian and voice actor.He is well known for voicing Changed Daily in The Secret Show, Mr. Small, and Mr. Tall in The Mr. Men Show , Corneil in Corneil & Bernie , Mr...
) is one of the oldest engines on the narrow gauge railway (in the original books he is the oldest). He is painted burgundy
Burgundy (color)
Burgundy is a shade of purplish red associated with the Burgundy wine of the same name, which in turn is named after the Burgundy region of France. The color burgundy is similar to other shades of dark red such as maroon...
with white stripes, and sports the number "1" as well as nameplates on both sides.
When Skarloey first appeared in Season 4
Thomas and Friends - Season 4
Thomas and Friends is a children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor, and is based on The Railway Series books written by the Rev. W. Awdry....
, he had not worked in some time, but soon proved his worth once more. He has often been a dedicated worker and a very wise engine, however later seasons have portrayed an element of timidness, and occasional childishness. The back of Engines and Escapades
Engines and Escapades
Engines And Escapades was a VHS/DVD of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, containing episodes unseen on TV. These episodes were the 3rd of the annual straight to VHS/DVD releases by HiT Entertainment, and are considered to be part of Season 11 of 2007...
even describes him and Rheneas as a young and mischievous duo.
Rheneas
Rheneas (voiced by Ben SmallBen Small
Benjamin Small , is a British character actor and voice actor.Small provided the voice of Thomas in the later episodes of the children's television series Thomas and Friends....
) is one of the oldest engines on the Island of Sodor. Rheneas is painted vermilion
Vermilion
Vermilion is an opaque orangish red pigment, similar to scarlet. As a naturally occurring mineral pigment, it is known as cinnabar, and was in use around the world before the Common Era began. Most naturally produced vermilion comes from cinnabar mined in China, and vermilion is nowadays commonly...
with black nameplates and the number "2" on each of his sides.
Rheneas was first featured in the fourth season
Thomas and Friends - Season 4
Thomas and Friends is a children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor, and is based on The Railway Series books written by the Rev. W. Awdry....
, in which Skarloey told of how Rheneas' dedication saved the railway despite considerable obstacles. This dedication earned Rheneas extensive repairs, and he was touted as a hero on his return. Since returning, Rheneas has worked diligently on the Narrow Gauge Railway on Sodor.
Sir Handel
This engine is first introduced as Falcon, who worked alongside Duke and Stuart (Peter Sam) on an old railway in the past. He has always been painted blue with red stripes and a nameplate and the number "3" on each side. When Falcon was bought to work on the Skarloey Railway, he was renamed Sir Handel.He was given a set of wheels with broad tyres, which the other engines called "steam roller
Steamroller
A steamroller is a form of road roller – a type of heavy construction machinery used for levelling surfaces, such as roads or airfields – that is powered by a steam engine...
wheels". Sir Handel can be hot-headed and always has to have his way, which makes the trucks and coaches dislike him, but his personality seemed milder after a period of work at the stone quarry.
Sir Handel made his debut in Season 4
Thomas and Friends - Season 4
Thomas and Friends is a children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor, and is based on The Railway Series books written by the Rev. W. Awdry....
, but was not seen again until Season 10
Thomas and Friends - Season 10
Thomas and Friends is a children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor, and is based on The Railway Series books written by the Rev. W. Awdry.This article lists episodes from the tenth season of this series, which was broadcast in...
. In The Railway Series
The Railway Series
The Railway Series is a set of story books about a railway system located on the fictional Island of Sodor. There are 42 books in the series, the first being published in 1945. Twenty-six were written by the Rev. W. Awdry, up to 1972. A further 16 were written by his son, Christopher Awdry; 14...
, Sir Handel was given the Skarloey Railway's red livery, but he remained blue in the TV series.
Peter Sam
Peter Sam (voiced by Keith WickhamKeith Wickham
Keith Wickham is a British actor, comedian and voice actor.He is well known for voicing Changed Daily in The Secret Show, Mr. Small, and Mr. Tall in The Mr. Men Show , Corneil in Corneil & Bernie , Mr...
) began his life as Stuart, working on an old railway with Duke and Falcon (Sir Handel). He has dark green paint with red stripes, red nameplates and wears the number "4".
Peter Sam was bought to work on the Narrow Gauge Railway at the same time as Sir Handel, and often ended up apologising for his old friend's behaviour. Coaches and trucks alike found him polite and easy to get along with, so he quickly became a useful addition to the railway.
Following an accident with some trucks, Peter Sam's funnel came loose and was taken off by an icicle hanging in a tunnel. The replacement funnel was square and strange-looking. The other engines made fun of the new funnel until they discovered how well Peter Sam worked because of it.
Peter Sam first appeared in Season 4, and he has made appearances in every season (except Season 8) since. In The Railway Series
The Railway Series
The Railway Series is a set of story books about a railway system located on the fictional Island of Sodor. There are 42 books in the series, the first being published in 1945. Twenty-six were written by the Rev. W. Awdry, up to 1972. A further 16 were written by his son, Christopher Awdry; 14...
, he was given a red coat of paint like the other narrow gauge engines.
Rusty
Rusty is the only diesel engine on the narrow gauge railway. Rusty is mostly orange, with his name and the number "5" painted on his side in white.Rusty came to the railway to help maintain the line, pulling trains of workmen and equipment around the railway. Rusty is fearless, practical, and friendly. Rusty quickly made friends with the other engines. Although Duncan can be rude to him, he always apologizes after Rusty has helped him out.
He was one of many engines to make the transition from The Railway Series
The Railway Series
The Railway Series is a set of story books about a railway system located on the fictional Island of Sodor. There are 42 books in the series, the first being published in 1945. Twenty-six were written by the Rev. W. Awdry, up to 1972. A further 16 were written by his son, Christopher Awdry; 14...
to the TV Series
Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends
Thomas and Friends is a British children's television series, first broadcast on the ITV network in September 1984. Until 2003, it was named Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. This series was shot on 35mm film...
in Season 4. In The Railway Series
The Railway Series
The Railway Series is a set of story books about a railway system located on the fictional Island of Sodor. There are 42 books in the series, the first being published in 1945. Twenty-six were written by the Rev. W. Awdry, up to 1972. A further 16 were written by his son, Christopher Awdry; 14...
he was painted black with a similar nameplate to the steam engines.
Duncan
Duncan arrived as a spare engine while Skarloey was being repaired. Duncan is the tallest of the narrow gauge engines, and his long funnel and high-roofed cab can make tunnels a tight squeeze. He is painted amber and wears nameplates and the number "6" on his sides.Duncan is boisterous and likes having something to complain about. His "rock 'n' rolling" along the line got him in trouble when the end of a tunnel collapsed on him. He likes to be polished and often feels that he's overworked. Duncan can be prone to abandoning his work in search of adventure, which often gets him into trouble.
Duncan first appeared in Season 4 of the TV Series
Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends
Thomas and Friends is a British children's television series, first broadcast on the ITV network in September 1984. Until 2003, it was named Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. This series was shot on 35mm film...
, and reappears frequently. He was painted red in The Railway Series
The Railway Series
The Railway Series is a set of story books about a railway system located on the fictional Island of Sodor. There are 42 books in the series, the first being published in 1945. Twenty-six were written by the Rev. W. Awdry, up to 1972. A further 16 were written by his son, Christopher Awdry; 14...
, and is often portrayed with a Scottish accent
Scottish English
Scottish English refers to the varieties of English spoken in Scotland. It may or may not be considered distinct from the Scots language. It is always considered distinct from Scottish Gaelic, a Celtic language....
. Duncan is based on the engine 'Douglas' on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales. Currently, the real version of the engine carries a character face, name and colour.
Fearless Freddie
Fearless Freddie is an old light grey warhorse engine who returned to the narrow gauge lines after many years. He carries the Number 7, and has light grey and black and gold livery. He and Sir Handel were close friends when they were younger.Upon returning home, Freddie was challenged by Rheneas and Skarloey to a series of races up and down the mountain. When he realised he wasn't as strong or fast 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 and help Rheneas.
Fearless Freddie is based upon Russell, a locomotive found on the Welsh Highland Railway
Welsh Highland Railway
The Welsh Highland Railway is a long restored narrow gauge heritage railway in North Wales, operating from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, and passing through a number of popular tourist destinations including Beddgelert and the Aberglaslyn Pass. At Porthmadog it connects with the Ffestiniog Railway...
in North Wales.
Duke
Duke is considered a hero among most of the engines on the Island of Sodor. He is coloured brown, with his name displayed on both sides. He was named after His Grace, the Duke of Sodor, and whenever anything went wrong he would exclaim, "That would never suit His Grace!"Duke lived and worked on a now-closed railway with Stuart and Falcon. He was the oldest engine on the line, and liked everything to be "just so". This prompted Falcon and Stuart to give him the nickname "Granpuff". When the railway closed, Stuart and Falcon found new homes, but Duke was left behind in his shed. Many years later, a group of enthusiasts excavated Duke's shed, and promised to reunite him with Stuart and Falcon. All three were very happy to meet each other again.
Duke was introduced in Season 4, but this is the only season to date in which he was featured. The story of Duke was based upon a true story about an engine abandoned in the Brazilian rain forest. Duke himself is based on the engine Prince, a tank and tender engine on the Ffestiniog Railway
Ffestiniog Railway
The Ffestiniog Railway is a narrow gauge heritage railway, located in Gwynedd, Wales. It is a major tourist attraction located mainly within the Snowdonia National Park....
at Porthmadog
Porthmadog
Porthmadog , known locally as "Port", and historically rendered into English as Portmadoc, is a small coastal town and community in the Eifionydd area of Gwynedd, in Wales. Prior to the Local Government Act 1972 it was in the administrative county of Caernarfonshire. The town lies east of...
, North Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
.
Mighty Mac
Mighty Mac is a double-ended Fairlie, and the newest addition to the Skarloey Railway. Despite the opposing personalities of the two ends, they are technically one engine, painted royal blue with gold and red stripes. Mighty is distinguished by a small flick of hair and Mac by his youthful features and freckled cheeks.Mighty Mac had only ever worked in the shunting yards for a long time. Their conflicting personalities placed themselves and their passengers in danger while running an important errand. But with Thomas' advice in mind, they were able to complete their task and realise the value of working together.
Mighty Mac made their debut in Series 9 of Thomas & Friends, in an episode of the same name.
Smudger
Smudger is a reckless tank engine who worked on Duke's old railway. Smudger liked to show off, often riding roughly and derailing. He scoffed at Duke's warnings, which prompted the Manager to turn him into a generator behind the engine shed. It is not recorded what happened to Smudger when the line closed.Smudger was only seen in "Granpuff," substituting a red Baldwin
Baldwin Locomotive Works
The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of...
called "Number 2" from the original story in the Railway Series
The Railway Series
The Railway Series is a set of story books about a railway system located on the fictional Island of Sodor. There are 42 books in the series, the first being published in 1945. Twenty-six were written by the Rev. W. Awdry, up to 1972. A further 16 were written by his son, Christopher Awdry; 14...
. Smudger's model was similar in shape to Rheneas, but painted a dark green with black stripes. Smudger is based on a Jennings Fletcher 0-4-0
0-4-0
Under the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives, 0-4-0 represents one of the simplest possible types, that with two axles and four coupled wheels, all of which are driven...
engine.
Bertram
Bertram is an old dark brown engine who worked near an isolated mine on Sodor. He is known as the 'Old Warrior' because of his bravery. He remained at the mine until it was rediscovered years later. Toby thought he was a ghost at first, but the two were later introduced and became friends. Bertram now works at the restored mines, taking passengers to the fairground at the site.Bertram only appeared in "Toby's Discovery" and had no dialogue. His body was modified from Duke's, and his face was taken from Smudger. According to Britt Allcroft, Bertram was intended to be a tank engine.
The Ghost Engine
The ghost engine was a narrow gauge engine who supposedly worked on the Skarloey Railway. According to Rusty, he was returning home one misty full moon night when he lost control on the old iron bridge and fell into a ravine. No one has ever found him, but workmen claim to have seen his ghost trying to cross the ravine, only to fail. Rusty told Duncan his story after he teased Peter Sam for allowing his trucks to derail in the ravine. Duncan disbelieved the story, but the next day Duncan's crew arranged things so that Duncan believed the engine was trying to cross the bridge at the same time as him, and quickly ran back.Proteus
Proteus is a legendary yellow tank engine who wore a magic lamp upon his funnel. Legend said that anyone who found the lamp would have their wishes granted. As Skarloey told this story to the other Skarloey Railway engines, the clues to finding the magic lamp are a rush of wind, a creaking noise, and a flickering light. Peter Sam almost thought he discovered the lamp himself after hearing the story.The other engines have kept him in their minds, and a bronze statue of him has been set up by the railway.
Proteus first appeared in "The Magic Lamp," in which his shape was similar to Sir Handel's. His statue appeared in "Mountain Marvel."
The name Proteus
Proteus
In Greek mythology, Proteus is an early sea-god, one of several deities whom Homer calls the "Old Man of the Sea", whose name suggests the "first" , as protogonos is the "primordial" or the "firstborn". He became the son of Poseidon in the Olympian theogony In Greek mythology, Proteus (Πρωτεύς)...
occurs in Greek Mythology: Proteus was a water-god known as the "Old Man of the Sea
Old Man of the Sea
In Greek mythology, the Old Man of the Sea was a primordial figure who could be identified as any of several water-gods, generally Nereus or Prothacular, but also Tritonylors, Pontus, Phorcys or Glaucus...
".
See also
- Railway engines (Thomas and Friends)Railway engines (Thomas and Friends)This article lists the standard gauge Railway Engine characters of the Television Series Thomas and Friends . These are the characters that run on the Fat Controller's railway....
- Skarloey RailwaySkarloey RailwayOn the fictional Island of Sodor in The Railway Series by Rev. W. Awdry, the Skarloey Railway is a narrow gauge railway which runs from the main line at Crovan's Gate to the passenger terminus at Skarloey. Beyond Skarloey the line continues to a slate quarry.In the stories, the railway is run by...