Railway engines (Thomas & Friends)

This article is about the standard gauge railway engines from Thomas & Friends. For the narrow gauge railway engines from Thomas & Friends, see Narrow gauge engines (Thomas & Friends).

This article lists the standard gauge railway engine and other standard gauge characters of the television series Thomas & Friends. These are the characters that run on The Fat Controller's railway - the North Western.

Major characters (The Steam Team)

The "Steam Team" was introduced in Season 8. It is the name given to the group of core characters on The Fat Controller's (Sir Topham Hatt in the U.S.) railway as featured in the later seasons: Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, Toby and Emily. There is no such corresponding group in The Railway Series books although a similar group appears in the book Eight Famous Engines.

Thomas

Main article: Thomas the Tank Engine

Thomas can be described as a cheeky, fussy little engine. He 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's world and he's soon bustling about again, playing his part in the yard and on his very own branch line, of which he is extremely proud. He is a 0-6-0 blue tank engine. He is the title star of the television series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends (now known as Thomas and Friends). Thomas first appeared in The Railway Series by the Rev. W. Awdry.

Thomas's character can change from time to time, from cheeky like Percy to wise like Edward. He is always, however, extremely proud to run his own branch line, and is very fond of his two coaches, Annie and Clarabel. He has the number 1 painted on both the side tanks, formerly the number 70 painted on both the bunker.

Voice Actors

• Ben Small (UK; Hero of the Rails – Season 18)
• John Hasler (UK; The Adventure Begins onwards)
• Martin Sherman (US; Hero of the Rails – Season 18)
• Joseph May (US; The Adventure Begins onwards)

Edward

Main article: Edward the Blue Engine

Edward was the first character to appear in The Railway Series by the Rev. W. Awdry, he is the oldest engine on The Fat Controller's Railway and is part of the central group of characters in the TV Series. He is a blue 4-4-0 tender engine with red stripes, about the same size as James, and bears the number 2 on his tender.

Edward is the wisest engine in the core fleet, and other engines often find themselves indebted to his knowledge and sharp skills. His personality however underwent a minor change in season 10, but he still remains a helpful, kind and sensible engine.

Voice Actors

• Keith Wickham (UK; Hero of the Rails onwards)
• William Hope (US; Hero of the Rails onwards)

Henry

Main article: Henry the Green Engine

Henry is a 4-6-0 engine, one of the first engines to appear in The Railway Series books. Henry is engine number 3 on the railway, and is painted green with red stripes. In the first season, Henry looked much like Gordon and often suffered from boiler trouble due to design flaws and so he needed special Welsh coal to operate properly. He then had an accident when pulling The Flying Kipper caused by ice and snow, after which he underwent extensive reconstruction, giving him a new shape, which he has had very little problems ever since. Henry often takes the goods train or the express.

Henry's character can be difficult to pinpoint. Sometimes, he is somewhat pompous like Gordon, at other times he is sensitive, other times he is somewhat depressed. But overall, he is very intelligent. Henry has also from time to time suffered from "illness". Since the third season, however, Henry has had a more consistent character trait added, being portrayed as having an admiration for nature, particularly trees. Henry also works at night, taking loads of fish on the Flying Kipper throughout Sodor. And before he had a big firebox, Henry's coal made The Fat Controller watch his gauges while he was feeble (the lowest praise for a big engine like him).

Voice Actors

• Keith Wickham (UK; Hero of the Rails onwards)
• Kerry Shale (US; Hero of the Rails onwards)

Gordon

Main article: Gordon the Big Engine

Gordon was the second engine to appear in The Railway Series. He is locomotive number 4, a 4-6-2 tender engine, painted blue with red stripes.

Gordon is one of the oldest engines on the Fat Controller's Railway and has always viewed himself as the most important engine, mostly because of his size and strength, and that his main task is to pull the Express. At times, this can lead to him feeling superior. However, he usually learns his lesson, realizing that all engines have their place in the team. Since Gordon has a big coalbox, he has more than 5 refills daily, which makes other engines grumble.

Voice Actors

• Keith Wickham (UK; Hero of the Rails onwards)
• Kerry Shale (US; Hero of the Rails onwards)

James

Main article: James the Red Engine

James is a tender engine, numbered 5 and coloured red with black and gold stripes & gold dome (formerly black with red stripes as revealed in The Adventure Begins). He is a 2-6-0 mixed-traffic engine, which means he can pull coaches and trucks equally well.

While James is one of "the big engines" (a trio with Gordon and Henry), he is certainly the most junior member of this clique, often resulting in him getting 'too big for his boots' (wheels). He often brags about his red paint, as though this makes him superior to other engines, a notion which is usually dispelled quickly enough.

Voice Actors

• Keith Wickham (UK; Hero of the Rails onwards)
• Kerry Shale (US; Hero of the Rails – Season 18)
• Rob Rackstraw (US; The Adventure Begins onwards)

Percy

Main article: Percy the Small Engine

Percy is a green 0-4-0 saddle tank engine with red stripes, and has been given the number 6.

He is the youngest engine of the whole fleet. He is quite a cheeky engine, often looking to trick or tease other engines, sometimes getting him into trouble. Percy does, however, have utmost respect when it is needed, referring to The Fat Controller as "Sir" every few words when addressing him. Although he is considered the smallest in the fleet, Percy has proven at times to have the biggest heart and an undying will to learn new things.

Voice Actors

• Keith Wickham (UK; Hero of the Rails – Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure)
• Nigel Pilkington (UK; Season 19 onwards)
• Martin Sherman (US; Hero of the Rails – Season 18)
• Christopher Ragland (US; Season 19 onwards)

Toby

Main article: Toby the Tram Engine

Toby is a tram engine who works on the same branch line as Thomas. He has a cowcatcher, and side plates covering his wheels. His main job is taking stone wagons to and from the quarry with his coach Henrietta, but he also helps with other jobs. He is painted brown and grey, and is engine number 7.

Toby is old and wise, and is always willing to share his experience and knowledge with other engines. He is careful in everything he does, which means he very rarely has any accidents.

Voice Actors

• Ben Small (UK; Hero of the Rails – Season 18)
• Rob Rackstraw (UK; Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure onwards)
• William Hope (US; Hero of the Rails onwards)

Emily

Main article: Emily (Thomas & Friends)

Emily is a "Stirling Single" engine. She is painted dark green with gold stripes. She speaks with a Scottish accent.

As the most recent addition to the fleet, Emily has had to learn many things on Sodor. She caused Thomas to be upset when she accidentally "stole" Annie and Clarabel upon her arrival, but after saving Oliver from an accident, she was rewarded with a pair of coaches of her own. She acts as a sisterly figure to the other engines, and though she can be quite bossy at times like the other 'big engines', she is much nicer than she lets on.

Voice Actors

• Teresa Gallagher (UK; Hero of the Rails onwards)
• Jules de Jongh (US; Hero of the Rails onwards)

Recurring characters (steam engines)

Duck

Main article: Duck the Great Western Engine

Duck is a strong tank engine in The Railway Series by the Rev. W. Awdry, as well as the TV Series Thomas and Friends. Although his real name is Montague, he was given the nickname "Duck", by which he is universally known. He is a green pannier tank engine, who was given the number 8 on arrival, and works efficiently as part of The Fat Controller's fleet. He currently runs his own branch line with Oliver.

Duck holds great pride in being Great Western, and this results in him having a strong work ethic. This can, however, be a cause for friction with his colleagues, when he insists that his way ("the Great Western way") is the only right way to do things, but other engines understand this, and by and large give Duck their full respect.

Duck first appeared in Season 2, and has also appeared in Seasons 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 17, 18 and 19. He also appeared in Tale of the Brave with a non-speaking role. He also appeared in the season 10 music video "Navigation". He had a supporting role in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actors

• Steven Kynman (UK/US; Season 17 onwards)

Donald and Douglas

Main article: Donald and Douglas

Donald & Douglas are twin Scottish 0-6-0 Caledonian Railway Class 812 tender engines who feature in both the TV Series and the Railway Series books. They came together from Scotland and, although The Fat Controller was only expecting one engine, he decided to keep both engines in his fleet, giving them the numbers 9 (Donald) and 10 (Douglas) respectively, as well as nameplates. They are painted black, and have red name-plates with gold writing.

If not for coming to Sodor, Donald and Douglas, would surely be scapped because their former controller wanted to send Donald away and scrapped Douglas.Because of this, not only are they grateful to have a home, but they are always very somber and serious when it comes to the topic of scrapping; a sensitive issue among the steam engine characters.

Donald and Douglas first appeared in season 2, and have also appeared in seasons 3, 4, 5 (In season 5, Donald appeared without Douglas.), 6, 7, 11, and 12. They were also mentioned in the season 8 and appeared in a deleted scene.. They had a supporting lead role in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actors

• Joe Mills (UK/US; Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure onwards; both Donald and Douglas)

Oliver

Oliver is an 0-4-2 tank engine. Oliver was introduced in Season 3, being saved from scrap by Douglas, along with his brakevan, Toad.

On arrival at Sodor, Oliver was restored, painted green, and given the number 11. He works with Duck on Duck's branch line, The Little Western.

When Oliver arrived on Sodor he was not used to handling trucks. While shunting his first ballast train, an incident resulted in Oliver landing bunker-down in a turntable well. On his return from the Works, Oliver learned how to deal with them with the help of Toad.

Oliver is a Great Western Railway GWR 1400 Class 0-4-2T tank locomotive. These engines were fitted with a mechanical system allowing the driver to control the locomotive remotely from the cab of an 'autocoach', such as Isabel.

Oliver first appeared in season 3, and has appeared in seasons 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 18 and 19. He also cameos in Tale of the Brave. He had a supporting role in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actors

• Joe Mills (UK/US; Season 18 onwards)

Bill and Ben

Bill & Ben are twin tank engines who work for the Sodor China Clay Company. They are painted amber with red lining, have four black wheels (later red) each and have their names attached to their sides on brown nameplates. Apart from their nameplates, they are identical – which can be confusing to engines who don't know them well. They are smaller than the other engines they work with. They have "SCC" written on both sides and "Brendam Bay" on the front above their faces.

They are young and cheeky and love playing jokes on the big engines, but are kept in order by Edward and BoCo (and, since season six, Mavis, Fergus or other engines). They work in the china clay quarry and at Brendam Docks, where they are kept busy shunting trucks. The Fat Controller sometimes allows them to carry out special jobs, like taking BoCo's heavy goods train and running 'Brake Van Specials' for visitors, who sometimes come to the quarries to see the twins.

Bill & Ben are based on two 0-4-0 tank engines built by Bagnall's of Stafford that worked at Par in Cornwall named Alfred and Judy. They are unusually low, allowing them to fit under bridges that taller engines could not. The real examples are both preserved at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway.

Lately, pictures of the Bill/Ben models during the production of season 2 were found, in which they bore numbers above their faces in similar fashion to the Railway Series. For reasons unknown, they were removed and have not been seen in any episodes or canon photos.

Bill & Ben were introduced in Season 2 and have since appeared in seasons 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 (In season 12 Ben appeared without Bill.), 17, 18 and 19, and The Great Discovery. Bill and Ben also have supporting roles in Tale of the Brave and Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actors

• Jonathan Broadbent (UK/US; Season 17 onwards; both Bill and Ben)

Harvey

Harvey the crane engine is involved in repair and recovery jobs on The Fat Controller's railway. His queer-looking crane arm, which bears the number 27, gained some negative attention from the other engines at first. After clearing an accident and impressing the railway board, Harvey gained the others' admiration. Harvey quickly became a fixture of the breakdown crew, pulling the railway's cranes and work coaches. Recently, a large rolling crane called Rocky was brought to Sodor. When a job is too large for Harvey, Rocky can be brought in to do the job quickly. Both now share duties in the breakdown crew.

Harvey has been known to stay at Knapford Sheds with Salty and Murdoch. Harvey was hurt when Murdoch snapped at them for being chatty, but he soon came to appreciate their company.

Harvey is painted burgundy with gold lining, and has large, square wooden buffers. He is based on a real crane engine, No. 4101.

Harvey was introduced in season 6, and has appeared in seasons 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18. He also appeared in Calling All Engines and The Great Discovery.

Voice Actors

• Keith Wickham (UK/US; Season 17 onwards)

Fergus

Fergus is a royal blue railway traction engine with red wheels. He is known as "The Pride of the Cement Works," for his years of work at the Sodor Cement Works. Fergus is mindful of rules and regulations, and often snaps at others, "Do it right!"

Some engines become indignant to his authority. When Fergus was sent to the quarry, he scorned Bill and Ben's carelessness, and they decided to disobey him deliberately. They accidentally caused a rock slide, and Fergus was buried while forcing them clear. Bill and Ben thankfully worked hard to free him and clean up the mess. Diesel's apathy for regulations created a mess at the Cement Works. When Fergus tried to correct him, Diesel made up an order from The Fat Controller to work at the smelters in an attempt to get him scrapped. Fergus was so frightened of the smelters that he and his driver ran away. The Fat Controller sent Thomas to find Fergus and sort out the matter, and Fergus was soon back to work at the Cement Works.

His flywheel can be hooked up to machinery. Once during a storm, a lighthouse's generator broke. Salty had been guiding Fergus and his driver down the line, and suggested using Fergus's flywheel to power the generator until dawn. This act saved a cargo ship from disaster.

He is based on an Aveling & Porter 2-2-0WT "Blue Circle", currently preserved and operating on the Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway.

Fergus has only appeared in 3 episodes in Season 7.

Arthur

Arthur is a maroon tank engine with gold stripes. The Fat Controller brought him to the railway for his spotless record.

Arthur had something of a rocky friendship with Thomas from the start. When he arrived on the railway with his record intact, Arthur did not want to be forceful with the trucks like Thomas or Percy. Thomas decided to trick Arthur, telling him The Fat Controller did not want the trucks to sing. The trucks sang all through Arthur's journey, and he became angry and rough with the trucks, leading to an accident with Duck. Thomas confessed to causing the accident, and he and Arthur decided to mend their friendship.

Arthur hoped to have his own branch line when Thomas was assigned to the fishing village run. For taking over Thomas's train after an accident, The Fat Controller offered Arthur the line for himself. Thomas had to work at the fishing village again, but was determined to get away from the smell of fish quickly. He ignored Arthur's advice to take five trucks at a time, and had an accident himself, making the job last even longer.

Arthur is an LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T tank engine designed for use on the London Midland & Scottish Railway. He retains the "LMS" lettering on his tanks.

Arthur first appeared in season 7, and appeared in seasons 8, 11, and 12. He also appeared in The Great Discovery.

Murdoch

Murdoch is a large, strong orange tender engine and one of the biggest engines on the lsland. He is somewhat shy, and prefers the quiet countryside to the constant noise of industry.

When he was brought in to help with goods work, Murdoch was annoyed with all the noise around him and rudely dismissed anyone who tried to talk to him. When he finally reached the country, his quiet was interrupted by a stray flock of sheep. After the noise of that event, he was glad to share a shed with Salty and Harvey. When the engines were decorated for May Day, Murdoch was bashful about appearing dressed up. He is later seen laughing at Emily being with Whiff. When Emily got stuck in mud another time, Murdoch helped pull her out. He also helped shunt Rocky when Thomas and Stanley went recollecting lost stones for the Sodor River Bridge.

Murdoch often hauls heavy loads and equipment, like Rocky the crane. He is based on the 2-10-0 BR Standard Class 9F goods engines; the last steam engines to be built for British Railways from the mid-1950s to 1960.

Murdoch first appeared in season 7 and has appeared in seasons 8, 11 and 12.

Molly

Molly is a yellow engine with four large driving wheels. Molly was sensitive when she arrived to the railway, and disappointed with the job of pulling empty trucks. Thomas tried to make her feel important by decorating the empties and telling the engines she had an important job. This backfired when a tarpaulin flew off, and the trucks were seen empty. Molly learned the importance of her job, however, when the engines at the coal depot needed her empty trucks for their trains.

Molly is based on a Great Eastern Railway 'Claud Hamilton' 4-4-0 tender engine.

Molly first appeared in season 9 and has appeared in Seasons 10 and 11. She also appeared in The Great Discovery.

Rosie

Rosie is a lavender tank engine. She is mostly light purple, with light grey sides, red lining, gold boiler bands and red wheels. Her face is dotted with freckles.

Rosie can be headstrong at times. She has tried to help Thomas when he told her not to, and once tried to take Emily's train to the funfair, not realizing that her trucks were breaking away.

She often works alongside Thomas and has come to idolize him, although he's annoyed at her attempts to copy him. During a storm he tried to avoid Rosie while travelling to High Farm. Rosie, who followed him closely, came to take the train when Thomas was caught in a landslide, and he appreciated the help. Rosie later came to help Thomas when Hector was being disruptive at the coal depot. Hector's shouting ran Rosie from the yard, and Thomas angrily forced Hector off the rails in retaliation. Some time after, Rosie rescued Thomas when he had splashed into a puddle and put out his fire. Thomas asked Rosie to take his special for him, and she willingly obliged.

She is based on a USA class 0-6-0 "Dock Tank" engine.

Rosie debuted in Season 10 and has had speaking roles in seasons 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 as well as making cameos in seasons 17, 18 and 19, and in every feature length special since.

Voice Actors

• Teresa Gallagher (UK; Season 13 onwards)
• Jules de Jongh (US; Season 13 onwards)

Whiff

Whiff is a dark green rubbish-collecting tank engine who wears glasses and has a distinct two-tone whistle. Whiff is rather naive to others' thoughts about him, his job and his smell, but he is still very friendly.

When Whiff was new to the railway, Emily was quickly teased for working with him. She avoided him until the rubbish trucks, they were responsible for blocked Spencer's line. She decided then to co-operate with him to help move the train.

He also had a major role in Misty Island Rescue as the one engine who knew the Misty Island Tunnel.

Whiff works at Whiff's Waste Dump with Scuff the Scruncher.

Whiff is based on North Eastern Railway's No. 66, Aerolite, in its present shape at the National Railway Museum. He wears the number 66 on his sides, as Aerolite does.

Whiff was introduced in Season 11 and has appeared in seasons 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. He also had a major role in Misty Island Rescue and cameos in The Great Discovery and Blue Mountain Mystery.

Voice Actors

• Keith Wickham (UK; Misty Island Rescue onwards)
• William Hope (US; Misty Island Rescue onwards)

Stanley

Stanley is a strong silver tank engine with a non-metallic silver coat, silver smokebox, red stripes and red wheels. He was brought to The Fat Controller's railway to help with the preparations for an annual Sodor Day celebration. Other engines took to him because of his willingness to help out, or to find an engine who could.

Stanley is based on a Kitson No. 5474 0-6-0ST "Carnarvon".

Thomas became jealous of Stanley's popularity and planned to make him look foolish, shunting a heavy train that Stanley couldn't pull uphill from Great Waterton. When the train broke away and rolled into the construction site, the other engines became angry with Thomas. Stanley, however, glimpsed Thomas upset with his abandonment. When Thomas went missing, Stanley was eager to help him, and after being rescued, Thomas apologized for their feud.

Stanley was introduced in The Great Discovery, and has had speaking roles in Seasons 12, 15, 18, 19 and Day of the Diesels and cameos in seasons 14, 15 and 16 as well as, Misty Island Rescue, Blue Mountain Mystery, Tale of the Brave and Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actors

• Matt Wilkinson (UK; Season 15 onwards)
• Ben Small (US; Season 15 - Season 18)
• Rob Rackstraw (UK; The Truth About Toby only - US; Season 19 onwards)

Charlie

Charlie is a purple tank engine with light purple trim, a black dome and red wheels. He wears the number 14. Charlie was the controller's favorite on the mainland railway that he came from. Despite his size, he is well known for being fun and ready for adventure. Charlie rarely takes things seriously; everything is fun and games to him. This can be a negative effect on the engines around him. Charlie appears to be based on a design similar to, but not identical to the Manning Wardle L Class 0-6-0ST, of which Billy is based upon. Charlie was introduced in Season 13. In his debut story, "Play Time", Charlie challenged Thomas to races around the island when Thomas needed to be doing his job. In another episode, Charlie enjoyed Thomas' game, "Splish, Splash, Splosh", which encouraged Thomas to try it on others - with bad results. Later Charlie helped Thomas in the search for a runaway kite.

Charlie was introduced in season 13 and has appeared in seasons 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. He also appeared in Day of the Diesels.

Voice Actors

• Matt Wilkinson (UK; Season 13 onwards)
• Glenn Wrage (US; Seasons 13 – 15)
• Ben Small (US; Seasons 16 – 18)
• TBA (US; Season 19 onwards)

Bash and Dash

Bash and Dash are small twin engines who like to finish each other's sentences. They used to work the railway on the mainland, but they caused too much trouble and were sent to the railway on Misty Island, where they became "Logging Locos" along with Ferdinand. They are the fourth pair of engine twins (excluding 'Arry and Bert, who were never specified as "twins", just "brothers"). Bash and Dash are based on a type of geared engine known as a "Gypsy," built and operated in California. These engines were used in the logging industry for yarding. While a real Gypsy's gears are mounted in front of the smokebox, Bash and Dash's gears are mounted in the rear of their bunkers. Bash and Dash are both coloured amber and slate grey.

Bash and Dash were introduced in Misty Island Rescue and have appeared in seasons 14, 15 and 16.

Voice Actors

Bash:

• Matt Wilkinson (UK; Misty Island Rescue – Season 16)
• William Hope (US; Misty Island Rescue – Season 16)

Dash:

• Keith Wickham (UK; Misty Island Rescue – Season 16)
• Kerry Shale (US; Misty Island Rescue – Season 16)

Ferdinand

Ferdinand is a large, slow steam engine. One of Misty Island's "Logging Locos," his whistles can create a booming sound.

Ferdinand is painted teal with grey lining. He is based on the Climax Locomotive Works' Class C, a geared steam engine built for logging and intended more for traction with heavy loads than for speed. His usual catchphrase is "That's right!" Ferdinand has been slightly modified to work on The Fat Controller's railway.

Ferdinand was introduced in Misty Island Rescue and has also appeared in seasons 14, 15, 16 and 18.

Voice Actors

• Ben Small (UK; Misty Island Rescue – Season 16)
• Glenn Wrage (US; Misty Island Rescue – Season 16)

Scruff

Scruff "the Scruncher" is a boxy steam engine who first appears in Season 14. Scruff works at Whiff's Waste Dump and dislikes being cleaned. He is painted lime with deep green stripes and has gold nameplates.

Scruff is based on "No.9369 - Musketeer", a Sentinel 100 HP "BE Type" chain-driven vertical-boilered 'industrial' shunting locomotive built in 1946.

Thomas once tried to get Scuff cleaned, but he refused.

Scruff was introduced in season 14 and has appeared in seasons 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. He also cameos in Blue Mountain Mystery.

Voice Actors

• Matt Wilkinson (UK; Season 14 onwards)
• Kerry Shale (US; Season 14 onwards)

Belle

Belle is a large Prussian blue tank engine (the largest tank engine on Sodor) built for firefighting. She has fire hoses fixed on her side tanks, and a brass bell above her cab.

Belle is based on a BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T locomotive. Belle is painted dark blue with red and gold fittings and red and regal blue wheels and red hydro cannons. She has the number 6120 painted on her sides in gold.

Belle was introduced in Season 15 but officially in Day of the Diesels. She has also appeared in seasons 16, 17, 18 and 19. She had a supporting role in King of the Railway.

Voice Actors

• Teresa Gallagher (UK/US; Season 15 onwards)

Stephen

Stephen is a golden yellow engine who made his debut in the 2013 movie, King of the Railway.

Stephen is one of the earliest engines ever built, as well as the oldest. Newer engines may be bigger, faster, and stronger than Stephen, but what he lacks in terms of strength or speed Stephen makes up for with his positive spirit, sense of humor and knowledge.

Sir Robert Norramby, an Earl of Sodor, is a friend and the owner of Stephen. Stephen was given his own set of coaches, which have been used to transport visiting passengers around the grounds of Ulfstead Castle, his new home.

Stephen is based on Stephenson's Rocket. His frame has been slightly modified for work on Sodor, such as wooden buffer beams on his front and an old lamp light. Stephen also has a golden funnel top, in honor of finding the lost crown of King Godred, making him in essence the engines' "king".

In The Railway Series books a replica of Stephenson's Rocket appears in the book Thomas and the Great Railway Show, The book is likely where the writers got the idea for Stephen.

Stephen made his debut in King of the Railway and has appeared in seasons 17, 18 and 19.

Voice Actors

• Bob Golding (UK/US; King of the Railway onwards)

Porter

Porter is a tank engine who works at the docks, alongside Salty the Dockside Diesel. He made his debut in the season 17 episode Away from the Sea.

Porter is based on a H.K. Porter 0-6-0ST, built in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, modified for use on British Rail lines. Several examples of Porter's design served that dockyards of the Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal Railroad in New York City.

Porter is painted viridian with yellow stripes and lining and gold nameplates with black lettering. He also has a gold star on each side of his lamp.

Porter was introduced in season 17 and has also appeared in seasons 18 and 19. He had a supporting role in Tale of the Brave and cameos in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actors

• Steve Kynman (UK; Season 17 onwards)
• David Menkin (US; Season 17 onwards)

Timothy

Timothy is a small tank engine who made his debut in Tale of the Brave. He is an oil burning steam locomotive who works at the Sodor China Clay Company with Bill, Ben and sometimes Marion.

Timothy is based on an open cab oil burning steam locomotive built by Bell Locomotive Works, Inc. of New York City.

He is painted dark blue with red lining and has SCC written on the sides of his tanks in yellow.

Timothy made his debut in Tale of the Brave and has also appeared in seasons 18 and 19.

Voice Actors

• Tim Whitnall (UK/US; Tale of the Brave onwards)

Samson

Samson is a small cabless tank engine.

He is overconfident, dignified and quite arrogant. (Believing that he is the strongest tank engine on Sodor.)

Samson appears to be based on an 0-4-0 saddle tank engine that worked at the High Harrington Ironworks on the Furness Railway.

Samson is painted grey-green with red lining.

He was introduced in Season 18 and has appeared in season 19. He also appears in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actors

• Robert Wilfort (UK/US; Season 18 onwards)

Ryan

Ryan is a large purple tank engine who was introduced in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Ryan replaced Thomas on his branch line when Thomas was sent to assist with the building of the Arlesburgh-Harwick branch line and Ryan later became the main goods engine on the line, working with Daisy, who carries passengers.

He is based on a 0-6-2 GNR Class N2 tank locomotive.

Ryan is painted purple with gold lining and has the number 1014 that is painted gold on his bunker.

Ryan was introduced in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actors

• Eddie Redmayne (UK/US; Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure onwards)

Recurring characters (diesel engines)

Diesel

Diesel was the first diesel engine to arrive on the Island of Sodor, and the main antagonist of the series. He is painted black and has six wheels. He first came to Sodor for a trial run, helping Duck. After an embarrassing mistake, Diesel spread mean-spirited rumours about Duck, but once The Fat Controller got to the bottom of the incident, he sent Diesel back. From time to time, Diesel was brought in for help when no spare engines were available. Diesel would usually antagonize the steam engines, and be sent away in disgrace for causing accidents.

Diesel eventually became a permanent resident of the railway, and continued to feud with the steam engines, particularly Thomas. However, his personality has begun to soften. He was silently thankful when Thomas replaced his water-contaminated oil, and agreed to help the steam engines to complete an important job for The Fat Controller. Diesel stole the special coaches commemorating Gordon's record express run, but later revealed it was only because his own shunting record had gone unnoticed. The Fat Controller and the engines felt sorry for him, and at Gordon's ceremony, they presented Diesel with a new motor to replace his faulty old one. Once, Diesel rolled in front of Thomas in a billboard photo by mistake. Thomas failed to tell Diesel about the second shoot, and Diesel did the other engines' work while they were gathered for the photograph, making him late for his own jobs. When Thomas realized what happened, he decided to make amends by finishing Diesel's incomplete jobs. Later, Diesel created trouble when he challenged Thomas to a race backwards around the quarry. This left a special unfinished, and Diesel willingly helped Thomas clear the mess and finish their job.

Diesel is based on a British Rail Class 08 shunter.

Diesel first appeared in season 2 and has appeared in season 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. Diesel also had supporting roles in Calling All Engines, Misty Island Rescue, Day of the Diesels, Blue Mountain Mystery and King of the Railway. He also made cameos in The Great Discovery, Hero of the Rails and Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actors

• Kerry Shale (UK; Season 13 onwards, US; Season 19 onwards)
• Michael Brandon (US; Season 13 – Blue Mountain Mystery)
• Martin Sherman (US; King of the Railway – Season 18)

Daisy

Daisy is a diesel railcar who came to work on Thomas' branch line when Thomas needed repairs. The Fat Controller decided to keep Daisy when she proved she could be useful. Her face is decorated in make-up, including eyelashes, blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow.

Daisy complained of the working conditions when she arrived, and was rude to the older coaches. She refused to pull any freight for some time, making up excuses about a fitter who said pulling trains was "bad for [her] swerves." This passed for a while, until Percy had an accident, leaving Daisy and Toby to run the branch line. The Fat Controller was cross with Daisy and told her that he sends lazy engines away. With her promise to work harder and a good word from Toby, Daisy was allowed to stay on the railway after Thomas and Percy were repaired.

Since her arrival, Daisy has found out how hard shooing stray animals really can be, and learned to co-operate with the steam engines again when important work needed to be finished.

She now works on the Arlesburgh-Harwick Branch Line with Ryan and Skiff.

Daisy is based on a Class 101 diesel multiple unit, but is actually a rail-car – a single carriage unit with a cab at either end. She is painted green with yellow lining.

Daisy first appeared in season 2 and also appeared in season 4 and Calling All Engines. She also had a minor role in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actors

• Teresa Gallagher (UK/US; Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure onwards)

BoCo

For the character in The Railway Series books, see BoCo (The Railway Series).

BoCo is a mixed-traffic diesel who works on branch lines and the main line.

BoCo had an early misunderstanding with Bill and Ben when he took their trucks away. The twins played a trick on BoCo, making him think he was seeing double. BoCo would often laugh about the trouble Bill and Ben caused, and with Edward's help, made sure the twins stayed out of trouble.

Gordon initially disliked BoCo because he was privileged to pull Main Line trains, but turned around when BoCo "saved" him from Bill and Ben. James didn't like taking advice from a diesel, and called BoCo names after the diesel warned him about bees. BoCo gets along well with Edward, (whom he defended, when the other engines said he should be retired) and of course Duck.

BoCo is based upon the British Rail Class 28 "Metrovick Co-Bo" Type 2 diesel electric engine, named after its unusual Co-Bo wheel arrangement. His green livery is similar to that of British Railways in the 1960s. In the TV series he carries the number D5702 and his livery is green. His number in the television series is in the range of numbers assigned to the real "Metrovick" locomotives by British Railways.

BoCo was introduced in season 2 and has appeared in seasons 3, 4 and 5.

Mavis

Mavis is an 0-6-0 diesel shunter painted black with yellow hazard stripes. Like Toby, her six wheels are concealed by side plates and a cow-catcher. She also has her name, and "The Ffarquhar Quarry Co. Ltd." written on both sides.

Mavis works at the quarry near Toby's line, and annoyed him by arranging the trucks in the way she thought best. She refused to listen to Toby's advice, which got her into trouble. Mavis wanted to leave the quarry, and arranged a plan with the trucks to push her down Toby's line. The trucks ended up pushing Toby instead, onto a dangerous bridge. Mavis apologized to Toby for the accident, and The Fat Controller thanked her for rescuing Toby, promising that she could come down the line whenever her manager agreed.

Mavis later began working with Bill and Ben at Centre Island Quarry (which is actually a renamed Ffarquhar Quarry), where they answered directly to The Fat Controller. She often had to look after the twins and make sure they stayed out of trouble. As time went on, the quarry was more often worked by Thomas, Diesel, or 'Arry and Bert, while Mavis has remained in operation there. Mavis has been consistently amiable towards the steam engines, and Thomas turned to her when an important job required steam and diesel engines to work together.

Mavis is based on a British Rail Class 04 shunter. Her TV series model is based on the second batch of engines, while The Railway Series illustrations are based on the first.

Mavis first appeared in season 3 and has appeared in every season of the show ever since.

Mavis has also had supporting roles in the movies, Calling All Engines, Hero of the Rails, Day of the Diesels, and Blue Mountain Mystery, as well as a non-speaking role in The Great Discovery. She also cameos in Misty Island Rescue and Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actors

• Teresa Gallagher (UK; Hero of the Rails onwards, US; Season 17 onwards)
• Jules de Jongh (US; Hero of the Rails – Blue Mountain Mystery)

'Arry and Bert

The brothers 'Arry and Bert are diesel engines who work at the scrapyards and smelters of Sodor Ironworks. Their bodies are painted Grey-green with yellow cabs and yellow and grey-green hazard stripes.

They feel superior to steam engines, and working at the scrap yards, they enjoy the chance to break up engines, or at least make their lives more difficult. They've earned a reputation on Sodor as "The Grim Messengers of Doom." Despite their prejudices, the diesels have co-operated with steam engines on occasion, and when they're in trouble, steam engines often come to the rescue.

'Arry & Bert are British Rail Class 08 diesel-electric shunters.

'Arry is usually shown to be the leader of the two, as evidenced in "Stepney Gets Lost" and "Middle Engine", while Bert carries out most of the orders.

'Arry and Bert were introduced in season 5 and have also appeared in seasons 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 19. They had supporting roles in Calling All Engines and Day of the Diesels and also cameoed in The Great Discovery.

Voice Actors

'Arry:

• Kerry Shale (UK/US; Season 14 onwards)

Bert:

• Kerry Shale (UK/US; Seasons 14 – 15)
• William Hope (UK/US; Season 16 onwards)

Salty

Salty is a battered old diesel who works at Brendam docks. He loves the sea more than anything, and has a fund of sea stories and shanties. Bill and Ben did not want to hear his stories at first, but now they enjoy hearing these tales, but Cranky the Crane is not so fond of them.

Apart from the yellow-and-black "hazard" stripes, on his front and rear, Salty is mostly painted crimson with light red stripes, and carries the number 2991. He speaks with a West Country accent and uses a lot of nautical slang. Salty works well with trucks, but how he manages to keep them in order is a closely guarded secret. He is also one of the few diesels who has no quarrel whatsoever with steam engines.

Salty is based on a British Rail Class 07 dock shunter, no. D2991 still in use at Eastleigh Works in Hampshire.

He first appeared in Season 6, and has appeared in seasons 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. Salty has also appeared in Calling All Engines and The Great Discovery and has had supporting roles in Misty Island Rescue, Day of the Diesels, Tale of the Brave and Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure. He also cameos in King of the Railway.

Voice Actors

• Keith Wickham (UK/US; Misty Island Rescue onwards)

Diesel 10

Diesel 10 is a large and villainous grumpy (but aggressive) diesel engine with a claw (Which he named "Pinchy") attached to an arm on his roof. In Calling All Engines, he uses the claw to lift scrap metal and debris into trucks on The Fat Controller's railway. Thomas and Percy were frightened of him and made sure to avoid him whenever possible. Eventually, Thomas needed his help in order to clear a wreck at the airport, and to patch a feud between steam and diesel engines. He convinced Diesel 10 that helping the engines at the airport would make him the most useful engine of all. According to the narrator, "Diesel 10 was grumpy, but like all the engines, he likes to be Really Useful". So Diesel 10 agrees, and with his help to clear scrap, the airport opens on schedule.

Diesel 10 appeared briefly in a later special, The Great Discovery. He was one of a number of diesel engines waiting at the quarry when Thomas went missing. In Misty Island Rescue, Diesel 10 makes an appearance in full CGI for the first time, and has seemed to have reverted to his classic evil persona (as seen in Thomas and the Magic Railroad), promising disaster for the engines to come very soon while clamping his claw with an evil laugh (which was a cliffhanger to Day of the Diesels). Rupert Degas supplied the voice before getting replaced by Matt Wilkinson.

Diesel 10 returns officially in the 2011 special, Day of the Diesels as the main antagonist, now described not only as villainous but as the most devious of all diesels, and the "master of mischief" on Sodor. He likes trying to outwit the Steamies, often causing confusion and delay. When Diesel 10 is around... "there will be trouble." He would later appear in the TV series' season 17 episode "The Missing Christmas Decorations".

Diesel 10 is based on a British Rail Class 42 with an olive-coloured light yellow-stripe paint scheme.

Diesel 10 first appeared in the movie Thomas and the Magic Railroad and has appeared in Calling All Engines, The Great Discovery, Misty Island Rescue, Day of the Diesels and Season 17.

Voice Actors

• Matt Wilkinson (UK/US; Misty Island Rescue onwards)
• Rupert Degas (UK/US; Misty Island Rescue; original cut only)

Den

Den is a Diesel who runs the Dieselworks...when Diesel 10 is not around. He is very thoughtful and thinks hard before he speaks. When Den does speak, it is very slowly. This gives the appearance that he may be a little slow, but nothing could be further from the truth. Engines can wait a long time for Den to give his insight, but it is worth the wait.

Den is based on a Rolls-Royce Sentinel Diesel-Hydraulic 0-4-0. He has a slate grey and orange paint scheme and white lining and the Sodor Dieselworks logo on his sides.

Den was introduced in season 15 but officially in Day of the Diesels. He has also appeared in seasons 16, 17, 18 and 19.

Voice Actors

• Keith Wickham (UK/US; Season 15 onwards)

Dart

Dart is Den’s fast and feisty assistant at the Dieselworks. Dart has worked with Den for so long he can read Den’s mind. Together, they run the Dieselworks well. Dart will quickly explain what Den is trying to say. No other Diesels know how to fix an engine as quickly or as capably.

Dart is based on a W. G. Bagnall 0-4-0 diesel-hydraulic locomotive, "Leys", which was the last-but-one locomotive built by W. G. Bagnall Ltd, currently owned by the Foxfield Light Railway. He is painted yellow and red, with white lining and the Sodor Dieselworks logo on the sides of his cab.

Dart was introduced in season 15 but officially in Day of the Diesels. He has also appeared in seasons 16, 17, 18 and 19.

Voice Actors

• Rupert Degas (UK/US; Seasons 15 – 16)
• Steven Kynman (UK/US; Season 17 onwards)

Paxton

Paxton, is a diesel who officially appeared in Season 16 even though he appeared in Season 15 and Day of the Diesels. Paxton is a young, confident, and foolish green diesel who likes the Steamies, especially Thomas. He can be a bit gullible, enabling other Diesels to take advantage of him. Paxton is also in Blue Mountain Mystery.

Paxton often brings stone from the Blue Mountain Quarry to Brendam Docks.

Like Diesel, 'Arry, and Bert, Paxton is based on a British Rail Class 08. He is painted dark green with yellow lining.

Paxton first appeared in Day of the Diesels. He has also appeared in seasons 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. He had supporting roles in Blue Mountain Mystery and King of the Railway.

Voice Actors

• Steven Kynman (UK/US; Blue Mountain Mystery onwards)

Norman

Norman, nicknamed Norm, is a diesel who officially appeared in the Season 16 of Thomas and Friends after his cameo in Day of the Diesels. Norman is a diesel engine who often breaks down. If he were fixed properly, he would show what a Really Useful Engine he is. He is also Dennis' twin. He has a long unibrow.

Norman is based on the British Rail 11001, like his own twin Dennis. Norman is painted rusty red with yellow lining and has a monobrow/unibrow.

Norman was first seen in Day of the Diesels. He has had non-speaking roles in seasons 15, 16, 18 and 19. And speaking roles in season 17.

Voice Actors

• Keith Wickham (UK/US; Season 17 onwards)

Sidney

Sidney, nicknamed Sid, is a navy blue diesel who first appears in Day of the Diesels. Sidney is so absent minded, he can be a bit of a forgetful engine. He starts his day at one location and ends up at another, not remembering how he got there in the first place!

In Day of the Diesels, Sidney cameos as an engine in need of repair at the Dieselworks, and he officially appeared with a speaking role in the season 17 episode The Missing Christmas Decorations.

Like Diesel, 'Arry, Bert, and Paxton, Sidney is based on a British Rail Class 08, and is painted navy blue with yellow lining and a warning (orange striped) panel underneath his face. However unlike the other BR 08 class diesels who mostly have square or rectangle shaped faces, the top of his face is rounded, giving it an arch shape.

Sidney first appeared in Day of the Diesels, and has also appeared in seasons 17 and 18.

Voice Actor

• Bob Golding (UK/US; Season 17 onwards)

Philip

Philip is a diesel who will be introduced in Season 19.

Philip is an energetic and enthusiastic diesel boxcab. Though not as fast or as he thinks, he's always eager to help.

Philip appears to be based a Pennsylvania Railroad diesel-electric A66 "boxcab" switcher engine.

Philip is painted yellow and green.

He made his debut in season 19.

Voice Actor

• Rasmus Hardiker (UK/US; Season 19 onwards)

Minor characters (steam engines)

Neville

Neville is a black tender engine with an unusually square boiler. When he was new to the line, the steam engines held him in suspicion (they thought he was a diesel). Thomas thought he saw Neville laughing with 'Arry and Bert, but as the story spread, Neville earned the reputation of a troublemaker who wanted to bump into steam engines. Neville did not understand the hostility directed at him, and it was not until he was headed for an accident that the others found out the mistake they had made. Thomas came to Neville's aid and apologised for the misunderstanding.

Neville is based on a Bulleid "Q1" Engine; his number, 33010, matches to that of an identical locomotive, cut up at Swansea East Dock, August 1964. Neville has reappeared infrequently since his debut.

Neville has only appeared in three episodes, one each in seasons 9, 11 and 12. Neville has also appeared in two learning segments, one each in seasons 10 and 12.

Billy

Billy is an orange tank engine with yellow and green trim and buck teeth. Billy started on the railway refusing to listen to advice, accusing others of being "bossy." He ran away whenever Thomas tried to instruct him to take on coal and water, and all of Billy's jobs were left unfinished. Finally, Thomas told Billy to do whatever he wanted to – Billy began to run off, but stopped because he ran out of coal and water. Finally, Billy accepted Thomas' help, and they finished the day's work.

Billy is based on a Manning Wardle L Class 0-6-0ST.

Billy only appeared in one episode in season 11.

Hank

Hank is a large, tall steam engine from the United States of America, and has a dark blue coat and red stripes and a bright red cowcatcher and red wheels. He is the largest engine on Sodor.

With "the enthusiasm of a cheer leader, the strength of a titan, and the chiseled good looks of a Hollywood Hero," Hank sought to impress the people and engines of Sodor on his arrival. Thomas was told to show Hank around on a day's work on the railway. Hank made the mistake of calling Thomas "little," which led Thomas to try to prove his strength by taking all of their trucks himself. Thomas strained while Hank greeted everyone they passed, and finally Thomas burst a pipe and had to stop. He asked for Hank's help to get the train to their destinations. To celebrate, they reached Knapford Station, where Hank was given a welcome party by the other engines.

Hank is based on a Pennsylvania Railroad K4 Pacific.

Hank only appeared in one episode in season 12.

Flora

Flora is a yellow steam tram who can travel on rails. Her big double-deck tram car is her pride and joy. Flora is youthful and naive, but also responsible and diligent. She is very happy to be one of the Sodor engines and delighted to be working with Toby and her own green tramcar. She made her first and only appearance in Season 12 in the episode "Tram Trouble" when she helps Toby with a parade at Great Waterton.

While Flora runs on standard gauge tracks, she is based on a narrow gauge Moseley Road Tramway steam tram with an 0-6-0 wheel arrangement, circa 1904.

Flora only appeared in one episode in season 12.

Minor characters (diesel engines)

Derek

Derek is a diesel who was brought to Sodor to help Bill and Ben at the clay pits and quarries around Brendam Docks. Derek had teething troubles, his cooling system often failing. He stalled once while banking Bill and Ben's train up a hill, and the tank engines had to pull him up along with their train. Derek was sent to The Works, and Bill and Ben admitted that he was friendlier than they expected.

Derek is a British Rail Class 17 Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotive; a type nicknamed "Claytons". He is painted in the dark green livery of the British Railway diesels with yellow warning panels.

Derek first appeared in the season 5 episode Double Teething Troubles and also cameos in Calling All Engines.

Dennis

Dennis is an exceptionally lazy diesel engine. When he was supposed to take a train of building materials, he repeatedly tried to make Thomas take the job. After that failed, Dennis abandoned his train and ran fast backwards, coming off the rails and sliding down a slope. The Fat Controller was very angry with Dennis, who promised to be useful from then on.

Dennis is painted grey and based on a Southern Railway prototype shunter, No. 11001, the number of which he carries. Dennis also has a twin named Norman, who is painted orange and has a unibrow.

Dennis appeared in one episode of season 9 and also cameos in The Great Discovery. Dennis appeared two learning segments. One each in seasons 10 and 12.

Other recurring standard gauge characters

Flynn

Flynn is a fiery red fire engine with a New York accent. First appearing in Season 15. He bears the Search and Rescue Centre insignia on his cab doors and is equipped to go road to rail.

He seems to be based on a Oshkosh W800 4x4 aircraft rescue fire engine.

Flynn first appeared in season 15, but was officially introduced in Day of the Diesels. He has also appeared in seasons 16, 17 and 19. He was also mentioned in season 18.

Voice Actors

• Rupert Degas (UK/US; Seasons 15 – 16)
• Ben Small (UK/US; Season 17)
• Rob Rackstraw (UK/US; Season 19 onwards)

Winston

Winston is The Fat Controller's track inspection vehicle who was fully introduced in Blue Mountain Mystery.

Winston is described as fun and well-meaning, but not the brightest engine on the rails. He is helpful and really useful, but has a tendency to be easily distracted. Winston is sensitive enough never to draw attention to the fact that Sir Topham Hatt is a terrible driver.

Winston is painted red, with gold nameplates on either side. He is based on a Type 4B two seat Wickham trolley.

Winston first appeared in season 16, but was fully introduced in Blue Mountain Mystery. He has also appeared in seasons 17, 18 and 19. He also cameos in King of the Railway.

Voice Actor

• Matt Wilkinson (UK/US; Season 16 onwards)

Stafford

Stafford is a battery-electric shunting engine who first appeared in the season 16 episode "Welcome Stafford".

Stafford is made of reddish brown veneered wood with cream lining and his number and gold nameplates on his sides.

Stafford is based on the North Staffordshire Railway battery-electric No.1. His number, "1917", comes from the year his basis was built at the Stoke railway works. It is currently preserved as part of the National Railway Museum collection.

Stafford was introduced in season 16, and has appeared in seasons 17, 18 and 19. He also cameos in King of the Railway and Tale of the Brave.

Voice Actor

• Keith Wickham (UK/US; Season 16 onwards)

Marion

Marion is a railway self-propelled steam shovel.

She usually works at the Sodor China Clay Company with Bill, Ben and Timothy, however she has been seen working in other places.

Marion is based on a rail mounted Marion Revolving Steam Shovel.

Marion is painted light brown and orange with yellow lining and her name written on her side.

Marion made her debut in Tale of the Brave and has also appeared in seasons 18 and 19. She also had a lead role in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actor

• Olivia Colman (UK/US; Tale of the Brave onwards)

Reg

Reg is a rail-based crane who works on Edward's Branch Line at Crocks Scrap Yard.

Reg is painted yellow with black stripes.

Reg made is official debut in Tale of the Brave. He has also appeared in seasons 18 and 19.

Voice Actor

• Tim Whitnall (UK/US; Season 18 onwards)

Skiff

Skiff is railboat who was introduced in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

He was formerly owned by Sailor John. He was later bought by the North Western Railway to give people tours around Arlesburgh Harbour, as well as on the Arlesburgh-Harwick Branch Line.

He is based on an Eastport Pram with an added railway chassis for traveling on rails.

Skiff's hull is painted white while his mast and woodworkings are painted stained brown. In his Railboat Tours livery he is painted white with blue woodworkings and red wheels.

Skiff made his debut in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

Voice Actor

• Jamie Campbell Bower (UK/US; Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure onwards)

Recurring visiting engines

Stepney

Stepney is a tank engine who once lay derelict on a siding on The Other Railway. When the Bluebell line needed an engine, Rusty travelled to the Other Railway to find a steam engine, and brought Stepney back to the line. Stepney enjoys working again, but his line is short, and he appreciates visits to The Fat Controller's railway. He loves long runs and even pulling trucks. This enthusiastic attitude, together with his friendliness, make him a welcome visitor on the Fat Controller's railway.

On his first visit, Stepney took a special that forced Thomas to be shunted. He was chased by Caroline and a group of cricketers when he accidentally stole their ball. Finally, when a new diesel broke down, Stepney and Duck upstaged him by bringing his train in early. Stepney was given a fond farewell from The Fat Controller's engines and asked to come back. Stepney has visited the railway again, helping out at the quarry and having a close call while stranded at the scrapyard. After a while, Stepney was treated as a regular resident of the railway, and The Fat Controller was eager to have him run the new loop line.

Stepney is based on the real engine of the same name, an LB&SCR A1 Class 'Terrier' 0-6-0T tank locomotive. He was written into The Railway Series to introduce the preservation movement and The Bluebell Railway. He wears the goldenrod livery ("Improved Engine Green") of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, and carries the number 55 on his sides.

Stepney was introduced in season 4. And he had speaking roles in seasons 4, 5 and 12 (Stepney only spoke in the US narration of season 12), as well as non-speaking roles in seasons 6 and 7.

Spencer

Spencer is a sleek, fast engine who frequently visits The Fat Controller's railway. He is the private engine of the wealthy Duke and Duchess of Boxford. The other engines were initially very impressed with him, but over time came to resent his arrogance.

Spencer's pride is often his downfall. On his first visit, he ran out of water on the hill when he failed to heed Gordon's advice. Later, he lost a race to Edward when he thought the old blue engine was too slow to catch up. Spencer taunted Thomas for being too slow, and when the Duke needed to make an urgent trip, Spencer's boiler would take too long to heat properly. Spencer was the main antagonist in the movie Hero of the Rails. He tried to have Hiro scrapped, but while racing Thomas a bridge collapsed beneath him, dropping him into a marsh, ironically being rescued by Hiro himself later.

In the movie King of the Railway Spencer returns to the island to help Sir Robert Norramby (the current Earl of Sodor) in restoration of Ulfstead Castle.

Spencer is based on the London and North Eastern A4 class, one of which (Mallard) holds the record for the fastest steam engine. Spencer was originally painted light grey, but later became a metallic silver color, the same as the 'Silver Jubilee' service.

Spencer is a recurring character in the series, he first appeared in season 7 and has also appeared in seasons 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. He is also the main antagonist in Hero of the Rails, he has a minor role in Misty Island Rescue and had a supporting role in King of the Railway.

Voice Actors

• Matt Wilkinson (UK; Hero of the Rails onwards)
• Glenn Wrage (US; Hero of the Rails onwards)

Hiro

Hiro is an old Oliver Island (Japanese style) tender engine. Hiro was supposedly the first Japanese steam engine on the Island of Sodor (but is really much younger than most of the narrow gauge engines; even Thomas is older than him), and was nicknamed "The Master of the Railway." After many good years of service and earning himself a fine reputation on both Oliver Island and Sodor, Hiro started to break down. The mechanics did not have parts for him at the works, and he had to wait for parts from Oliver Island. In the meantime, he was put into a disused siding. More engines came, and he was quietly forgotten, with a small forest growing up around him. After many years alone, Thomas discovered him by accident after his brakes failed. Hiro was in a sad state. He was almost broken and rusty beyond repair, and insecure of his ability to be useful any more. Thomas decided to try and help Hiro himself, but wouldn't tell The Fat Controller for fear Hiro would be scrapped. Thomas, with the help of his friends, reassembled Hiro with various fitting parts from the Sodor Steamworks. However Spencer became suspicious of Thomas, and spied on him. He eventually scared Thomas out of Hiro's forest with the old engine rattling as fast as he could behind him. This caused Hiro to fall apart again, and he lost nearly all his new parts, save for his rebuilt boiler. Soon afterward, Thomas told The Fat Controller what happened, and Hiro was sent to the Sodor Steamworks, where Victor oversaw his restoration. After Hiro was mended, he worked with Thomas and Spencer for a short time, but became homesick. Several days later, he was sent back to Oliver Island, after a glorious farewell celebration at the docks. In Season 13, he returns permanently. During that time Thomas tried to find Hiro a present, but failed. He also gave Thomas advice on the transportation of bees, which Thomas promptly ignored.

While built to the standard gauge of 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ¹⁄₂ in) in Thomas and Friends, Hiro is based on a JNR Class D51 2-8-2 Mikado type 2 from 1936 to 1951, which was built to a 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) gauge. 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 the complete history of this engine is yet to be recognised. 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 black livery of Soviet Railway and Orient Express colours. D51 #498 sports the Orient Express livery, consisting of gold heater bands, tender stripes, and various other gold fittings like Hiro does. His tender bears the number "51" in reference to his class. He also has added buffers, knuckle coupler (which would have made him an operational impossibility), re-gauged wheels and pistons as mentioned, and other minor modifications.

Hiro was introduced in Hero of the Rails, and has appeared in seasons 13, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19. He also had supporting roles in Misty Island Rescue and King of the Railway. He also cameos in Day of the Diesels and season 16.

Voice Actors

• Togo Igawa (UK/US; Hero of the Rails onwards)

Connor

Connor is a streamlined engine from the mainland who made his debut in the 2013 movie, "King of the Railway".

Connor is designed for speed. He is excitable and energetic and, like Caitlin, loves to race the other engines. However, Connor is better able to be patient than Caitlin. Connor has a bright ocean color scheme with yellow lining.

He has a set of coaches that match his paintwork.

Connor is based on a 4-6-4 NYC streamlined J3 Hudson.

Connor made is debut in King of the Railway and has also appeared in seasons 17, 18 and 19.

Voice Actors

• Jonathan Forbes (UK/US; King of the Railway onwards)

Caitlin

Caitlin is a fuchsia streamlined engine who made her debut in the 2013 movie, "King of the Railway".

Caitlin is a streamlined engine from the Mainland, designed for speed. She is always excited and energetic and impatient, and like Connor, she loves to race the other engines. Caitlin has a cerise and pale blue paint scheme.

She has a set coaches that match her paintwork.

She is based on a 4-6-2 Baltimore and Ohio Railroad President Class streamlined engine.

Caitlin made her debut in King of the Railway and has appeared in seasons 17, 18 and 19.

Voice Actors

• Rebecca O'Mara (UK/US; King of the Railway onwards)

Gator

Gator is a green boxy tank engine with sloping water tanks. His real name is Gerald but he is nicknamed Gator because of his long sloping water tanks, which resembles an alligator.

Gator is painted two-tone green with red lining.

Gator was introduced in the movie, Tale of the Brave and has appeared in season 18.

Voice Actor

• Clive Mantle (UK/US; Tale of the Brave onwards)

Minor visiting engines

Famous visitors

One famous visitor (City of Truro) was featured in "Gordon and the Famous Visitor". He visits the sheds at Tidmouth, which is crowded with observers and photographers. Duck calls him a celebrity, and Thomas doubts he would care to talk to them, but City Of Truro spends the night talking to the other engines before leaving in the morning. Gordon becomes jealous that City Of Truro traveled at a record 100 miles per hour before he was even thought of, and he goes out to prove he can go faster.

Another visitor (Flying Scotsman) appeared in "Tender Engines". The other engines admired his two tenders, which The Fat Controller said were due to distances between Coal depots on his own railway. During Scotsman's visit, Henry wanted more tenders of his own, leading Duck and Donald to trick him into accepting six old, sludge-filled tenders.

Both engines had speaking roles in the original Railway Series stories, but they never spoke in the season 3 episodes "Gordon and the Famous Visitor" and "Tender Engines," nor did they even have faces. City of Truro also cameos in the season 16 episode "Flash, Bang, Wallop!"

The Diesel

The Diesel (D261) came to Sodor to help out whilst Stepney was on the railway. When he arrived he told the steam engines they should be scrapped and replaced by efficient diesel engines. Later he was to take a special train, but he broke down during an inspection when his air intake became blocked by an inspector's bowler hat. Duck and Stepney double-headed his train down the Main Line and arrived early. The Diesel left silently while Stepney was given a farewell. They never saw the Diesel again after.

The Diesel only appeared in the season 4 episode "Bowled Out," although his model first appeared as a stock engine on The Other Railway in "Rusty to the Rescue." In The Railway Series, he had a yellow face to match his front, and the fictitious number "D4711." Diesel was based on a Class 40 diesel locomotive. The Diesel is number D261 in the TV series and is painted BR Green with a green stripe and yellow warning panels.

Special-only engines

Lady

Lady is a special engine who works on a distant railway. Thomas once visited this railway in a dream, and saw Lady working alongside Rusty. Lady told Thomas that she and Rusty finished their jobs by working together, which made Thomas determined to make the steam and diesel engines cooperate.

Lady is painted in a violet paint scheme with gold stripes, smokebox, siderods and name.

The Calling All Engines DVD's Character Gallery calls Lady "a magical engine". When she works along the rails, she spreads gold dust along the rails. Lady has been known to help Thomas and his friends when there was no other engine to turn to."

Lady first appeared in the movie Thomas and the Magic Railroad and also reappeared in Calling All Engines.

Glynn

Glynn is an engine who appeared in The Adventure Begins, he was the former number one engine on the North Western Railway, as well one of the original Coffee Pots.

Glynn and several other "Coffee Pots" engines worked on Thomas the Tank Engine's branch line before Thomas and Glynn was left in a siding at Ffarquhar Station.

He was painted red and had plants growing on him and the number One painted on his sides in yellow.

Glynn is based on a vertical-boilered "Coffee Pot" engine, like the ones mentioned in The Railway Series book The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways.

Voice Actors

• Keith Wickham (UK/US; The Adventure Begins)

Merchandise-exclusive engines

Logan

Logan is strong little steam shunter, who works at a coaling plant. He is very friendly and hardworking.

Logan is based a Sentinel Waggon Works Ltd. 0-4-0 steam shunter.

He is a book exclusive character. He has also appeared the online videos, Welcome to the Island of Sodor, Logan! and A Friendly Farewell.

Logan is painted blue and yellow with his name painted in blue on his yellow portion.

Sam

Sam is a large American tender engine. He was the largest engine on Sodor, even bigger than Connor.

He is painted persian green and black with white lining. He has his name painted on him near his cab in white and has Virginian painted in white on his tender.

He is based on the Virginian Railway's Blue Ridge 2-6-6-6 class steam locomotive.

He has appeared in the online videos Welcome to the Island of Sodor, Sam!, A New Friend on Sodor and A Friendly Farewell.

Voice Actors

• Rob Rackstraw (A New Friend on Sodor)

See also

• North Western Railway (fictional)
• Skarloey Railway
• Arlesdale Railway
• Narrow gauge engines (Thomas & Friends)
• Minimum gauge engines
• Rolling stock (Thomas & Friends)
• Non-rail vehicles (Thomas & Friends)