recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Fowl Train

**Fowl Train** is the eleventh episode of the twelfth season of NWR Tales.

## Plot

Usually during the autumn, the Fat Controller would assign Daisy to take passengers on Thomas' branch line up until the Christmas rush. One day, as she was entering the Big Station, she spotted Bulgy parked outside. Duck tells her about him and how he used to operate around his branch line, but advises her that he does not take to kindly to engines.

Later, as Daisy enters another station along the branch line, she spots Bulgy waiting with passengers. As she pulls in, she comments on how hideous he looks, which he takes offence to, and remarks how she looks like a "green sausage".

When she returns to the Big Station, she recounts to Duck what happened. He further tells her about when Bulgy was temporarily a hen house, which she thinks would be useful as a new insult, a prospect Duck generally advises her against, but she doesn't listen.

At the top station on the branch line, Daisy uses the opportunity to throw the insult at Bulgy once he arrives, which he again takes huge offence to. When she arrives at Tidmouth and recounts the events to Toad, he also advises her not to offend Bulgy and to consider his feelings. Again, Daisy dismisses the concern. Douglas however assures Toad as they depart, that she will get her comeuppance.

The next day, a passenger with a box of holes returns to the waiting room to retrieve his phone, only to discover that it's still in his pocket. However, by the time he returns to the train, Daisy has already left Tidmouth. It didn't go too long before Daisy and her crew overheard the passengers being disruptive over the now loose chickens. The crew gathers them back into the box and take the passengers to Lower Tidmouth. There, her passengers are taken on by Toby. Bulgy arrives with the left behind passenger, who's chicken box is returned. Bulgy is amused that Daisy finally got her comeuppance.

## Characters

* Duck
* Douglas
* Daisy
* Toad
* Bulgy
* The Stone Dropping Boy
* Toby (*does not speak*)
* Bertie (*does not speak*)
* Sir Topham Hatt (*does not speak*)
* Gordon (*cameo*)
* Henrietta (*cameo*)
* Victoria (*cameo*)
* Elsie (*cameo*)
* Alice and Mirabel (*cameo*)
* One Horrid Lorry (*cameo*)
* Mary Ider (*cameo*)
* Thomas (*mentioned*)
Lobster on the Line

**Lobster on the Line** is the eighth episode of the eighth season.

## Plot

The Fat Controller and the Railway Board had created a new dining service on The Little Western. However Daisy was jealous and thought that the idea of a service is good for her. However she soon thought different when she had a special passenger on board.

## Characters

* Duck
* Douglas
* Daisy
* Sir Topham Hatt
* Knapford Stationmaster
* The Railway Board
* The Fisherman
* Donald (does not speak)
* Thomas (cameo)
* Oliver (cameo)
* William (cameo)
* Philip (cameo)
* Isabel and Dulcie (cameo)
* Toad (cameo)
* Pip and Emma (cameo)
* Edward (cameo)
* Gordon (cameo)
* Emily (cameo)
* Nia (cameo)
* Ryan (cameo)
* Diesel (cameo)
* The China Clay Manageress (cameo)
* Harry (cameo)
* Dennis (mentioned)
* Horrid Lorry (faceless)
Edward's Precious Passenger

**Edward's Precious Passenger** is the eleventh episode of Series 1.

## Plot

When James complained about his trainload of children being rambunctious, Edward soon told him why they are precious passengers.

## Characters

* Edward
* James
* Cyril Template:Not named; does not speak
* Henry (*cameo*)
* Gordon (*cameo*)
* Murdoch (*cameo*)
* Arthur (*cameo*)
* Bertie (*cameo*)
Fred and the Trouble with Weeds

**Fred and the Trouble with Weeds** is the fourth episode of Season 11.

## Plot

Fred is a narrow gauge engine that works in the yards at the Skarloey Railway. However he's known to be lazy and would often use excuses to get out of work. One day, he made an excuse that got him into trouble!

## Characters

* Skarloey
* Rheneas
* Rusty
* Duncan
* Fred
* Victor
* Mr. Percival
* Geoff (does not speak)
* Sir Handel (does not speak)
* Peter Sam (does not speak)
* Ivo Hugh (does not speak)
* Percy (cameo)
* Harvey (cameo)
Flora

**Flora** is a bright yellow steam tram who works for Sodor Tramways in Great Waterton. She has her own tram car, which is her pride and joy.

## Biography

Flora was new to the railway when Thomas first met her. The Fat Controller told Thomas to introduce Flora to Toby, as she was to lead an engine parade at Great Waterton with him. Thomas was worried that Toby would be upset that he was not leading the parade on his own and tried to detour Flora until Toby left for Great Waterton. Flora ran out of coal near Toby's shed and Toby saw the bright yellow tram for the first time. To Thomas' surprise, Toby was delighted to see her as he had actually been feeling nervous about heading the parade and was glad to see he would not be doing it by himself. Thomas lent Flora his coal and she and Toby went to Great Waterton in time for the parade - Flora also received her very own tram car right before the parade began.

## Personality

Flora is a docile little steam tram working on the Island of Sodor. She mainly works the Great Waterton Tramway with her tram car, which is her pride and joy, that she uses to perform passenger duties. Although she is, at times, quiet or even timid, she often greets other engines with a sunny smile. She is always cheerful to work, but she can be concerned about speaking up right away if there's a problem. This happens when she keeps on agreeing with Thomas, despite him doing wrong things. She is happy to work on Sodor and is warmly fond of Toby, Sodor's other steam tram. They even led the first annual Great Waterton parade together, not long after meeting each other.

## Technical Details

### Basis

According to the Official Website, Flora is based on a 1904 Moseley Road Tramway steam tram from Birmingham, rebuilt into standard gauge from 3ft 6in gauge. Instead of buffers, she has three couplings upon her front and rear bufferbeam. Several different types of trams were supplied to the tramway and Flora appears to be a hybrid of a Falcon and a Kitson tram, though her build date would make her a Kitson tram. All Moseley Road steam trams were withdrawn on 31st December 1906 in favour of electric trams, with none surviving into preservation.

### Livery

Flora is painted yellow with green and white lining, red cowcatchers and sideplates and green boards on her roof reading "SODOR TRAMWAYS" in white. She has red nameplates with her name in gold on her sides.
Arthur and Clarence

**Arthur and Clarence** is the ninth episode of Series 3 (Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends).

## Plot

One day, Arthur's truck Clarence spotted something out at sea. What could it be?

## Characters

* Henry
* Arthur
* Clarence
* Troublesome Trucks
* The Sailors
* Sir Topham Hatt
* Billy Shoepack (cameo)
* Bulstrode (cameo)

## Trivia

* Billy Shoepack from Tugs can be seen when Arthur passes through the fishing village.
Dudley the Vagrant Engine

**Dudley the Vagrant Engine** is the third Free to Adapt story collection. It was released on 4 January 2024.

## Plot

An engine named Dudley had come to the Island of Sodor and was welcoming towards the Fat Controller's engines. However he had a problem with Bear, what could it be?

## Foreword

Despite what many assume, our Fat Controller is a kind man. He prefers steam, but sees the value in all engines, regardless of their type. Nowhere is this more evident than his willingness to give Bear another chance, while also saving Oliver from scrap.

Many engines dream of calling the Island of Sodor their home - Dudley was determined to make it his reality. These stories will tell you what happened.

Sincerely,

The Author

## Stories

1. Dudley
2. Sparks Fly for Bear
3. Cannonball
4. Lifting the Curtain

## Characters

### Dudley

* Henry
* Gordon
* James
* Donald
* Dudley
* Bear
* BoCo
* Sir Charles Topham Hatt
* Thomas (*cameo*)
* Annie and Clarabel (*cameos*)
* Duck (*mentioned*)
* Oliver (*mentioned*)
* Douglas (*mentioned*)
* D199 (*indirectly mentioned*)

### Sparks Fly for Bear

* Donald
* Dudley
* Bear
* Sir Charles Topham Hatt
* Engine Inspector
* Troublesome Trucks (*do not speak*)
* Thomas (*cameo*)
* Gordon (*cameo*)
* James (*cameo*)
* Henry (*mentioned*)

### Cannonball

* Gordon
* James
* Donald
* Dudley
* Bear
* Sir Charles Topham Hatt
* Thomas (*does not speak*)
* Edward (*cameo*)
* Duck (*cameo*)
* Mrs. Kyndley (*mentioned*)

### Lifting the Curtain

* Henry
* Donald
* Dudley
* Bear
* Toad
* Sir Charles Topham Hatt
* Gordon (*does not speak*)
* James (*does not speak*)
* Thomas (*cameo*)
* Annie and Clarabel (*cameos*)
* Edward (*mentioned*)
* Duck (*mentioned*)
* Diesel (*mentioned*)
Change of Pace

**Change of Pace** is the nineteenth episode of Series 3 (Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends).

## Plot

Percy was shunting crossly around the yards and Toby was worried for his friend. One day, Toby was ill and had asked the green engine to look after his passengers for the day.

## Characters

* Percy
* Toby
* Henrietta
* Maurice
* Mrs. Kyndley
* Tom Tipper
* Sir Charles Topham Hatt
* Thomas (cameo)
* Henry (cameo)
* James (cameo)
* Duck (cameo)
* Oliver (mentioned)
* Daisy (mentioned)
Barrow-in-Furness

Barrow-in-Furness, commonly known as Barrow, is a town and borough in Cumbria, North West England.

## History

The North Western Railway has had running powers into Barrow Central station since an agreement with the LMS in 1925. For "through" trains, NWR engines are detached and BR, or "Other Railway", engines take over. Since 1925, the North Western Railway has also had a shed, turntable and servicing facility here. There is also a joint goods yard for exchange traffic.

In May 1941, the station's original building was completely destroyed by the bombing caused by Nazi Germany during the Barrow Blitz of World War II. The station was completely rebuilt with a new building in the late 1950s.

Once, Barrow AFC came to Sodor by ship to play a football match against Sodor United. Many fans also came over to watch.
Frank

**Frank** is a grumpy diesel who lives and works on the Arlesdale Railway.

## Biography

Frank was constructed at Arlesburgh Works circa 1967 out of bits and pieces from several other engines. He is powered by a Perkins diesel engine, and was named after its creator. He is a shunter who is used for maintenance work and empty carriage workings across the Arlesdale Railway.

When Small Railway Engines was first published, Frank became infuriated when he found out that he had been left out due to The Thin Clergyman not being aware of his presence. He then refused to come out of the shed the next morning, but when he did, he only resulted in running into the back of the shed, cracking a shed support. He then felt ashamed of what he had done, but later redeemed himself by rescuing Rex when his steam pipe leaked and taking his train. Believing Frank shouldn't have to do rescues, the Small Controller realised the railway needed another engine, which came in the form of Jock.

## Personality

Frank means well, works hard and has a good heart, but has a tendency to be quite grumpy.

## Technical Details

### Basis

Frank is based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's Perkins.

### Livery

Frank is painted light grey with a red stripe around his body. He has red nameplates with his name in gold on his sides.
87546

**87546** is blue tender engine who once visited the North Western Railway on trial from a railway on the Mainland.

## Biography

In 1923, two blue engines without names, only known by their numbers - 87546 and 98462 - were sent to the North Western Railway on trial. They were horrid engines and were very spiteful and mean to poor Edward, so the Fat Director decided to send them away.

The two engines stayed at Vicarstown Sheds during their visit, where they notably teased Edward along with the other engines for being small.

## Personality

87546 was extremely arrogant, rash and bitter and one of the rudest steam engines on Sodor. He is also very prone to anger and has issues with controlling it.

## Technical Details

### Basis

87546 appears to have inside cylinders and steam pipes, however in the second he has outside cylinders with inside steam pipes and Walschaerts valve gear, with the main rod appearing to connect to his front driving wheels. 87546 appears to have either a 4-4-2, 4-6-0, or 4-6-2 wheel arrangement.

### Livery

87546 was painted blue with yellow lining.
An Open Perspective

**An Open Perspective** is the first episode of Series 4 (Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends).

## Plot

D199 had returned to the Island of Sodor once again and would end up in trouble yet again.

## Characters

* D199
* Bear
* James
* Gordon
* Henry
* Fergus
* Sir Topham Hatt
* Thomas (cameo)
* Rosie (cameo)
* Murdoch (cameo)
* Oliver (cameo)
Brendam Branch Line

The **Brendam Branch Line**, commonly known as **Edward's Branch Line**, runs from Wellsworth along a peninsula to Brendam. BoCo and occasionally Donald and Douglas assist in running the line. Thomas also worked on the branch line while a bridge was being repaired on his own branch line.

In The Railway Series, the bigger engines are forbidden to travel along the line due to the weaker rail construction, however Gordon was once switched onto the branch line with the express by accident.

## History and Operations

The branch, originally part of the Wellsworth and Suddery Railway, opened in 1870. The eastern end became a branch line after the North Western Railway opened in 1915.

The branch serves Suddery, the Island's capital. There is extensive china clay traffic to and from Brendam. There are also peak passenger "through" trains to and from Tidmouth, at other times there is a local service from Wellsworth to Brendam, Edward and BoCo work the line, but these two are by no means the only motive power employed. A small scrapyard, known as Wellsworth Scrap Yard, is situated on the line. Edward consistently brings scrap metal to and from the yard. The passenger services through Tidmouth are provided between 8 and 10am and 5 to 7pm. This service is supplemented at other times by push-pull trains from Wellsworth.

In the television series, Reg works at Crock's Scrapyard. Scruff brings scrap metal to the scrapyard from Whiff's Waste Dump. Sodor Animal Park, and Dingley Hall are also located along the line. Also, between Suddery and Lower Suddery is a junction where a line goes past a coastal track going over a high bridge till it reaches the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre. Salty and Porter work on the line at Brendam Docks.

## Stations

From Wellsworth, which includes a station yard and junction to the branch, trains travel to Suddery, and finally terminate at Brendam, where an extensive harbour and engine sheds are located. There is a private quarry line to the China Clay Works, serviced by Bill and Ben and Timothy.

In the television series, the branch line has two more stations, Lower Suddery and Upper Brendam. Dingley Hall is also located between these two stations.

## Rolling Stock

EdwardBill and Ben (China Clay Works)BoCoDuck (occasionally)Donald and Douglas (occasionally)Porter (Brendam Docks)Timothy (China Clay Works)Marion (China Clay Works)Nia (Sodor Animal Park)Derek (China Clay Works)Salty (Brendam Docks)PhilipNeville (NWR Tales only)
## Non-Rail Vehicles

TrevorBertie (occasionally)Cranky (Brendam Docks)
Diesel Returns

**Diesel Returns** is the thirtieth episode of the third season.

## Plot

Diesel has returned from York as the station pilot of Wellsworth. At first his personality is the same but when a visiting diesel came to the Island, he had shown another side to him.

## Characters

* Diesel
* Edward
* Bear
* Diesel 199
* Wellsworth Stationmaster
* Henry (cameo)
* Emily (cameo)
* Rosie (cameo)
* William (cameo)
* Duck (cameo)
* James (cameo)
* Troublesome Trucks (cameo)
* Mary Ider (cameo)
* Stanley (mentioned)
* Thomas (mentioned)
* Sir Topham Hatt (mentioned)
Lexi

**Lexi** is a boisterous cab-forward engine who worked at the Steelworks on the Mainland.

## Biography

When Thomas travelled to the Mainland, he befriended the experimental engines: Lexi, Theo, and Merlin. Thomas encountered Lexi and Theo in an empty yard, where he was warmly welcomed and refilled with coal. Later, Lexi, along with the other experimentals, helped Thomas rescue James, who had been trapped in the Steelworks.

Afterwards, Thomas encouraged Lexi (along with Theo and Merlin) to stay with Frankie and Hurricane and call the Steelworks their new home.

In 2003, Sir Stephen Topham Hatt purchased her to help out on engineering works all over Sodor, helps with passenger rushes, takes tea trains and dino park excursions, does standard gauge errands for the Groundskeeper, among many other jobs

## Personality

Lexi is an eager and excitable engine. She is proud of being experimental and 'cab-forward'- even though she is convinced this makes her an usefulness engine.

Lexi is upbeat, cheery and outgoing, and likes to experiment with how she presents herself, often trying out different voices and how she phrases her expressions just to see which one she thinks works best. Lexi is not always confident she gets things right, but she loves the excitement of anything new, is very sociable, and keen to explore new things.

## Technical Details

### Basis

Lexi is based on the North Pacific Coast Railroad Cab-Forward 4-4-0 No. 21 "Thomas-Stetson", a rebuild of NPCRR #5 which had been wrecked in 1897. An innovative engine built by Bill Thomas, it is considered the first cab-forward locomotive and was one of the first oil burners, as well as the first locomotive to use a marine boiler. The engine had insufficient adhesion weight and its oil burners were prone to damage due to their proximity to its water tubes, and it was unpopular with crews, and its unusual appearance earned it the nickname "The Freak". #21 was scrapped in 1905.

### Livery

Lexi is painted light turquoise with a gold cowcatcher. Her front windows have gold lining, and her side windows have copper lining. Her main body is covered in rust. She has brass nameplates fixated on each side of her cab and the initials "N.P.C.R.R" painted on her rear oil tank.

## Appearances

### Season 9

* Philip's Royal Rescue (cameo)
* Gordon and the Bluebell Railway (cameo)
Diesel's Demons

**Diesel's Demons** is the eighteenth episode of Series 1.

## Plot

Ever since Diesel's trick towards BoCo, the Fat Controller sent Diesel to work in the scrap yard as punishment. In the end, Diesel sees things that he can't unsee.

## Characters

* Diesel
* BoCo (does not speak)
* James (cameo)
* The Flying Scotsman (cameo)
* Jeremiah Jobling Jr. (cameo)
* Sir Topham Hatt (mentioned)
Inspectors

**Inspectors** are people who visit Sodor from the Mainland to ensure the Island and its railways are running properly and efficiently. They also approve new railways and engines for operation.

## Engine Inspector

**Engine inspector** is called for help when an engine experiences a problem. The inspector usually wear the same uniform as regular drivers.

## Appearances

### Season 3

* Fireman for the Night
* Fear (does not speak)
* Heavy Goods

### Season 8

* Changed?
* Revenge Isn't Sweet

## Jeremiah Jobling

**Jeremiah Jobling** is an Driver Inspector who once a passenger on James' train. After James bumped the coaches too hard, it was Jeremiah Jobling who had the leather bootlaces needed to mend the brake-pipe along with the newspaper. When he refused to give up the laces, the passengers started to say it was a bad railway and called him a bad man, which pressured him into giving them to the guard. It was not revealed if they were returned. He once requested James to take him to the Fat Controller for a meeting.

## Vanessa Summers

**Vanessa Summers** is Glynn's driving inspectors

## The Railway Inspector

    The **Railway Inspector** (known as the **railroad inspector** in the US) commonly inspect the railway.

## The Railway Official

**The Railway Official** suggested retirement for Toby and Henrietta.
Bill and Ben's Christmas Rescue

**Bill and Ben's Christmas Rescue** is the eleventh and final episode of the seventh season.

## Plot

Bill & Ben were sent to the big station while the clay pits were closed for the winter season. One day, Ben eavesdropped of the Fat Controller talking about an engine bringing Father Christmas to the carols as Harold was unavailable. Daisy was chosen and she boasted about it until her fuel was frozen!

## Characters

* Bill and Ben
* Daisy
* Gordon
* Rocky
* Sir Topham Hatt
* Father Christmas
* Knapford Stationmaster
* Thomas (does not speak)
* Edward (does not speak)
* Timothy (does not speak)
* Salty (does not speak)
* Dennis (does not speak)
* Henry (cameo)
* Toby (cameo)
* Percy (cameo)
* James (cameo)
* Emily (cameo)
* BoCo (cameo)
* Pip and Emma (cameo)
* Rebecca (cameo)
* Diesel (cameo)
* Neville (cameo)
* Duck (cameo)
* Donald and Douglas (cameo)
* Oliver (cameo)
* Nia (cameo)
* Derek (cameo)
* Mavis (cameo)
* Spencer (cameo)
* Evan and Edwin (cameo)
* Stanley (cameo)
* Shane (cameo)
* Jinty (cameo)
* Harvey (cameo)
* Geoff (cameo)
* Hurricane (cameo)
* Samson (cameo)
* Gator (cameo)
* Ryan (cameo)
* Pug (cameo)
* Philip (cameo)
* Sheffield (cameo)
* Glynn (cameo)
* William (cameo)
* Annie and Clarabel (cameo)
* Troublesome Trucks (cameo)
* Wellsworth Stationmaster (cameo)
* Porter (mentioned)
* Marion (mentioned)
* Harold (mentioned)
* The China Clay Manageress (mentioned)

## Trivia

* Bill, Ben and Daisy's cavalcade is based on a picture in the book 'Steam at Work: Preserved Industrial Locomotives' of Alfred and Judy (Bill and Ben's basis) pulling a DMU rail car.
Jim

**Jim** was the number 6 narrow gauge tank engine on the Mid Sodor railway who was later discovered at the Peel Godred Aluminum works.

## Biography

Jim was built around 1902 by Kerr Stuart & Company of Stoke-on-Trent, England and likely arrived on Sodor the same year or the year after. He worked on the Mid Sodor Railway until it closed in 1947. Jim was then sent to the Peel Godred Aluminum works a year after Stuart and Falcon. After Stuart and Falcon were sold to the Skarloey Railway in 1952, he was left as the only operating engine until the place declined and closed down between 1966 and 1967. However one day, Jim's trucks exploded and he was badly damaged, so he was abandoned. Now the Arlesdale Miniature Railway runs over the old Mid-Sodor line and he was rediscovered by Mike. No one knew why Jim hated the North Western Railway. Until one day, after calling Edward a standard gauge monster, Duke had enough of it and asked him to tell everyone why. After Jim apologised to him, he was sent to the Railway Museum in Vicarstown.

One day in 2022, Flora had been sent to her shed after trying to ram into Bertie, due to holding on to a grudge against road vehicles. Jim went to speak to Flora, and told her about his grudge in the past and also why she should let her own grudge go.

## Technical Details

### Livery

Jim was painted green with a bronze dome and a black footplate. His name was painted in yellow on the sides of his tanks and his number was also painted yellow on each side of his cab.

## Appearances

### Season 5

* Slow Down, Thomas and Bertie! (*cameo*)
* Jim and the North Western Railway
* The Flying Duck (*cameo*)
* Gordon and Scott (*cameo*)
* The Legacy Of Glynn The Coffee Pot Engine (*cameo*)

### Season 7

* Inadequate Replica (*cameo*)
* The Earl's Coffee Pot (*cameo*)
Lady

**Lady** is a small, Victorian-styled tank engine. She was owned by Burnett Stone, her driver.

## Biography

Lady was designed by Sir Topham Hatt I in 1915 to help with the shunting at the newly made workshops at the time. She had met many engines that are residents on the island and from the mainland and she even befriend Geoff who came to the works in 1985. Her history is rather quiet though as she always spent most of her life at the works. But there's never a dull moment as all the engines tell her stories about their adventures. But she always have ambitions to see more of the Island of Sodor and the mainland as well.

## Personality

Lady has been known to help Thomas and his friends, when there is no one else to turn to.

## Technical Details

### Basis

Lady is a LBSC Tich 0-4-0 side tank locomotive.

### Livery

Lady is painted in red livery with yellow lining, she has a golden dome.

## Appearances

### Season 7

* The Lady of the Clay-pits (does not speak)
High Speed Sneeze

**High Speed Sneeze** is the first and premier episode of the fourth series.

## Plot

Donald is to look after Shane's trains while he's away getting his cooling system repaired due to it being frozen during the winter months. The trucks knew that Donald will get them in line as of course the trucks still think of the incident with the Spiteful brake van. But with his driver catching the common cold and letting out an explosive sneeze on the journey with the morning goods, the trucks may have a chance.

## Characters

* Donald
* Sir Topham Hatt
* Troublesome Trucks
* Diesel (does not speak)
* Henry (does not speak)
* Daisy (cameo)
* Edward (cameo)
* BoCo (cameo)
* Stanley (cameo)
* James (cameo)
* Duck (cameo)
* Rosie (cameo)
* Duncan (cameo)
* Rheneas (cameo)
* Sir Handel (cameo)
* Ffarquhar Stationmaster (cameo)
* Shane (mentioned)
* Douglas (mentioned)

## Trivia

* The incident was based upon an accident during the flu epidemic where a driver let out an explosive sneeze and knock himself and the fireman out cold leaving a runaway.
Bloomer the Vintage Engine

**Bloomer the Vintage Engine** is the second Free to Adapt story collection. It was released on 2 February 2023.

## Plot

Bloomer is one of the oldest engines working on the Fat Controller's railway who was once found in an old abandoned shed many years ago in Scotland. He's restored and now pulls enthusiast specials to the branch lines on the NWR. On one of these trips, he'd witnessed a runaway Annie and Clarabel, an unexpected christening, a disgruntled postman and bikes.

## Foreword

Dear Friends,

There are some pieces of history we cannot reclaim. Many engines met the cutter's torch long before the idea of preservation was born. As such, old classes of engines from bygone eras remain only in photographs and memories.

Bloomer is one of the lucky few. Sir Charles Topham Hatt found him languishing in a shed, and saw fit to restore him. He now pulls enthusiasts’ trains, and couldn’t be happier.

More often than not, he visits Thomas' Branch Line - these stories recount the events of one such visit. I hope you will enjoy them.

Yours Truly,

The Author

## Stories

1. A Blooming Surprise
2. Mavis' Christening
3. Show a Wheel
4. Susie, Bloomer and the Bike Thief

## Characters

* Full video
* Individual

* Thomas
* Percy
* Toby
* Bloomer
* Daisy
* Mavis
* Annie and Clarabel
* Henrietta
* Susie
* Troublesome Trucks
* Bertie
* Sir Charles Topham Hatt
* Sir Stephen Topham Hatt (*does not speak*)
* Gordon (*cameo*)
* Algy (*cameo*)
* Mrs. Kyndley (*mentioned*)
* Tom Tipper (*mentioned*)

### A Blooming Surprise

* Thomas
* Percy
* Toby
* Daisy
* Mavis
* Bloomer
* Annie and Clarabel
* Troublesome Trucks
* Bertie
* Sir Stephen Topham Hatt (*does not speak*)
* Gordon (*cameo*)
* Henrietta (*cameo*)

### Mavis' Christening

* Thomas
* Percy
* Toby
* Daisy
* Mavis
* Bloomer
* Henrietta
* Susie
* Sir Charles Topham Hatt
* Mrs. Kyndley (*mentioned*)

### Show a Wheel

* Thomas
* Bloomer
* Mavis
* Henrietta
* Susie
* Toby (*does not speak*)
* Percy (*cameo*)
* Daisy (*cameo*)
* Annie and Clarabel (*cameos*)
* Algy (*cameo*)
* Tom Tipper (*mentioned*)

### Susie, Bloomer and the Bike Thief

* Thomas
* Percy
* Toby
* Bloomer
* Daisy
* Henrietta
* Susie
* Elsie
* Sir Stephen Topham Hatt
* Bertie (*does not speak*)
* Annie and Clarabel (*cameos*)
Farewell Nancy

**Farewell Nancy** is the seventeenth episode of Series 3 (Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends),

## Plot

Over the years, Nancy had been helping out with the narrow gauge engines. The engines were fond of her, but as she grew older, her visits became less frequent, but at times, she tries to see them every now and then. One day however, the engines had received news from her.

## Characters

* Skarloey
* Rheneas
* Sir Handel
* Rusty
* Duncan
* Nancy Rushden
* Peter Sam (does not speak)
* Duke (does not speak)
* The Refreshment Lady (mentioned)
Isabel and Dulcie

**Isabel** and **Dulcie** are Oliver's coaches. Isabel came with Oliver when they escaped from the Other Railway, and Dulcie was later rescued by Sir Charles Topham Hatt and given to Oliver to help run The Little Western.

## Biography

Isabel worked with Oliver and Toad on a branch line in the West Country. In 1967, the branch line was closed and Oliver's crew plotted an escape to the Island of Sodor. They were nearly caught by diesels several times, and eventually made it to Barrow-in-Furness, where Oliver ran out of coal. Shortly afterwards, Douglas helped the group escape across the bridge to Sodor and stored them at Crovan's Gate; Oliver's crew hid inside Isabel during the journey. Sir Charles Topham Hatt then had the three repaired and repainted in Great Western colours for work on the Arlesburgh Branch Line.

Sir Charles Topham Hatt was already making plans to acquire an auto-coach for the purpose of handling passenger traffic on the re-opened Arlesburgh branch. The coach turned out to be Dulcie, and thus the arrival of Isabel, with Oliver, to augment the stock could not have been better timed. The two were joined by Alice and Mirabel shortly after, who were paired with Duck.

## Personality

Oliver says Isabel is very clever, as she always keeps a good look out when he pushes his trains and can't see where he's going, and talks to him with her bell. He finds them to be funny coaches, and believes that they would not know what to do without him. Despite what Oliver thinks, they are very faithful to him and are easily able to see when he's headed for trouble

## Technical Details

### Basis

Isabel and Dulcie are based on British Railways Hawksworth auto coaches, which were used in push-pull service on branch lines - while designed by Hawksworth for the GWR, they were never built until after British Railways was formed. The auto coaches were efficient because it eliminated the need for the engine to run around to the other end of the train to turn around. 15 examples of this type are preserved.

### Livery

Isabel and Dulcie are painted in the Great Western's chocolate-brown and cream coach livery. When the former first came to Sodor, she was painted in the British Railways' maroon coach livery with yellow lining. Dulcie was also seen in this livery in the 1985 annual.

## Appearances

### Season 3

* A New Boiler for James (cameo)
* William (episode) (does not speak)

### Season 4

* Oliver and the Enthusiast (cameo)
* Respect (Isabel only, cameo)
* New Year, New Life (cameo)

### Season 5

* Thomas and the Cleaner (Isabel or Dulcie, cameo)

### Season 8

* Lobster on the Line (cameo)
* Give Christmas a Chance! (cameo)
Engines and Egos

**Engines and Egos** is the fifth episode of Series 1.

## Plot

It was summertime on Sodor and Gordon has an encountered with an old ego, Class 40 aka The Diesel from a last visit takes over for Gordon's Express for the evening service until trouble strikes for Gordon.

## Characters

* Gordon
* James
* Henry
* Percy
* Thomas
* Sir Topham Hatt
* Vulcan (not named)
* Stepney (does not speak)
* Duck (does not speak)
* Murdoch (cameo)
* Douglas (cameo)
* Salty (cameo)
* Reginald Kyndley (cameo)
* Troublesome Trucks (cameo)
* BoCo (mentioned)
* British Railways Controller (mentioned)
Cronk and Harwick Railway

The **Cronk and Harwick Railway** was a railway that ran from Harwick to a quarry near Cregwir from 1850 to 1943. It also had a branch to Ballaswein. Little is known about the railway, but it appears on some Island of Sodor maps.

## History

After the final suppression of the "Trade" in the mid 19th century, great poverty came to the Ooyre Valley, but by the 1850's, it was hoped that a railway - The Cronk and Harwick - would provide honest work and help to solve the problem. A fine new pier was built with stone quarried in the valley and some 12 miles of track were laid as far as Cregwir before the money ran out. The line was horse worked and though this and other quarries remained in production until the 1950's, the railway had long since worn out. It was shown as still in being, but abandoned, on several maps; but it had actually been pulled up for scrap in 1943, during the Second World War.
Kidnapped!

**Kidnapped!**is the seventeenth episode of the fourth series.

## Plot

Oliver loves working on the Little Western but at times he yearns to see more of Sodor. However there are thieves about and ends up being stolen but along an old branch line, he discovered something.

## Characters

* Oliver
* Mike
* Toad
* Troublesome Trucks
* Sir Topham Hatt
* Zack and David
* Sodor Transport Policemen
* Duck (does not speak)
* Douglas (does not speak)
* Alice and Mirabel (does not speak)
* Harold (does not speak)
* Donald (cameo)
* Bert (cameo)
* The Butler (cameo)
* William (mentioned)
* Gordon (mentioned)

## Trivia

* The episode is based on "Oliver's Find" from the fifth season of *Thomas & Friends*.
Jem Cole

Jem Cole is the operator of Trevor and George and is a good friend of the The Vicar of Wellsworth. He has his own yard at Killaban.

## Biography

He was Trevor's driver prior to the traction engine being sent to Crocks Scrap Yard to be cut up. After Edward convinced the Vicar of Wellsworth to help save Trevor, Jem restored and demonstrated him to the Vicar and his two sons. Thankfully, the Vicar was able to buy Trevor for cheap and continued to hire Jem's services as a driver and mechanic whenever one was required. He also tutored the Vicar's eldest son on how to drive and maintain Trevor.

He seems to be very knowledgeable about road steam traction, as he has also driven George. Jem Cole is a skilled mechanic, as shown when he restored Elizabeth and an old narrow gauge coach into a Refreshment Coach.

## Personality

Jem Cole is a warm, loving father-figure when looking after Trevor. But when it comes to farming, he can be a strict handyman just to insure the job gets done professionally and flawlessly.

## Attire

He dresses in typical farmer clothing with a brown fedora, a red/orange vest, white button down shirt, brown trousers and black rubber boots.

## Appearances

### Season 1

* Diesel's Christmas Carol (does not speak)

### Season 3

* Daisy and the Cows (not named; does not speak)
* Trevor's Easter Sunday
* New Hope for Caroline (cameo)
* A Kyndley Christmas

### Season 5

* Goodbye Percy (cameo)
* Who's The Favourite? (cameo)

### Season 7

* The Earl's Coffee Pot (cameo)
* The Lady of the Clay-pits (does not speak)

### Season 9

* A New Friend for Trevor (cameo)
* The Missing Kippers (cameo)

### Series 1

* A Missing Van (cameo)
* Oliver's Faithful Friend (cameo)
* In Demand
Bertie's Guaranteed Connection

**Bertie's Guaranteed Connection** is the sixteenth episode of Series 1.

## Plot

The roads were worn out after many years of cars, buses and lorries driving on it and that meant road works and with road works comes alternative routes and that means delays, which annoys an engine because they have passengers to deliver. One of these engines was Thomas, who was a guaranteed connection, as he was getting sick of Bertie delaying him.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Bertie
* William Davidson
* Annie and Clarabel (does not speak)
* Arthur (cameo)
* Murdoch (cameo)
* Edward (cameo)
* Emily (cameo)
* Donald (cameo)
* Henry (cameo)
* Terence (cameo)
* George (cameo)
* Benson (cameo)
* Nilsson (cameo)
* Sebastian (cameo)
* Farmer Finney (cameo)
* Harry (cameo)
* Roy Shephard (cameo)
* The Postmaster (cameo)
* Reginald Kyndley (cameo)
* The Vicar of Wellsworth (cameo)
* Farmer Clyde (cameo)
* Sir Topham Hatt (mentioned)
Annie and Clarabel (episode)

**Annie and Clarabel**is the eighth episode of the third season.

## Plot

Before coming Thomas' permanent coaches, Annie and Clarabel were ordinary coaches on local trains along the mainline. But they weren't as wise or faithful as they are now. They were highly strung, stubborn and rude.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Henry
* Percy
* Annie and Clarabel
* Sir Topham Hatt I
* Gordon (cameo)
* Edward (cameo)
* Troublesome Trucks (cameo)
Kirk Ronan Branch Line

The **Kirk Ronan Branch Line** is a branch line on the North Western Railway.

## History

Due to severe setbacks of the Sodor and Mainland Railway, trains only ended up running between Kirk Ronan and Ballahoo, and by 1870 the company was already teetering on the verge bankruptcy. By this point, the people of Peel Godred had realised that their promised branch line would never be built by the S&M and came to the conclusion that they must build it themselves. They initially favoured a line built on the route proposed by the S&M, but as it would have involved a junction somewhere with the S&M, most felt that to embark on such a project would be the height of imprudence. They opted to look elsewhere, which led to the formation of the Mid Sodor Railway in 1872.

Bankruptcy finally came in 1901, and the last of its locomotion were scrapped that year, bringing services to an end, but the company remained in being, simply dormant. In 1914, the railway was merged with the Wellsworth and Suddery Railway and the Tidmouth, Knapford and Elsbridge Light Railway to form the North Western Railway in a Government-sponsored amalgamation of the standard gauge railways in the Island to create a strategic railway for coastal defence against possible danger from Ireland. The Sodor and Mainland Railway line between Kellsthorpe and Crovan's Gate became part of the Main Line, while the section between Kirk Ronan and Kellsthorpe Road became the Kirk Ronan Branch Line, and the section between Crovan's Gate and Ballahoo became part of the Norramby Branch Line.

## Stations and Operations

The line starts at Kellsthorpe Road and calls at Rolf's Castle before ending at Kirk Ronan. The line serves the harbour here, and ore and slate from Crovan's Gate are sent here. Kirk Ronan is known as a fishing port, so fish are unloaded here. A steamer service to Dublin is operated on Tuesdays and Fridays from Kirk Ronan, so tourists may use the railway as transportation to the port.

## Rolling Stock

Neil (formerly)Fergus (Sodor Cement Works)James (NWR Tales only)Percy (NWR Tales only)Emily (NWR Tales only)
Bert

### Builder(s)

Duffield Bank (originally)Yorkshire Engine Co. (first rebuild)Arlesburgh Works (second rebuild)

### Owner(s)

Fergus Duncan (1967-2017)Andrew Duncan (2017-present)

**Bert** is a small blue tender engine who is the quietest and oldest of the Arlesdale Railway engines.

## Biography

Marion first met Mike, Bert and Rex in the Arlesburgh Woods while she was heading up to assist the construction of the new branch line when the two of them streaked past on the other side of some bushes. Marion thought she was seeing things and subsequently shut her eyes, resulting in her collision with Oliver and Toad under the chute. Marion was positively alarmed when she saw Mike shunting ballast wagons up the chute to fill Oliver's train, until Toad introduced them. Marion was doubtful of the engines' existence due to their minuscule size. Mike replied somewhat hostily that they were responsible for bringing all of the ballast for the new line, while Bert and Rex more kindly explained about wool traffic and passenger service.Thomas became so eager to help out with the line's construction that he ended up falling into Calles Cavern. At dusk that day, Marion reappeared at their junction to make a wish and while Rex and Bert managed to escape unnoticed, Mike had the misfortune to be the one Marion made her wish to. Two nights later when Sailor John came through trying to escape using the pirate ship, Bert, Rex and Mike shoved a train of ballast wagons off the chute to slow it down after hearing Thomas yell for them to help. As the ship slowed down, Ryan then inadvertently derailed the ship.

Bert's feelings were hurt when the Thin and Fat Clergymen accidentally sprayed mud-water at him, so he managed to pay the Fat Clergyman out by causing water to fall on him and his driver, but the two Clergymen managed to make up with him.

When Percy told him, Rex and Mike about a railway show for little engines at Ulfstead Castle, Bert expressed his excitement for the show. Percy told the three little engines to tell Duck about it and ask him give them a lift to the castle. Bert was later seen in the long queue of engines at the castle on a flatbed being pulled by Duck.

## Personality

Bert is the quietest of the Arlesdale Railway engines. He appears to be very easy going and friendly. One thing Bert does not like, however, is the idea that bigger engines (and some people) might look down on the little engines just because they are small. Bert usually gets on with his jobs without complaining and does not mind what kind of work he does as long as he is treated with respect.

## Technical Details

### Basis

Bert is based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's River Irt.

### Livery

Bert is painted blue with red and yellow lining. He has a brass dome, brass builder's plates on the sides of cab, red nameplates with gold writing mounted on each side of his boiler and "ARLESDALE" written on the sides of his tender in yellow.

## Appearances

### Season 4

* Kidnapped! (*cameo*)
* Jim

### Season 5

* Jim and the North Western Railway (*cameo*)
* Mike's Christmas

### Season 12

* Reckless Rex
* A Cranky New Year! (*music video cameo*)
A Sticky Situation for Gordon and James

**A Sticky Situation for Gordon and James** is the tenth episode of the second season.

## Plot

James was being boastful about running on time and thinking he's flawless. But his firebox door was jammed and he was embarrassed and cross for being laughed at, Gordon especially. The next Gordon took back for what he had said.

## Characters

* Henry
* Gordon
* James
* Percy
* Sir Topham Hatt
* Duck *(does not speak)*
* BoCo *(does not speak)*
* Barry (cameo)
* Daisy *(cameo)*
* Bear *(cameo)*
* Donald *(cameo)*
* Geoff (cameo)
Kevin

**Kevin** is a yellow mobile crane who works at the Crovan's Gate Works

## Technical Details

### Basis

Kevin is based on a 4 wheel Ransomes & Rapier 6 ton crane with an added enclosed cab. Just like Kevin, these cranes were known to be clumsy and cumbersome.

### Livery

Kevin is painted in a yellow livery with black and light yellow warning stripes on his front. His hook and brake are red.
Edward’s Retreat

**Edward's Retreat** is the twentieth episode of Series 3 (Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends).

## Plot

Edward's driver's, Charlie, had brought his son with him to work. The boy was called Eddie, named after the blue engine himself. Eddie marvelled at Edward when he was shunting in the yard and had even driven him around the yards for a bit. By teatime, Edward was resting and Eddie had decided to drive Edward for a bit. But it had caused something serious.

## Characters

* Edward
* Eddie
* Gordon (does not speak)
* Troublesome Trucks (does not speak)
* James (cameo)
* Duck (cameo)
* BoCo (cameo)
* Henry (cameo)
* Donald (cameo)
Lower Suddery

**Lower Suddery** is a station on Edward's Branch Line in the television series which serves the southern area of the town of Suddery. It is located on the southern outskirts of Suddery. The station is also home to a large yard, in which Percy once got stuck due to a set of faulty points which caused his encounter with The Chinese Dragon.
Henry Scores a Goal

**Henry Scores a Goal** is the twenty-seventh episode of Adaptations in Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends.

## Plot

Henry thinks football was ridiculous but when he scored a goal in an unusual way, he thought about it twice.

## Characters

* Henry
* Gordon (cameo)
* Oliver (cameo)
* Stepney (cameo)
* Toad (cameo)
* Sir Topham Hatt (cameo)
Light Work

**Light Work** is the third episode of Series 4 (Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends).

## Plot

Donald was in a bad mood after being taunted about scrap by one of the lorries.

## Characters

* Donald
* Butch
* Caroline
* Horrid Lorries
* Troublesome Trucks
* Percy (cameo)
* Emily (cameo)
* Edward (cameo)
* Cranky (cameo)
* Duck (mentioned)
* Sir Charles Topham Hatt (mentioned)
Dexter

**Dexter** is an old brake coach. He was abandoned on an overgrown siding, until he was rediscovered by Duck and restored as a mobile classroom.

## Biography

Many years ago, Dexter was dumped in an old shunting yard after his axles broke.

One autumn, a fierce storm destroyed the school at Harwick, which required Daisy to take its students to Knapford, much to her displeasure. Duck offered to take the children instead, but he needed a coach. His search for one led him to Dexter's Yard, where Dexter asked him to try and use him again despite his decrepit condition. Duck agreed but when he tried to move Dexter his wheels broke. Duck returned with Judy and Jerome and took him to Harwick Station, where the children restored him to become their new classroom.

## Personality

Dexter is a coach that is just as much optimistic as he is colourful. Even though he was left in a siding for being out of use and in poor condition, he kept a positive outlook on his situation.

## Technical Details

### Basis

Dexter is based on an LB&SCR Stroudley four-wheeled brake coach. Clarabel and a number of faceless coaches are also based on this type of coach.

### Livery

Dexter is painted blue with yellow ends and a red roof. His side is decorated with various drawings, including ones of himself, Duck and Thomas. A tuba filled with roses also lays against him. Before being restored, Dexter was painted dark red with a black roof, and was completely soiled with grime and overgrowth.