Rick

*Not to be confused with the original D.R. 1202 "Big Bob".*

* **Class**: DR "Mountain" Class
* **Designer**: Beyer Peacock/Caracus Smash
* **Build date**: 1980
* **Configuration**: 4-8-2
* **Arrived on the DR**: 1980

**Rick** is a large freight engine built by Caracus Smash Ltd for the Dark Railway. He is a replica of the long scrapped Dark Railway No 1202.

## Bio

In 1973, Zeke Dark began researching the history of DR1202, a unique 4-8-2 locomotive that had worked on the Dark Railway between 1933 and 1946. The locomotive had been the pride and joy of Zeke's father Otthaniel Dark who had been devastated when he was scrapped. As a surprise for his recently retired father, Zeke and engineer Caracus Smash arranged for a replica of the locomotive to be built at Caracus Smash Ltd. The project was carried out with the utmost secrecy in order to prevent Mr. Dark from learning about it. However, certain engines on the line learned about it over time, though they all promised to keep quiet about it. Because of the secretive nature of the project, progress was slow for some years. To prevent knowledge leaking out in the later stages of the engine's construction, Caracus Smash Ltd was closed to all other business in 1979 with the story being put out that the site was closed for renovations.

The engine was finally completed in early 1980, initially being paired with an old ROD tender as per the original. Dave was invited to see him waking up for the first time and was quick to teach the newly living engine things about the world. DR1202 quickly expressed his displeasure of being addressed as such, and Dave helped him choose his new name: Rick. After choosing his name, Rick was taken over to the Galen Junction Railway Museum for his public unveiling. Otthaniel Dark was overcome with emotion upon seeing him for the first time. Rick quickly found he wasn't a fan of so much attention and Zeke and Mr. Smash assured him that it wouldn't happen too often. After a few days on display, he underwent his first steam tests and trial runs. His first attempt at hauling a train ended with him breaking his tender coupling, though he was assured that he wasn't to blame for this. He hauled his inaugural passenger train not long afterwards with no trouble. As he met more of the engines, some were initially hostile towards him over the works closure, but the rest were quick to defend him. Though they were quick to befriend each other, Barry was convinced he was stronger than Rick, but he was quick to realise his mistake when they were challenged to a race up Upway Bank. Not wanting to ruin their friendship, Rick agreed to let them finish the race together at the same time.

Rick was still eager to learn more about his predecessor, and when he learned of Theo and Otto he was keen to speak to them about him. Unfortunately, he soon learned the truth: the original DR1202, or Big Bob, was a cruel, violent bully who had traumatised the twins. Rick was upset to learn this, but after assurances from Dave and Zeke he became more determined to create his own image and legacy as different from that of Bob as possible. He was united with his new 8-wheeled tender shortly afterwards and given his final DR livery.

## Livery

Rick is currently painted in the Dark Railway's lined green livery. When he first emerged from the works he wore a plain works grey livery and then carried unlined DR green until the completion of his tender.

## Personality

Being a new build, Rick is naturally a very curious engine. He is eager to learn about the world around him. He's a very kind and sweet engine, who wants everyone to get along. Despite his unique basis, he doesn't enjoy being in the spotlight or fussed around by crowds of people.

## Basis

Much like his predecessor, Rick is a freelance design of locomotive loosely based on the 15in gauge Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway 4-8-2 locomotives built by Davey Paxman in 1927.

## Appearances

### The Dark Railway Series

Episodes:

* Series 10 - The Road to Bellgrave (*frames only*) and Buckin' Hell (*frames only*)
* Series 11 - Relations (*not named; mentioned*), Since Then (*not named; mentioned*), Puppets (*not named; does not speak*) and Further (*cameo*)
* Series 12 - Ventura (*not named; mentioned*), 1202, Fresh, Night Beats, What To Do, Outrun, Outrage, Shuffle, High Fidelity and Eternal Feedback

Specials:

* Phantoms Can't Hang (*frames only*)

## Trivia

* Rick's introduction to the series came about as a result of Dark DJ commissioning Caledonia Works to build a model of DR1202 for Train Simulator in 2019. The design was based on an artist's impression created by Anthony Sims some years prior, with additional modifications to adapt the design for use in the game and to make it appear more plausible.
* Rick's design is based specifically on the original DR1202 following its rebuild by Beyer Peacock in 1935, complete with Walschaerts valve gear and a larger Southern Railway style tender. The main visual difference between Rick and the original is the inclusion of windows on his cab sides.