recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Flatbeds

This page is for **flatbeds** that are not sold individually.

## Breakdown Flatbed

* 2003
* 1994

The **Breakdown Flatbed** is a flatbed that holds the Breakdown Train's crane arm and carries derailed engines and wagons.

### Timeline

* 1994 (plastic design, pin hook coupler, stabilisers, axle boxes, merged with crane, 4 wheels, Britt Allcroft licensing)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing)
* 2003 (diecast design, two-way magnets, stabilisers and axle boxes removed, removed, separated from crane, 4 wheels converted to bogies, name embossed on chassis)
* 2006 (name printed on chassis)

### Availability

* Breakdown Train and Flatbed
* 10 Piece Value Set

## Information

### Ranges:

ERTL 1:64 Scale Range
The ERTL Collection

### First Appearance

Scrap Trevor (*1995*)

The **Well Wagon** is a flatbed used for transporting vehicles.

### Timeline

* 1995 (pin-hook couplings, Britt Allcroft licensing)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing)
* 2003 (U-hook rear coupling; only available in the UK)

### Availability

* Scrap Trevor
* Chinese Dragon

## Trivia

* The Chinese Dragon's ERTL prototype has realistic black painted bogies while the released version has unpainted bogies.

## Information

### Ranges:

ERTL 1:64 Scale Range
Take Along

### First Appearance

Henry's Log Car (*1998*)

The **Log Car** is a flatbed used for transporting logs.

### Timeline

* 1998 (Britt Allcroft licensing)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing; only available in Roundhouse and Carry Case Deluxe Set)
* 2002 (stabilisers added; only available in Thomas and the Christmas Tree Gift Set)

### Availability

* Henry's Log Car
* Roundhouse and Carry Case Deluxe Set
* Thomas and the Christmas Tree Gift Set

## Trivia

* Henry's Log Car's prototype and portrait have longer log holders than the final released version.

## Information

### Ranges:

ERTL 1:64 Scale Range
Take Along
Take-n-Play

### First Appearance

Lorry-1 (*2001*)

The **Conflat** is a small, four-wheeled flatbed used to transport smaller loads such as crates, small locomotives and road vehicles by rail.

### Availability

* Lorry-1
* Sodor Birthday Celebration (red with randomised present cargo)
* Sodor Birthday Celebration Cars (red with randomised present cargo)
* Diesel from "Thomas to the Rescue" (yellow with diesel fuel cargo)

## Trivia

* A pair of conflats are shown on Scrap Trevor's promo art.

## Information

### Ranges:

Take Along
Take-n-Play

### First Appearance

Sodor Log Loader (*2003*)

The **Loader Car** is flatbed. Pressing the button causes the bed to tip, unloading the magnetic cargo.

### Availability

* Sodor Log Loader (green)
* Oil Barrel Car (orange)
* Scented Orange Barrel Car (yellow)
* Smelter Shed Cargo Car (blue)
* Percy and the Wharf Cars (orange with log cargo)
* Sodor Supply Co. (green with pipes)

## See Also

* Henry's Log Car
* Chinese Dragon
* Trucks
* Tankers
Lorry-3

This article is about **Lorry-3**. You may be looking for **Lorry 1** or **Lorry-2**.

## Details:

### Active:

1999-2001 (UK/AUS)
2000-2001 (US)

### Asst. Number:

36362

**Lorry-3** (previously labelled **Lorry 3**) is a horrid lorry who once visited Sodor and harassed the engines. His brothers are Lorry-1 and Lorry-2.

## Product Description

### **1999 ERTL collector card**

*Lorries 2 and 3 were built at the same time time and consider themselves 'brothers' — but to the engines they are just 'horrid lorries'. The lorries have a bad attitude towards the engines and threaten to take their work away from them, but they get their comeuppance in various ways — much to the amusement of all the engines.*

### **Historical Note**

*Lorry 3 is based on a famous Foden design. Fodens of Sandbach in Cheshire, began building diesel lorries in 1931, with a continuous development for over 30 years. Lorry 3 dates from designs of the 1940's and 1950's.*

## Timeline

* 1999 (Britt Allcroft licensing)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing)

## Trivia

* Lorry 3's prototype features brown cargo.

## Gallery

Prototype Lorry 31999-2000 Lorry 3 boxLorry 3 collector card2000-2001 Lorry-3 box
Elizabeth

* 2010
* 2003 (II)
* 2003 (I)

**Elizabeth** is a "vintage" Sentinal Lorry.

## Product Description

### **2003 ERTL collector card**

*Elizabeth is a steam tipper wagon. She's also the first lorry the Fat Controller drove as a young man. She is stubborn, proud and a touch regal. A lot of humour can come from*
her attempts to reinforce her status.

### **2003 US Take Along collector card**

*Name: Elizabeth the Sentinal Lorry*

*Color(s): Maroon*

*Bio: Elizabeth is a vintage steam truck who likes to correct engines commenting on her age by exclaiming "I'm not old… I'm Vintage!".*

## Timeline

* 2003 (black tyres, grey headlights, moulded front hook, tipping mechanism; only available in the UK)
* 2003 (more curved rooftop, grey tyres, yellow headlights, front hook and tipping mechanism removed, smaller truck bed, two-way magnet and bufferbeam at rear, name embossed on chassis; only available at Target until 2005)
* 2006 (name printed on chassis)
* 2008 (rear magnet removed)
* 2010 (updated details, tyres reverted to black, headlights reverted to grey)

## Variants

* Muddy Elizabeth from Muddy Adventure 4 Pack

## Availability

* Roadway Vehicle Pack
* Faulty Whistles Collector Pack
* No. 1 MEGA Playset

## Trivia

* In concept art for series 6, Elizabeth's truck bed could tip back. This function was never actually depicted in the television series, but still carried over to the diecast models.
	+ Her ERTL truck bed tips by pressing on her cab roof, whereas her Take Along and Take-n-Play truck bed can be moved by hand.
* Elizabeth's ERTL prototype has a black roof and funnel a yellow lining instead of gold.
* Elizabeth's truck bed is easily removable.
* Elizabeth's Take Along model has grey wheels. Ironically her prototype and Take-n-Play models had the correct black wheels. Other vehicles that mistakenly had grey wheels in Take Along include James (until 2006), Duck (minus his prototype), Diesel 10, the Tidmouth Milk Tanker, Sodor Line Caboose, Bertie, Lorry and Bulgy (minus his prototype).
* Elizabeth is the second Take Along road vehicle to have a full buffer beam on his back. Butch was the first, Lorry was the second, Max and Monty were the fourth and fifth, Madge was the sixth and Patrick was the seventh.
* Elizabeth's Take Along and Take-n-Play models are some of the few models that do not smile.
* Elizabeth's basis was later used for Isobella.

## Gallery

Prototype ERTL ElizabethERTL ElizabethERTL Elizabeth boxERTL Elizabeth collector cardPrototype Take Along ElizabethTake Along/Prototype Take-n-Play Elizabeth2006-2007 UK Elizabeth boxTake-n-Play Elizabeth
Bertram

**Bertram** is a narrow gauge engine who is known as *The Old Warrior* for his bravery.

## Timeline

* 2000 (Britt Allcroft licensing)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing)

## Trivia

* Because they are the same class, Bertram uses the same tooling as Duke.
	+ Bertram's prototype even shares Duke's face.
* Bertram is mistakenly spelled with a *u* instead of an *a*.
Bertie, Harold and Thomas

**Bertie, Harold and Thomas** (also known as **Thomas, Bertie and Harold**) is a 3 pack which includes Thomas, Bertie and Harold.

## Product Description

*Thomas and Bertie have been the best of friends ever since their great race. They are always happy to see Harold whenever he appear even though he is a very noisy helicopter.*

## Trivia

* The first half of the description on the back of the box references the episode *Thomas and Bertie*.

## Gallery

Thomas, Bertie and Harold Shining Time Station boxBertie, Harold and Thomas 1997 boxBertie, Harold and Thomas back of box
Bulstrode

**Bulstrode** is a disagreeable barge.

## Product Description

### **1998 ERTL collector card**

*Bulstrode is an old, bad mannered, motorised sea-going barge. He's only happy when he's chugging around with a full load, otherwise he's grumpy and rude. Percy and some Trucks, who were fed up with all his moaning, soon taught him a lesson, and now Bulstrode is a 'Special Attraction' on a local Sodor beach.*

### **Historical Note**

*Bulstrode is based on a motorised, self-steering, sea going barge, as can still be widely seen in general marinetime use.*

## Timeline

* 1998 (cream livery, 4 wheels, Britt Allcroft licensing, made in China)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing)

### Components

* 2003 (wheels removed, name embossed on hull; only available in Brendam Docks Electronic Playset)
* 2006 (name printed on hull; only available in Brendam Docks Electronic Playset and Cranky the Crane Set)
* 2015 (shorter body, CG style face, white livery, minor updates, made in Thailand; only available in Brendam Buddies)

## Availability

* 10 Piece Value Set
* Brendam Docks Electronic Playset
* Cranky the Crane Set
* Brendam Buddies

## Trivia

* Bulstrode's original box is unique in that it features a different illustrated location (a bay) than all other boxes of the time which featured the character in a valley.

## Gallery

Prototype Bulstrode1998-2000 Bulstrode box1998-2000 Bulstrode collector card2000-2001 Bulstrode box
### Variants

Take Along BulstrodeTake-n-Play Bulstrode
Easter Thomas

**Easter Thomas** is a Target exclusive Easter variant of Thomas. It features Thomas with Easter bunny and egg bunting.

## Product Description

### **Take Along collector card**

*Name: Thomas*

*Color(s): Blue*

*Bio: Sometimes described as a cheeky and fussy engine, Thomas proudly travels his very own branch line with his faithful coaches Annie and Clarabel.*

## Trivia

* Easter Thomas was planned to be rereleased in 2015 by Take-n-Play along with Easter Percy, but they were cancelled to not overwhelm the market with the recent Take-n-Play redesign.
Curved and Straight Track Pack

2009 US box

The **Curved and Straight Track Pack** is a track pack that includes 22 track pieces.

## Contents

* Two 2" Straight Track pieces
* 2" Male to Male Straight Track piece
* 2" Female to Female Straight Track piece
* Two 3 1/2" Straight Track pieces
* Two 5" Straight Track pieces
* Two 6" Straight Track pieces
* Two 7" Straight Track pieces
* Four 3 1/2" Curved Track pieces
* Four 6" Curved Track pieces
* Male Old Track Adapter
* Female Old Track Adapter

## Gallery

2006 US Curved and Straight Track Pack box
Dennis

* 2012
* 2006

**Dennis** is a lazy diesel engine. He has a twin brother named Norman.

*Color: Gray*

*Bio: Dennis is a lazy diesel. He takes advantage of any opportunity to create an excuse and avoid a decent day's work.*

## Timeline

* 2006 (metal grill, light and dark grey livery)
* 2012 (updated details, plastic slanted grill, darker paint, outer frames on the front buffer beam)

## Trivia

* Dennis's first prototype had a darker livery.

## Gallery

First prototype Take Along DennisSecond prototype Take Along DennisTake Along Dennis2006 UK Take Along Dennis box2006-2007 UK Take Along Dennis boxTake-n-Play Dennis
Cranky the Crane

This article is about the **Take Along destination**. You may be looking for the **individual ERTL item**.

## Cranky the Crane

### Item Number:

LC76356

**Cranky the Crane** (also released as **Cranky** in Europe) is a destination.

## Contents

* Cranky
* Yellow Cargo Car
* Two orange cargo pieces
* Straight Track piece with base
* Male and Female Track Adapter pieces

## Availability

* Cranky the Crane Set
* No. 1 MEGA Playset
* Hard at Work Set

## Trivia

* The prototype featured red cargo pieces and Cranky with a red string and a different magnetic hook.

## Gallery

Prototype Cranky the Crane2006 UK Cranky the Crane boxCargo Car
Henry's Log Car

**Henry's Log Car** is a flatbed primarily used by Henry. It holds three logs.

## Product Description

### **1998 ERTL collector card**

*Henry is a long, fast engine with a thoroughbred look, whose Log Car came to the rescue during a flood to remove the trees which had fallen and were causing an obstruction.*

### **Historical Note**

*Henry's Log Car is typical of many bogie wagons built by the mainline railway companies from c. 1910-1950s to carry logs and even dawns of timber.*

## Timeline

* 1998 (Britt Allcroft licensing)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing; only available in Roundhouse and Carry Case Deluxe Set)

## Trivia

* Henry's Log Car's prototype and portrait have longer log holders than the final released version.
* Henry's Log Car's collector card references the events of the episode *Henry's Forest*, although there wasn’t a flood in that episode, but a storm.
* Henry's Log Car appears in some of the ERTL Collection pamphlets, despite not being available during its reign.

## Gallery

Flatbed without the logsHenry's Log Car boxHenry's Log Car collector card
Hector

* 2016
* 2015
* 2013
* 2008

**Hector** is a hopper truck who can carry more coal than any other truck on Sodor.

## Product description

### **2008 US Take Along collector card**

*Name: Hector*

*Color: Black*

*Bio: Hector is a huge and happy hopper truck who used to be afraid of being filled with coal. Now, he can carry more coal than any other truck on Sodor!*

### **2008 UK Take Along collector card**

*Hector is a huge and happy hopper truck who used to be afraid of being filled with coal. Now, he can carry more coal than any other truck on Sodor!*

## Timeline

* 2008 (two-way magnets, red buffer beams, made in China)
* 2013 (updated details, hollowed out wheel pins, made in Thailand)
* 2015 (one-way magnets)
* 2016 (clip connectors, black buffer beams; only available in select countries)

## Trivia

* A version of Hector's Take Along collector card has been produced featuring an image from the television series, and another featuring an image of the Take Along vehicle.
* Hector is one of five characters that doesn’t use a CG promo images on their 2013-2015 packaging. The other four are Donald, Douglas, Harvey and Molly.

## Gallery

Prototype Take Along Hector2008-2009 Take Along/Prototype Take-n-Play Hector2008 UK Hector box2013-2015 Take-n-Play Hector2015-2016 Take-n-Play HectorCollectible Railway Hector
Chinese Dragon

* 2003
* 1998

The **Chinese Dragon** is a paper-mâché dragon.

## Product Description

### **1998 ERTL collector card**

*The Chinese Dragon was made of paper especially for a carnival. He frightened Percy one night when he was loaded onto Thomas’ truck and passed Percy in his siding. The other engines didn’t believe Percy had seen a dragon, and laughed at him.*

### **Historical Note**

*The paper dragon features traditionally in carnivals to celebrate the New Moon and New Year in China.*

### **2003 US Take Along collector card**

*Name: Chinese Dragon*

*Color(s): Yellow, Green and Red*

*Bio: The Chinese Dragon was brought to the Island for the Sodor Carnival. Thomas and Percy soon learned that he was quite harmless.*

## Timeline

* 1998 (pin-hook couplings, dragon is separate piece from the well wagon, Britt Allcroft licensing)
* 2003 (two-way magnets, dragon moulded into flatbed, bobbing head and tail, bogies and axle boxes removed, name embossed on chassis, Gullane licensing; only available at Target until 2005)
* 2006 (name printed on chassis)

### Components

* 2001 (Gullane licensing; only available in Roundhouse and Carry Case Deluxe Set)

## Availability

* Roundhouse and Carry Case Deluxe Set
* Collector Vehicle Pack 3

## Trivia

* The Chinese Dragon's ERTL prototype features black bogies while the final product features less realistic unpainted bogies.
* The Chinese Dragon's ERTL collector card refers to it as he, even though it isn’t alive.
* The Chinese Dragon's ERTL model depicts it with wheels and on a well wagon even though it was on people legs and a regular flatbed in the show. Ironically the correct flatbed is shown on its portrait.
* The Chinese Dragon's Take Along prototype has had a darker flatbed and a thicker back.
* The Chinese Dragon's has two US Take Along collector cards, the first uses a screen cap from the episode *Thomas, Percy and the Dragon* and the second uses a picture of the model edited onto the Tidmouth Sheds, which was also used for the Breakdown Train and Flatbed, Tar and Fuel Cars.
* The Chinese Dragon's UK Take Along collector card is zoomed in, leaving out Percy's face.

## Gallery

Prototype ERTL Chinese DragonERTL Chinese Dragon1998-2000 Chinese Dragon box1998-2000 Chinese Dragon collector card2000 Chinese Dragon boxPrototype Take Along Chinese DragonTake Along Chinese Dragon2005 UK Chinese Dragon box
Alfie

* 2010
* 2004 (II)
* 2004 (I)

**Alfie** is a small excavator who works for The Pack.

## Product Description

### **2004 ERTL collector card**

*Alfie is an excavator who makes even the toughest job in the quarry look easy. He is friendly, helpful and loves to do all the dirty work. In fact, his favorite expression is "more dirt, more fun".*

### **2004 US Take Along collector card**

*Name: Alfie*

*Color(s): Green*

*Bio: Alfie is an excavator who makes even the toughest job in the quarry look easy. His favorite expression is "more dirt means more fun".*

### **2005 UK Take Along collector card**

*Alfie is an excavator who makes even the toughest job in the quarry look easy. His favorite expression is "more dirt means more fun".*

## Timeline

* 2004 (static chassis, translucent windows; only available in the UK)
* 2004 (two-way magnet, magnetic scoop, rotating chassis, name embossed on chassis; only available at Target until 2005)
* 2006 (name printed on chassis)
* 2008 (rear magnet removed)
* 2010 (updated details, upgraded face, hollowed out bucket, filled in windows)

## Availability

* Jack and Alfie Assortment
* Jack Jumps In Collector Pack
* Great Waterton Grand Opening 4-Pack

## Trivia

* Alfie's Take Along model has a sealed magnetic bucket. This was meant to allow him to pick up magnetic cargo pieces. Jack and Ned share this feature. This was removed on the Take-n-Play models but the rear magnets were kept.
* Alfie is one of three Take-n-Play characters not to receive a CGI face despite appearing in the CGI series of the show, the others are Mavis and Rocky. Though in Alfie’s case, he was made before he returned in the CGI series.

## Gallery

Prototype ERTL AlfieERTL AlfieERTL Alfie boxERTL Alfie collector cardPrototype Take Along AlfieTake Along Alfie2006-2007 UK Alfie box2008-2009 UK Alfie boxPrototype Take-n-Play AlfieTake-n-Play Alfie
Byron

* 2010
* 2009

**Byron** is a large bulldozer who works for The Pack.

*Color: Yellow and Black*

*Bio: Byron is a giant bulldozer capable of moving tons of dirt. His size, strength and skills are very impressive and he knows it! Byron doesn’t like to waste his talents on jobs which he thinks are beneath him.*

### **2009 UK Take Along collector card**

*Byron is a giant bulldozer capable of moving tons of dirt.*

## Timeline

* 2009 (yellow blade shovel, red rear board)
* 2010 (minor updates, grey blade shovel, yellow rear board)

## Variants

* Byron front, engine, and cab pieces from Construction Train Maker

## Trivia

* The prototype Take Along Byron features a slightly different face, a smaller front cab window, glass windows and a slightly rounder cab roof.
* Byron's cab is made from plastic, making him half die-cast.
* Byron's Take Along model shows what looks like a blank bufferbeam on his back.
* In some Take-n-Play pamphlets, the Trackmaster Byron is used instead of the Take Along or Take-n-Play one.

## Gallery

Prototype Take Along ByronTake Along ByronPrototype Take-n-Play ByronTake-n-Play Byron
Holiday Gordon

**Holiday Gordon** is a cancelled variant of Gordon. It features Gordon with snowflake decorations and a Santa stocking cap covering his funnel. It was intended to be a Holiday 3-Pack for release in 2005, but was cancelled for unknown reasons. It would've featured the blue Holiday Caboose, which was actually released in other packs.

## Trivia

* A complete pack is being sold by eBay user Diecast Dungeon for $906.21, as of July 2023.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.ebay.com/itm/126004652170?hash=item1d5676688a:g:2EgAAOSwrqdkpzOK
Fergus

* 2005
* 2004

**Fergus** is a railway traction engine that works at the cement works.

## Product Description

### **2004 ERTL collector card**

*Fergus is a hard working traction engine. He is totally reliable and believes passionately in playing by the rules. He gets annoyed when the other engines "muck about" or don't obey the rules.*

### **2005 US Take Along collector card**

*Name: Fergus*

*Color: Blue*

*Bio: Fergus is a Traction Engine who shunts trucks at the Cement Works. He is a reliable, down-to-earth engine who believes in playing by the rules.*

### **2005 UK Take Along collector card**

*Fergus is a hard working traction engine. He is usually reliable and believes predominantly in playing by his rules. He gets annoyed when the other engines "truck about" or don’t obey the rules.*

## Timeline

* 2004 (pin and U-hook couplings, static flywheel, metal smokebox, black buffer beam, made in China; only available in the UK)
* 2005 (two-way magnets, moveable flywheel, red buffer beam, name embossed on chassis)
* 2006 (name printed on chassis)
* 2008 (plastic smokebox)
* 2015 (updated details, one-way magnets, made in Thailand; cancelled)

## Availability

* Collector Vehicle Pack 4
* Water Tower
* Roundhouse Deluxe Pack

## Trivia

* Despite Fergus's ERTL model having a fly wheel it doesn't move unlike Trevor and George's which do.
* The last ERTL Fergus was released in a presentation tin with the prototype.
* Fergus's ERTL model has a black buffer beam, whereas his prototype has the correct coloured buffer beam. A similar case happened with BoCo, Bluebell and Flying Scotsman.
* Fergus's ERTL model oddly fits on Thomas Wooden Railway and Motorized track unlike most other releases. Lady shares the same ability.
* According to an Amazon listing, a Take-n-Play Fergus was planned to be released in 2015, but was cancelled. He was most likely cancelled due to the recent redesign of Take-n-Play and either he would have been too difficult to design in the new style and/or to not overwhelm the market.

## Gallery

Early prototype ERTL FergusERTL Fergus boxERTL Fergus collector cardPrototype Fergus with the official modelPrototype Take Along FergusTake Along Fergus2005 UK Take Along Fergus box2006-2007 UK Take Along Fergus box
6-Piece Gift Set 2

This article is about **the second 6-Piece Gift Set**. You may be looking for the **first**, **third**, **fourth** or **fifth** gift set.

## Details:

### Ranges:

ERTL 1:64 Scale Range (Shining Time Station)

### Item Number:

4066

The **6 Piece Gift Set** is a 6 pack which includes Mavis, Edward, Daisy, the Troublesome Trucks and Duck.

## Trivia

* This is the only one of the 6 piece gift sets not released outside the Shining Time Station brand.
James Goes Buzz Buzz (engine)

This article is about the **engine**. You may be looking for the **multi-pack**.

## Details:

### Item Number:

LC76076

**James Goes Buzz Buzz** is a Kohl's exclusive variant of James that depicts him covered with bees and a red nose. It is based on the episode, *Buzz Buzz*.

## Product Description

### **2006 Take Along collector card**

*Name: James Goes Buzz Buzz*

*Color: Red*

*Bio: James ignores Boco’s warning about getting stung, and ends up with a red nose. After getting stung, James safely returns the bees to the Vicar’s orchard.*

## Changes

* 2006 (metal smokebox)
* 2008 (plastic smokebox)

## Trivia

* James Goes Buzz Buzz's collector card mentions BoCo, although he was never made in Take Along.
Metallic James

**Metallic James** is a metallic variant of James.

*Color: Red*

*Bio: With his shiny red coat, James likes to think of himself as a Really Splendid Engine. He sometimes has grand ideas about the sort of work he should do, which can lead to trouble.*

### **2006 UK Take Along collector card**

*James is a medium sized engine, he has a fine red coat and likes to think of himself as a really splendid engine, which sometimes lands him in trouble.*

## Timeline

* 2006 (two-way magnets, side rods removed, detailed cab interior, detachable tender with regular red running board, metallic red wheels, name on chassis, Gullane licensing)

### Components

* 1998 (pin-hook couplings, black wheels, Britt Allcroft licensing; only available in Limited Edition Gift Pack)
* 2009 (plastic smokebox; only available in Steamies Gift Pack)

## Availability

* Limited Edition Gift Pack
* Steamies Gift Pack 3

## Trivia

* Metallic James's wheels on his Take Along model strangely match his main paint colour. This also applied with Toby and Rosie.
Limited Edition Rusty

**Limited Edition Rusty** is a metallic variant of Rusty.

## Product Description

### **1999 ERTL collector card**

*Rusty is very self assured and is a dedicated worker with a huge heart. Loves adventure as well as all the other engines and will do anything to make their lives easier. Fearless in nature, Rusty always smiles in the face of adversity. A pal for life.*

### **Historical Note**

*Rusty is based on a four wheeled Ruston and Hornsby Diesel engine, built around 1940.*

## Gallery

Limited Edition Rusty boxLimited Edition Rusty collector card
2004

* UK
* US

**2004** was the third year of The ERTL Collection (also the final year of it) and Take Along Thomas. This was the first year under the ownership of RC2 Corporation, following their acquisition of Learning Curve the previous year, which resulted in the discontinuation of ERTL's Thomas range. This year also introduced the Deluxe Play Scene series.

## Trivia

* When ERTL discontinued their range, they auctioned off the prototype and production models of their new characters in special presentation tins at the end of the year. Murdoch was the only model that ERTL did not put up for auction amongst as they deemed his prototype to be too badly damaged to be sold.
Bert the Miniature Engine

This article is about **Bert the Miniature Engine**. You may be looking for **Iron Bert**.

## Details:

### Asst. Number:

R8852

**Bert the Miniature Engine** is a blue and naive Small Railway engine who works on the Arlesdale Railway with Rex, Mike, Frank, and Jock.

## Trivia

* Bert's animated prototype shows him with his correct black tender wheels, but his wheels were blue on the produced model for some reason, making him the only miniature engine with matching tender wheels.
	+ His prototype also features him with Rex's smokebox and face.
* Bert is noticeably smaller compared to other engines, likely to emphasise that he’s a miniature engine.
Ertl Display Case (1993)

## Display Case

In 1993, the Ertl Company released a wall display case, with suggested labels for what engines and vehicles could fit in each section of the display.

## Trivia

* It is advertised in the Thomas Marvel Comics issue #153 from August 27th 1993, where the sale price is given as €12.99, plus €3.50 from Postage and Packaging.
Biplane

The **Biplane** (previously labelled **Bi-Plane**) is a fast and risk-taking bi-plane.

## Product Description

### **1999 ERTL collector card**

*Bi-Plane, known as 'Tiger Moth' caused a lot of trouble during Sir Topham Hatt's holiday. He buzzed Harold who was taking Sir Topham Hatt and his family to their holiday home and then went missing. He was found sticking out of a haystack where he crashed - Sir Topham Hatt was so cross he grounded Tiger Moth until further notice.*

### **Historical Note**

*Bi-Plane is a colourful training plane based on the classic designs of the 1930's such as the de Havilland 82 "Tiger Moth", of which over 7,000 were built, powered by a single, in-line engine. Today, they may be seen at air-shows sometimes in acrobatic displays, including a special "Tiger Ground" of nine air acrobats.*

### **2004 ERTL collector card**

*Biplane flies much too low. He once buzzed The Fat Controller in Harold's airfield before going missing. He is found by Harold and The Fat Controller sticking out of some hay.*

## Timeline

* 1999 (Britt Allcroft licensing)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing)

## Trivia

* The Bi-Plane's 1999 collector card addresses that he is also known as Tiger Moth.

## Gallery

1999-2000 Bi-Plane box1999-2000 Bi-Plane collector card2000-2001 Bi-Plane box2004 Biplane box2004 Biplane collector card
Collector Cards/Take Along

Coming soon

#### Engines

2002 Thomas2005 Thomas international2002 Edward2002 Henry2005 Henry international2002 Gordon2002 James2002 Percy2005 Percy international2002 Toby2002 Duck2002 Donald2005 Donald international2002 Douglas2005 Douglas internationalBillBen2002 Diesel 102002 Lady2005 Harvey international2002 Duncan2005 Mike
#### Carriages and Wagons

2002 ClarabelSodor Fuel Wagon2002 Sodor Line Caboose
Diesel

* 2019
* 2017
* 2013
* 2010
* 2006
* 1990

**Diesel** is a troublesome diesel shunter who is ever so ready to scheme and stir up trouble.

## Product Description

### **1993 ERTL collector card**

*Devious Diesel, the other engines call him behind his back and sometimes, (when he's been more than usually unpleasant) to his face. Oily, scheming and ever ready to stir up trouble in the shed, his characteristic smirk is a sure sign that somebody, somewhere, is in for a spot of bother.*

### **Historical Note**

*Diesel is based on an ordinary 0-6-0 Diesel Electric British Rail shunting engine engine.*

### **Shining Time Station collector card**

*When there's trouble brewing, "Devious Diesel" (as referred to by the other engines) is sure to be in the thick of it!*

### **2002 ERTL collector card**

*Devious Diesel, the other engines call him behind his back and sometimes, (when he's been more than usually obnoxious) to his face. He is oily, scheming and ever ready to stir up trouble.*

### **2006 US Take Along collector card**

*Name: Diesel*

*Color: Black*

*Bio: The other engines call him "Devious Diesel". He is oily, scheming and ever-ready to stir up trouble in the shed.*

### **2006 UK Take Along collector card**

*The other engines call him "Devious Diesel".*

## Timeline

* 1990 (pin-hook couplings, black running board, moulded silver side rods, Britt Allcroft licensing, made in China)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing)
* 2003 (U-hook rear coupling; only available in the UK)
* 2006 (two-way magnets, red running board, side rods removed, name on chassis)
* 2010 (updated details, CG style face)
* 2013 (updated face, cheaper metal, black running board, moulded black side rods, hollowed out counterweights, made in Thailand)
* 2014 (clip connectors, unpainted buffers; only in select countries until 2017)
* 2014 (one-way magnets, unpainted buffers)
* 2019 (hook and loop couplings, slightly longer, farther apart wheels)

## Variants

* Miniature Diesel
* Gold Rail Diesel (cancelled)
* Keyring Diesel
* Surprised Face Diesel from Diesel from "Thomas to the Rescue"
* Metallic Diesel
* Lights and Sounds Diesel
* Diesel's Spider Delivery
* Logs-covered Diesel from Tales from the Past Engine Pack
* Pull 'n Zoom! Diesel
* Diesel's Mine Discovery
* Oil splattered Diesel variant (cancelled)
* Pirate Diesel
* Racing Flames Diesel
* Rainbow Diesel
* Racing Diesel

## Availability

* Engine and Point Track Assortment
* Gift Set 2
* Engine Works Portable Playset (bonus item; 2009)
* Favorite Friends 3 Pack with Bill and Ben
* Steamies vs. Diesels
* The Dieselworks
* Diesel's Engine Repair
* Blue Mountain Quarry Deluxe Set
* Diesel Portable Set
* Diesel's Double Delivery

## Trivia

* Diesel's ERTL prototype had a sticker face.
* Because they are the same class, Diesel's ERTL tooling was also used for Iron 'Arry, Iron Bert, Splatter and Dodge.
* Diesel's 2013 Take-n-Play model is one of the few engines to have side-rods molded in. Other characters include Timothy, Iron 'Arry, Iron Bert and the 2013 Paxton and Sidney.
2001

**2001** was the seventeenth year of ERTL and the final year of it outside the UK and Australia as well as the first year of the Mini World series. Vehicles had the licensing information on their chassis's updated due to the Britt Allcroft Company being rebranded as Gullane Entertainment.

## Trivia

* This is the only year since 1993 where collector cards were not included with ERTL vehicles and people.
Collector Cards

**Collector Cards** (also known as *Character Cards*) are additional tokens included with ERTL 1:64 Scale Range vehicles and figures from 1993 to 2000 as well as the ERTL Collection, Take Along and Diecast Metal ranges. These cards feature a picture of the item with a description on the reverse side.

## Trivia

* The ERTL 1:64 Scale Range collector cards featured artwork by Owen Bell.
* In 1998, ERTL released a series of collector cards. These were manufactured in the UK and sold randomly in foil blind packets of eight cards. 57 numbered cards were produced (matching all the models up to 1998) and featured a quote from Sir Topham Hatt about the character on the reverse side.
	+ Three additional cards of Thomas were also produced, coloured Gold, Silver and Bronze and illustrated in an 'etched' style; resulting in a total of 60 cards in the series.
	+ The cards were labelled as "Series 1" as a second series was planned, but never produced.
* The Take Along collector cards are shaped like train tickets.
* The European Take Along collector cards only briefly had the name and color sections when hey were introduced, however they were removed and limited to just the bio, although bio was never written on them.
* In most countries outside North America, the Take Along collector card descriptions were often printed in different languages on the one card.
* In 2007, the material for the UK collector cards was changed from a thick cardboard to a thin cardboard, possibly for budgetary reasons.
* A lot of Take Along collector cards feature promotional screenshots from the tv series, however some cards show the included model edited onto a background. This mostly applied to rolling stock that never appeared in the series, multi-packs with a character, Railway Series characters and non-cannon pieces of rolling stock. But from 2007-onwards, this became the norm for most characters.
	+ Certain characters such as Whiff, Billy, Hector, Madge, Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert received collector cards of both variations for different countries, however the individual collector cards of Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert feature their models on a blue background instead of the one used for other characters.
* Many earlier Take Along collector cards, particularly the ones for rolling stock, depict the item without magnets.
Bandai

**Bandai** is a Japanese toy company founded in 1950. They produced the *Thomas Engine Collection Series*, which was imported to North America in 1992 as the Gold Rail Series.

Their German division, **Bandai GmbH** distributed the ERTL 1:64 Scale Range in Germany from 1996 to 1998 on behalf of the ERTL Company.
Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert

This article is about **Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert**. You may be looking for **Iron 'Arry** or **Iron Bert**.

## Details:

### Item Number:

LC76053

**Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert** are two scrapyard diesels who work in the smelters yard. They were released individually in Europe as Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert.

## Product Description

### **2006 US Take Along collector card**

*Name: Iron ‘Arry & Iron Bert*

*Color: Green & Yellow*

*Bio: These twin brothers are diesels that work at the scrap yards and smelting shed. They enjoy breaking down steamies whenever they get a chance.*

## Trivia

* Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert's collector card features an image from the television series, however their individual collector cards feature their models on a blue background instead of the one used for other characters.
Brendam Docks Electronic Playset

The **Brendam Docks Electronic Playset** is a set. It features Cranky with a motorized crane magnet and six electronic sounds which can be activated by pressing the lighthouse or lifting the crossing gates. Up to four large vehicles can be stored in the stalls. The set can be stored by lifting open the dock door to store track inside and raising the red handle for portability.

## Product Description

### **2003 box description**

*Fun! on the Run*

*You've got cargo to move across the Island of Sodor quickly-get Cranky the Crane to work on the double! Then, when you shut the dock down for the day, pack your playset away and take it with you - it's totally portable!*

## Contents

* Duck
* Yellow Cargo Car
* Bulstrode
* Motorized Cranky
* Three orange cargo barrels
* Brendam Docks
* Straight Track piece
* Raised Straight Track piece
* Two Drawbridge Track pieces
* Two Curved Spur Track pieces
* Two Sloped Curved Barrier Track pieces

## Gallery

Prototype Brendam Docks Electronic PlaysetSecond prototype Brendam Docks Electronic PlaysetCargo CarBulstrode
Frank

**Frank** is a diesel engine who works on the Arlesdale Railway with Mike, Rex, Bert and Jock.

## Product Description

### **2002 ERTL collector card**

*Frank is a grumpy diesel engine. He has a tendency to get uptight and moody which gets him into trouble by causing minor accidents.*

## Trivia

* Frank's prototype did not have front windows.
* Frank was the first Arlesdale engine made.

## Gallery

Prototype Frank2002-2003 Frank box2003-2004 Frank boxFrank collector card
Carry Case Playset

The **Carry Case Playset** is a Mini World playset.

## Contents

* Miniature Thomas
* Miniature Annie and Clarabel
* Miniature Trevor
* Station
* Cottage
* Tree
* Signal
* Coal bunker
* Four switch track pieces
* Two curved track pieces
* Two ramp track pieces
* Turntable track
* Four dead end track
* Siding
* Two base
* Carry Case

## Gallery

Carry Case Playset boxCarry Case Playset when opened upLayout of how the Carry Case Playset could look like
Douglas

This article is about **Douglas**. You may be looking for **Donald and Douglas** or **Donald**.

## Douglas

* 2015
* 2013
* 2011
* 2002
* 2001
* 1992

## Details:

### Active:

1992-2009, 2011-2013, 2015-2016 (UK/US/AUS)
1992-2001, 2005-2009, 2011-2013, 2015-2016 (INT)

### Ranges:

ERTL 1:64 Scale Range
The ERTL Collection
Take Along
Take-n-Play

### Portrait Number:

10 (1993)
35 (2002)

### Item Number:

4047 (ERTL)
LC76010 (TA)
V1300 (TNP; 2011)
CCK19 (TNP; 2015)

### Asst. Number:

4018 (ERTL)
R8852 (TNP)

**Douglas** is a Scottish engine. He has a twin named Donald.

## Product Description

### **1993 ERTL collector card**

*Other than their name plaques and their numbers, Donald & Douglas are identical twins. They hate to be parted and enjoy a joke - especially when outsiders can't tell them apart. Their antics sometimes lead to trouble - but they're hard workers and particularly good at ploughing snow.*

### **Historical Note**

*The twins are 0-6-0 tender engines based on the 812 Class, built for the Caledonian Railway.*

### **Shining Time Station collector card**

*Douglas identical twin of Donald, is a fun loving chap whose practical jokes can sometimes get him into trouble.*

### **2002 US Take Along collector card**

*Name: Douglas*

*Color(s): Black*

*Bio: Douglas is Donald's twin brother who came to the Island from Scotland after Sir Topham Hatt needed another good train.*

### **2005 UK Take Along collector card**

*Donald & Douglas are twins. Other than their nameplates and numbers they are identical. They hate to be separated and enjoy a joke - especially when others can't tell them apart!*

## Timeline

* 1992 (pin-hook couplings, metal smokebox, black tender running board, 6 wheels on tender, Britt Allcroft licensing, made in China)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing)
* 2002 (two-way magnets, painted handrails, yellow whistle, detailed cab interior, side rods removed, detachable tender with red running board, name embossed on chassis; only available at Target until 2005)
* 2006 (name printed on chassis)
* 2008 (plastic smokebox)
* 2011 (updated details, updated face, black whistle and running board, silver handrails, buffers removed between cab and tender)
* 2013 (updated face, cheaper metal, updated details, slightly darker red buffer beams, hollowed out counterweights, made in Thailand)
* 2015 (CG style face, one-way magnets, 4 wheels on tender, shorter cab)

## Variants

* Donald and Douglas
* Gold Rail Douglas (cancelled)

## Trivia

* Despite not being discontinued, Douglas's ERTL model never gained the U-hook rear coupling in 2003. This was also the case with Henry and Donald.
* Douglas's photo on his Take Along collector card is actually a photo of Donald from the cancelled episode *The Missing Coach*.
* The prototype Take-n-Play 2011 Douglas shows his tender coupled up backwards.
	+ In most of the Take-n-Play 2015 Douglas boxes, Douglas's tender is also positioned backwards.
* Douglas, along with Donald, Harvey, Molly and Hector, are the only characters not to use CG promo images on their 2015 packaging, although they made their debut in the CGI series that same year.
Billy

**Billy** is an orange tank engine.

*Colors: Orange and Red*

*Bio: Billy is a boisterous, bubbly tank engine bursting with enthusiasm. He likes to do things his way, yet in the end, he always does the right thing.*

### **2008 UK Take Along collector card**

*Billy is a boisterous, bubbly tank engine bursting with enthusiasm. He's not good at waiting for instruction and has to learn he can't always do it all, his way. Billy's a doer not a thinker and in the end, always wants to do the right thing!*

## Variants

* Muddy Billy from Muddy Adventure 4 Pack

## Availability

* Butch, Billy and Whiff Assortment
* Really Useful Engines 2 Pack with Whiff

## Trivia

* A version of Billy's collector card has been produced featuring an image from the television series, and another featuring an image of the Take Along vehicle.
* Billy shares the same real-life basis as Charlie. Despite this, Billy's design sports a shorter cab, a bigger boiler, dome and sandboxes, and a smaller smokebox than Charlie.
* Billy and Jeremy are the only two HiT era characters that weren’t rereleased in Take-n-Play.
Class 40

* 2014
* 1997

**Class 40** (also known as **The Diesel** in ERTL) is a rude diesel who visited the Island of Sodor during Stepney's visit and blew a fuse due to sucking up a bowler hat into his air intake.

## Product Description

### **1997 ERTL collector card**

*A snooty type of chap. Like all diesels, he thinks he knows it all, which gets up every steam engine's funnel. Despite his immense power, he soon finds out that nothing chuffs like a chuff chuff chuffs!*

### **Historical Note**

*The Diesel is based on a 2-Co-Co-2 Diesel built by English Electric in 1960, as one of the first production line diesels for main line passenger use. The series of over 200 engines were phased out of service in the 1980's, though 6 were retained for freight use in the building of the Channel Tunnel.*

### **2002 ERTL collector card**

*Like all diesels, he thinks he knows it all, which gets up every steam engine's funnel. Despite him immense power, he soon finds out that nothing chuffs like a chuff chuff chuffs!*

## Timeline

* 1997 (pin hook coupling, silver buffers, 1-Co-Co1 arrangement, axle boxes, Britt Allcroft licensing, made in China)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing)
* 2003 (U-hook rear coupling; only available in the UK)
* 2014 (two-way magnets, CG-style face, shorter body, black buffers, Bo-Bo arrangement, axle boxes removed, hollowed out wheel pins, name on chassis, made in Thailand)

## Availability

* Thomas the Tank Engine 1997 Engine Assortment
* Station House Playtrack Giftset

## Trivia

* The Diesel's ERTL prototype had yellow couplings.
* The Diesel's ERTL Collection portrait depicts him with a black bufferbeam. This was also the case with Derek.
* The Diesel's 2002 collector card mistakenly says *Despite him immense power* instead of *Despite his immense power*.
* Class 40's bogies on his Take-n-Play model do not rotate despite being shown to in the prototype picture.
	+ His Take-n-Play prototype also features unpainted buffers.
* Like Norman and Luke, Class 40's buffers on his Take-n-Play model are painted black instead of silver.
* Class 40's Take-n-Play front and side details are based on his Hornby model.
* Class 40, Culdee, Stepney, Arthur, Fearless Freddie and Big City Engine are the only characters with a pseudo-CG promo, despite them not actually appearing in the CG series of the show.

## Gallery

Prototype ERTL the DieselERTL the Diesel1997-2000 ERTL the Diesel box1997-2000 ERTL the Diesel collector card2000-2002 ERTL the Diesel box2003-2004 ERTL the Diesel box2002-2004 ERTL the Diesel collector card
Lights and Sounds Thomas

**Lights and Sounds Thomas** is a variant of Thomas. It features a square shaped button on the top of the cab which can be pressed to activate whistling or steam sounds and a light on his footplate. Chugging sounds can be heard when Thomas' wheels are rolled. The speed of the chugging changes depending on how fast it rolls. Two button cell batteries are required for the sound features to function properly.

## Features

* *Press button to hear engine sounds!*
* *Working Lamp!*
* *Roll engine for Chugging sound*
* *Diecast Construction*
* *Features Engine I.D. Technology*

## Availability

* Lights and Sounds Bridges and Tunnels Set

## Trivia

* The European version does not feature Engine ID technology.
* After Take Along was discontinued, his body was used for Talking Thomas in Take-n-Play.

## Gallery

Prototype Lights and Sounds ThomasLights and Sounds Thomas box
Metallic Engines

**Metallic Engines** (known as **Limited Edition Series** in ERTL) is a subtheme of the ERTL 1:64 Scale Range and Take Along Thomas range. The theme features metallic variants of previously released characters. Most items in the theme were limited releases and were exclusive to the UK and Australia, although a few were released in the US via Target.

## Trivia

* The UK and US Take Along metallic engines were released in the normal boxes, with a sticker on the box noting the included engine had shiny paint.
* The Australian Take Along metallic engines were released with unique collector cards (the image either had Thomas along with the engine included, or an image of the shiny engine included edited onto a set from the show), and the box had a strip on the right side the same colour as the engine(s) included.
Lady

* 2002
* 2000

**Lady** is a magical engine who holds the secret to The Magic Railroad.

*Color(s): Purple and Gold*

*Bio: Lady is a magical engine who comes from Muffle Mountain. With her special gold coal dust, she has the ability to travel from Muffle Mountain to the Island of Sodor.*

### **2006 UK Take Along collector card**

*Lady is a very special golden engine, who holds the secret to The Magic Railroad.*

## Changes

* 2000 (pin-hook couplings, metal smokebox, Britt Allcroft licensing)
* 2001 (Gullane licensing)
* 2002 (two-way magnets, side rods removed, name embossed on chassis; only available at Target until 2005)
* 2003 (U-hook rear coupling; only available in the UK)
* 2006 (name printed on chassis)
* 2008 (plastic smokebox; only available in Europe)

## Availability

* Thomas and the Magic Railroad Gift Pack
* 12 Piece Super Set
* Full Steam Ahead Collector's Pack
* Five Pack 3
* Gift Set 4
* Gift Set 5
* Thomas and Lady
* Thomas Turntable and Video Playset
* Collector Vehicle Pack 2
* Calling All Engines! Collector Pack
* All Aboard Toys Gift Pack
* Travel Tote (Target Australia exclusive)
* Engine Wash and Works Playset
* Thomas Carry Case Set
* Great Waterton Fold and Go Playset

## Trivia

* Lady's ERTL prototype was a recolored model of Rheneas. This is because she was originally planned to use Rheneas's tooling, but it was later decided to create a separate mold.
* Lady's ERTL model oddly fits on Thomas Wooden Railway and Motorized track unlike most other releases. Fergus shares the same ability.
* Lady's 2002 collector card states that she’s golden, but she is actually magenta with a golden smokebox and lining.
* Lady's Take Along prototype had a black roof and a lighter shade of purple.

## Gallery

Prototype ERTL LadyERTL Lady2000 Lady box2001-2002 Lady box2003-2004 Lady box2002-2004 Lady collector cardPrototype LadyTake Along/Diecast Metal Lady2002 US Lady collector card2006-2007 UK Lady box2007-2008 UK Lady box
1994

* UK
* US

**1994** was the tenth year of ERTL. It was also the third and final year of the Gold Rail Series. Many upcoming products in the Gold Rail Series were cancelled due to the discontinuation of the range.

## Available Products

### Sets

UK exclusive.

## Gallery

4 March 1994 Pittsburgh Post Gazette advertisement for upcoming itemsMagazine advertisement for new itemsGold Rail advertisement