Stepney

**Stepney** is a character encountered in *Sudrian Steam*. He is a current member of the North Western Railway, and works on the Norramby branchline. Previously, Stepney was stuck in the scrapyards waiting to be scrapped, when he was rescued by Rusty the little diesel. For a time, he was preserved on a Bluebell Railway, and at some point later on, ended up becoming a full time engine on Sir Topham Hatt's railway.

## Personality

Stepney is a bubbly, honest and humble chap who is bursting with enthusiasm. He is very eager to please and is every engine's friend. Even if an engine might not like him at first, his personality wins them over. After being saved from scrap by Rusty and the Bluebell Railway, he now runs his own branch line, but loves visiting and helping out on Sir Topham Hatt's Railway. He has an enthusiasm for learning and listening to advice, as well as keeping busy. Stepney can feel down in the dumps if he does not get enough work to do or if he does not get a good long run to stretch his wheels. Stepney is high-spirited, lively and is keen to see fair play. He is popular among the engines and is always game for more work.

## Series Overview

### Season 1

#### "Great Western Bluebells"

Stepney first appears chuffing down the mainline headed towards Knapford Station. Upon arriving, he speaks to Rosie about how he's covering Duck's jobs while he is away. Sir Topham Hatt then arrives, welcoming him. Stepney then asks if there are any jobs he could do. When being assigned one, he leaves soon after.

Later that day, he arrives at Brendam Docks and meets Lady for the first time. They talk about her life at the docks before she leaves to carry on working. Stepney then notices a train next to him and wonder who's it is. He then hears two familar horns, and dread fills him as Arry and Bert arrive to collect it. The twins taunt him and tell him they'll actually scrap him this time. Stepney claims he isn't afraid of them, to which they both laugh, before leaving.

That night, Stepney stays at Tidmouth Station sheds, where Toad notices him acting off. Stepney eventually opens up about his encounter with Arry and Bert, telling him it rubbed him the wrong way after not seeing them for so many years. Toad then gives him the idea of confronting them and setting them straight. Despite being nervous, he agrees.

The next day the two arrive at the Ironworks, only to discover that the twins were not even there. Stepney meets Tennant, who is suprisingly nice. Stepney then leaves fairly disappointed.

While going down the mainline, Stepney is forced to stop as a train is infront of him. He then discovers it is Arry and Bert, who are stranded after both breaking down. Stepney finds the situation hilarious, and the guard of the train asks him if he would like to help push them to Knapford. Stepney is reluctant, but after some encouragment from Toad he agrees. Stepney buffers up and begins hauling the failed diesels and their giant train down the line. It isn't easy, and Stepney is gasping and panting really loudly, but he's doing it. When passing Elsbridge Station, Thomas cheers him on. He finally arrives at the station, and is congratulated by Douglas, Rosie and Duck, who all cheer for him. The Fat Controller is also present, and congratulates Stepney. He tells him that he is now free to go back to Norramby, as Duck has been repaired. Stepney is happy as their is no place like home.

That evening, he is about to set off for home when Arry, Bert and Tennant arrive at the station, Gordon is also present. Arry and Bert thank him for helping them and deliver him a sincere apology and ask him if they could possibly start afresh and become friends. Stepney is taken aback, but is happy and agrees. After everyone leaves, Stepney notices a strange group of people talking outside Knapford. He doesn't think much of them. He leaves whilst yelling 'Bluebells forever!'

#### "Restoration"

Stepney puffs past the strange group of people yelling 'Bluebells forever!'

## Appearances

### Sudrian Steam

#### Season 1

* "Great Western Bluebells"
* "Restoration"