Douglas McCrumb

Douglas' icon from the "About" page

> *"I hope the Fat Controller doesn't find out I shouldn't be here. I couldn't abide going back."*
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## Biography

### *Past*

Douglas went to the same university as his brother, Donald, and earned a bachelor’s degree in theater, but neither had a definite career path. Three years after earning their degrees, both brothers were still unable find long term occupations that they enjoyed. They still lived together; they’ve never lived in separate locations except for a few specific exceptions.

One day Donald as driving them home when they heard a train’s whistle in the distance. Willing to try anything at this point, Donald asked on a whim, “Why don’t we try driving trains?” and Douglas agreed. From age 24 to 27, the twins learned how to operate steam engines on a heritage lines. In their mid 30's, the two heard word of a job opening on the North Western Railway on the Island of Sodor. Interested, both brothers applied. Donald was accepted, Douglas wasn’t.

Due to mental illnesses and a very unfair boss, Douglas’ work performance was lacking and he was facing potential unemployment. If Donald were to accept the job on Sodor and leave, Douglas wouldn’t last very long being unemployed and so far away from his twin- and they both knew this. So when they applied to Sir Topham Hatt’s job opening, he followed Donald's plan and snuck away from his job with his brother to escape to Sodor.
Since they shared an address, and had both only given their first initial and surname when applying, they would both go and claim they thought Sir Topham Hatt had addressed the acceptance letter to both of them. When Sir Topham asked for their engine numbers to determine which twin he'd accepted, the two claimed not to remember and that their number plates had fallen off on the journey over. Eventually, the plan succeeded and both twins secured a job on the railway. Once it was decided that he would be staying for food, Douglas relaxed and was able to work much more comfortably and efficiently.

## Relationships

### *Familial*

In addition to Donald, Douglas has a younger sister: Natalie McCrumb.

He is very close to Duck and loves him as family. He's also one of the very few people who can tell Douglas and his brother apart on instinct.

#### The Feud

At one point, Douglas deeply hated Donald and Duck- refusing to even speak to them most of the time. Douglas felt Donald was abandoning him and that Duck was stealing him away. Donald thought both of these notions were ridiculous and initially brushed them off without realizing how deeply Douglas was hurting. After he helped Duck’s cousin, Oliver, come home, however, the drama began to subside and Douglas gradually grew more accustomed to the two of them spending time together. Donald making the effort to better understand Douglas' insecurities and set aside time for him helped, too. The situation only improved when Duck moved in. The three are very happy now.

## Design

### *Personality*

Douglas has a severe fear of abandonment and prefers to stay close to Donald both physically and emotionally. He becomes insecure whenever Donald shows interest in something or someone new.

### *Interests*

Douglas is very artistic; he can play several different instruments, draw, and enjoys singing- especially on karaoke night.

### *Physical*

He's extraordinarily lanky, standing at 7'0". He has very dark skin and red kinky hair. He's allergic to cats.

## Quotes

* "Ach, just knowing my brother came back for me has already warmed me up."