recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Gordon and Spencer

**Gordon and Spencer** is the twelfth episode of the seventh season and the 163rd episode overall.

## Plot

Gordon is feeling excited; he gloats to Thomas about the Fat Controller choosing him as the special engine for the visiting the Duke and Duchess of Boxford, but Thomas does not care and brushes it off. After Gordon has been washed and polished, he rushes away to meet the visitors. But on the way, he is diverted onto a siding. He is very upset about being late when a sleek silver streamlined tender engine passes by. Gordon is very surprised and wonders who he is.

When Gordon arrives at Vicarstown Yards, the engine is humming to himself. James explains that he is Spencer, the fastest engine in the world. Gordon scoffs at this, but is secretly impressed. Spencer explains that he is the Duke and Duchess' private engine and he takes them everywhere he goes. The Fat Controller arrives and says there will be a party for the visitors at Knapford Station. After James points out that Knapford is far away over Gordon's Hill, Gordon advises Spencer to take on plenty of water, but Spencer rudely declines. Gordon is hurt by this and claims he was only trying to be useful.

At Vicarstown, Spencer begins his journey. He shows the Duke and Duchess many sights, like Ballahoo Beach and Rolf’s Castle, but does not stop to take on more water. Emily and Gordon are collecting passengers at Killdane, when Spencer races by on his way to Knapford. Gordon warns him again to take on water, but Spencer rudely ignores him, while Emily knows Spencer is going to be in trouble soon, and he is right; Spencer runs out of steam while halfway up Gordon's Hill, and regrets not listening to Gordon. The Fat Controller hears about Spencer's predicament and sends Gordon to his rescue.

When Gordon arrives at Maron, the stationmaster informs his driver about Spencer. Gordon's driver encourages him to hurry up the hill. Gordon looks forward to seeing Spencer in his predicament. When Gordon arrives at the hill, he cannot help but tease Spencer about his mishap. While Spencer makes up an excuse of a leaky boiler, Gordon chuckles, switches over onto Spencer's track and is coupled up. Then they set off for the party.

Gordon pulls Spencer and his coach into Knapford right on time, but Spencer is embarrassed. Thomas asks James what he thinks about Spencer now. James comments that Spencer has too much puff and not enough steam. The Fat Controller applauds Gordon about his achievements and says that he is the fastest engine on the island. Gordon proudly says that he already knows that.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Gordon
* James
* Emily
* Spencer
* The Fat Controller
* Duke and Duchess of Boxford *(do not speak)*
* Edward (cameo)
* Henry *(cameo)*
* Percy *(cameo)*
* Annie and Clarabel *(cameo)*

## Locations

* Farmer McColl’s Farm
* Tidmouth Sheds
* Gordon’s Hill
* Vicarstown Yards
* Vicarstown
* Henry's Tunnel
* Ballahoo
* Rolf’s Castle
* Killdane
* Sir Topham Hatt's Office
* Maron
* Knapford

## Trivia

* This episode marks the first appearance of Spencer, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Boxford.
Crovan's Gate

**Crovan's Gate** (commonly referred to as **"The Works Station"**) is a town near a narrow gap in the hills that is the only practicable route into the centre of Sodor from the east. The town's station is the terminus of the Skarloey Railway and the location of the Sodor Steamworks, where the engines go to be repaired, repainted or overhauled. The town's motto is "Ave amicos cave hostes", which, translated, means "Welcome, friends; beware, enemies".

## History

The town is so named because of the narrow pass (Once much narrower than at present, since road and railway builders have enlarged it). This pass has for centuries been the only practicable route from the east into the centre. King Godred Crovan with 300 men held some 4000 Normans at bay here for a day until reinforcements under Jarl Sigmund and Thorkell of Norwich could arrive and occupy the surrounding heights. Then feigning retreat, Crovan lured the Normans through the gap which Sigmund then closed. The Normans were thus pinned down in a narrow space where they had no room to use their superior horsemanship except in trying to escape from what had become a virtual massacre.

Apart from its military importance, Crovan's Gate has been an agricultural market town until in the 18th Century the Crovan's Gate Mining Company made it the headquarters for their copper operations at Ward Fell and in the Skarloey Valley. By 1865, the terminus, sheds and yards for the Skarloey Railway were built here as well as a single platform station.

Nowadays, Skarloey Railway trains use a bay with a run-round loop on the north face of the North Western Railway's eastbound platform. At the platform end the line forks - left to sheds and workshops, right to the Main Line. Mr Roger Sam lived here in a cottage owned by the Railway; the original Manager's House of 1865 having been demolished during "the Lean Years".

In 1922, the NWR established their repair shops here. Since 1965, these shops have been expanded as required until, with the decline of steam on the Mainland, the Steamworks are now equipped with machinery and craftsmen able to tackle any type of steam locomotive overhaul or rebuilding that may be needed. This would mean that long and expensive journeys overseas for the Culdee Fell engines were no longer required. Sir Bertram Topham Hatt has been looking into the possibility of manufacturing parts for engines on heritage railways on the Mainland.

## Trivia

* Its Talyllyn Railway equivalent is Tywyn Wharf station.
Raul

**Raul** is a vertical-boiler tank engine who works on the São Paulo Railway. He participated in the Shunting Challenge at the Great Railway Show at least twice and was a former champion.

## Biography

Raul is a feisty little tank engine from sunny Brazil who is an eager competitor. Playful as he is, his competitive nature often proves to be an annoyance in simple things such as playing a game, as he is a bit of a sore loser and does not like it when things do not go his way. Additionally, he has a bit of an ego when they do go his way. He also makes everything into a contest if he can, using unfair advantages to win if he is desperate enough.

## Basis

Raul is based on a series of three vertical-boiler steam locomotives built by Sentinel in 1931 for the São Paulo Railway. Raul's basis is built to run on broad gauge rails, whereas Raul is standard gauge.

## Livery

Raul is painted yellow, blue and green with blue lining. He has yellow and black hazard stripes painted across his running board and buffer beams and his number 166 is painted on the sides of his cab in white, surrounded by a blue diamond. His wheels are grey with white rims.

## Trivia

* Raul is painted in the colours of the Brazilian flag.
* Raul had been partially modified to work on British railways: he had been given buffers and chain couplings. He has also been given a lamp.
Cool Truckings

**Cool Truckings** is the seventeenth episode of the ninth season and the 207th episode overall.

## Plot

Thomas has arrived at Crovan's Gate to collect some coal, but snow has blocked the line and Duncan is unable to shunt the coal trucks into place. Madge offers to take him to the other side of the yards and Duncan is winched up.

While driving through the countryside, Duncan complains that the journey is boring and Madge is too slow, so she speeds up and drives up a bumpy country lane. Duncan is delighted when Madge starts spraying snow everywhere, even more so when they approach the top of the hill and run down, but ice has covered the road ahead and Madge slips onto the edge of Rheneas Waterfall. Luckily, she is able to reverse back onto the road and they make it safely home.

That night, Madge arrives at the sheds to find that Duncan has told the other engines about their adventure, and she sprays the delighted engines with snow.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Duncan
* Madge
* The Thin Controller
* Skarloey *(cameo)*
* Rheneas *(cameo)*
* Sir Handel *(cameo)*
* Peter Sam *(cameo)*
* Rusty *(cameo)*
* Duke *(cameo)*
* Mighty Mac *(cameo)*
* Freddie *(cameo)*

## Locations

* Kellsthorpe
* Crovan's Gate Sheds
* Crovan's Gate Yards
* Crovan's Gate
* Skarloey Sheds
* Skarloey Yards
* Rheneas Waterfall
* Ben Glas

## Trivia

* This marks the first appearance of Madge in an episode.
* The title of this episode is a reference to the 1993 Disney film, Cool Runnings.
Elenor

**Elenor** is a narrowboat barge who works on the Hawin Croka Canal and at the Crovan’s Gate Wharf.

## Biography

Elenor is very snooty and full of herself. She thinks that because she transports goods across the water, she thinks she’s better than all the other boats on the canal.

A while ago, she was chugging down the canal as usual, until she accidentally crashed into a set of rocks underneath a bridge on the Main Line. Help didn’t come for quite a long time. At one point, Rebecca stopped on the bridge to look at the view. Her talking wakes Elenor up, who was sleeping waiting for help to arrive. Rebecca is so shocked by the sudden voice, that she thinks there was a troll’s wife under the bridge.

Gordon was quick to disagree, but after hearing the voice himself, he worries that it may be true. He soon feels very embarrassed when his driver climbs down the hill and discovers who she really was. Elenor was taken to the Works to be repaired and is currently on the canal again, but her snooty behaviour remains.

## Basis

Elenor’s exact basis is unknown, but she *is* based of a Cotswold Canal Trust barge.

## Livery

Elenor is painted black with violet panels. She has gold nameplates on both sides of her panel, as well as her name painted in white on her hull.

## Appearances

### Season 17

* The Strange Voice Under the Bridge
* Elenor’s Unexpected Passengers

## Gallery

Elenor’s designElenor’s Basis inspiration (front view)Elenor’s Basis inspiration (back view)
## Trivia

* James A Williams had stated on DeviantArt the “the idea for Elenor came when he was walking past a canal outside his neighbourhood. I saw a maintenance barge” doing renovation work.
* Elenor is the technically the first character in the Sodor Stories series to not be based on any existing characters in the official TV series in any way. She is the first completely originally designed character.
Roary and Lori

## Lori

**Roary and Lori** are twin tank engines who work on the Deutsche Reichsbahn (German Reich Railways) in Germany.

## Biography

Roary and Lori are German twin engines who enjoy shunting in Frankfurt Shunting Yards together are usually rather cheeky. Similar to how Thomas used to do so to Gordon, they like to surprise bigger engines like Frieda, by sneaking up to them and blowing their whistles loudly.

## Basis

Roary and Lori are both based on German DRG Class 80 tank engines.

## Livery

Roary is painted purple with bright blue lining on his boiler, tanks, cylinders and coal bunker. He also has purple wheels and his number (101) painted in black on his cab.

Lori is painted violet with dark blue lining on her boiler, tanks, cylinders and coal bunker. She also has violet wheels and her number (102) painted in black on her cab. Both of them have black running boards, Red buffers and black nameplates with their names in gold lettering and lining on each side of their tanks.

## Appearances

### Season 16

* Thomas’ Worldwide Travels (do not speak)

## Gallery

Roary the German Tank EngineRoary’s nameplateRoary’s number (101)Lori the German Tank EngineLori’s nameplateLori’s number (102)
## Trivia

* Roary and Lori are the first onscreen OC characters originally created by a fan content producer. In this instance, Roary and Lori were created by Crane Engine Studios.
* Both of them work at Frankfurt, Germany.
Don’t be Silly, Billy

**Don't be Silly, Billy** is the twenty-third episode of the ninth season, the 213th episode overall and the ninth story to be completely rewritten.

## Plot

Thomas has been invited to a steam gala on the Mainland, so Percy has to meet Thomas' replacement at Brendam Docks. However, the new engine doesn't listen to Percy's advice and gets himself into trouble. Can Percy make him see sense or will it be too late?

## Characters

* Thomas
* Gordon
* Percy
* Salty
* Billy
* The Fat Controller
* James *(does not speak)*
* Toby *(does not speak)*
* Cranky *(cameo)*
* Big Mickey *(cameo)*
* Henry (*mentioned)*

## Locations

* Ffarquhar Sheds
* Ffarquhar
* Ffarquhar Yards
* Brendam Docks
* Crosby
* Crosby Tunnel
* Cronk *(mentioned)*

## Trivia

* This episode marks the first appearance of Billy in the series.
* This story began its writing stages on 21st April 2023, but wasn't finished until 29th May 2023.

## References to Other Stories

* Percy tells Billy the events of Percy Runs Away.

## Links to the Story

https://www.deviantart.com/liamlb1992/art/Don-t-be-Silly-Billy-Rewritten-961708965
Faulty Whistles

**Faulty Whistles** is the seventh episode of the sixth season and the 139th episode overall.

## Plot

Duncan waits in Skarloey Yards one morning for Peter Sam to bring his goods trucks to take to Lakeside. He is also assigned the task to take the headmaster and the new organ to Rheneas School. After having steamed overnight all the way to the morning to deliver Duncan his goods, Peter Sam is approaching Glennock, when his whistle is knocked off by a branch. As a result, Peter Sam cannot run anywhere without a whistle as it would be unsafe. Duncan brags that an engine is not an engine without a whistle and lets off a big blast with his whistle, but the other engines ignore him. Duncan becomes cross while he sets off with his goods because he thinks the other engines are jealous of his whistle.

On the way, Duncan whistles at some sheep, but they are too busy eating to pay attention. Duncan becomes frustrated and thinks he needs to whistle louder and longer. He approaches a crossing where Elizabeth is carrying the farmer's prize bull. As Duncan approaches the crossing, he whistles loud and long, startling the bull. Elizabeth scolds Duncan but to no avail as he finds it fun, not knowing that his whistle has become loose. When he sees a farmer’s tractor ploughing a field, he prepares to give him the same surprise. Unfortunately, he blows his whistle so hard that it simply flies off and lands out of sight.

With his whistle nowhere to be found, Duncan's driver tells him they are stuck and cannot continue on. However, with Duncan carrying the organ destined for Rheneas School, Duncan's crew cleverly decide to have Headmaster Hastings play the organ in lieu of Duncan's whistle, which alerts every person at stops during the delivery, despite Duncan not thinking so. When Duncan reaches the sheds, he is teased by Sir Handel for being a "musical engine", while Rheneas and Skarloey whistle along. Peter Sam, having been fitted with a new whistle, tells Duncan that he was brave to go on and make his deliveries without a whistle, which cheers Duncan up. The headmaster makes one last "toot" on the organ and all the other engines whistle back in reply, except Duncan who just grins.

## Characters

* Skarloey
* Rheneas
* Sir Handel
* Peter Sam
* Duncan
* Elizabeth
* Rusty *(cameo)*

## Locations

* Skarloey Yards
* Skarloey Sheds
* Ben Glas
* Glennock
* Rheneas
* Rheneas Tunnel
* Hawin Doorey Bridge
* Lakeside
* Rheneas Viaduct
* Cros-ny-Curin
* Crovan’s Gate Sheds

## Trivia

* This episode appears to be a loose adaptation of the Railway Series story, Mike's Whistle from the 22nd book, Small Railway Engines. Peter Sam and Duncan take the roles of Duck and Mike respectively. The actual story was later adapted in the fourteenth season episode of the same name.
* The organ plays the song "She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain" while Duncan puffs over Rheneas Viaduct, past Cros-ny-Curin and into Crovan’s Gate Sheds.
Buster 1, Moles 0

**Buster 1, Moles 0** is the tenth episode of the eighth season and the 183rd episode overall.

## Plot

A storm has blown over Sodor and has caused a significant amount of damage. While most of Miss Jenny's machines are clearing debris, Sir Topham Hatt has sent Thomas to take the rest of her machines to Dryaw FC. Buster is excited to help out, but Miss Jenny tells him that he is not needed which makes Buster pretty sad.

At Dryaw FC, the machines are working hard clearing the mess in the car park. Thomas is concerned about Buster, who is still in the yard still feeling miserable. The work is soon done, but then Miss Jenny steps on to the field and she realises that she needs Buster after all; the field is covered in mole hills. Thomas rushes back to the yards to pick up Buster, who is very excited.

As soon as Buster is unloaded, he can't believe how many mole hills were on the football grounds. He sets to work at once flattening the hills, all the while the moles watch him and are impressed. At last the field is flat again and everyone congratulates Buster on a job well done as the football game can go on tomorrow. But Miss Jenny tells him that he has been really useful, which makes him very flattered. And Thomas can tell Buster is very happy, because it's a grand thing to be really useful.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Jack
* Isobella
* Buster
* Miss Jenny
* Kelly *(does not speak)*
* Ned *(does not speak)*
* Oliver the Excavator *(does not speak)*
* Nelson *(does not speak)*
* Max (does not speak)
* Percy *(cameo)*
* Toby *(cameo)*
* Alfie *(cameo)*
* Monty *(cameo)*
* Henry *(mentioned)*
* The Fat Controller *(mentioned)*

## Locations

* Dryaw FC
* Toryreck
* Elsbridge
* McColl Farm
* Maron
* Killdane
* Sodor Construction Company Yard
* Henry's Tunnel *(mentioned)*

## Trivia

* This episode marks the first and only instance of real life anthropomorphic animals in the show's history. The moles also bear a slight resemblance to Molecom the Mole from Roary the Racing Car, another HiT Entertainment television series.
Etienne

**Etienne** is a French electric engine who participated in the Great Railway Show. He was a contender in the Great Race, which he won.

## Biography

Etienne is described as being polite and gentlemanly, as he only joined the Great Railway Show to have fun and meet new friends.

## Basis

Etienne is based on SNCF's BB 9004 electric locomotive, built by Jeumont-Schneider of Paris in 1954, respectively.

## Livery

Etienne is painted white and dark blue with red and silver lining and red wheels, the colours of the French flag. He carries his name on a silver nameplate.

## Appearances

### Season 16

* Thomas’ Worldwide Travels (does not speak)

## Trivia

* Etienne is the first engine to have a moustache.
* Etienne is the first catenary-powered electric engine to be introduced in the series. The second would be Gustavo.
* His name is the French equivalent of "Stephen".
A Bad Day for Harold the Helicopter

**A Bad Day for Harold the Helicopter** is the fifth episode of the sixth season and the 137th episode overall.

## Plot

Harold the Helicopter looks out up in the sky in case there's any danger. Percy is getting annoyed that Harold keeps on delivering the mail, even though it is his job, but Harold just says that is what friends are for. One morning, Percy is happily delivering the post, but gets stuck at a broken signal. He cannot go past it since it is stuck at danger, so Harold has to be called to take the mail for him. Percy is not too thrilled about seeing Harold again, but there's nothing he can do since The Fat Controller had already sent for him to help. At first, the workmen load a few bags in his cargo net, but Harold demands that all the post should be loaded in so he is not slow like Percy, which angers him. So the workmen then load all the mail into the net, and Harold begins to set off.

Just as Harold sets off with the post, the signal is fixed. Percy tries to call Harold back, but he's too far up in the sky to hear him. Percy is upset and watches the mailbags disappear with Harold. Unfortunately, Harold's net becomes too heavy for him, his engine starts to sputter and rattle, and the heavy post causes him to lose control. The mail net gets stuck in a tree and Harold falls down into a haystack. Percy is shocked and puffs over to Harold and asks if he is alright. Harold tells Percy to get someone to pull him out of the haystack, which he does at once.

Back at Tidmouth Sheds, Harold's engine is repaired and is flying again. Some of the engines tease Harold. He thanks Percy for helping him out of the haystack and Percy says that is what friends are for.

## Characters

* Percy
* Harold
* The Fat Controller
* Thomas *(does not speak)*
* Henry *(does not speak)*
* Gordon *(does not speak)*
* James *(does not speak)*
* Duck *(cameo)*
* Bill and Ben *(cameo)*
* Mavis *(cameo)*

## Locations

* Ffarquhar Quarry
* Haultraugh
* Haultraugh Beach
* Dryaw
* Knapford Bus Depot
* Elsbridge Cricket Field
* Sir Topham Hatt's Office
* McColl Farm
* Tidmouth Sheds

## Transcript

A Bad Day for Harold the Helicopter Transcript
Haultraugh

**Haultraugh** is a village and seaside resort located on Sodor's west coast, which is served by the Little Western.

## History

The derivation of this place name is uncertain. "Traugh" means a sandy beach or low-lying foreshore, but "Haul" is obscure. Most authorities agree that it is probably a corruption or simplification of a person’s name, but they are sharply divided as to which. It is most likely that "Haul" or "Hal" is a simplification of "Harold", for there is a strong local tradition that it was here that Harold the Black, son of King Godred MacHarold, landed in 1014 to reclaim his father's kingdom. Harold ruled Sodor and Man for 20 years (1014-1034). There is certainly a good firm sandy foreshore here favourable for a landing from longships, so Hal's Beach is a reasonable interpretation of the place's name.

The village is a pleasant summer resort with good clean, firm sands. It is rapidly growing in popularity with visitors and holidaymakers. Bathing, however, can be dangerous as tidal currents in the Sudrian Sea are treacherous. To cater to visitors an open-air sea bathing pool has been constructed alongside the harbour jetty. The station is an island platform with a shelter and a line running either side.

Bulgy wedged himself under the second bridge south of the station. After he was freed, he was turned into a henhouse in a field about ½ mile north of Haultraugh station. Dilly the Duck settled here.
Crovan's Gate Sheds

**Crovan's Gate Sheds** are where the locomotives and rolling stock of the Skarloey Railway rest. They are located at Crovan's Gate.

## History

The sheds and rails were raised up above the standard gauge tracks and there was a 'ramp' where narrow gauge rolling stock could be transferred onto a standard gauge flatbed or well wagon.

In addition to the main sheds, there are secondary ones at Skarloey.

The Engine Shed was built in 1865 as a single road brick shed, capable of holding both the railways' locomotives. The original shed of 1865 was timber built and open at the base. It was designed to hold the four-wheeled coaches and brake van which were, until 1953/54, the only revenue earning passenger stock the railway had. There were, in addition, a set of six open-sided quarrymen's coaches which were stored every weekend in the Wagon shop. At an unknown date, prior to 1953, the Carriage Sheds' timber footings had been replaced with slate slabs; but when the revival in the railway's fortunes began in 1954, passenger stock was increased first with open and later with bogie vehicles and further covered storage space was needed. To provide this, the Carriage and Wagon Shops were extended. This made it necessary to re-lay the main line to clear the enlarged sheds.

## Trivia

* The Skarloey Railway Sheds are based upon the Talyllyn Railway's sheds at Pendre, Tywyn. The wooden structure was based on the former barn used to store Talyllyn when it was out of service.
Ashima

**Ashima** is a large pink tank engine, who worked on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and then Indian Railways. She was one out of many engines to participate in the Great Railway Show and competed in the Shunting Challenge.

## Biography

Ashima is usually found working on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Southern India, where the steep incline makes the track very dangerous and difficult to climb. Beautifully crafted with hand painted decals, Ashima is a fun, feisty and likeable engine who is more than happy to help out wherever and whenever needed.

## Basis

Ashima is based on a Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) X class. She is particularly based on the oil-burning version of the engine. These engines are designed and built to run on metre gauge rails, whereas Ashima is standard gauge.

Ashima has been partially modified to work on British railways; she has been given buffers and chain couplers, and her cowcatcher has been reduced in size and lowered to accommodate these.

## Livery

Ashima is painted hot pink with white and dark blue lining. Her buffer beams and wheels are painted dark blue as well, with white wheel rims. She bears several bright green, white and orange patterns, inspired by Indian textiles and Henna Tattoos. Additionally, the flower petal designs on her front cylinder block was based on her basis X-37385's (unlike Ashima, engine X-37385 lacks an oil tank).

## Appearances

### Season 16

* Off to See the World (cameo)
* Thomas’ Worldwide Travels (mentioned)

## Trivia

* Ashima's name means "without borders/limitless" in Hindi.
* Ashima is the only engine with a painted whistle (her whistle valves are painted in her primary colours and have similar trim to her more intricate details, save for the blue). All of the other steam engines have bare brass whistles.
Bowled Out

**Bowled Out** is the eighteenth episode of the fourth season and the 101st episode overall. It is based on the story of the same name from the eighteenth Railway Series book, Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine.

## Plot

During the last few days of Stepney's visit to the North Western Railway, an engine shortage has occurred and the only engine available is a Class 40 diesel from the Mainland. The diesel soon arrives and immediately insults the engines, stating them to be out of date compared to him.

The engines are furious, but cannot think of a plan for revenge. There is no need though, as the next day, the wind blows an inspector's hat off and into the diesel’s air-intake vent. This causes him to suddenly break down just as he is about to take an express, much to his fury and to Stepney and Duck's amusement. As the two tank engines shunt Bowler into the shed, the inspector sees his hat jammed in the diesel’s air-intake, but the Fat Controller is more concerned about the train being late.

Stepney (who has anticipated a long run on his last day) volunteers with Duck to pull the train. Pulling together, the two engines set off down the Main Line, passing Edward's station and struggling over Gordon's hill. They then in record time reach Cronk, where Gordon waits to take over from halfway.

Stepney leaves the next day and the engines bid him a fond farewell, hoping to see him again soon. Meanwhile, the diesel, who the engines have nicknamed “Bowler”, creeps sulkily away leaving only two things to remember him by; a rather nasty smell and a battered bowler hat.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Edward
* Henry
* Gordon
* James
* Percy
* Duck
* Donald and Douglas
* Stepney
* Bowler
* The Fat Controller
* Algy (cameo)

## Locations

* Tidmouth Sheds
* Tidmouth
* Wellsworth
* Gordon's Hill
* Reagh Viaduct
* Cronk
* Vicarstown
* Vicarstown Bridge
* Bluebell Railway (mentioned)

## Trivia

* This episode marks the first and only appearance of Bowler in the series. Not only that, but this is also the first appearance of Sir Bertram Topham Hatt.
* The episode's title refers to the cricket term "bowl out," while also referencing the inspector's bowler hat. The cricket terminology is a callback to the events of the previous episode.
* This episode is based on an incident in The Railway Gazzette in the early 1960's.
Great Waterton

**Great Waterton** is an old town, situated deep in the forests north of the Skarloey Railway. Once the main town and rail hub of Sodor, Great Waterton was abandoned long ago, but was rediscovered by Thomas and restored to its former glory.

## History

Great Waterton received its name from the Water Works in the town, which supplied water to all the towns of Sodor. When the Sodor and Mainland Railway engines worked on Sodor, they lived in this town. The town was served by the Sodor and Mainland Railway, which supplied the coal and water to the town and waterworks. Over time, the waterworks and line were closed, and people began moving to the other towns of Sodor.

Great Waterton was left abandoned and largely forgotten about by the people of Sodor, until Thomas discovered the town when he was trying to take a shortcut to the Wharf. To celebrate Sodor Day, the Fat Controller decided to have the town restored. All the engines of Sodor and the Sodor Construction Company helped with the reconstruction of the town, and by Sodor Day, the town was restored and reopened to the public. The old tracks were converted into a tramway by Sodor Tramways, operated by Flora and Freya.

## Locations in Great Waterton

* Great Waterton Station, the railway station for the town. The station has two platforms, one shorter than the other, a green footbridge and a small station building.
* Great Waterton Sheds, the engine sheds where the Sodor and Mainland Engines used to rest. The shed was restored for Thomas, who was staying in the town during the reconstruction of the town.
* The Water Works, which supplies water for the town and other places on Sodor. The water works has several buildings which house the steam engines that pump the water, and a huge standpipe.
* The Town Hall
* Waterton Butcher's
* P.L. Groceries
* Timothy's Tailors
* Sodor Sweets supplied by Mr, Jolly's Chocolate Factory.
* Reeves & Tola Cycleshop
* Ben's Books
* Waterton Post Office
* Ed's Garage
* The Police Station

## Trivia

* Three of the buildings in the town are based on buildings from the Beamish Museum in County Durham, England (Waterton Butcher's, P.L. Groceries and Reeves & Tola Cycleshop).
Frieda

**Frieda** is a big streamlined German tender engine who participated in the Great Railway Show. She was a contender in the strongest engine competition.

## Biography

Frieda is a sleek, blue streamlined engine from Germany. Aside from being described as beautiful and strong, she can prove that anything the boys can do, the girls could do better. Frieda is also a rather grumpy engine, who does not smile much, and does not suffer fools gladly.

## Basis

Frieda is based on the DB Class 10 built by Krupp in 1957.

## Livery

Frieda is painted blue with yellow and redlining and red wheels. She has the number "409" painted on the sides of her tender in red, and the German flag painted on both the sides of her streamlined casing and tender.

## Appearances

### Season 16

* Thomas’ Worldwide Travels (does not speak)

## Trivia

* She is the only female character introduced in The Great Race not to be a tank engine.
Ffarquhar Sheds

**Ffarquhar Sheds** is the main shed for the engines that work on the Ffarquhar Branch Line. It is here where Thomas, Percy and Toby sleep.

## History

Ffarquhar Sheds began as a red-brick single road shed built for Thomas when he was rewarded with the branch line in 1925. When the Fat Director bought Toby and Henrietta from East Anglia to Sodor in 1951, a new white-stoned shed was added on. The shed remained so until Percy left Knapford to work at the harbour in 1954 when the white-stoned shed was given another line. The Carriage Shed is located right next to the engine shed.

## Trivia

* Ffarquhar Sheds are based on Wisbech Sheds on the Wisbech and Upwell Tramway, also known as Toby's Old Tramway.
Five Easy Pieces

**Five Easy Pieces** is the sixteenth episode of the eighth season and the 189th episode overall.

## Plot

One day, Duck has taken Kelly to the site where a new library is being built. But the wind is blowing hard and Kelly is nervous as winds are dangerous for a crane. The pack are working hard, but as Kelly is trying to lower a beam, the wind is pushing his crane arm. Then suddenly, he tips over and demolishes a shed, and one of his wheels pops off it's axle. Miss Jenny reassures him that it wasn't his fault, and he'll be repaired soon. But Kelly is worried that he might tip over again and hurt someone.

That night, repairman work all night to repair Kelly's wheel as rain poured down. The next morning, the rain has stopped, but the wind is still blowing and Kelly is the only machine left in the shed. Then Miss Jenny tells him that Isobella has been pushed off the road by the wind and needs to be rescued. Kelly is still worried he might tip over again and hurt someone and asks her if someone else can help Isobella, but Miss Jenny tells him that he’s the only one as there's no one else that can.

Isobella is teetering over Kellsthorpe Bridge with a piano on her flatbed she was trying to take to an elderly woman's new home, and she is in peril of falling onto the tracks. Kelly and Miss Jenny arrive and Kelly removes the piano. The wind is blowing hard, and the elderly women is nervous, but Kelly is able to lower the piano safely to the ground. But now he has the hardest job of all; to rescue Isobella. He hooks up to her and pulls, but the wind blows harder. Kelly stops pulling and claims the wind is too strong for him, but Miss Jenny cheers him on. This gives him enough courage to keep on going until at last, he pulls Isobella back on the road.

Miss Jenny congratulates Kelly for a job well done, and Isobella also thanks him. But Kelly is proud of himself for getting his courage back. Soon they continue on their way to get the elderly woman's piano to her new home. And Duck can see that Kelly is happy again.

## Characters

* Duck
* Jack
* Kelly
* Isobella
* Miss Jenny
* Alfie *(cameo)*
* Max *(cameo)*

## Locations

* Haultraugh
* Haultraugh Library Building Site
* Killdane
* Sodor Construction Company Yard
* Kellsthorpe Bridge

## Trivia

* The working title is also a reference to the 1970 film with the same name.
Allicia Botti

**Allicia Botti** is a famous opera singer from Italy.

## Biography

Being a world-famous singer, Allicia Botti takes her occupation very seriously. She's very classy, respectful and not above having a little bit of fun. Now although she can be judgmental on how dirty they look, Allicia enjoys seeing the engines and they enjoy hearing her sing.

## Attire

Allicia Botti usually wears a cream coloured dress-coat, with black fur trim, over a blue dress, with a black hat and pearl necklace.

## Appearances

### Season 12

* Emily Saves the World (indirectly mentioned)

### Season 16

* Slow and Steady Wins the Race *(mentioned)*
Hugo

**Hugo** is a silver rail zeppelin, unique for being fitted with a propeller. He is a very fast engine, whose spinning propeller makes him very popular with passengers. He once visited Sodor for a vintage railtour.

## Biography

Hugo is a kind and gentle engine. He loves to be useful, but is also a bit sensitive. This was shown when his feelings were hurt by the other engines ostracising him, out of fear that his kind would replace them; but they soon saw that they were wrong and apologised to him.

## Basis

Hugo is based on the Schienenzeppelin, known as "the Rail Zeppelin" in English, an experimental German propeller driven railcar built in 1929.

## Livery

Hugo is painted silver, with a two-tone blue strip beneath his windows and a thin blue stripe above them. He has blue nameplates on the sides of his cab with his name in white and he has blue wheels. The area around his front lights is painted black.

## Appearances

### Season 14

* Engine of the Future
* Hugo and the Airship

### Season 16

* Off to See the World (indirectly mentioned)
* Thomas’ Worldwide Travels

## Trivia

* Hugo's driver is named Franz, who is most likely named after Franz Kruckenberg, the real life designer of Hugo's basis.
* Hugo is the second railcar to be introduced into the series, the first being Daisy.
Derek

**Derek** is a large green diesel who is known for his initial "teething" troubles.

## Biography

Derek is a jolly, enthusiastic diesel engine, keen on making an impression, who was brought in to assist Bill, Ben and BoCo at the China Clay quarry. Unfortunately, due to his engine, he is highly prone to teething troubles, namely overheating and suffering frequent breakdowns, for which he is apologetic for the inconvenience. As a result, he spends many a day having his engine tended to, which is unfortunate since he really wants to work hard. However, Derek is a likeable chap and even Bill and Ben decided that they liked him due to his friendly nature. Derek has an infectious charisma, is keen to help anyone around him and has a passion for sorting things out in a jiffy - if his cooling system lets him.

In 1960, Sir Bertram Topham Hatt trialled Derek at the China Clay Pits to help Bill and Ben, but the diesel had teething problems. His class, the BR class 17 were known to be failures being unreliable, prone to camshaft and cylinder head problems. Derek's problems however had caused headaches for the Fat Controller with trains being delayed and so he sent Derek away.

## Basis

Derek is based on a British Rail (BR) Class 17, also known as the Clayton Diesel-electric Type 1.

## Livery

Derek is painted in the BR Deep Bronze green livery. He has yellow warning panels on his front and back ends. He has white lining on his window frames and he has the BR Ferret and Dartboard crest on his sides.

## Trivia

* Derek was the first non-Awdry standard gauge engine to be introduced into the series.
Best Dressed Engine

**Best Dressed Engine** is the eighth episode of the seventh season and the 159th episode overall.

## Plot

The Engines are celebrating May Day. Knapford Station is being decorated and the Fat Controller agrees to let the engines be decorated, but Gordon states that decorations are indignifying for an important engine like him and puffs away.

At Tidmouth Sheds, everyone is being decorated. Percy has flags and streamers, Thomas has big red banners and Emily is being decorated, despite her shyness. James gets the idea of having a competition for the "Best Dressed Engine." When Gordon arrives and hears about a competition, he wants to join in, but James tells him that he needs to be decorated since it is a Best Dressed Engine contest. Gordon rejects the competition after hearing everything.

Later, Gordon is crossing a bridge when a banner is blown onto his front. Since Gordon is pulling the express, he cannot stop and so remains "dressed up." Trevor is pulling a cart of apples for the children's apple bobbing. When he hears Gordon's whistle, he tries to go as fast as he can, but it is no use, and Gordon smashes all the apples. James is the last to reach the station for the contest until Gordon arrives. Everyone is surprised that Gordon is decorated (even Gordon admits he never wanted to), but James says that he is definitely the Best Dressed Engine. Everyone agrees and Gordon is announced the winner of the competition. Although Gordon does not want to admit it, he is pleased about it.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Gordon
* James
* Percy
* Emily
* Edward *(cameo)*
* Henry *(cameo)*
* Harold *(cameo)*
* Trevor *(does not speak)*
* The Fat Controller *(mentioned)*

## Locations

* Wellsworth
* Suddery
* Farmer McColl’s Farm
* Knapford
* Henry’s Tunnel
* Toryreck
* Tidmouth Sheds
* Elsbridge
* Maithwaite
* Vicarstown
* Kellsthorpe Bridge
* Killdane
* Sodor Suspension Bridge
* Vicarage Orchard
* Suddery Junction

## Trivia

* James mentions the episode's title when he says "We could have a competition for the Best Dressed Engine."
Ffarquhar Road

**Ffarquhar Road** is a small village and a station on the Arlesdale Railway and formerly the Mid Sodor Railway. It is named after the road that links Ffarquhar to Arlesburgh. A watermill is located nearby.

## History

In the heyday of the Mid Sodor Railway, the station had one platform on the south - or village - side of the line. The passenger shelter was solidly built using granite off-cuts from the nearby Marthwaite Granite Quarry.

During the line's years of abandonment between 1938 and 1969, the shelter's roof collapsed, however the main structure stood up well. When being restored for the Arlesdale Railway, the station was given a second platform and the shelter was repaired, providing yet another link to the former Mid Sodor Railway.

A branch line now turns southward from the station to a former mine in the Hackenbeck valley, which provides a plentiful resource of weed-resistant spoil.

## Trivia

* Its Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway equivalent is Muncaster Mill Station.
* Although it is most likely a coincidence, there is a real place named "Farquhar Road" in the London Borough of Southwark.
Reagh Viaduct

**Reagh Viaduct** is a large two-track viaduct west of Wellsworth that carries the Main Line over the river Reagh.

## History

The Viaduct was built circa 1915 by the North Western Railway to connect the towns of Crosby and Wellsworth. When the viaduct was still being built, a tank engine from the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway was puffing to Wellsworth, to pick up the workmen and take them home. But, unfortunately, due to a malfunction his brakes, the engine nor his crew were able to stop the train before reaching the Viaduct, and though his crew managed to jump to safety in time, the engine, unfortunately, fell into the unfinished crevice and he along with his, luckily, empty coaches were destroyed in an instant. All that remained the next foggy morning, was a pile of broken metal. And so, every year, on the date of the accident, it runs again, as a warning to others. Plunging into the gap, shrieking like a lost soul.

Gordon pulled Thomas with his Express through here, before reaching Wellsworth, in 1924. In 1925, James passed through the Viaduct and Wellsworth before reaching Maron, when he was covering for Gordon's Express. Henry arrived back from Crewe in 1935, just in time to see the flowers bloom in the hill close to the Viaduct. The Express Coaches told Gordon not to go too fast here, in 1953, after they passed Edward at Wellsworth, and before coming to a stop at Crosby Bridge. In 1954, Duck went pass here, sadly, before reaching Wellsworth, to see Edward, after Diesel had told lies about him, and tricked the Fat Director and the big engines.

Gordon lost his dome here in 1956. The viaduct underwent significant repairs in 1955, as its arches needed strengthening, which caused delays for Henry and James, on their way to see Thomas at the junction.

In 1961, James spotted a red balloon, giving rides to visitors, here. Percy took a famous artist here in 1964, to paint "The Spirit of Sodor", but the artist deemed the Viaduct "too tall".
Mighty Mac (episode)

## Mighty Mac

**Mighty Mac** is the seventh episode of the ninth season and the 197th episode overall.

## Biography

During the height of the busy Summer season, the Thin Controller purchases a new engine for his railway. Emily meets the new engine at Crovan's Gate and the new engine reveals himself as Mighty at one end and Mac at the other. Emily is surprised as she has never seen such an unusual engine before. Just then, the Thin Controller tells Mighty Mac to take holidaymakers to the campsite near Lakeside Park. However, there are many tracks between the coaches and Mighty Mac, who are nervous as they have never worked in any shunting yards on their previous railway. Emily advises them to look where they want to go and follow the track that will take them there. Mighty sets off, but then Mac takes the lead, thinking his way is quicker. As Mighty Mac fight over who should take the lead, they end up going in all sorts of directions, As a result of their leadership battle, they end up back where they started and nowhere near the coaches at all, making the Thin Controller very cross.

Eventually, Mighty Mac sets off with the holidaymakers. However, their feud is far from over as they argue at Rheneas Junction over which way to go. Mighty pulls one way and then Mac pulls the other. All of this is making an uncomfortable ride for the holidaymakers, and they end up on the wrong line towards the Blue Mountain Quarry. The holidaymakers are cross and Mighty and Mac blame each other and get into a fight. This results in an accident, as they push the coach off the rails and into a giant, solid rock on a bottom cliff of the mountain. This triggers a rockslide, and it blocks their path. Mighty and Mac now realise how silly they have been. And that they were to blame.

The holidaymakers set to work to getting their coach back on the rails and soon it is back on track. Impressed by this, Mighty Mac work together to shift the rocks out of the way and then collect their coach. Heading back in the right direction, they see the elephant in the lake ahead of them. Remembering Emily's advice, they set off for Lakeside Park. After they bring the holidaymakers to the park with the elephant in the lake, Mighty and Mac set off for home and they both agree that working together makes them a Really Useful Engine.

## Characters

* Emily
* Mighty Mac
* The Thin Controller
* Skarloey *(cameo)*
* Peter Sam *(cameo)*
* Duncan *(cameo)*

## Locations

* Crovan's Gate
* Crovan's Gate Yards
* Crovan's Gate Sheds
* Skarloey
* Glennock
* Rheneas Waterfall
* Rheneas Viaduct
* Hawin Doorey Bridge
* Rheneas
* Old Iron Bridge
* Blue Mountain Quarry
* Lakeside Park

## Trivia

* This episode marks the first appearance of Mighty Mac in the series. Plus, they are the first characters to be two engines in one.
Frozen Mavis

**Frozen Mavis** is the eleventh episode of the sixteenth season, the 364th episode overall and the eleventh episode of the Original Stories Era of the series.

## Plot

Mavis doesn’t like working in cold weather. She tells Captain that she’s rather stay on her rails than being in freezing water. But one day, she bumps into a hay bail on the track and crashes into the River Els.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Percy
* Mavis
* Captain

## Locations

* Ffarquhar Branch Line
* Knapford Harbour
* Ffarquhar Quarry
* Elsbridge Viaduct

## Voice Cast

* James A Williams as The Narrator, Captain, Percy and Thomas
* Liz Productions5784 as Mavis

## Trivia

* This story began its writing stages in 28th June 2020, but wasn’t finished until 1st September 2020.
* In her anger and annoyance, Mavis tells Captain to “just find an iceberg to crash into”, referencing the Titanic.

## References to Other Stories

* Mavis references herself getting stuck on the quarry lane in Mavis, saying that “these incidents always happen to her in winter”.

## Links to the Story

https://www.deviantart.com/jamesawilliams1996/art/Frozen-Mavis-853770388