Toby

## Tobias Smith

> *"I'm quite happy as I am, thank you."*
>
>

Toby has lived a rather simple English life. His family had taken refuge in the country during the war and had found a liking to the lifestyle. Toby grew up helping run his family’s lavender farm, married his childhood sweetheart, went to university, and returned to work on his local railway and antique shop. He cherished these years, but eventually fewer people used the railway and the operating costs could no longer be justified. It was going to be closed down, and while he technically could have gone into retirement, neither he nor his wife felt ready to sit out the rest of their days. However, Sir Topham Hatt, a previous visitor, invited the two to continue working on his North Western Railway.  Though it’s a bit far from home, Toby loves where he’s found himself– even if it can be a bit rowdy at times.

## Biography

### *Past*

Born in King's Lynn, Toby spent much of his childhood and adolescence around the lavender fields of Norfolk. His family owned a small lavender farm, which he worked on for many years.

In his late 30's he decided to go to a small university and peruse a engineering degree. During his time studying at the university he met his future wife Henrietta, another engineering student. He fell head over heel's for her near instantly. Henrietta worked for a small railway in Norfolk, which she returned to after concluding her studies. She invited Toby to come back to Norfolk with her and work on the railway. Toby agreed and the two started a happy life in Norfolk.

Over the next almost half-century, the two worked on the small railway together. Until the Railway started to become less favorable by the local industry. Due to the decrease in commercial use of the railway, work became lighter and less frequent. Passenger use of the railway also severely decreased for many years.

One day a Stout Gentleman and his family came to visit the small railway, after a few small miscommunications the family became regulars for a small period of time, Leading to a sad day when the Stout Gentleman's family holiday had concluded.

Sadly not long after, the railway Toby worked on made the decision to close down due to lack of work and regular passengers.

After a warming farewell, Toby sadly closed his engine into its shed for the last time.

Toby received a letter from the Stout Gentleman the morning after his line closed, detailing that the Stout Gentleman was in fact Sir Topham Hatt, who had purchased his former engine and invited him to come work on his railway.

Toby was happy to oblige, with the promise his wife was also welcome to come work with him as well.

Arriving on Sodor and getting to work, Toby started work on a small branch line after several issues arose due to other NWR No.1 getting into issues with the police for unsafe running without side plates and cowcatchers. Now renamed NWR No. 7, Toby's engine as been an asset to the railway in maintaining the small line.

### *Present*

Toby's past the usual retirement age, but he enjoys his work so much he doesn't want to retire. Though there are days, usually when he has to interact with James or Gordon, that he considers it. Then he goes back to the branchline and meets up with Thomas and Percy and decides today's not the day.

## Occupation

### *Past jobs*

Toby grew up on a Lavender farm, eventually working on it full time until going to school for engineering. After completing his studies he started work on a small railway in Norfolk as a Driver of a steam tram.

### *Current job*

Toby drives the NWR No. 7, usually referred to simply as the No. 7, which is one of the Famous Eight Engines. Toby's regular duties include scheduled passenger trains along the branchline and trains of stone from Ffarquhar Quarry to Knapford junction. Even if he is past retirement age, Toby enjoys his work– when they aren't any interruptions.

## Relationships

### *Familial*

While Toby has no living family left, he takes on a grandfatherly role for the children on the railway, mainly Thomas and Percy.

### *Platonic*

Toby is very fond of the children on the railway, even when they are rowdy. Toby also gets along well with Edward and Duck.

### *Romantic*

Toby has been married to Henrietta for many years. The two having met during their time as engineering students and being inseparable every since.

### *Negative*

Toby does his best to be kind and helpful to everyone, and as such has very few negative relations. However Toby often butts heads with James, commonly because of Toby's quiet and quaint way of living his life and James' loud and posh way of doing things comes to a head.

## Design

### *Personality*

Toby, like the engine he drives, is rather square and old fashioned. He’s very good-natured, though, and what he lacks in his strength he makes up in his wisdom. He's a very hard worker, but he's easily nervous and favors peace and quiet to exciting escapades. Though he prefers to avoid conflict, Toby would brave anything to defend those he loves– especially the railway children, who he’s grown quite fond of.

### *Interests*

Toby likes to take things slow, enjoying quiet and nostalgic hobbies like curating and browsing through photo albums, as well as other antiques. He also has a soft spot for old architecture, sometimes visiting ruins and other historic buildings. At home, he has a small lavender garden that he tends to in his spare time. When the garden is in season, he'll give his friends lavender-related gifts that he makes himself.

Toby also enjoys keeping sharp mentally and physically, happily using bowling and chess to maintain those skills. He's in a casual bowling group with Edward and Emily.

### *Physical*

Toby is 5'5", has Grey curly hair that is darker on top and lighter on the bottom with a light grey streak above his forehead, and brown eyes. Toby has a small and boxy body. Toby often tried his best to keep his clothes matched, however because of his colorblindness he sometimes mismatches, usually his socks.

#### Uniform

Please see the following visual reference:

## Quotes

* "Sure thing, Spencer..."
* "Why don't you leave those kids alone and pick on someone your own size?? N-now Gordon, I am n-*not* your size..."

## Trivia

* Toby's physical design was the last of the Famous 8 to be released. In one of the original banners, he was simply represented by the number 7

## Gallery

Toby reference wip, from 2019 anniversary postConcepts of Toby as a young manArt depicting Toby and Murdoch as friendsEarly concept art of TobyEarly refrence image of Toby