recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Old Slow Coach

**Old Slow Coach**, sometimes simply known as **Coach**, is a Great Western Railway clerestory brake coach. She was known for her luxurious interior.

## Biography

After being stuck in the scrapyard, Old Slow Coach was delighted to have a second chance in life and she never took it for granted. She is a happy railway coach with a polite spirit to all the engines, especially Thomas and Percy. Whether she is a hut for the workmen or a coach for passengers, Old Slow Coach is just delighted to be really useful indeed.

Before coming to the Island of Sodor, Old Slow Coach was originally part of The Cornishman during the 1890s, taking passengers to Falmouth to catch the Transatlantic Liners. Old Slow Coach was a luxurious coach when she was first brought to Sodor in 1905, but was eventually replaced by modern rolling stock. She was sent to storage in Crock's Scrap Yard for many years, and was long due for the scrapheap when Thomas and Percy met her. The two tank engines vowed to find a way to save her and their chance came sooner than expected when the workman's hut was destroyed by a fire. Percy suggested that Old Slow Coach could house the workmen while a new hut was being made. Old Slow Coach was restored and taken to the beach to be used as the hut for the workmen.

After the workman's hut was rebuilt, Old Slow Coach was brought back onto the rails to be used as a coach again. When Percy was looking for something "old" for Mrs. Kyndley's daughter's good luck package at her wedding, she became the "old" item. She later joined Duck’s passenger services on The Little Western line. Nowadays, she is occasionally pulled by Daisy on the Harwick Branch Line, whenever she has too many passengers.

## Basis

Old Slow Coach is based on a Diagram E39 Falmouth Coupe TRI brake coach, built in 1893 for the Great Western Railway.

## Livery

Old Slow Coach is painted in the Great Western Railway's chocolate and cream coach livery.

## Appearances

### Season 5

* Thomas, Percy and Old Slow Coach
* Happy Ever After

## Trivia

* Old Slow Coach was the first rolling-stock character not created by the Awdrys to be introduced in the series.
Special Funnel

**Special Funnel** is the twelfth episode of the fourth season and the 95th episode overall. It is based on the story of the same name from the seventeenth Railway Series book, Gallant Old Engine.

## Plot

It is winter time on Sodor. Ever since his accident at the slate quarry, Peter Sam has been having trouble with his damaged funnel wobbling in the strong wind. He is also still awaiting his new funnel which he says in the Thin Controller's words will be "something special," but the other engines tease his talk about the new funnel.

The weather soon deteriorates, with heavy rain causing streams to rise and threatening to wash away the line. Rusty is kept busy taking workmen along the line, removing any branches and leaves that prevent the water from flowing. One day, Rusty and some workmen are sent to mend the bridge by Rheneas Tunnel which has washed away. The job, however, takes a long time and as days pass, the weather changes and becomes frosty and much colder.

A few days later, the bridge is mended and Peter Sam is chuffing down the line with the morning passenger train. As he puffs through Rheneas Tunnel, his driver spots an object hanging from the roof, but is unable to stop Peter Sam crashing into it. When Peter Sam exits the tunnel, he discovers that the object - revealed by the guard to be a large icicle - has knocked off his funnel, which cannot be found. They continue on, but Peter Sam finds it hard work with smoke billowing in all directions. When his fireman spots an old piece of drainpipe laying by the track, they fasten it to him with wires and have it made a temporary funnel to control the smoke. When the other engines see Peter Sam with the drainpipe, they tease him relentlessly (especially Sir Handel, who sings a song about it).

Peter Sam's new funnel eventually arrives, presented to him by the Thin Controller. The funnel has an unusual design and Peter Sam fears it has been damaged, but the Thin Controller assures him it really is "something special." The new funnel has special pipes that make puffing much easier, giving Peter Sam much more strength when pulling trains. He is much happier with it, claiming he feels stronger then ever before. The other engines (especially Sir Handel) are impressed with how easy he makes work look. Since then, they have never teased Peter Sam about his special funnel; instead, they wish they could have one like it.

## Characters

* Skarloey
* Sir Handel
* Peter Sam
* Duncan
* The Thin Controller
* Rusty *(does not speak)*

## Locations

* The Mountain Line
* Lakeside Castle
* Crovan's Gate Sheds
* The Trestle Bridge
* Cros-ny-Cuirn
* Hawin Doorey Bridge
* Crovan’s Gate Yards
* Rheneas Tunnel
* Skarloey Sheds
Norramby

**Norramby** (originally **Normanby**; **The Bay of the Normans**) is a seaside town on the southeastern coast of Sodor.

## History

Norramby's name originates from its status at the site of first Norman invasion of Sodor in 1089. It was rerouted by Godred Crovan into a pass leading to Sodor's interior (that pass is now called Crovan's Gate), where the Normans were ambushed by Sudrian reinforcements. The Normans then retreated to the bay where they had landed, only to discover that their ships had been set alight or captured by another party of Sudrians.

The Church here is one of two on the island dedicated to the 7th century missionary of the Iona School, St. Finan. Its possible he landed here on his way to Northumbria to be appointed Bishop of Lindesfarne.

Norramby is now an attractive seaside residential town with safe, sandy beaches and is a popular holiday resort for Sudrians and Mainlanders alike.

The Dukes of Sodor are all from the Norramby family, which takes its name from the town.

The station opened in 1962, as part of the extension to the Fishing Village. Since the new line opened, demand started to pick up and it needed its own individual engine to run it frequently. Bertram trialled Thomas, much to his hatred of fish. When Thomas had an accident, Arthur asked if he could work there instead of Thomas. Bertram agreed and Arthur now works on the line handling goods duties on the branch, along with James (96).
Stepney

**Stepney**, named after a district in London, is a "Bluebell" engine who lives and works on the Bluebell Railway. He is Boxhill's and Fenchurch's brother. His friendly, enthusiastic attitude makes him a welcome visitor on Sir Topham Hatt's railway.

## Biography

Stepney is a bubbly, modest and humble chap who is bursting with enthusiasm. He is very eager to please and is every engine's friend. When given a job to do, he is determined to complete it to the best of his ability. Even if an engine might not like him at first, his personality wins them over. Stepney currently works over on the Mainland, on the Bluebell Railway in Sussex, but loves visiting and helping out on the Fat Controller'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 amongst the engines and is always game for more work. Unlike most of Sodor's engines, Stepney loves to work with trucks.

In 1959, Stepney came on loan to Sodor and worked briefly with Duck at Knapford before working on Thomas' Branch Line, which during the time he caught a cricket ball in one of his trucks while passing the Elsbridge Cricket Field. On his last day, he double-headed the express with Duck after Bowler had failed.

In 1960, the Ffarquhar Quarry saw an increase in stone production, and Sir Bertram Topham Hatt invited Stepney back to Sodor to help Toby and Mavis. On his way back to the Mainland, he took a wrong turn near Cronk Abbey and ended up at the Ironworks where 'Arry and Bert threatened to scrap any steam engine they saw. The Fat Controller caught them in the act and told them that he was an engine that works on a heritage railway on the Mainland in which they were unaware of. Stepney returned to the Bluebell Railway safely afterwards.

## Livery

Stepney is painted in LB&SCR ochre gold, formally known as "Stroudley's Improved Engine Green", with green, red, white and black lining. His name is painted on his side tanks and the number "55" is painted on the sides of his bunker, both in white.

## Appearances

### Season 4

* Thomas and Stepney
* Train Stops Play
* Bowled Out
Kevin

**Kevin** is a yellow mobile crane who works at the Sodor Steamworks alongside Victor.

## Biography

Kevin is a bubbly and enthusiastic crane who works at the Sodor Steamworks, where he assists Victor in repairing engines. He is innocent, well-meaning, bursting to help and say hello and always eager and ready to lend a helping hook. Kevin is often seen dashing about and tends to be quite clumsy, having a habit of frequently dropping things from his hook and pranging objects as he buzzes about. He often exclaims that it was "a slip of the hook", something that he says so often enough to Victor - who he refers to as "boss" - that he is able to commonly finish the sentence for him. But Kevin is loveable, kind-hearted, and funny, if rather naive, and always tries his best, regardless of his inexperience.

## Basis

Kevin is based on a 4 wheel Ransomes & Rapier 6 ton crane with an added enclosed cab. Just like Kevin, these cranes were known to be clumsy and cumbersome.

## Livery

Kevin is painted in a yellow livery with black and light yellow warning stripes on his front. His hook and brake are red. He has the Sodor Steamworks logo painted on his cab door.

## Appearances

### Season 10

* Hero of the Rails
* Victor Says Yes
* Big Belle
* Blue Mountain Mystery

### Season 11

* King of the Railway
* Bill or Ben?
* Santa’s Little Engine (does not speak)
* Kevin’s Cranky Friend
* Scruff’s Makeover

### Season 12

* Tale of the Brave
* Emily Save the World (mentioned)

### Season 13

* Snow Place Like Home
* The Other Side of the Mountain

### Season 14

* Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure
* Henry in the Dark

### Season 15

* Philip’s Number
* Hasty Hannah

### Season 16

* Nia’s First Christmas
* Daisy and Billy (indirectly mentioned)

## Trivia

* Kevin is the only crane with a motor.
* Exactly how Kevin is driven is a mystery as he has never been seen with an operator inside him or even mentioned.
Proteus

**Proteus** was a legendary yellow narrow gauge saddle tank engine, who met an unfortunate fate, but his spirit remains inside a big lamp originally hung upon his funnel.

## Biography

Proteus was a narrow gauge engine, who arrived to Sodor in 1948, when the Skarloey Railway was facing hard times. He was a hard working engine and Skarloey & Rheneas were more than happy with the help. Proteus used to take trucks back and forth from the Blue Mountain Quarry. But one night, as he was returning home, he ran over a loose stone inbetween the rails on the Old Iron Bridge. And so he and his crew fell over the bridge and into the swamp below, never to be found again. All the workmen could find of him was a big lamp he used to wear. They say his spirit remains inside the lamp, but others will say that when the moon is full, they can hear his whistle and even see Proteus’ silhouette as he tries to cross over for home. But he never reaches the other side.

In 1964, a statue respecting Proteus and his spirit was built and placed near the tracks before the Old Iron Bridge. A note was screwed underneath saying “PROTEUS, 1878-1948, REMEMBER TO WATCH THE TRACKS WHEN CROSSING THE BRIDGE.”

## Basis

Proteus was based on the Corris Railway's No.2, a Hughes Falcon 0-4-2ST. Sir Handel shares the same basis. However, his cylinder block, wheels, and valve gear are based on a Kerr Stuart Tattoo Class 0-4-2ST, the same basis as Peter Sam.

## Livery

Proteus was painted bright yellow with red lining, with nameplates on both sides of his boiler and numberplates (3) on both sides of his cab.

But now, as a ghost engine, he is as white as a full moon, all over, with an eerie white glow.

## Appearances

### Season 7

* The Trestle Bridge *(indirectly mentioned)*

## Gallery

Proteus’ livery (1878-1948)Proteus’ Nameplate (1878-1948)Proteus’ Skarloey Railway Number 3 (1948)Proteus’ current spirit form (1948-present)
## Trivia

* Proteus is likely named after Proteus, a legendary sea-god from Greek Mythology.
Kirk Ronan Branch Line

The Kirk Ronan Branch Line is a branch line on the North Western Railway.

## History

Due to severe setbacks of the Sodor and Mainland Railway, trains only ended up running between Kirk Ronan and Great Waterton, and by 1870 the company was already teetering on the verge of bankruptcy. By this point, the people of Peel Godred had realised that their promised branch line would never be built by the S&M and came to the conclusion that they must build it themselves. They initially favoured a line built on the route proposed by the S&M, but as it would have involved a junction somewhere with the S&M, most felt that to embark on such a project would be the height of imprudence. They opted to look elsewhere, which led to the formation of the Mid-Sodor Railway in 1880.

Bankruptcy of the Sodor and Mainland Railway finally came in 1901, and the last of its locomotion were scrapped that year, bringing services to an end, but the company remained in being, simply dormant. In 1914, the railway was merged with the Wellsworth and Brendam Railway and the Tidmouth, Knapford and Elsbridge Light Railway to form the North Western Railway in a Government-sponsored amalgamation of the standard gauge railways in the Island to create a strategic railway for coastal defence against possible danger from Ireland. The Sodor and Mainland Railway line between Kellsthorpe and Crovan's Gate became part of the Main Line, while the section between Kirk Ronan and Kellsthorpe Road became the Kirk Ronan Branch Line, and the section between Crovan's Gate and Ballahoo became part of the Norramby Branch Line.

## Route

The line starts at Kellsthorpe Road, goes past Mr. Jolly’s Chocolate Factory and then reaches the middle station of Rolf’s Castle. The line then continues past the widening Hawin Croka river, then through the miner's hault before ending at Kirk Ronan. The line serves the coal mine and the harbour here, and copper, ore and slate from Crovan's Gate are sent here. The big station for passenger services was later restored with a canopy in 1960.

## Gallery

Kellsthorpe RoadMr. Jolly's Chocolate FactoryRolf's CastleMiner's HaultKirk Ronan Coal MineKirk RonanKirk Ronan Harbour
Sir Handel

**Sir Handel**, originally named **Falcon**, after the works where he was built - is a blue narrow gauge saddle tank engine.

## Biography

Sir Handel - named Falcon and under the supervision of Duke in his younger days - has been prone to moody tantrums and thinking that he knows better than others, suggesting a superiority complex. He has been known for being impulsive, arrogant, pompous, rude, stubborn and bad-tempered; he took a disliking to the narrow gauge coaches (often referring to them as "cattle trucks", which gave him a bad reputation with them), feigned illnesses to avoid jobs he hated, bumped trucks even if they behaved themselves and deliberately derailed himself. He believed that he should be in charge and tended to get too big for his wheels. When he was given broad wheels that held well to the rails and they have been said to give a smooth ride, this contributed to his self-importance and his belief that he is a grand engine. He once claimed to be an express engine himself.

Sir Handel can be quite impressionable when it comes to engines who he views as important, such as Gordon, Duke, or Skarloey. However, when the advice he is given results in him getting into trouble, as shown by Gordon, he can have second thoughts and wish to get revenge (much like Peter Sam and, in fact, many other engines). Despite all of this, Sir Handel always works to get things done and wants to be a reliable, goodhearted, and really useful engine. He still has his cheeky side, as he and Peter Sam teased Samson on how many trucks he was capable of pulling.

## Basis

Sir Handel is based on the Talyllyn Railway's Sir Haydn, a Hughes Falcon 0-4-2ST that originally worked on the Corris Railway.

## Livery

Sir Handel is painted dark blue with red lining and brass fittings (the same colours from when he was formerly Falcon on the Mid Sodor Railway). He has red and gold name and number plates (3) on the sides of his saddle tank and coal bunkers respectively.

## Appearances

### Season 4

* Granpuff
* Sleeping Beauty
* Bulldog
* You Can’t Win
* A Bad Day for Sir Handel
* Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady
* Four Little Engines *(does not speak)*
* Trucks
* Trusty Rusty *(cameo)*
* Rock n’ Roll *(cameo)*
* Special Funnel
* Steam Roller
* Passengers and Polish *(mentioned)*
* Gallant Old Engine *(cameo)*

### Season 7

* The Runaway Elephant
* The Grand Opening
* The Refreshment Lady’s Tea Shop *(cameo)*

### Season 9

* Freddie and Duke
* The Magic Lamp
* The Great Discovery

### Season 10

* Blue Mountain Mystery
* Don’t Bother Victor

### Season 14

* Saving Time
* Engine of the Future

### Season 15

* Mountain Engine
* Bad Look-Out

## Gallery

Sir Handel’s current design (1958-present)Sir Handel’s current nameplate (1958-present)Sir Handel/Falcon’s number 3 (1904-present)Falcon’s old design (1904-1958)Falcon’s old nameplate (1904-1958)
Season 6

**Season 6** is the sixth season of the Sodor Stories series.

## Episodes

1. The World’s Strongest Engine
2. Salty’s Secret
3. Harvey to the Rescue
4. No Sleep for Cranky
5. A Bad Day for Harold the Helicopter
6. Elizabeth the Vintage Lorry
7. Faulty Whistles
8. Jack Jumps In
9. A Friend in Need
10. Thomas the Jet Engine
11. James and the Red Balloon
12. Percy’s Chocolate Crunch
13. Thomas, Percy and the Squeak
14. Twin Trouble
15. Edward the Very Useful Engine
16. Dunkin’ Duncan
17. Gordon Takes a Tumble
18. The Fogman
19. Jack Frost

## Characters

* Thomas
* Edward
* Henry
* Gordon
* James
* Percy
* Toby
* Duck
* Donald and Douglas
* Bill and Ben
* Diesel
* Mavis
* Skarloey
* Rheneas
* Sir Handel
* Peter Sam
* Rusty
* Duncan
* Troublesome Trucks
* Bertie
* Trevor
* Harold
* Cranky
* The Fat Controller
* Mr. Percival
* Stephen Hatt
* Annie and Clarabel *(do not speak)*
* Henrietta *(does not speak)*
* Terence *(does not speak)*
* Jem Cole *(does not speak)*
* Oliver *(does not speak)*
* Butch *(cameo)*
* Bridget Hatt *(cameo)*
* Big Mickey *(cameo)*
* Bulgy *(mentioned)*

## Characters Introduced

* Salty
* Harvey
* Elizabeth
* Jack
* Alfie
* Oliver the Excavator
* Max and Monty
* Kelly
* Byron
* Ned
* Isobella
* Cyril the Fogman
* Jenny Packard
* Allicia Botti

## Trivia

* This season takes place between 1961 and 1962.
* This is the first season of many things:
	+ The first season where Annie and Clarabel do not speak in any of their appearances.
	+ The first season where Knapford and Wellsworth are name dropped, rather than calling them "the big station" and "Edward's Station".
	+ The first season where the Fat Controller says "confusion and delay", though the second to feature the phrase because the narrator and other characters said it in two fifth season episodes.
	+ The first season where the narrator says, "Luckily, no one was hurt," a phrase that also becomes very iconic for the show.
	+ The first season to have no episodes titled with just one word.
* This is the last season to not feature Emily, since she appeared in every season since her debut.
* The only season in which Max appears without Monty.
* The Fogman is the 150th episode of the Sodor Stories series.
Larry

**Larry** is a low-loader lorry who usually works on the Mainland, in the city of York, transporting cars, vans and other vehicles to destinations on his flatbed trailer.

## Biography

Larry works on the Mainland, in the city of York, transporting cars, vans and other vehicles to destinations on his low-loader. He often takes them to a repair yard owned by the same company. Although recently, Larry was borrowed by Ian and Andy to help transport Thomas all across the world because there were more roads in these countries than railway lines.

## Basis

Larry appears to be a freelance design, incorporating elements of AEC Monarch lorries and Foden OG.

## Livery

Larry is painted green with white roofs and wheel arches. "York Transportation" is painted on a sign above his roof.

## Appearances

### Season 16

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

## Trivia

* Larry is the first originally created character by James A Williams, not to be entirely based off any character from the official TV series.
* With that said however, Larry *is* based off the Jonathan Dyson & Co. Lorries from Season 4, more notably the lorry that transports Duke to the Skarloey Railway in Sleeping Beauty.
James and the Red Balloon

**James and the Red Balloon** is the eleventh episode of the sixth season and the 143rd episode overall.

## Plot

It is summer holiday time on the Island of Sodor and holidaymakers are coming to visit the island. Thomas picks up a special to take to Dryaw Airfield; he tells Percy it is a balloon which Percy thinks it is a party balloon, but Thomas corrects him, saying that it is a special balloon and chuffs away.

Thomas arrives at the airfield and the hot air balloon is starting to blow. James arrives and Thomas explains that the balloon is for taking holidaymakers around the island, but James is jealous because taking holidaymakers is a job for engines. He asks what will happen if the balloon takes their passengers and what will become of them. After hearing this, Thomas is not excited about the balloon anymore. The balloon is then seen from everyone on the island.

Later that day, Thomas and James are waiting at Suddery Junction talking about the hot air balloon which ends up falling on top of James after it runs out of hot air. James, petrified, lets off a huge burst of steam, which invariably blows the balloon up again. His driver cheers for him, but Thomas and James are upset that it will eventually take their passengers.

James arrives at Dryaw where a lot of visitors and the Fat Controller are waiting. He praises James who is still upset about how the balloon will take their passengers. The Fat Controller laughs saying that he is right, but also tells him that the holidaymakers will need a ride home in a train. James is relieved, as the engines are now busier than ever taking holidaymakers to and from the airfield for balloon rides. Whenever James sees the red balloon, he whistles hello and sometimes when he is asleep, he wishes he can fly too, just like the red balloon.

## Characters

* Thomas
* James
* Percy
* Donald and Douglas
* The Fat Controller
* Duck *(does not speak)*
* Oliver *(does not speak)*
* Henry *(cameo)*
* Annie and Clarabel *(cameos)*
* Bertie *(cameo)*
* Skarloey *(cameo)*
* Peter Sam *(cameo)*

## Locations

* Haultraugh Beach
* Haultraugh Lighthouse
* Lakeside
* Brendam Docks
* Dryaw
	+ Dryaw Airfield
* Maithwaite
* Arlesburgh West
* Suddery Junction
* Reagh Viaduct
* Toby's Windmill
* Wellsworth *(mentioned)*

## Trivia

* This story may be loosely adapted from the mini book by Christopher Awdry, James and the Balloons.
* In April 2017, a ride of the same name of this episode was opened up at Drayton Manor Theme Park.
* The events of this episode were referenced by James in the fourteenth season episode, Hugo and the Airship.
Sir Robert Norramby

**Sir Robert Norramby** is the current **Earl of Sodor**. He owns Ulfstead Castle as well as its Estate Railway, and is a good friend of Sir Bertram Topham Hatt. He is also Duke's current grace.

## Biography

Sir Robert Norramby is a railway buff and a gentleman explorer, who owns an estate on the Island of Sodor. With his white beard and hair, he may seem a little eccentric, but he is an old friend of Sir Bertram Topham Hatt and has come home to the island after many years travelling the world. Sir Robert often says "I love a good surprise!". Sir Robert is a kind and caring man, but he can be stern to his engines if they misbehave. Sir Robert is always willing to do things for the benefit of others or attempt new feats, always bold with his ideas.

After spending many years travelling the world, the Earl returned to Sodor to restore King Godred's Castle on his estate at Ulfstead. Later, he sent Stephen to the Steamworks to have him restored in time for the opening of the castle. However, when Stephen went missing in a mine, he managed to find King Godred's golden crown, something that the Earl was desperately looking for.

One Christmas, he convinced Sir Bertram Topham Hatt to dress up as Santa Claus to entertain the children at the Ulfstead Castle Christmas Fair. He also sent Stephen to get tea and scones for castle tea rooms.

## Attire

Sir Robert wears a black dress jacket over a red patterned waistcoat, white shirt and blue ascot, with grey trousers and black boots.

## Engines Acquired

* Millie *(1966)*
* Stephen *(1966)*
* Duke *(1966, along with Mr. Percival)*
* Glynn *(1972)*

## Appearances

### Season 11

* King of the Railway
* Santa’s Little Engine
* The Switch
* The Afternoon Tea Express

### Season 12

* Tale of the Brave
* Missing Gator *(mentioned)*
* Marion and the Dinosaurs
* Samson At Your Service *(does not speak)*
* Millie and the Volcano

### Season 14

* Sidney Sings
* Engine of the Future
* The Christmas Coffeepot
* Over the Hill

### Season 15

* Runaway Engine
* Terence Breaks the Ice
* Daisy’s Perfect Christmas *(cameo)*
* Confused Coaches *(cameo)*

### Season 16

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

## Trivia

* The character of Sir Robert Norramby was derived from the Rev. W. Awdry's material about the Norramby family. This makes him the first character introduced in the Sodor Stories series whose creation was inspired by the supportive material for The Railway Series rather than the books themselves.
* He is also the only human character whose creation was drawn from said material (the other character being Glynn).
Mind That Bike!

**Mind That Bike!** is the twenty-third episode of the fourth season and the 106th episode overall. It is based on the story of the same name from the twenty-seventh Railway Series book, Really Useful Engines.

## Plot

Tom Tipper is a local Sodor postman who takes the mail from Thomas and Percy's post trains to deliver to the residents of the west side of Sodor. He is very friendly and always helps to load the mail vans, but knows he could never do his job without his trusty post van.

One morning, Tom is absent and his substitute - who is forced to use a bicycle - dumps the mail bags on the platform and leaves without explanation. Percy's driver attributes his bad mood to having to use the bike. When Tom does return, Percy discovers that he has also been given a bike as his van was considered too expensive to run. Due to this, Tom no longer has time to help load the trains, which makes him very upset. Percy wishes he could cheer Tom up, but is unsure how.

Just as Tom is about to leave, he is called to the Fat Controller's office to sign some important papers. Knowing this will make him very late, he rushes off and - in his haste - leaves his bike propped up against one of Percy's mail vans, despite the tank engine's attempts to stop him. Percy's driver does not know this and Percy can't do anything to keep himself from moving. When he starts, Tom's bike gets dragged beneath the train, destroying it in the process.

When Tom returns, Percy apologises for the predicament. Tom assures Percy that it is not his fault, but laments the fact that he will have to deliver the mail on foot. However, when Percy returns the next day, he finds that Tom has received a brand new van. Tom explains that the postmaster, after learning about the bike's destruction, decided that the van was worth the expense, and cheerfully goes back to work. Percy is delighted that he was able to help his friend after all, albeit by accident.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Percy
* Tom Tipper
* Bertie *(does not speak)*
* James *(cameo)*
* Oliver *(cameo)*
* Annie and Clarabel *(cameos)*
* Toad *(cameo)*
* Bulgy *(cameo)*
* The Fat Controller *(mentioned)*

## Locations

* Elsbridge Viaduct
* Bulgy's Bridge
* Arlesburgh West
* McColl Farm
* Knapford
* Hackenbeck
* Callandale
* Elsbridge

## Trivia

* This episode is the last appearance of Bulgy until the seventh season episode, Bulgy Rides Again, as well as the last time the field next to Bulgy's Bridge appears until said episode, but Bulgy is only mentioned in the sixth season episode, Harvey to the Rescue.
* The first and only speaking role of Tom Tipper in the series until the twelfth season episode, Samson Sent for Scrap.
* In the original book, Tom props his bicycle carefully against the station’s fence and asks Percy to keep an eye on it. Some little boys come along and one of them starts riding the bike, just as Percy starts. The boy falls off and manages to get out of the way, while the bike is run over and destroyed. This change was likely due to censor the reference to child endangerment.
Rusty

**Rusty** is a little narrow gauge diesel engine who carries out maintenance work and odd jobs around the Skarloey Railway.

## Biography

Rusty is a trusty, tame, friendly little diesel. He is a dedicated worker, often maintaining the line, while understanding and respecting the importance of his duties. He also has a rather distinctive two-tone horn. Rusty is quick to remind others with regards to proper conduct, particularly Duncan, who was initially very suspicious of the little diesel. But despite their arguments they both seem to make amends in the end, because of how kind and tolerant Rusty is. He has a good working relationship with both Skarloey and Peter Sam in particular. Caring, calm, and quick-thinking, Rusty is modestly a credit to the Skarloey Railway.

He was bought by Mr. Percival in 1958 to assist Sir Handel and Peter Sam. A generally reliable engine, Rusty is used for track maintenance and breakdowns. Rusty is also occasionally used in an emergency for light passenger traffic.

When Sir Handel pretended to be ill, Rusty was asked to assist Peter Sam with the slate trucks and later that day had to perform a rescue operation at the quarry when Peter Sam had an accident on the incline.

Following the return of Skarloey, Rusty was put back on maintenance duties but had an argument with Duncan about taking care of a "bad bit" of track south of Cros-ny-Cuirn. While initially refusing to help the conceited Duncan when he derailed, Skarloey reminded Rusty of his responsibility towards the passengers and he set out at once, later making up the quarrel with Duncan. He also saved him when the Trestle Bridge was closed due to a bump in the track.

In 1959, Rusty discovered a washed-out section of track south of the tunnel and the railway was closed temporarily while he and the workmen repaired the line. He was later present when Rheneas finally returned home.

## Basis

Rusty is based on the Talyllyn Railway's Midlander, a Ruston 44/48HP diesel.

## Livery

Rusty is painted orange with yellow lining around his windows. His name is written on his radiator in white, while his number (5) is placed on his side, also in white. He has an orange running board, red bufferbeams and a brass radiator cap.

## Appearances

### Season 4

* Trucks
* Home At Last
* Trusty Rusty
* Rock n’ Roll
* Special Funnel *(does not speak)*
* Steam Roller
* Gallant Old Engine *(cameo)*

### Season 5

* Duncan Gets Spooked
* Snow

### Season 6

* Faulty Whistles *(cameo)*
* Dunkin’ Duncan

### Season 7

* The Runaway Elephant
* The Grand Opening
* Harold and the Flying Horse *(cameo)*
* The Refreshment Lady’s Tea Shop

### Season 9

* Peter Sam and the Old Mine
* The Magic Lamp
* The Great Discovery *(not named)*

### Season 10

* Blue Mountain Mystery
* Don’t Bother Victor

### Season 11

* Luke’s New Friend
* The Switch

### Season 12

* Disappearing Diesels
* Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger
* Duncan the Humbug

## Gallery

Rusty’s current livery (1958-present)Rusty’s painted nameRusty’s painted Number 5
## Trivia

* Rusty is, so far, the only narrow gauge diesel to ever be seen in the entire series.
Shane Dooiney

**Shane Dooiney** is a narrow gauge mountain-climbing engine working on the Culdee Fell Railway. He is named after a Sudrian mountain, Shane Dooiney. Like the other mountain engines, he has his own coach used for passenger services.

## Biography

Not much is known about Shane Dooiney's personality, though it is assumed that he is a hard-worker, careful and cautious like the other mountain engines.

Shane Dooiney was built at the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works in Winterthur, Switzerland in 1900. He arrived on Sodor along with Godred, Ernest, Wilfred and Culdee in time for the railway's Inspection in March 1900. Following Godred's accident shortly after opening, Shane Dooiney and the three other engines worked the line successfully for 60 years. They were carefully maintained and sent back, in rotation, to the builders in Switzerland for overhaul.

By 1962, the four engines were ageing and the crunch came when it became apparent that both Culdee and Shane Dooiney would need heavy overhauls in the near future, so two new engines were ordered. When Alaric arrived, Shane Dooiney was freed up to be sent away to Switzerland for his major overhaul. He was the last engine to make the journey from Sodor to Switzerland; from then on, all subsequent overhauls took place at the Sodor Steamworks as they could handle any type of overhaul, meaning long and expensive journeys overseas for the Culdee Fell engines were no more.

## Basis

Shane Dooiney is based on the Snowdon Mountain Railway's No. 5 Moel Siabod.

## Livery

Shane Dooiney is painted in red with blue lining. His number (5) is painted on the sides and back of his cab in yellow and he has a red name plate with a gold border on the sides of his tanks with his name (Shane Dooiney) on them, also in gold. His buffer beams are painted red.

## Appearances

### Season 15

* Mountain Engine (indirectly mentioned)
* Bad Look-Out (indirectly mentioned)
* Devil's Back (indirectly mentioned)

## Gallery

Shane Dooiney the No.5 Mountain EngineShane Dooiney’s NameplateShane Dooiney’s Number 5
## Trivia

* Shane Dooiney’s absence in the episodes Mountain Engine and Bad Look Out is that he had been sent away to be mended.
* His name is Sudric for "The Old Man".
Season 7

**Season 7** is the seventh season of the Sodor Stories series.

## Episodes

1. Emily’s New Coaches
2. Bill, Ben and Fergus
3. The Trestle Bridge
4. James and the Queen of Sodor
5. The Spotless Record
6. The Runaway Elephant
7. The Grand Opening
8. Best Dressed Engine
9. Bulgy Rides Again
10. Something Fishy
11. Harold and the Flying Horse
12. Gordon and Spencer
13. Fergus Breaks the Rules
14. Salty’s Stormy Tale
15. Edward’s Brass Band
16. Toby’s Windmill
17. The Refreshment Lady’s Tea Shop
18. Peace and Quiet
19. Bad Day at Castle Loch
20. Not So Hasty Puddings
21. Snow Engine
22. Three Cheers for Thomas

## Characters

* Thomas
* Edward
* Henry
* Gordon
* James
* Percy
* Toby
* Duck
* Donald and Douglas
* Oliver
* Bill and Ben
* Harvey
* Diesel
* Mavis
* 'Arry and Bert
* Salty
* Skarloey
* Rheneas
* Peter Sam
* Rusty
* Duncan
* Annie and Clarabel
* Troublesome Trucks
* Toad
* Bertie
* Bulgy
* Elizabeth
* Harold
* Cranky
* The Fat Controller
* Mr. Percival
* Lady Hatt
* Stephen Hatt
* Bridget Hatt
* Refreshment Lady
* Terence *(does not speak)*
* Trevor *(does not speak)*
* Big Mickey *(not named; does not speak)*
* Henrietta *(cameo)*

## Characters Introduced

* Emily
* Fergus
* Arthur
* Murdoch
* Spencer
* Lord Callan
* Polly Percival
* The Duke and Duchess of Boxford *(do not speak)*
* The Mayor of Sodor *(mentioned)*

## Trivia

* This season takes place between 1962 and 1963.
* This is the first season to have episodes that have been completely rewritten to improve the original story and/or fit in better with the Sodor Stories headcanon.
* This is also the first season since their introduction in the previous season where the Pack do not appear.
* This is the only season where Duck does not have an individual speaking role.
Merrick

**Merrick** is a sleepy, snoring gantry crane, who is stationed at the Blue Mountain Quarry.

## Biography

Merrick is a sleepy gantry crane who works at the Blue Mountain Quarry. When there is no work to do, he is usually found snoring away, which can sometimes be heard loudly around the quarry, often to the amusement of the engines and workmen. But as soon as there is work to be done, Merrick is cheerily bustling about, wide awake once again and working hard, ready to swing his hook into action to load an engine's trucks with blocks of slate so that they can head over the Blondin Bridge to the cutting sheds. When he is awake, he is attentive, merry and will often wish the engines a good morning... Regardless of how they feel in the morning.

## Basis

Merrick is based on a Stothert and Pitt Crane.

## Livery

Merrick is painted vermilion with yellow and gold accents. He has gold nameplates on both sides of his cab.

## Appearances

### Season 11

* King of the Railway (cameo)
* Luke’s New Friend
* The Switch (cameo)

### Season 14

* The Missing Breakdown Train (cameo)
Sailor John

**Sailor John** is a pirate who was in the navy, Skiff's former owner and the main antagonist of Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.

## Biography

Kicked out of the navy, Sailor John retired to the Island of Sodor and became obsessed with the idea of finding the lost treasure. He can be quite a charmer, appearing both funny and likeable, but underneath his apparently friendly exterior lurks a ruthless schemer with no true friends apart from Skiff (his sailboat) and loyalty to none but himself. He is smart, energetic, sadistic and practical, capable of elaborate planning and feats of engineering, such as adapting Skiff for the rails or commandeering the pirate ship and rigging it up as an escape vehicle.

## Trivia

* Sailor John is the first human antagonist in the series.
* It is very possible that Sailor John was inspired by the iconic anti-hero pirate Long John Silver from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Treasure Island", as his name is very similar to Long John Silver's name, however while Long John Silver had redeeming qualities Sailor John does not seem to have any.
No Joke for James

**No Joke for James** is the tenth episode of the third season and the 70th episode overall. It is based on the magazine stories The Express and A Passenger for James.

## Plot

James is proud of his smart red paint, and his driver tells him that he brightens up everyone's day. Shortly afterwards, James boasts to Thomas and Percy that he is the smartest and most useful engine on the line. Thomas and Percy disagree. Later, as James boasts to Gordon that he is the pride of the line, Gordon tells him that he is only a goods engine. James lies to Gordon that the Fat Director has plans for him, and Gordon believes him, much to James' concern.

Thomas is shunting coaches in the yard. Thomas tells James that they are for Gordon's express, and that he will fetch James' trucks next. James, however, decides to trick Thomas, lying that the Fat Director told him that he is to take the express, and that Gordon is to pull the trucks. He is then coupled to the coaches and steams out of the yard just as Thomas arrives with James' tanker wagons for Gordon, leaving him and his driver shocked and furious.

Meanwhile, James is puffing along and enjoying himself enormously, thinking to himself how clever he is. His fun does not last, however; he finds the Fat Director waiting for him at Killdane, and he quickly reprimands James for his naughty actions, and sends him to his shed. James ends up with Gordon and Henry teasing him by asking each other who will pull the express now. The next day, James is let out of the shed and apologises to Thomas, who gives him his trucks. James then shunts trucks in the harbour for the rest of the day.

As James and his crew prepare to head home, a man arrives and tells James' driver that he is to attend an important meeting with the Fat Director. He must not be late for it, and he asks for a ride in James' cab. James' driver recognises the man as a railway inspector and agrees. When James arrives at Knapford, the inspector praises James. The Fat Director agrees and tells James that he has once again proven himself to be a Really Useful Engine.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Henry
* Gordon
* James
* Percy
* The Fat Director
* Troublesome Trucks *(do not speak)*

## Locations

* Wellsworth
	+ Wellsworth Vicarage Orchard
* Reagh Viaduct
* Tidmouth Sheds
* Knapford
	+ Knapford Yards
* Killdane
* Brendam Docks
* Crosby Tunnel
Misty Valley Branch Line

The Misty Valley Branch Line starts from the Peel Godred Branch Line, north of Peel Godred to Callan Castle. Black Loch, and Callan Castle are located here. Cyril the Fogman also lives close to this line in his cottage.

## Route

The line begins at Peel Godred, splitting off from the Peel Godred Branch Line’s terminus by a junction. The line goes through Misty Valley, passing by Cyril the Fogman’s cottage. The line then travels past Black Loch and over a causeway, before it ends and loops around at Callan Castle.

## Map

The Misty Valley Branch Line (the yellow line, above Peel Godred)
## History

In the sixth season episodes, Edward the Very Useful Engine and The Fogman, Thomas, Percy and Toby were transporting building supplies and workmen along the line to restore Callan Castle, after being abandoned for so many years. Edward was also teaching Daisy how to run the newly built line with a trial run.

In the seventh season episode, Bad Day at Castle Loch, the castle's restoration had been completed and had its reopening. Donald and Douglas often run goods along this line to Callan Castle, due to it reminding so much of their old home.

Passenger services on the line are often taken care of by Emily and her two coaches. She was given the route for the summer after an accident at Suddery Flour Mill. Prior to this, James worked the route.

## Gallery

Cyril's CottageCastle Loch CausewayCallan Castle
Monarch

**Monarch** is an Australian streamlined tender engine who works on the New South Wales Government Railways in Australia.

## Basis

Monarch is based on New South Wales C38 class locomotive No. 3801.

## Livery

Monarch is painted in a dark green livery with yellow lining on his boiler, bufferbeam, cylinders and tender along with green wheels. He has a black running board and red buffers with his number (3801) painted on them and both sides of his cab in white.

## Trivia

* The name Mocarch is a reference to the 1943 “Cinesound Review” the engine was featured in titled “Monarch of the Rails”. This is shown at the beginning of the 1974 film “A Steam Engine Passes”, where 3801 was also the central focus.
* The real life basis has a headlamp fitted on the front of its smokebox. The face of the character Monarch is where the lamp would be.
Season 14

**Season 14** is the fourteenth season of the Sodor Stories series.

## Episodes

1. Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure
2. Goodbye Fat Controller
3. Sidney Sings
4. Henry Gets the Express
5. Bradford the Brake Van
6. The Way She Does It
7. Saving Time
8. Tit for Tat
9. Toby’s New Friend
10. Blown Away
11. Letters to Santa
12. Snow Problem
13. Love Me Tender
14. The Railcar and the Coaches
15. Pouty James
16. The Missing Breakdown Train
17. Mike’s Whistle
18. Cautious Connor
19. Mucking About
20. Engine of the Future
21. Hugo and the Airship
22. Ryan and Daisy
23. Buckled Tracks and Bumpy Trucks
24. Skiff and the Mermaid
25. Useful Railway
26. Henry in the Dark
27. All in Vain
28. Three Steam Engines Gruff
29. The Christmas Coffeepot
30. Over the Hill
31. The Big Freeze

## Characters

* Thomas
* Edward
* Henry
* Gordon
* James
* Percy
* Toby
* Duck
* Donald and Douglas
* Oliver
* Harvey
* Emily
* Whiff
* Stanley
* Belle
* Stephen
* Connor
* Caitlin
* Porter
* Marion
* Samson
* Diesel
* Daisy
* 'Arry and Bert
* Salty
* Paxton
* Norman
* Sidney
* Philip
* Flynn
* Stafford
* Rheneas
* Sir Handel
* Peter Sam
* Duncan
* Victor
* Millie
* Annie and Clarabel
* Judy and Jerome
* Henrietta
* Troublesome Trucks
* Toad
* Rocky
* Terence
* Kevin
* Jack
* Alfie
* Oliver the Excavator
* Max and Monty
* Harold
* Captain
* Cranky
* The Fat Controller
* Lady Hatt
* Stephen Hatt
* Bridget Hatt
* Dowager Hatt
* The Mayor of Sodor
* Lord Callan
* The Duke and Duchess of Boxford
* The Thin Controller
* Sir Robert Norramby
* Spencer *(does not speak)*
* Trevor *(does not speak)*
* Owen *(does not speak)*
* Sir Topham Hatt I *(does not speak)*
* Jem Cole *(does not speak)*
* Tom Tipper *(does not speak)*
* Farmer McColl *(does not speak)*

## Characters Introduced

* Mike
* Rex
* Bert
* Ryan
* Sailor John
* Skiff
* Bradford
* The Thin Clergyman
* The Fat Clergyman
* Captain Joe
* Hugo
* Glynn

## Trivia

* This season takes place between 1970 and 1972.
* This is the first season since the fourth season to have adaptations of The Railway Series stories.
* This is also the first season to feature the Skarloey Railway and it’s engines, but not to have any episodes dedicated to them.
Sodor Suspension Bridge

The **Sodor Suspension Bridge** is a large suspension bridge that proudly spans a gorge and is a major landmark on the Island of Sodor.

## History

The bridge was first introduced built to connect the towns of Maron and Cronk, where it is described as being "way up in the hills". The bridge fully collapsed due to a high storm and winds, however was able to be mended in time for the summer holidays.

In 1969, the bridge suffered a partial collapse shortly before Gordon was due to pass over the bridge with the Express. Thankfully, Stephen was able to warn Gordon and stop him before he reached the bridge. During its reconstruction, a slow order was placed for trains which had to cross the undamaged section of the bridge.

## Trivia

* The bridge is based on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in England. Designed and constructed by the iconic Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the bridge carries a road over the Avon Gorge and the River Avon, linking the town of Clifton in Bristol to the town of Leigh Woods in Somerset.
	+ In real life, railway suspension bridges are rare as their design makes them largely unsuitable for the weight of heavy trains. While some exist in other countries, there have been no railway suspension bridges in the United Kingdom since the Surtees Rail Bridge was rebuilt as a more conventional rail bridge in 1844.