Big Mickey

*Suddenly, the crane swung the boiler and knocked Edward right of the track.*"
―The narrator, Edward's Brass Band, seventh season
**Big Mickey** is a large crane that works at Brendam Docks, alongside Cranky and Carly. His model was recycled from Thomas & Friends' sister show, TUGS.

## Bio

When Big Mickey first arrived on Sodor, he was originally stationed at Knapford Harbour, where he used to work as seen during the third and fourth seasons. In the fourth season episode, Special Attraction, Big Mickey was fitted with a grapple bucket. Later on in the fifth season, Big Mickey was moved to Brendam Docks. In the seventh season episode, Edward's Brass Band, Big Mickey was unloading a huge boiler from a ship. Suddenly, he swung the boiler, which caused it to knock Edward onto his side.

## Basis

Big Mickey is based on a 350-ton Hammerhead crane. He most strongly resembles the US Navy's "League Island Crane" built in 1919 by the McMyler-Interstate Company for the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Weighing 3,500 tons, it was the world's largest crane at the time. It was scrapped in 1996 following the yard's closure.

## Livery

Big Mickey used to be painted in a light shade of grey during the third, fourth and fifth seasons. However, ever since his overhaul in the sixth season, he has been painted in a warm shade of grey.

## Appearances

This is a list for all appearances of Big Mickey faceless.
* Season 3 - Diesel Does it Again (*cameo*), No Joke for James (*cameo*) and All at Sea (*cameo*)
* Season 4 - Special Attraction (*cameo*) and Henry and the Elephant (*cameo*)
* Season 5 - Cranky Bugs (*cameo*), Horrid Lorry (*cameo*) and Thomas, Percy and Old Slow Coach(*cameo*)
* Season 6 - No Sleep for Cranky (*cameo*), Harvey to the Rescue (*cameo*), The Fogman (*cameo*) and Thomas the Jet Engine (*cameo*)
* Season 7 - Edward's Brass Band (*not named; cameo*), Salty's Stormy Tale (*cameo*) and Peace and Quiet (*cameo*)
* Season 8 - Percy's Big Mistake (*cameo*)
* Season 9 - Henry and the Flagpole (*cameo*)
* Season 10 - Thomas and the Treasure (*cameo*)
* Season 18 - Old Reliable Edward (*cameo*), Disappearing Diesels (*cameo*) and Thomas the Quarry Engine (*cameo*)
* Season 19 - Who's Geoffrey? (*cameo*), The Little Engine Who Raced Ahead (*cameo*) and Wild Water Rescue (*cameo*)
* Season 20 - Pouty James (*cameo*)
* Season 21 - Dowager Hatt's Busy Day (*cameo*) and Stuck in Gear (*cameo*)

Specials:
* Hero of the Rails (*cameo*)
* Misty Island Rescue (*cameo*)
* Day of the Diesels (*cameo*)
* Blue Mountain Mystery (*cameo*)
* King of the Railway (*cameo*)
* Tale of the Brave (*cameo*)
* Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure (*cameo*)
* The Great Race (*cameo*)
* Journey Beyond Sodor (*cameo*)

## Trivia

* Big Mickey had many modifications throughout the television series. These include:
	+ Season 3 (from TUGS):
		- He was repainted a warmer shade of grey.
		- His megaphone was removed.
	+ Season 5:
		- His top railing became thinner.
		- His walkway became more detailed.
	+ Season 6:
		- He had riveted steel sides.
		- His hoist end became covered.
		- His wheelhouse walkway became square.
		- He gained a new base.
	+ Season 21:
		- He gained a face and the ability to speak.