Murdoch

**Murdoch** is one of Sodor's largest and strongest tender engines, who is somewhat shy, a gentle giant and prefers the quiet countryside to the constant noise of industry. He hauls goods trains on the Main Line, and often relives memories of the BR when he was taunted by diesels.

## Biography

Murdoch was one of the last engines to be built by British Railways and was taunted constantly by the new diesels. He was sent to a branch line where he worked with Arthur, Emily and Samson. In 1963 he met James at Barrow, and they talked about the Beeching Acts and how Murdoch's branch was on the radar. A few nights later, Henry met Murdoch, Arthur, Emily and Samson at Barrow in a siding, and discovered their line had been closed. The 4 were eventually smuggled out, but classed as stolen property since they hadn't been bought and were still owned by BR. Since Sir Topham Hatt couldn't pay for them, they stayed, but on loan.

Murdoch and Arthur were sent to the Lumber Company to fulfill a contract there, but Murdoch kept having flashbacks to his taunting on the BR. That night in the sheds, Gordon, Henry and James were arguing and Donald and Douglas were attempting to talk to Murdoch. However, he burst out that he just wanted Peace and Quiet, and left with Edward to find a quieter shed at Knapford.

The next morning, Murdoch headed down the Main Line with a lumber train, but was halted by sheep. He had another flashback, but Edward arrived with the Farmer and his sheepdog, who shooed the sheep away. Meanwhile, Edward and Murdoch talked about Murdoch's outbursts and trauma, and Edward comforted him. Murdoch apologised to the others, and they talked well into the night.

When the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre and Tidmouth-Arlesburgh Branch reopening projects began, Murdoch was assigned to heavy goods with Henry. When a fire broke out on the Main Line, Murdoch was one of the engines delayed at Knapford. Durng this delay, the owner of Murdoch's old branch line, Dr. Beeching, arrived and tried to force Sir Topham Hatt to a deal, even threatening to scrap Murdoch and Arthur. When an outcry broke out, Murdoch helped wheesh him away. Murdoch later attended a meeting where it was announced Murdoch, Emily, Arthur and Samson had been bought by one of Sir Topham's colleagues on the Mainland until he had the money to buy them.

Murdoch along with the others would later return to Sodor

## Personality

Murdoch is a mighty, powerful engine with ten drive wheels. He is one of the largest engines working on Sodor and pulls heavy goods trains across the Main Line. Murdoch is as shy as he is strong, as he is actually a gentle giant. He can often be found seeking peace and quiet, away from the bustle of the yards and the Docks. He enjoys long hauls through the countryside and although he can get short of patience and a little annoyed if he does not get some alone time, he can be quite a reserved engine. Although he can be an independent worker, Murdoch is often content to join in, help and offer advice where he deems it worthy, but, despite being hard to miss due to his defining strength and size, he will not jump to put himself at the centre of attention.

However, he does have a rather serious case of PTSD, from when the new diesels taunted his class for being the last steam engines ever built. However, Edward helped him put it right, and the 2 are incredibly firm friends.