Winston

**Winston the Track Inspection Car** is a supporting character in the Seventyverse and is Sir Topham Hatt's private mode of transportation on the North Western Railway.

## Backstory

Thomas was working with Annie and Clarabel when, whilst waiting at a red signal, they heard a strange honking noise - it turned out to be Winston, who was new to the railway. After much going about to and fro, Winston managed to stop to allow Sir Topham Hatt to tell Thomas that he was to work at the Blue Mountain Quarry whilst Paxton was under repair. A few days later, Winston came to the Blue Mountain Quarry with Sir Topham Hatt and Mr. Percival with a message for Thomas that Paxton's repairs were completed. Later on the following day, Winston saw Sir Topham Hatt taking no interest in Diesel's suggestions about Luke. However, he brought him and Mr. Percival to the Blue Mountain Quarry after Sir Topham Hatt had realised that Thomas was there instead of on his branch line.

Shortly after the events at the Blue Mountain Quarry, Winston took a workman and an inspector to survey any old lines that could be restored, one of which happened to belong to the old Sodor and Mainland Railway. It was there that Winston discovered a pair of open topped coaches. When Sir Robert Norramby learnt about this, he asked Sir Topham Hatt via letter if he could use the open topped coaches on his estate when they'd be restored. Sir Topham Hatt liked the idea and decided to make the arrangements when the Earl returned.

Later, some tracks needed repairs, so Winston took the Fat Controller every day to check on the repairs. After Gordon and Henry laughed at him, Winston grew tired of having a bad driver and decided to not remind the Fat Controller to put on the brakes. He had a near-collision with Bertie and Paxton before he ran out of fuel, just before a collision with some trucks. The Fat Controller was cross, but Winston told him that he forgot to put on the brakes. Sir Topham Hatt realised this and forgave Winston for his adventure, while Winston knew he needed a driver after all.

One Christmas, the Fat Controller dressed up as Father Christmas for the celebrations at Ulfstead Castle. The Earl wanted him to drive a sleigh, despite the Fat Controller's views to the contrary. To get out of it, he took Winston to the Steamworks and Winston was dressed up like a sleigh, which he did not like at all. However, much to Winston's relief, the Earl did not approve, so Winston was spared the embarrassment.

Winston is often seen when The Fat Controller comes to see his engines where there is no road nearby.

## Personality

Winston is Sir Topham Hatt's track inspection vehicle, and is as devotedly thoughtful and loyal as a butler. He is willing, helpful and very patient with Sir Topham Hatt's, frankly, terrible driving skills, often reminding him that it is still "early days" whenever something goes wrong. Winston helps the Fat Controller navigate about the railway without inconveniencing any of the engines while they are going about their work. Being a car on rails, he may look unconventional. But Winston is highly tolerant, considerate, patient, sensitive to others and is only too happy to do what he can for Sir Topham Hatt, though he can, at times, become rather distracted.

## Technical Details

### Basis

Winston is based on a Type 4B two-seat Wickham Trolley. The Mainland Inspection Trolley shares the same basis. One example of this type of trolley can be seen at Swindon Steam Museum.

### Livery

Winston is painted two-tone red with a black frame and wheels. He has brass hinges, a brass horn, silver headlights, and a beige boot cover. He has a brass nameplate on either side.