List of people and animals from Thomas & Friends
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The following list of people and animals from Thomas & Friends describes the more notable people and animals that have appeared in the television series Thomas & Friends (along with The Railway Series books). The series features many fictional people and animals, including train drivers, footplate crews, workers and signalmen, whom interact with the railway engine and vehicle characters and form the basis for many of the varying storylines.
Major and recurring characters[]
Sir Topham Hatt / The Fat Controller[]
Sir Topham Hatt, also known as The Fat Controller, is the controller of the North Western Railway on the island of Sodor.[1] He sometimes works on the steam engines himself,[2] and as a young man he drove a steam-powered lorry named Elizabeth.[3] Perceptive and shrewd, he has used elaborate schemes to get to the bottom of a problem.[4][5] He is known in the series for his catchphrases "You are a really useful engine" when he is proud of his engines and "You have caused confusion and delay" when one of his engines messes up on something. He also scolds his engines.
Lady Hatt[]
Lady Hatt is married to Sir Topham Hatt. Although her husband runs a railway, she likes a day out on a boat or in their car.[6]
Stephen and Bridget Hatt[]
Stephen Hatt and Bridget Hatt live on Sodor and regularly spend holidays with their grandparents, Sir Topham Hatt and Lady Hatt. They spent a long holiday on Toby's old line. Stephen Hatt was excited when he first met Toby, but Bridget Hatt accidentally offended him by assuming he was an electric tram.[7] Some time later, after Toby came to Sir Topham Hatt’s railway, the family traveled with Toby to an old castle and mine on a map the children found.[8]
Farmer Finney[]
Farmer Finney is the driver of Terence the Tractor. He owns a battery farm near Hackenbeck. His name was revealed in the 1996 annual story "James Gets Cracking." He first speaks in the season 21 episode "Terence Breaks the Ice." His CGI model is retooled from the stout member of the Sodor Brass Band.[citation needed]
Mrs. Kyndley[]
Mrs. Kyndley is an elderly lady who lives near Thomas' branch line. While she was bedridden, an avalanche blocked the railway line by her house. By hanging a bright red dress from her window, she successfully stopped Thomas' train before it crashed. As a token of gratitude, Sir Topham Hatt paid for Mrs Kyndley to visit Bournemouth to get better. Years later, the other engines, hearing Thomas' story, wished to express thanks to Mrs Kyndley for helping the railway, and threw her a Christmas party at Tidmouth Sheds.[9] Percy's crew helped to gather a good luck package for her daughter's wedding: Old Slow Coach (something old), a new set of buffers (something new), a flatbed (something borrowed), and Thomas (something blue).[10] Once when her sister was unable to make a visit, Sir Topham Hatt went to great lengths to cheer Mrs. Kyndley up. She had a ride with Harold the Helicopter, then was taken by James to open the grounds at Harry Topper's Fair.[11]
Jem Cole[]
Jem Cole is Trevor's driver, and helped save him from scrap when Edward found him.[12] Jem Cole also does other mechanical work on Sodor, also restoring Elizabeth[3] and the Refreshment Lady's Teashop.[13] Jem Cole has a love for old vehicles, and was a member of the party that went to rescue a lost engine called Duke.[14] He was one of Rheneas' passengers in a famous night that saved the narrow gauge railway.[15] His goat once caused delay for Percy, but ended up saving Maithwaite Station from a group of vandals.[16] Jem's last mention by name was in season 7, in which he wore a suit and a derby, unlike his original, utilitarian look. He wasn't named again until season 20's "Three Steam Engines Gruff".[17]
The Vicar of Wellsworth[]
The Reverend is a vicar who lives at the Vicarage near Edward's branch line. When Trevor the Traction Engine was facing scrap, Edward and his crew pleaded to The Vicar for help. After a demonstration, The Vicar was able to purchase Trevor for an agreeable price, and gave him a new home at the Vicarage orchard.[12] The Vicar regularly holds Sunday School outings,[18] fetes, and garden parties.[19][20] He often employs Jem Cole and Trevor to give rides at such holidays.[19] He keeps bees in the orchard and gives some of the honey to his friends. One time their hive broke while en route, and became a nuisance to James and his crew until they could return them to the orchard.[21] The Vicar dresses in black with a wide-brim hat. In The Railway Series, the character of The Vicar appears in the books Edward the Blue Engine and Thomas and the Twins.[citation needed]
Farmer Trotter[]
Farmer Trotter is the owner of a pig farm. He also has sheep and bees. Farmer Trotter is good friends with Farmer McColl. He was one of the men that found Duke in series 4. His first speaking role was in series 7. Farmer Trotter has appeared in season 3 through 8, 10 through 14, 16 and 19. He was also mentioned in series 15 and 21, and has cameos in some films.[citation needed]
The Refreshment Lady[]
The Refreshment Lady sells tea and other refreshments to passengers on the Narrow-Gauge Railway. She owns a shop at the bay called "Neptune's Refreshments." She was almost left behind once when Peter Sam rushed to the junction. She was angry at first, but forgiving when she learned that Henry had goaded him into rushing.[22] Later, Peter Sam helped the Refreshment Lady to set up a new, mobile shop by restoring an old, disused coach.[13]
Dowager Hatt[]
Dowager Hatt is Sir Topham Hatt's mother, Lady Hatt's mother-in-law and Stephen and Bridget's great-grandmother, who had visited Sodor many times.[23][24] On one visit, after a string of technical problems on the railway, her Dalmatian became frightened and ran away, spending a work day inside Thomas' cab. She decides after the incident to call him "Gremlin," for all the errors that had happened that day.[23] Since season 13, Dowager Hatt appears to live on Sodor. She was first seen in season 5, and has appeared in most seasons of the series ever since. She also appeared in Day of the Diesels and cameoed in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure and The Great Race. A portrait of her appeared in The Adventure Begins.[citation needed]
Miss Jenny[]
Miss Jenny is the owner and leader of the Sodor Construction Company. She often works closely with the railways and her machines, "The Pack," are friendly towards the railway.[25][26] She has red hair and has a Land Rover.[citation needed]
Cyril[]
Cyril is a fogman who lives on Sodor in an old cottage in Misty Valley. When there is fog about, he puts detonators on the tracks to warn the engines about the fog. One time he was replaced by a Foghorn, but saved the day when the foghorn caused a landslide, and made Thomas crash. Cyril was soon given the job back. He is the second fogman named in the TV series, after Old Bailey from series 5.[citation needed]
Farmer McColl[]
Farmer McColl lives and works on a farm in the countryside with many animals, including cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Sometimes when there's bad weather on the island, he needs help from engines to keep his animals safe and healthy. Engines like Toby,[27] Emily[28] and Trevor have all helped Farmer McColl in some way for his animals. Once, Thomas the Tank Engine left a group of schoolchildren at his farm, and they spent the day learning about the animals.[29] Farmer McColl was introduced in season 6.
Allicia Botti[]
Allicia Botti is a famous opera singer from Italy (a coloratura). Thomas is chosen to take her to perform at a concert. However, after finding a mouse inside Clarabel, she refuses to travel in the coach. She instead chooses Percy.[30] Posters of her concerts are seen throughout the show.[citation needed]
Sodor Brass Band[]
The Sodor Brass Band are musicians who come to Sodor to perform. The engines transport them and enjoy their tunes, and they play wherever they are needed, such as Lady Hatt's birthday party. They also play music for the Sodor Circus. The Brass Band consists of 6 people, playing instruments like the trumpet, trombone, and the tuba.[citation needed]
The Duke and Duchess of Boxford[]
The Duke and Duchess of Boxford semi-regularly visit Sodor, and have their own silver engine Spencer, whom on his first visit to Sodor, boasted to Gordon but then ran out of water on Gordon's Hill. The Duke and Duchess later bought a holiday home on the Island, and had Edward the Blue Engine take their furniture wagon, who beat Spencer to the house. The Duke and Duchess visit quite regularly to see the railway.[citation needed]
Lord Callan[]
Lord Callan is the Scottish-born lord (and owner) of Callan Castle and nearby surrounding land. He first appeared in season 7.[citation needed]
Mr. Percival / The Thin Controller[]
Mr Peregrine Percival, also known as The Thin Controller, is the controller of the Skarloey Railway in the show. He is often found on his bike. He wears glasses and a bowler hat. In the US version, he is sometimes referred to as the Narrow-Gauge Controller. Mr. Percival was introduced in season 9. In Season 10 he is featured with his unnamed wife.[citation needed]
The Mayor of Sodor[]
The Mayor of Sodor was first mentioned in seasons 7 and 8, before making his first appearance in season 11.[citation needed]
Mr. Bubbles[]
Mr. Bubbles is a clown famous for blowing very big bubbles and performing with very large balloons. Sometimes, during performances, he wears a hat that looks like a funnel Thomas once had to wear.[31]
The Dock Manager[]
The Dock Manager is in charge of Brendam Docks. Another dock manager has appeared in the series prior to season 13. He appeared in season 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12.
Sir Robert Norramby[]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Sodor_Achievement.png/220px-Sodor_Achievement.png)
Sir Robert Norramby is the Earl of Sodor and the owner of Stephen, Millie, Glynn and Ulfstead Castle.[citation needed] His official title is Earl, although he is popularly called "The Duke of Sodor". In The Railway Series, he succeeded to the title as a boy after his father was killed in the Second World War. In The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways he is termed Richard Robert Norramby. He opened the loop line to Lakeside on the Skarloey Railway.[32] He returned to Sodor after traveling the world, to restore Ulfstead Castle and turn it into a visitor attraction.[citation needed]
Captain Joe[]
Captain Joe is Skiff's present owner, and the lighthouse keeper at Arlesburgh Harbour, who made his debut in the season 20 episode "Blown Away". Following Sailor John's arrest, Captain Joe bought and now presently owns Skiff. In "Blown Away", he and Skiff once helped the residents of Arlesburgh to prepare for a storm.[citation needed]
Fergus Duncan / The Small Controller[]
Mr. Fergus Duncan, also known as The Small Controller, is the controller of the 15-inch gauge Arlesdale Railway. He is taller than Sir Topham Hatt and Mr. Percival.[citation needed]
The Thin Clergyman[]
The Thin Clergyman writes books. He is modeled after Wilbert Awdry. He first appeared in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.[citation needed]
The Fat Clergyman[]
The Fat Clergyman takes photographs. His first appearance was in season 20. He also appears in season 21 and is modeled after Edwin Boston.[citation needed]
Willie[]
Willie is a farmer (and tractor driver) who works on a farm, near the 15-inch gauge Arlesdale Railway.[citation needed]
Ruth[]
Ruth is an inventor who made her debut in Season 24, where she brings technology to the fair on Sodor.
- Dominique Moore (UK/US: Season 24 onwards)
DVD live action segments[]
Mr. Arkwright[]
Mr. Arkwright is an engine driver and a close assistant to The Fat Controller. Introduced in the 2009 video "Team Up With Thomas," Arkwright presents live-action segments between the stories in which he instructs viewers to help him in a project, such as creating an engine out of cardboard boxes for The Fat Controller's grandchildren.[33][34] His office is located in the engine drivers' locker room at Knapford Station. Displayed inside the office are portraits of The Fat Controller and the engines.[citation needed]
Mr. Perkins[]
Mr. Gilbert Perkins (played by Ben Forster) is an engine driver who works on Sodor and is a good friend of Sir Topham Hatt. He has appeared in between stories on DVDs since 2010, showing the viewers how to make crafts like a cake that looks just like Thomas to dressing up to reading stories. In further appearances, he was shown reading Railway Series stories to the viewers and writing postcards in Mr Edwards' signal box. He hosted a version of Down at the Station titled Mr Perkins' Railway.[citation needed]
References[]
- ^ Thomas and Friends series 1, "Come Out Henry"
- ^ Thomas and Friends series 1, "Henry's Special Coal"
- ^ Jump up to: a b Thomas and Friends series 6, "Elizabeth the Vintage Quarry Truck"
- ^ Thomas and Friends series 2, "Diesel's Devious Deed"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Series 2, "A Close Shave for Duck"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Series 5, "Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 1, "Toby The Tram Engine"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Series 5, "Toby's Discovery"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Series 1, "Thomas' Christmas Party"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Happy Ever After"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Make Someone Happy".
- ^ Jump up to: a b Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Saved from Scrap"
- ^ Jump up to: a b Thomas and Friends Season 7, "The Refreshment Lady's Tea Shop"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Sleeping Beauty"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Gallant Old Engine"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Baa!"
- ^ Thomas and Friends series 20, "Three Steam Engines Gruff"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Percy's Promise"
- ^ Jump up to: a b Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 7, "Best Dressed Engine"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 3, "Buzz Buzz"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 4, "Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady"
- ^ Jump up to: a b Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Gordon and the Gremlins"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 9, "Thomas and the Birthday Picnic"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Jack Jumps In"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "A Friend in Need"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Toby Had a Little Lamb"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 8, "Emily's Adventure"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 8, "Chickens to School"
- ^ Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Thomas, Percy and the Squeak"
- ^ Thomas and Friends series 13, "Slippy Sodor"
- ^ Awdry, Reverend W.; Awdry, George (1987). The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways. Kaye and Ward. p. 107.
- ^ Thomas and Friends: Team Up With Thomas Archived 2011-07-11 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Thomas and Friends: Percy and the Bandstand Archived 2011-07-11 at the Wayback Machine
- Thomas & Friends characters
- Lists of children's television characters
- Lists of characters in British television animation