Bertie

"You're a very good friend indeed."

- Thomas, "Bertie's Chase", second season

    Bertie the Bus   Bertie is a red railway bus who works near Thomas' branchline.
 * License number: CRD 54
 * Build date: 1948

Tank Engine Thomas Again
After Thomas stuck in a snowdrift, Bertie came to rescue Thomas' passengers. He later raced Thomas after claiming he was the faster of the two, but lost after having to stop at a traffic light.

Edward the Blue Engine
Bertie tried to catch up with Edward while carrying Thomas' passengers.

More About Thomas the Tank Engine
Bertie teased Thomas about being slow, but had to eat his words after breaking down.

Thomas and Victoria
Bertie was mentioned as being unable to help Toby and Henrietta with carrying the quarry workers.

Bio in the television series
Bertie is continuously alluding to his race with Thomas and how he could win the next time. He actually raced Thomas again in the seventh season episode "Three Cheers for Thomas", but only won because Thomas was sidetracked with collecting the sport medals.

Persona
Bertie is friendly, but can't resist teasing Thomas about being slow.

Basis
Bertie is based on an AEC Regal "T Class" London Country Area bus.

Livery
Bertie is painted in the common red livery of buses in the United Kingdom, mostly famously begin used by London Transport. His license number, "CRD54", refers to the fact his license plate was first seen in "Edward the Blue Engine", published in 1954 and illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby.

Appearances
Bertie's Railway Series appearances are listed below:
 * "Tank Engine Thomas Again"
 * "Edward the Blue Engine"
 * "The Eight Famous Engines" (mentioned)
 * "Really Useful Engines" (mentioned)
 * "More About Thomas the Tank Engine"
 * "Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines" (mentioned)
 * "Thomas and Victoria" (mentioned)

Bertie has appeared in every season of the television series.

Merchandising

 * ERTL (discontinued)
 * LC Wooden (two versions)
 * Take-Along
 * TOMY/Trackmaster
 * "My First Thomas"
 * Hornby
 * Bachmann
 * My Thomas Story Library

Trivia
Bertie's license plate number is CRO-54 in "Bertie's Chase".