Derek

"Hey you two. This new diesel's got a toothache. Good luck!"

- Percy, "Double Teething Troubles", fifth season

    Derek 
 * Number: 2512
 * Class: BR Class 17
 * Primary function: Freight service
 * Designer: Clayton Equipment Company & Beyer, Peacock & Co.
 * Builder: Clayton Equipment Company & Beyer, Peacock & Co.
 * Build date: 1962
 * Configuration: Bo-Bo
 * Gauge: 4' 8.5"
 * Max. speed: 60 mp/h
 * Wheelbase: 36' 6"
 * Minimum curve: 3.5 chains
 * Wheel diameter: 3' 3.5"
 * Weight: 69 long tons
 * Length: 50' 7"
 * Width: 8' 9.5"
 * Height: 12' 8"
 * Fuel capacity: 500 imp gal.
 * Prime mover: Paxman 6ZHXL, 2 0ff
 * Generator: Crompton Parkinson
 * Traction motors: GEC WT421, nose suspended, 4 off
 * Transmission: DC generator, DC traction motors
 * Power output: Engine: 900 h.p. At rail: 602 h.p.
 * TE: Max.: 40 000 lb/f Continuous: 8000 lb/f
 * Locomotive brakeforce: 35 LT/f
 * Train brakes: Vacuum

Derek is a diesel, best known for his initial "teething" troubles.

Bio
The Fat Controller realised Bill and Ben needed help and sent for Derek, but Derek's cooling system overheated on Gordon's Hill and BoCo had to come the rescue. The news of the rescue went through the North Western Railway's rumour mill in due course, until a confused Percy informed Bill and Ben that Derek had, of all thing, toothache! Bill and Ben were apprehensive of Derek as a result, but forgot their fear when Derek's cooling system overheated yet again and they had to help him home. Derek was then sent to the Works to be mended.

Persona
Derek is rather enthusiastic about his work, but unfortunately for him his problem with his cooling system prevents him from working to his full potential.

Basis
Derek is based on a BR Class 17, a Clayton and Beyer-Peacock diesel-electric Type 1.

Livery
Derek is painted in the British Railway's green livery with yellow warning panels.

Appearances
Derek only appeared in the fifth season episode "Double Teething Troubles". He later made a cameo in a music video from "Calling All Engines".

Merchandising



 * ERTL (discontinued)
 * LC Wooden (retired; released in two versions)

Trivia

 * Derek wasn't named in his appearance in "Double Teething Troubles" - only referred to as "the new diesel". It was not until the release of the merchandise when his name was revealed. Originally, he was going to be named "Paxman", but it was changed for fear it would offend the Paxman brand of diesels, or refer to celebrity Jeremy Paxman.