Derek

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

- Percy, Double Teething Troubles, fifth season

    Derek  Derek is a diesel, best known for his initial "teething" troubles.
 * Class: BR Class 17
 * Designer: Clayton Equipment Company and Beyer, Peacock & Co.
 * Builder: Clayton Equipment Company and Beyer, Peacock & Co.
 * Configuration: Bo-Bo

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 to 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 things, a 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.

Television series

 * Season 5 - Double Teething Troubles (not named)

Specials:
 * Calling All Engines (Trying music video cameo)

Merchandising

 * ERTL (discontinued)
 * Wooden Railway (retired; released in two versions)
 * Bandai Tecs

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.
 * The 1999 Thomas website refered to Derek as "Paxman Diesel".