Sixteen

"Don't be stupid. We shouldn't pass the notice, or goodness knows where will shall end up."

- Sixteen's driver, Cab Over Wheels, Wilbert the Forest Engine

Sixteen was a troublesome industrial saddletank engine who once worked at a steelworks.

Bio
Sixteen lived at a steelworks, with several other engines. He spent all day shunting trucks to a place called the "tip". Engines were not allowed to travel along the track on the tip itself, as it was not firm enough to take their weight. Sixteen thought he knew better, and often tried to pass the "DANGER" board without success.

One day, however, Sixteen took advantage of damp conditions, and told the trucks to slide him past the warning notice. His fireman was told to reverse him, but before he could do so, the rails gave way and Sixteen tipped over onto the ground. He was eventually rescued but not repaired, and sent to the sheds in disgrace where he remained in storage.

According to Wilbert, Sixteen "got better than he deserved" and was bought by a preservation society in the Midlands, and now works on their railway. Wilbert later told Sixteen's story to Thomas and Toby, while he was visiting Sodor.

Persona
Sixteen was naughty, careless, arrogant, and awkward. He refused to take anyone's advice, and it is also implied that he grew bored of his surroundings and was curious about the outside. After his accident, Wilbert has said that he hopes Sixteen has learned his lesson after being restored.

Basis
Sixteen is based on a Hunslet Austerity WD 0-6-0ST. Wilbert and the Austerity Engine are other members of this class. Another member of this class was featured in Down at the Station segments.

Livery
Sixteen is painted mahogany with yellow lining, the number 16 he is named after on his saddletank, and black and yellow hazard stripes on his bufferbeams.

Appearances
Railway Series=

The Railway Series

 * Wilbert the Forest Engine - Cab Over Wheels

Companion volumes

 * 2005 - Sodor: Reading Between the Lines (mentioned)
 * 2007 - Thomas the Tank Engine: The New Collection

Merchandise

 * ERTL (discontinued)