Peter Sam

"I really can't think what all the fuss is for. They were only little branches after all - nothing to get prickly about, surely."

- Duncan, "Great Little Engines"

     Peter Sam 
 * Based on: Talyllyn Railway's "Edward Thomas"
 * Number: 4
 * Primary function: Passenger service
 * Builder: Stoke-on-Trent
 * Designer: Kerr Stuart
 * Build date: 1923
 * Gauge: 2' 3"
 * Configuration: 0-4-2ST
 * Driving wheel diameter: 2' 0"
 * Trailing wheel diameter: 1' 4"
 * Coupled wheelbase: 3' 0"
 * Total wheelbase: 7' 6"
 * Cylinder size (bore/stroke): 7.125 x 12"
 * Heating surface: 115 sq. ft.
 * Working pressure: 160 psi
 * Tractive effort: 3450 lbs
 * Weight: 9.25 tons
 * Length over buffers: 16' 8"
 * Arrived on Sodor: 1924

Peter Sam, named after the Skarloey Railway's previous controller, Mr. Peter Sam - but previously Stuart, after his maker, Kerr Stuart - is an narrow-gauge tank engine who lives on the Skarloey Railway.

Bio
Stuart was built by Kerr Stuart at Stoke-on-Trent in 1923.

While living on the Mid Sodor Railway, he was cheeky and occasionally made fun of Duke until told what happened to Stanley.

After the line closed down in 1947, he and Falcon were sold to the Sodor Aluminium Company at Peel Godred and worked there until 1951, at which time both engines were sheeted for a year until they were purchased by the Skarloey Railway in 1951.

Upon arriving, Stuart - renamed Peter Sam - had many adventures. One of his more notable story arcs involved his funnel, which was severely damaged after an accident at the incline. The funnel eventually fell off as he passed under a tunnel, and it was temporarily replaced with a rusty pipe. Peter Sam was soon given a new funnel, a Giesl ejector, which suits him much better.

Persona
Peter Sam is kind, well-mannered and popular with passengers and coaches alike. Even the trucks do not play tricks on him.

In the television series, he is portrayed similarly, occasionally making mistakes by feeling self-important.

Basis
Peter Sam is based on the Talyllyn Railway's "Edward Thomas".

Appearances
Peter Sam first appeared in the fourth season and a non-speaking role in the fifth season. He has appeared in every season since, except the eighth.

Livery
In the Railway Series, Peter Sam was painted green while working on the Mid Sodor Railway. After arriving on the Skarloey Railway, he was repainted in the Skarloey Railway's red livery with blue-and-yellow lining.

In the television series, Peter Sam is painted in a dark green livery with red and yellow lining.

Merchandising
Peter Sam is available as a Take-Along model, and has a "My Thomas Story Library" book dedicated to him. His Learning Curve Wooden model has been redesigned for 2008, but his ERTL model remains discontinued.