Bear

"Look Spamcan, there's your little friend."

- Henry, "Enterprising Engines"

    Bear  
 * Engine Class: BR Class 35
 * Primary function: Express passenger service
 * Designer: Beyer Peacock Ltd.
 * Builder: Beyer Peacock Ltd.
 * Build date: 1961
 * Configuration: Bo-Bo
 * Gauge: 4' 8½"
 * Max. speed: 90 mp/h
 * Wheelbase: 36' 0"
 * Length: 51' 8.5"
 * Width: 8' 10"
 * Height: 12' 0"
 * Weight: 75 long tons
 * Fuel Capacity: 800 imp gals
 * Prime mover: Bristol-Siddley/Maybach MD870
 * Transmission: Hydraulic Stone-Maybach Mekydro type 6184U
 * Power output: 1,700 h.p.
 * TE: 46,,600lbf
 * Locomotive brakeforce: 57 LTf
 * Train heating: Steam
 * Train brakes: Vacuum

Bear, so named for the growling noises his engine makes, is a diesel engine.

Enterprising Engines
At this time, Bear was known by his number, 7101.

7101 came on loan to Sodor with another diesel named 199. 199 was blatantly arrogant and bad-mouthed the steam engines until 7101 and Duck made him shut up. The next day, 7101's injector failed while pulling the "Limited". Henry, who had a failed regulator and was towing 199, who had failed while pulling some oil-tankers, came to help; 7101 was still able to move by himself with some help from Henry. To the passengers' delight, Flying Scotsman took their train, while Henry helped 7101 home.

The engines persuaded Sir Topham Hatt to let 7101 stay on, and renamed him "Bear". Bear liked this name, saying it meant he "really belonged".

James and the Diesel Engines
James had befriended Bear by this stage in the Railway Series.

Gordon the High-Speed Engine
Bear was mentioned in passing. It is revealed he pulls the Express when Gordon, Henry and James are busy.

Henry and the Express
Bear did Henry's duties while Henry was at the Works.

Persona
Bear is loyal and friendly - even James, who was the last to accept diesels, couldn't help but like him.

Basis
Bear is based on a BR Class 35 "Hymek" Bo-Bo. His initial number, 7101, is an in-joke because the Class 35 numbers only went up to 7100.

Appearances
Bear has made very few appearances in the Railway Series:
 * "Enterprising Engines"
 * "James and the Diesel Engines" (non-speaking role)
 * "Gordon the High-Speed Engine" (mentioned)
 * "Henry and the Express" (mentioned)

Livery
Bear is currently painted in the livery he should have carried when first built: all-over B.R. loco green with a narrow band of lime along the bottom of the sides with cream window surrounds and yellow warning panels. When he first arrived on Sodor, he wore the B.R. "Rail Blue" livery with yellow warning panels.

Merchandising

 * ERTL model (discontinued)
 * Hornby model
 * LC Wooden (retired)

Trivia

 * Bear has a headcode on his rear cab reading "AC 47".