Stanley (narrow gauge)/Behind the Scenes

Background Information
Stanley is described as being rough rider and had the tendency to come off the rails, a trait that his basis (Baldwin Class 10-12-D 4-6-0) had.

Stanley becoming a stationary boiler was based on a time early in the preservation period of the Ffestiniog Railway when the locomotive Palmerston (a sister locomotive to Prince, Duke and Bertram's basis) was being used as a stationary boiler. Palmerston was eventually restored to working order in 1993.

Thomas & Friends
Stanley was not introduced in the television series, however his role in the magazines and fourth season episode, Granpuff was replaced by Smudger, a dark green British 0-4-0 narrow gauge well tank engine. Unlike Stanley, Smudger was referred to by name and he was converted into a generator. The magazine story, Duncan Has a Spill, incorrectly portrays Smudger as a saddle tank engine. The same error was made in the illustration of Stanley as a pumping engine in Duke the Lost Engine.

Awdry's model
The Reverend Wilbert Awdry created an OO9 scale model of Stanley for his Mid Sodor Railway layout. It was built from a WHR Baldwin cut down to an 0-6-0 on a Minitrix chassis. However, it did not run well and was reduced to a static display. Stanley's model was donated by Awdry and put on display at the Reverend Teddy Boston's Cadeby Light Railway in Cadeby, Leicestershire, before the railway finally closed in 2005. The original model of Albert was also built from a Minitrains Baldwin.