Rainbow Sun

The Rainbow Sun is Billy Twofeathers' locomotive and is one of several that run on the Indian Valley Railroad.

Basis
In the opening sequence for Shining Time Station, it was portrayed by the Union Pacific #844, a 4-8-4 locomotive built in 1944 which was the only steam locomotive in the US to operate continuously since entering service, having never been retired. The 844 is still active today as part of the Union Pacific's steam program. In Thomas and the Magic Railroad, it was portrayed by the Strasburg Rail Road's #475, a 4-8-0 locomotive built in 1906 and formerly on the roster of the Norfolk & Western Railway. It is one of only few N&W 4-8-0 Mastodon locomotives preserved, and the only one of its class operating. #475 is still operating today as one of Strasburg's main locomotives.

Livery
The Rainbow Sun is painted black with yellow lining and brown window frames. The number "475" is painted on the sides of its cab in gold.

Thomas & Friends
Specials:
 * Thomas and the Magic Railroad
 * A Wonderful American Journey with Thomas and Connie

Trivia

 * The Rainbow Sun was seen in the Thomas and the Magic Railroad (activity book) but it was illustrated as an E2 class tank engine like Thomas and has the number 90 just like the Strasburg Rail Road's ex-Great Western No. 90.
 * The Rainbow Sun was originally going to pull three coaches, but only two coaches were used.
 * The locomotive also operates on Day Out with Thomas events to hauling the Strasburg Railroad's tourist train.
 * Since 2004 to onwards the locomotive is now restored to its original as-built N&W appearance and has stayed that way ever since.