Stepney

"Bluebells forever!"

- Stepney, "Stepney gets Lost", fifth season

    Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine  Stepney, named after a district in London, is a tank engine.
 * Number: 55
 * Build date: 1875, rebuilt in 1912
 * Builder: Brighton Works
 * Designer: William Stroudley
 * Configuration: 0-6-0T

Bio in the Railway Series
Stepney was built in 1875 and later rebuilt in 1912. He arrived on the Bluebell Railway on May the 17th, 1960.

In 1963, Stepney came on loan to Sodor and worked briefly with Duck at Tidmouth before working on Thomas' branchline, during which time he caught a cricket ball in a truck while passing the Elsbridge cricket field. Towards the end of his stay he returned to Tidmouth, and on his last day double-headed the Express with Duck after the Diesel failed.

Stepney has been withdrawn from service as his boiler certificate has expired. Despite his "tired" condition, he is going to have a fast-track overhaul so he'll be in service again in time for 'Bluebell 50' gala in early August 2010.

Bio in the television series
Stepney was hiding on the Other Railway when Rusty found him and convinced him to travel with him to the Bluebell Railway.

Stepney later visited Sodor to have a change from his line, and again to help Toby and Mavis to help at the quarry - this exurcusion nearly ended in disaster after 'Arry and Bert tried to scrap Stepney, luckily without success, after Stepney accidentally ventured into the scrapyards. Stepney later visited for unknown reasons in one episode, apparently to help Duck again, and was later helped by Edward with the running of a new loop line. During a later visit, he was hit by a truck of sugar in an incident caused by Rosie.

Persona
Stepney is a honest, kind and hard-working engine, and loves to work on his branchline. Stepney listens to advice all the time and he always learns a lesson.

Basis
Stepney is based on the real engine of the same name, an LB&SCR A1x Class "Terrier" 0-6-0T tank locomotive.

Livery
Stepney is painted in the ochre locomotive livery of the LB&SCR, formally known as "Stroudley's Improved Engine Green".

Appearances
Stepney first appeared in "Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine" and was mentioned in "Oliver the Western Engine" and "Thomas and the Great Railway Show".

In the television series, Stepney appeared in the fourth, fifth and twelfth seasons. He also appeared in the sixth and seventh seasons with no speaking roles.

Merchandising

 * ERTL (discontinued)
 * Learning Curve Wooden (reissued in a three-pack)
 * Take-Along
 * TOMY/TrackMaster
 * Hornby
 * My Thomas Story Library
 * Bandai Tecs

Trivia

 * Stepney's model is currently on display at Drayton Manor.
 * Since June 10, 2008, Stepney has been on static display awaiting an overhaul. The Bluebell railway hopes that he'll be running again by their 50th anniversary.
 * The Thomas and Friends UK and US websites oddly describes Stepney as a "narrow gauge mountain engine".