Class 40

    The Diesel 
 * Number: D261/D4711
 * Based on: BR Class 40
 * Build date: July 1960
 * Builder: Vulcan Foundry
 * Configuration: 1Co-Co1
 * Gauge: 4' 8.5"
 * Wheel diameter: Driving: 3' 9" Idling: 3' 0"
 * Minimum curve: 4.5 chains
 * 'Wheelbase: 61' 3"
 * Length: 69' 6"
 * Height: 12' 10"
 * Locomotive weight: 133 long tons
 * Fuel capacity: 710 imp gal
 * Prime mover: English Electric 16SVT MkII
 * Transmission: DC generator, DC traction motors
 * Top speed: 90 mp.h
 * Power output: Engine: 2,000 bhp At rail: 1550 jp
 * Tractive effort: Maximum: 52 000 lb/f
 * Train heating: Steam
 * Locomotive brakeforce: 51 LTf
 * Train brakes: Vacuum

"The Diesel", also known as "Class 40", "D261" and "Bowler", is a diesel who once came on loan from the Other Railway.

Bio
The Diesel was built at Vulcan Foundry in 1960.

The Diesel was sent to Sodor in 1963 to assist the engines with goods and express work, but only insulted the other engines by saying they were out-of-date. He, of course, got his comeuppance when an inspector's bowler hat jammed in his air intake, leaving Duck and Stepney to take the Express for him.

While everyone was farewelling Stepney, the Diesel crept away, leaving behind "a rather nasty smell, and a battered bowler hat".

Basis
The Diesel is based on a BR Class 40 1Co-Co1.

Livery
The Diesel is painted in British Railway's two-tone green livery with black roofs and yellow warning panels.

Appearances
In the Railway Series, the Diesel appeared in "Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine".

In the television series, the Diesel only appeared in the fourth season episode "Bowled Out". He also made a cameo in "Rusty to the Rescue".

Merchandising
The Diesel was been released as an ERTL model and a Learning Curve Wooden Railway model, but has been discontinued. He is now only available as a Hornby model - with a Co-Co wheel arrangement - and a Bandai Tecs model.

Trivia

 * The Diesel is referred to as "Bowler" by fans, due to his incident with the bowler hat.