Bill and Ben

"There's no real harm in them, but they're maddening at times."

- Edward, "Main Line Engines"

    Bill and Ben the Tank Engine Twins 
 * Number: SCC 1 and SCC 2, respectively

Bill and Ben are two tank engine twins that work for the Sodor China Clay Company, near Brendam Harbour. They like playing tricks, but they can also learn how to be wise.

Bio
Bill and Ben were built by W.G. Bagnall in 1953 and arrived on Sodor in 1966, getting revenge on BoCo for "stealing" their trucks. It turned out to be a huge misunderstanding, and both apologized to BoCo. They later appeared in the same book, teasing Gordon about scrapping him. Gordon didn't realize this, however, and probably hasn't to this day.

In 1988, Thomas was transferred to Edward's branch line. They teased him about his colour, even more so when he collided with a dairy truck. They later made a pact to never tease him again after Thomas rescued Ben from the "Drain".

In 1991, they were sent to work hard at the yard; and they went on the turntable, and unluckily, they buffer and blame each other, and were given a goods train. They later got the workmen out when a landslide devastates the quarry at the workings.

According to Duck, Edward is the only engine who can keep them in order. Thomas probably has the same effect over them too, and possibly BoCo.

Appearances
They first appeared in the Railway Series book "Main Line Engines". They also appeared in "Thomas and the Twins" and were mentioned in "Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines".

In the television series, they first appeared improperly in the second season episode "Percy Takes the Plunge" and were introduced in "The Diseasel". They have since become irregular cast members with varying minor appearances in the later seasons (excepted Season 8, they only appeared in a deleted scene). In Season 12, only Ben appeared without Bill.

Basis
Both are based on the Bagnall 0-4-0STs, "Alfred" and "Judy", of Par, Cornwall.

Livery
In the Railway Series, Bill and Ben are painted orange with red lining and yellow writing. In the television series, they are painted yellow with red lining and lighter-yellow writing.

Bill and Ben are currently painted orange-golden-yellow with red lining and yellow writing. Both have brown nameplates with yellow writing, "SCC" written on both sides and "Brendam Bay" on the front above their faces. Bill and Ben are numbered 1 and 2 respectively, but however in the television series, their numbers are not shown.

Trivia
Bill and Ben are the first and second engines to have a yellow livery. They are also the only set of twin tank engines in the television series.