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 
 * Numbers: SCC 1 and SCC 2 respectively
 * Class: Bagnall 0-4-0STs
 * Primary Function: Shunting/Light goods work
 * Designer: W.G. Bagnall
 * Builder: W.G. Bagnall
 * Build date: 1953
 * Configuration: 0-4-0ST
 * Gauge: 4' 8.5"
 * Arrived on Sodor: 1966

Bill and Ben are two tank engine twins that work for the Sodor China Clay Company, near Brendam. They enjoy playing tricks and being cheeky to bigger engines.

Bio
Bill and Ben were built by W.G. Bagnall in 1953 and arrived on Sodor in 1966.

Bill and Ben decided to get revenge on BoCo for "stealing" their trucks. It turned out to be a huge misunderstanding, and both apologized to BoCo.

They later teased Gordon about scrapping him. Gordon didn't realize they were teasing, 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".

Persona
Bill and Ben are cheeky and naughty and rather troublesome. According to Duck, Edward is the only engine who can keep them in order. Thomas and BoCo probably have the same effect over them too.

Basis
Bill and Ben are based on the Bagnall 0-4-0STs "Alfred" and "Judy" of Par, Cornwall, who are both preserved at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. "Judy" recently returned to working order in 2008, whilst "Alfred" is still under restoration.

Livery


In the Railway Series, Bill and Ben are painted dark orange with red lining. In the television series, they are painted yellow with red lining. They also carry numbers (Bill is #1 and Ben is #2).

Bill and Ben both have brown nameplates with yellow writing, "SCC" written on both sides in yellow and "Brendam Bay" on the front above their faces.

Appearances
Bill and Ben first appeared in "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 in the second season and have since become irregular cast members with varying minor appearances and cameos.

Merchandising

 * ERTL Die-cast models (discontinued)
 * LC Wooden models (available in two versions)
 * Take-Along models
 * 'My-First' models
 * TOMY/Trackmaster models
 * Hornby models
 * My Thomas Story Library "Bill and Ben"