Nelson

"Transport! Without transport there wouldn't be any construction, that makes me the most important!"

- Nelson to Jack, On Site with Thomas

  Model Series=   Nelson    Nelson is a ballast tractor, who works for the Sodor Construction Company. His job is to carry construction workers and the Pack to and from work sites. As the bearer of such weighty loads, he often feels overworked, but never complains.
 * Number: 10
 * Class: Scammell Pioneer
 * Designer: Oliver D. North
 * Builder: Scammell Lorries Ltd.
 * Built: 1943
 * Drivetrain: 6×4
 * Top Speed: 24 mph

Bio
In his first appearance, Jack asked Nelson if he was the most important, as Patrick boasted that he was the most important earlier. Nelson told Jack that he's the most important, as he's the main source of transportation. Later, when a fierce storm raged across Sodor, Nelson and Oliver were sent to clear Henry's Tunnel.

However, Nelson soon got tired of always having to carry the other machines to and from work. He began dreaming about being carried himself. The next day, Thomas came off the rails and breaks a wheel. So Nelson was sent to take Thomas to the repair yard. When this is done, to his surprise, Percy carried Nelson back to the yards on a flatbed. Nelson had a splendid ride, and it was as magical as he had dreamed.

Persona
Nelson is a clever, intelligent, and wise ballast tractor who often feels overworked but never complains. He is proud of his paint and is happiest when he looks his best. Although he will never offer up a complaint, he is the first machine to comment on what is going wrong on the construction site.

Basis
Nelson is based on a Scammell Pioneer tractor unit with a low loader trailer. First built in 1927, these tractor units entered British Army service in 1932, being used as heavy artillery tractors, heavy recovery vehicles and tank transporters and served throughout the Second World War. After the war, numerous examples were modified and sold off into civilian usage, though the last Pioneers did not leave army usage until the 1980s in Belize.

Livery
Nelson is painted black with cream and red lining, red wheel alloys and front beam. He has his name painted above his cab windows and has the number "10" painted on his cab doors, both in cream.

Television Series

 * Jack and the Sodor Construction Company - On Site with Thomas, Thomas and the Moles (does not speak), and Percy Helps Out

He had roles in the cancelled episodes, Jack and the Quack and Alfie Has a Secret.

Trivia

 * In some concept art and promotional sketches, Nelson had a registration plate, "201 RGG", this was a reference to television series art director Robert Gauld-Galliers. He was also intended to carry the Scammell logo on his front. He would also have "Sodor" written next to his name.

Merchandise

 * Wooden Railway (discontinued)
 * TrackMaster (discontinued)