Derek

"Hey you two. This new diesel's got a toothache. Good luck!"

- Percy, "Double Teething Troubles", fifth season

Derek is a diesel with problems with his cooling system, until he was repaired at the Works. He was built in 1962 and came to Sodor in 1998.

Bio
Sir Topham Hatt realised Bill and Ben needed help and sent for Derek, but Derek's cooling system overheated on Gordon's Hill and BoCo had to come the rescue. The news of the rescue went through the North Western Railway's rumour mill in due course, until a confused Percy informed Bill and Ben that Derek had, of all thing, toothache! Bill and Ben were apprehensive of Derek as a result, but forgot their fear when Derek's cooling system overheated yet again and they had to help him home. Derek was sent to the Works and he will be really reliable and useful again. Derek will never have a problem with his cooling system again, now Derek wiil do things right in future.

Persona
Derek is kind and friendly, but unfortunately for him, his problem with his cooling system prevents him from working to his full potential and especially his enthusiasm to help the other engines, until he was repaired and now Derek will be really useful again, even when other engines need help since he is now repaired.

Appearances
Derek only appeared in the fifth season epsiode "Double Teething Troubles". He later made a cameo in a music video from "Calling All Engines".

Basis
Derek is based on a BR Class 17, a Clayton and Beyer-Peacock diesel-electric Type 1.

Livery
Derek is painted in the British Railway's green livery with yellow warning panels.

What's in a name?
Derek's name was not revealed during the episode (he was only called "the New Diesel" by the Fat Controller's engines), and it was only when merchandising for the character that his name was released. His name was originally going to be "Paxman", but it was changed due to the reference to comedian Jeremy Paxman, as well as for fear of offending the Paxman brand of diesel engines, one of which had been incorporated into Derek.

Merchandising

 * ERTL model (discontinued)
 * LC Wooden model (retired, then rereleased)