Crovan and Alfred were two blue tender engines who visited Sodor.
Biography
The Railway Series
In 1923, two blue engines without names, only known by their numbers - 87546 and 98462 - were sent to the North Western Railway on trial. They were horrid engines and were very spiteful and mean to poor Edward, Gordon and Henry, as well as The Red Engine so the Fat Director decided to send them away[1].
The two engines stayed at Vicarstown Sheds during their visit, where they notably teased Edward with the other engines for being small[2].
Personalities
According to Wilbert Awdry, 87546 and 98462 were horrid rude engines who were very mean and spiteful to the others.
Basis
It is unknown what type of engine 87546 and 98462 really are. 98462 looks like a cross between Edward and Gordon with a 4-6-0 wheel arrangement, no outside cylinders or motion, Stephenson valve gear and round buffers; 87546 looks a cross between Gordon and Henry in his old shape with either a 2-6-0 or 2-6-2 wheel arrangement, two-cylinder motion, Walschaerts valve gear and round buffers. Some have theorised that 98462 is an LNER B12 and 87546 is an LNER B17. In the latter's case, however, B17s were not built until 1928. Alternatively, 87546 bears a resemblance to an LBSCR K Class 2-6-0 from 1917.
Livery
In the first illustration of Edward's Day Out, 87546 and 98462 are painted blue with brass boiler bands. In the second illustration, 87546 has red boiler bands and lining.
Appearances
- The Three Railway Engines - Edward's Day Out (not named)
Companion Volumes
- 1995 - The Thomas the Tank Engine Man (mentioned)
Video Releases
- 1995 - The Thomas the Tank Engine Man (cameo)
- 2015 - Secret Journey of Thomas the Tank Engine (cameo)
Trivia
- 87546 and 98462 are two of a number of background engines inserted into the Railway Series by William Middleton and C. Reginald Dalby. In 1963, a young reader from New Zealand named Ross wrote to the Rev. W Awdry asking who the unnamed blue engines from the Three Railway Engines were and if they were featured in other stories. The Reverend invented an explanation that they were rude engines on trial who were quickly sent away[1].
Gallery
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "The Thomas the Tank Engine Man" p.119-120
- ↑ RWS #1 "The Three Railway Engines"