View source for Bruno

{{Tab|tab1=Main Page|tab2=Behind the Scenes|tab3=Merchandise|tab4=Gallery}}
{{Infobox Character Vehicle
|title1 = Brake Car Bruno
|image1 = File:MainBrunoAEG.png
|first_appearance = [[Percy Disappears]] {{Note|2022}}
|last_appearance = [[Sodor Sings Together]] {{Note|2025}}
|creator(s) = 
* [[Monica Dennis]]
* [[Rick Suvalle]]
* [[Daniel Share-Strom]]
* [[Peter Gaffney]]
* [[Craig Carlisle]]
* [[Joe Sichta]]
* [[Michael White]]
* [[Autistic Self Advocacy Network]]
* [[Easterseals]]
|uk_voice_actor = [[Elliott Garcia]] {{Note|2022-2025}}
|us_voice_actor = [[Chuck Smith]] {{Note|2022-2025}}
|other_voice_actors = [[Rishi Morar]] {{Note|2022-2023; US, album singing voice and YouTube mini-series}}
|name = Bruno
|title = 
* Brake Car Bruno
* Bruno the Brake Car
* Bruno the Brilliant Brake Car{{Ref|[[Meet the Engines (2022 book)]]}}
|nicknames = 
* Detective Bruno {{Nickname|himself and [[Diesel (AEG)|Diesel]]}}{{Ref|[[Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go|AEG]] ''[[All Aboard! (mini-series)|All Aboard!]]'' - "[[All Aboard! (mini-series)#Detective Bruno|Detective Bruno]]"}}{{Ref|[[Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go|AEG]] ''[[Sodor Mystery]]'' - "[[Sodor Mystery#Mystery of the Missing Watermelons|Mystery of the Missing Watermelons]]"}}
|gender = Male
|eye_colour = Dark blue
|country_of_origin = {{flag|ios}} [[Island of Sodor (AEG)|Island of Sodor]]
|residence = [[Bruno's Shed]]
|affiliation = [[Biggest Adventure Club]]
|vehicle = Rolling stock
|type = Caboose
|wheels = 8
|number = NWR 43
|railway = [[North Western Railway (AEG)|North Western Railway]]
}}{{Quote|Give me a "brake!" Get it?|Bruno's pun, [[Shake, Rattle and Bruno]]}}
'''Bruno''' is a red autistic [[Brake Cars (AEG)|brake car]] who helps the engines with heavy deliveries.

==Biography==
When the light at [[Vicarstown Lighthouse]] broke, [[Gordon (AEG)|Gordon]] tasked Bruno with assisting [[Diesel (AEG)|Diesel]] with the delivery to dissuade him from taking any silly risks. Wanting to take the fastest possible route, Diesel went through [[Crumble Canyon]] - ignoring Bruno's warning about avalanches - and the two were trapped by fallen rocks. After clearing the rocks from the tracks with the noise of their wheels against the rails, the two eventually managed to reach the lighthouse in time.{{Ref|[[Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go|AEG]] [[Series 2|S2]] #2 "[[Shake, Rattle and Bruno]]"}}

During the Tri-and-a-Half-a Lon at [[The Maintenance Yard]], Bruno did not participate, but was present on the sidelines along with [[Emily (AEG)|Emily]], [[Annie and Clarabel (AEG)|Annie and Clarabel]] to support his friends.{{Ref|[[Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go|AEG]] [[Series 2|S2]] #5 "[[Tri-and-a-Half-a Lon]]"}}

During Christmas, Bruno joined [[Thomas (AEG)|Thomas]], [[Percy (AEG)|Percy]], Annie and Clarabel on the Christmas tour around Sodor while Gordon searched for a substitute Christmas tree after [[Bulstrode (AEG)|Bulstrode]] broke down. Later on, when Gordon was unable to find a suitable replacement tree, Bruno joined Thomas and Percy in searching for something else they could use as their Christmas expert. After multiple failed attempts, Thomas came up with the idea to decorate [[Lookout Mountain]]. So that Bruno's star could be seen at the top of the mountain, Thomas asked [[Sandy]] built a bigger star, with Bruno's star in the centre.{{Ref|[[Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go|AEG]] [[Series 2|S2]] #14 "[[Christmas Mountain]]"}}

When the [[Biggest Adventure Club]] were solving the mystery of the mines, Bruno was part of the Lookout Mountaineers: a group searching for an entrance to the old tunnels at Lookout Mountain comprised of himself, Thomas, Percy and Sandy. While taking a break after being overstimulated when Percy lost [[The Biggest Adventure Machine|the Biggest Adventure Machine]], Bruno discovered tracks behind the waterfall which led to the [[Lookout Mountain Mines]]. In the mines, Bruno also played a role in saving the quartet from falling off a broken track and was the one to figure out that the engines were chasing echoes when looking for the Biggest Adventure Machine in [[The Turntable Cavern|the Turntable Cavern]]. Following their adventure, Bruno told the story to [[Sir Topham Hatt (AEG)|Sir Topham Hatt]] and Emily, later accompanying them to the reopening of the Lookout Mountain Mines.{{Ref|[[Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go|AEG]] ''[[The Mystery of Lookout Mountain]]''}}

On a windy day, Bruno accompanied the other engines when they were delivering components to the new [[The Wind Farm|wind farm]]. After Diesel's brakes failed on [[Cannonball Curve]], Bruno managed to stop him from rolling off of [[The Cliffside|a cliff]] into the sea.{{Ref|[[Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go|AEG]] [[Series 3|S3]] #18 "[[Bruno's Blustery Day]]"}}

==Personality==
Bruno is described as being smart, relaxed and joyful. He loves making puns and will often use comedy to get through difficult situations. As a brake van, Bruno travels facing backwards at the rear of the train and thus has a unique perspective on the world.

Bruno is also Autistic; as a result, he is detail-oriented and likes routine. Bruno in particular likes schedules and timetables, and memorises where all the tracks on the [[Island of Sodor (AEG)|Island]] lead. For this reason, he is often entrusted with guiding more rambunctious engines such as Diesel and [[Kana]]. He also has a special interest in people, his favourite type being mechanics.{{Ref|[[Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go|AEG]] ''[[All Aboard! (mini-series)|All Aboard!]]'' - "[[All Aboard! (mini-series)#The New Platform|The New Platform]]"}}

Bruno will often emote using his stepladders, which he flaps when sad or excited, or his lantern. He is also sensitive to loud noises and, when stressed out by them, will produce large ear defenders made of steam from his smokejack. Additionally, Bruno has difficulty maintaining eye contact and will usually be looking at his surroundings rather than whoever he is talking to - this does not mean he is not listening, however.

==Technical Details==
===Basis===
Bruno has no known specific basis, however his design is inspired by various wooden-bodied centre-cupola North American cabooses. The [[Sodor Line Cabooses]], which appeared in ''[[Thomas & Friends]]'' merchandise and books share the same inspiration, however with four wheels (known as a "Bobber Caboose") rather than eight like Bruno has.
<gallery position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center" bordersize="none">
File:BrunoBasis.jpg|A real caboose similar to Bruno
</gallery>

===Livery===
Bruno is painted red with a cream stripe around his sides and cream window frames. His number (43) is painted on his sides in yellow with a dark red outline. His bufferbeams, valences and running board are all yellow, while his buffer holds and coupling hook bases are red. He has three yellow chevrons on the back of him.

Bruno's prototype design depicts him with a grey roof, smokejack and wheels, while his handrails, buffer housings and coupling blocks are yellow.

==Appearances==
<tabber>
|-|Television Series=
{{Scroll box|
===''[[Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go]]''===
* '''[[Series 2 (All Engines Go)|Series 2]]''' - [[Percy Disappears]], [[Shake, Rattle and Bruno]], [[Tri-and-a-Half-a Lon]], [[Blackout!]] {{Indirectly mentioned}}, [[Christmas Mountain]], [[A Very Percy Valentine's Day]] {{Does not speak}}, [[Not-So-Secret Mission]], [[For All the Marble]], [[Not So Easy-Greasy]] {{Mentioned}}, [[Bruno's Map Mishap]] and [[The Waiting Game]]
* '''[[Series 3 (All Engines Go)|Series 3]]''' - [[What's the Buzz?]] {{Cameo}}, [[Overcommitted]] {{Cameo}}, [[Sandy's Fine Mess]] {{Cameo}}, [[Nia's Green Surprise]], [[Duck Duck Whoosh!]], [[Pizza Picnic Problem]], [[Travels with Terence]] {{Does not speak}}, [[The Slowest Race in the World]] and [[Bruno's Blustery Day]]
* '''[[Series 4 (All Engines Go)|Series 4]]''' - [[The Berry Best]] {{Cameo}}, [[Quacking Quandary]], [[Diesel's Bad Day]], [[Chaos at Cronk's Crossing]], [[Bruno to the Rescue]], [[Kana's Last Minute Delivery]] and [[Cronk's Crossing Conundrum]]

====Specials====
* '''2022''' - [[The Mystery of Lookout Mountain]]
* '''2024''' - [[The Christmas Letter Express]]
* '''2025''' - [[Sodor Sings Together]]

====Songs====
* '''Series 2''' - [[You Can't Stop Me!]], [[Christmas Spirit]], [[What's Really Real]] {{Does not speak}}, [[Friendship Map]] and [[The Waiting Game (song)|The Waiting Game]] {{Does not speak}}
* '''The Mystery of Lookout Mountain''' - [[Warning: Biggest Adventure Ahead]] {{Does not speak}}, [[A Whole New Place]] and [[Job to Do]]
* '''Series 3''' - [[Slow It on Down]] {{Cameo}}
* '''The Christmas Letter Express''' - [[A Christmas Wish]] {{Note|cameo, music video only}} and [[Ho-Ho-Hold on Santa Claus!]]
* '''Series 4''' - [[Do Your Best]] and [[Nothing's Stopping Me Now]]
* '''Sodor Sings Together''' - [[Tonight Is the Night]], [[Deliver the Music]], [[Make Room for Music]] and [[All Together Now]]

====Videos====
* '''[[All Aboard! (mini-series)|All Aboard!]]''' - [[All Aboard! (mini-series)#Detective Bruno|Detective Bruno]], [[All Aboard! (mini-series)#The New Platform|The New Platform]], [[All Aboard! (mini-series)#The Can Conflict|The Can Conflict]], [[All Aboard! (mini-series)#Take a Beat|Take a Beat]] and [[All Aboard! (mini-series)#My Eyes Spy|My Eyes Spy]]
* '''[[Sodor Mystery]]''' - [[Sodor Mystery#Mystery of the Missing Watermelons|Mystery of the Missing Watermelons]] and [[Sodor Mystery#Percy's A-Maze-Ing Mystery|Percy's A-Maze-Ing Mystery]]
}}
|-|Other Media=
{{Scroll box|
===[[Annuals|Annual Stories]]===
* '''2025''' - [[Christmas Mountain (annual story)|Christmas Mountain]]

===[[List of Magazine Stories (All Engines Go)|Magazine Stories]]===
* '''2022''' - [[Shake, Rattle and Bruno! (magazine story)|Shake, Rattle and Bruno!]]
* '''2023''' - [[Tri-and-a-Half-a-Lon (magazine story)|Tri-and-a-Half-a-Lon]] {{Cameo}}
* '''2024''' - [[For All the Marble (magazine story)|For All the Marble]]
* '''2025''' - [[The Slowest Race in the World (magazine story)|The Slowest Race in the World]] and [[Travels with Terence (magazine story)|Travels with Terence]] {{Cameo}}

===Books===
* '''2022''' - [[Winter Activity Book]] and [[Meet the Engines (2022 book)|Meet the Engines]]
* '''2023''' - [[Thomas and Bruno]], [[Magnet Book]] and [[Thomas and the Christmas Mountain]]
* '''2024''' - [[Hello, Thomas! (All Engines Go board book)|Hello, Thomas!]] {{Cameo}}, [[Feelings (2024)|Feelings]] and [[Meet Team Thomas!]]
* '''2025''' - [[Bedtime Story Book]] and [[Hide and Seek (book)|Hide and Seek]]

===Video Games===
* '''2023''' - [[Go Go Thomas! (video game)|Go Go Thomas!]]
* '''2024''' - [[Let's Roll]]
}}
</tabber>

==Official Description==
<tabber>
2022=
'''From Official Media:'''[https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Meet_the_Engines_(2022_book)]

{{Quote2|'''Bruno the Brilliant Brake Car''': Bruno travels backward, which suits his unique view of the world. He loves schedules and routine and really, really, really dislikes surprises.
<br/>
'''Fun Fact''': When Bruno gets excited, his lantern spins and flashes.}}
</tabber>

==Trivia==
* Bruno is the first of a few things:
** The first character in the [[Thomas & Friends]] franchise to be officially recognised as being autistic.{{Ref|[https://corporate.mattel.com/news/mattel-introduces-bruno-the-brake-car-first-autistic-character-in-iconic-thomas-and-friends-franchise Mattel Introduces Bruno the Brake Car, First Autistic Character in Iconic Thomas & Friends Franchise - Mattel]}}<ref>[https://x.com/ThomasTheorist/status/1823069861364552055 @ThomasTheorist on Twitter]</ref>
*** Prior to Bruno's introduction, [[Theo]] was said to have been written with the intent of displaying traits of autism, however he was not overtly recognised as being autistic by [[Mattel]].{{Ref|[https://kidscreen.com/2017/05/17/thomas-friends-expands-horizons-with-new-film/ Thomas & Friends expands horizons with new film - Kidscreen]}}
** The first and currently only new rolling stock character created exclusively for ''All Engines Go''.
** The first character in ''All Engines Go'' who is not a steam engine to have a number.
* Bruno is the second character to wear the number 43, the first being [[Ace]].
* Bruno is the only of a few things in the [[Biggest Adventure Club]]:
** The only rolling stock character to be a part of the club.
** The only member of the club not introduced in the [[Series 1 (All Engines Go)|first series]].
** The only member of the club not to appear in the [[All Engines Go Theme Song|theme song]].
** The only male member of the club not created by [[Wilbert Awdry]].
** The only member of the club whose Push Along toy does not have printed wheel designs,
* Bruno's number '''43''' originates from the year in which the modern description of autism was first identified, 19'''43'''.{{Ref|name=ama|[https://thomas-and-friends-all-engines-go.fandom.com/wiki/All_Engines_Go_Wiki:Exclusives/Daniel_Share-Strom's_AMA Daniel-Share Strom's AMA on the ''Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go'' wiki]}}
* The two digits of his #43 are in different fonts. The #4 is taken from [[Gordon (AEG)|Gordon]]'s tender, while the #3 is taken from [[Henry (AEG)|Henry]]'s.
* During early production, Bruno was originally named '''Bruce'''.{{Ref|name=ama}} This was later changed to Bruno at some point before June 2021.{{Ref|https://trademark.trademarkia.com/brake-car-bruno-90777711.html}}
** According to Daniel Share-Strom, the name was changed to avoid legal action from a restaurant named The Bruce Caboose.{{Ref|name=aegwiki|[https://thomas-and-friends-all-engines-go.fandom.com/f/p/4400000000000159734/r/4400000000000499251 Daniel Share-Strom on the ''Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go'' wiki]}}
* Bruno is one of Daniel Share-Strom's favourite characters alongside [[Sandy]].{{Ref|[https://thomas-and-friends-all-engines-go.fandom.com/wiki/All_Engines_Go_Wiki:Exclusives/Daniel_Share-Strom_Interview Daniel Share-Strom Interview on the ''Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go'' wiki]}}
* According to Share-Strom, Bruno is referred to as a brake car rather than a caboose so as to stick with United Kingdom terminology.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqyN2pLReVY&t=739s TAKIN' A BRAKE WITH Daniel Share-Strom! | Talkin' With The MilanTooner]</ref> Ironically, the term "brake car" is not used in either the United Kingdom or the United States, with the correct term for the former country being [[Brake Vans|brake ''van'']].
* Much like [[Annie and Clarabel (AEG)|Annie, Clarabel]] and the [[Troublesome Trucks (AEG)|Troublesome Trucks]], Bruno is capable of moving short distances on his own despite being unpowered rolling stock, though he is usually pulled by the engines.
* Bruno was once seen on CBBC's ''Newsround'' in 2022, along with his UK voice actor, Elliott Garcia.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/62818670 Meet Thomas the Tank Engine's first autistic character | Newsround]</ref>
* Bruno was mid-development while the first half of the second series was being written and did not have a finalised character for other writers to work with. Because of this, he appears much less frequently than in the second half of the series onwards.{{Ref|[https://thomas-and-friends-all-engines-go.fandom.com/f/p/4400000000000154294/r/4400000000000457692 Daniel Share-Strom on the ''Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go'' wiki]}}
* In the original ''[[Thomas & Friends]]'' series, [[Toby (T&F)|Toby]] was called Bruno in the Bosnian and Croatian dubs (with the exception of the Croatian dub of the [[Series 17|seventeenth]] and [[Series 19|nineteenth series]]) and [['Arry and Bert|Bert]] was called Bruno in the Portuguese dub of  ''[[Calling All Engines!]]''.

==References==
{{Scroll box|
{{Reflist}}}}
{{North Western Railway (AEG)}}
{{Biggest Adventure Club}}
[[Category:Rolling stock]]
[[Category:Brake vans]]
[[Category:Male characters]]
[[Category:All Engines Go characters]]
[[Category:All Engines Go-only characters]]
[[Category:North Western Railway]]
[[Category:Biggest Adventure Club]]
[[Category:2022]]
[[Category:2020s]]