David "Dave" Eves is a model maker who was the special effects and model supervisor beginning in the first series. He chose prototypes for the characters from the fifth series to Hero of the Rails.[1] He also came up with the idea for the Sodor Steamworks.[2] He, Stephen Asquith, and Terence Permane hold the record for working the longest on the show, with a total of 24 years. He began work when the show began in 1984 (although his name did not appear in the credits until 1991) and left after production moved to Nitrogen Studios. He continues to work on special effects for films.
Trivia
- His father is Peter Eves, who created the models for the Narrow Gauge Engines.[3]
- He has a particular passion for traction engines.[4]