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Drivers (T&F)

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Thomas & Friends

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“I'd never go without my driver. I'd be frightened.”
― Toby[src]

Engine drivers (also known as engineers in some US narrations) are railway staff who are responsible for driving the engines.

A steam engine driver operates the controls of a steam engine. This includes the regulator, which allows the steam to enter the cylinders, the reverser, which controls the direction, and the brakes, which stop or slow down the engine. For most steam engines drivers, they are accompanied by a fireman. Diesel engine drivers operate the controls through a control stand and are sometimes accompanied by a secondman.

The engine drivers keep their assigned engine in order and examine the engine if they break down or have any problems. If the engine is unsure of something, their drivers usually explain it to them. The drivers also provide a voice of reason when the engine is being difficult or makes a wrong decision.

Notable Drivers

The following drivers have their own separate pages:

Thomas and the Magic Railroad only

Thomas' Drivers

Thomas' drivers are part of Thomas' crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

When the water tower at Elsbridge was out of order, one of Thomas' drivers suggested that they could get water at the nearby river. When Thomas arrived at the bridge, the driver used a bucket tied to a rope to collect the water and pour it into Thomas' tank, however, the bucket had five holes, which required several trips. Later on, when it was discovered that fish had entered the bucket and were in Thomas' tank, the driver, along with the inspector and Thomas' fireman, took turns fishing in Thomas' tank with instructions from Sir Topham Hatt and afterwards, they had a meal of fish and chips.

One of Thomas' drivers once complimented Thomas on knowing where to stop at the stations along the branch line. He then jokingly told Thomas that he could almost manage without a driver. Thomas did not realise his driver was joking and later boasted to Toby and Percy about it. The next morning, Thomas remembered his driver's words and made a plan to move on his own, however, it ended up with a careless cleaner meddling with Thomas' controls, causing him to move and crash into the Tidmouth Stationmaster's House.

When Thomas' coupling rods broke, one of his drivers and one of his firemen went to a nearby shed to see if there was a telephone inside, however they found Elizabeth instead. The driver then used Elizabeth to drive to the fitter's yard to get new couplings rods for Thomas. After they returned, the driver and fireman fitted Thomas with the new coupling rods.

When Thomas visited other countries, both a driver and fireman of his from Sodor accompanied him. While travelling through the Amazon Rainforest, Thomas had ran out of water. His driver and fireman created a funnel using leaves and placed it on the top of Thomas' water tank, to allow rain water to enter Thomas' tank.

Magazines

After Thomas had teased Gordon, Henry and Edward, their drivers complained to one of Thomas' drivers about the tank engine's behaviour. Thomas' driver later scolded Thomas by threatening to leave him in the shed and that he could possibly end up in the scrapyard, to which Thomas did not like.[2]

That Afternoon, while on their way home, Thomas' driver suddenly applied the brakes. He then told Thomas to wait while he went somewhere. When he did not return after sometime, Thomas remembered the driver's scolding words from earlier and began to worry. The guard then went to look for the driver and when he returned, he informed Thomas that the driver got trapped on a ledge with a lamb, while trying to make sure it was alright. After Thomas' fireman drove Thomas to the next station, Harold rescued the driver and the lamb. Thomas was glad they were safe and apologised to the driver for his behaviour earlier.[2]

Personality

Thomas' drivers are wise and kind. If Thomas is unsure of a work order or a particular subject, then his drivers provide him with an explanation and points him in the right direction. Thomas' drivers also have a humorous side, such as the time one of them joked that Thomas could manage without a driver. There have been a few occasions when Thomas' drivers have been a bit stern, such as the time when one of them reprimanded Thomas for the damaged snowplough.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Thomas' drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brim.

Voice Actors

Trivia

Edward's Drivers

Edward's drivers are part of Edward's crew alongside the firemen.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Edward's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brim.

Appearances

Specials

Voice Actors

Trivia

  • In the model series, several different large scale models were used for Edward's drivers. In the CGI series, two different CGI models were used for Edward's drivers.

Henry's Drivers

Henry's drivers are part of Henry's crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

When some boys on a bridge had dropped stones onto Henry and the coaches, the passengers wanted to call the police, however one of Henry's drivers had a plan. After getting everyone to promise to keep the plan a secret, the driver told them that Henry will be sneezing at the boys. On the return train, Henry's driver told the passengers that Henry had plenty of ashes and that they should keep all windows shut until they have passed the bridge. Although the driver stated that Henry is just as excited, Henry felt too stuffed up to answer. When they approached the bridge, where the boys were waiting with more stones, Henry's driver told Henry to sneeze at the right time, to which Henry did and covered the boys with ashes from his funnel. Henry's driver then praised Henry.

Magazines

On the day of one of Henry's drivers' retirement, Sir Topham Hatt gave him a special present which was a green clock with a picture of Henry's face on it.[5]

Uniform

The uniform worn by Henry's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brim.

Voice Actors

Trivia


Gordon's Drivers

Gordon's drivers are part of Gordon's crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

When Harold was flying with a visitor, one of Gordon's drivers decided to show Harold how fast they can go. While they were watching Harold, they missed a signal and got diverted onto the wrong line which had a tunnel ahead that was under repairs. When Gordon's driver noticed, he reduced steam and braked, however, it was too late and Gordon crashed inside the tunnel. After Thomas helped Gordon out of the tunnel, Sir Topham Hatt spoke severely to Gordon's driver about the incident.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Gordon's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brim.

Voice Actors

Trivia

  • In the model series, several different large scale models were used for Gordon's drivers. In the CGI series, one CGI model was consistently used for Gordon's driver.

James' Drivers

James' drivers are part of James' crew alongside the firemem.

Biography

When James stopped in front of a tree on the line that was about to fall down on him, one of his drivers tried to reverse away from the tree, however, James' train was too heavy and they required help from Thomas.

Uniform

The uniform worn by James' drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brim.

Voice Actors

Trivia

  • A scene of James' ill driver with the fireman from the second series episode, Old Iron was zoomed out and reused as a stock footage scene of Thomas' ill fireman with the driver in the episode The Runaway.
  • In the model series, several different large scale models were used for James's drivers. In the CGI series, two different CGI models were used for James' drivers.

Percy's Drivers

Percy's drivers are part of Percy's crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

After Percy met Harold at Dryaw Airfield, one of Percy's drivers encouraged Percy to have a race with Harold, to which Percy agreed.

When Percy went down a flooded line and water entered his firebox, one of his drivers and one of his firemen had to find more firewood. They went to the brake van and the fireman asked the guard if they could use the floorboards inside the brake van. After the guard agreed to help, the driver helped the fireman and the guard with carrying the floorboards to Percy's firebox, so his fire could be relit.

On the day of Mrs. Kyndley's daughter's marriage, Mrs. Kyndley flagged down Percy when he approached her cottage. She then told one of Percy's drivers that she forgot about the good luck package for the wedding and asked if they could help, to which Percy's driver agreed. When Percy noticed a set of new buffers at Brendam Docks, Percy's driver spoke to the foreman and when he returned, he told Percy that they could use the buffers and borrow the flatbed it was on, thus completing two requirements for the good luck package. After they had found the other requirements, Percy's driver revealed that Percy was chosen to be the special wedding guest. Sir Topham Hatt later announced the good luck package at the wedding and informed everyone that it was found by Percy and his crew.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Percy's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brim.

Voice Actors

Trivia

  • A few stock footage scenes of other drivers were used as scenes for Percy's drivers and vice versa:
  • In the model series, several different large scale models were used for Percy's drivers. In the CGI series, two different CGI models were used for Percy's drivers.

Toby's Drivers

Toby's drivers are part of Toby's crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

When Toby worked on his old line and the buses and lorries started taking over the work, one of his drivers later told Toby about the line's closure.

When Toby went to inspect the dam for any damage, one of his drivers noticed that the dam was breaking up and told him that they must warn everyone. The driver later told Percy that they must find higher ground and told Toby that the must cross the bridge ahead incase the dam breaks. When the dam broke and the river started rising, the bridge broke with Toby and his crew on it, and the river swept the bridge towards the waterfall. After Harold dropped a rope to Toby, the driver attached it to Toby's buffer so they could be pulled to safety by Percy.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Toby's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brim.

Voice Actors

Trivia

  • A scene of one of Toby's drivers in the third series episode, Mavis was a stock footage scene of Duck's fireman from the episode Donald's Duck.
  • In the model series, several different large scale models were used for Toby's drivers. In the CGI series, one CGI model was consistently used for Toby's driver.

Duck's Drivers

Duck's drivers are part of Duck's crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

After Donald teased Duck, the one of Duck's drivers and one of his firemen decided to play a joke on Donald. That night, they went to Tidmouth Sheds and placed a duckling into Donald's water tank.

Once, one of Duck's drivers attempted to boil an egg on Duck's whistle, however, some of the egg got stuck in the whistle, causing it to sound different. Thomas later told the story to the miniature engines.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Duck's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brim.

Voice Actors

Trivia

  • In the model series, several different large scale models were used for Duck's drivers. In the CGI series, one CGI model was consistently used for Duck's driver.

Donald and Douglas' Drivers

Donald and Douglas' drivers are part of Donald and Douglas' crews crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

One night, one of Donald's drivers and one of his firemen played a joke on Duck by placing a box next to him, which contained an egg and a nest. The next morning, when they arrived at Tidmouth Sheds, they laughed at the joke along with Duck's crew.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Donald and Douglas' drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wears blue peaked caps with black brims.

Voice Actors

Donald's driver:

Douglas' driver:

Trivia

  • In the model series, several different large scale models were used for both Donald and Douglas' drivers. In the CGI series, one CGI model was consistently used Donald's driver as well as Douglas' driver.

Oliver's Drivers

Oliver's drivers are part of Oliver's crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

When Oliver got sent down the wrong line and ended up at Old Manor Station, Sir Topham Hatt arranged for a search party with Harold and the next morning, they had found Oliver and his crew. One of Oliver's drivers explained to Sir Topham Hatt that the accident was not Oliver's fault, to which Sir Topham Hatt was aware of and was glad that they were safe.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Oliver's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brims.

Voice Actors

Emily's Drivers

Emily's drivers are part of Emily's crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

When Emily was new to the North Western Railway, Sir Topham Hatt arranged for her to pull a passenger train, so both she and one of her drivers could learn the line. Later on, the only coaches that Emily's driver could find were Annie and Clarabel. The driver told Emily that they were not her sort of coaches, though he still decided to use them, much to the disapproval of Annie and Clarabel.

Magazines

One day, Emily's previous driver, who used to work with Emily before she came to Sodor, decided to visit Emily. He had brought some picture slides of Emily's younger days, which were projected onto the engine shed wall for Emily to see.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Emily's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brims.

Voice Actors

Bill and Ben's Drivers

Bill and Ben's drivers are a part of Bill and Ben's crews alongside the firemen.

Biography

When Bill and Ben arrived at Brendam Docks to find that their trucks were missing, two of their drivers examined some oil that was left on the tracks, which they recognised as a diesel. The drivers decided to rescue the missing trucks, however, Bill and Ben were not so sure. The drivers then had the idea to remove Bill and Ben's numbers and nameplates so the diesel would not know which engine is which.

While Bill and Ben were working at the Clay Pits, Bill heard a rumble, which one of his drivers had heard before and realised it sounded like a rockslide.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Bill and Ben's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brims.

Voice Actors

Bill's driver:

Ben's driver:

  • Keith Wickham (UK/US; No Steam Without Coal)
  • Hirohiko Kakegawa (Japan; The Diseasel)

Trivia

Stepney's Drivers

Stepney's drivers are part of Stepney's crew alongside the fireman.

Biography

When Stepney was in a scrapyard siding at the Vicarstown Goods Depot, one of his drivers was inside his cab to keep him company. After Rusty arrived to save Stepney, the driver assisted Rusty's crew with starting Stepney and they soon managed to escape past the line of diesels.

When a cricket ball landed in one of Stepney's trucks, some cricket players used Caroline to catch up to Stepney. When they were in distance, the players tried to get Stepney's attention, however one of Stepney's drivers thought that they wanted to have a race and encouraged Stepney to go faster.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Stepney's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brims. In the fourth series episode, Train Stops Play, a driver's uniform was sometimes in a blue-grey colour scheme instead.

Voice Actors


Trivia

Fergus' Driver

Fergus' driver is the driver of Fergus. He also performs the same duties as a fireman, which involve adding coal into the firebox and attending to the water levels.

Biography

When Fergus went to the Sodor Ironworks, his driver also found the place scary. After 'Arry and Bert arrived, Fergus was scared and reversed out of the building, while his driver told him that they were going to escape. They hid on an old line near Maithwaite Quarry Mine, but were later found by Thomas.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Fergus' driver consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. He wears a blue peaked cap with a black brim.

Voice Actors

Arthur's Driver

Arthur's driver is part of Arthur's crew alongside the fireman.

Biography

When Arthur and his train of vans were out of control, they crashed into Duck's train, sending squashed fruit everywhere, with some landing on Arthur's driver.

When Thomas fell off the Old Pier Rail and landed in the tidal pool, Arthur arrived and his driver told Thomas that the Breakdown Train would arrive soon.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Arthur's driver consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. He wears a blue peaked cap with a black brim.

Voice Actors

Murdoch's Driver

Murdoch's driver is part of Murdoch's crew alongside the fireman.

Biography

When Murdoch approached the Sheep Field, his driver noticed some sheep on the tracks and applied the brakes. After telling Murdoch about the sheep escaping through a broken fence, the driver, along with the fireman, tried to chase the sheep back into the field using several ways, but to no avail. After the fireman stated that they will not be able to move the sheep by themselves, the driver decided to phone for help.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Murdoch's driver consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. He wears a blue peaked cap with a black brim.

Voice Actors

Spencer's Driver

Spencer's driver is part of Spencer's crew alongside the fireman.

Biography

When Spencer visited Sodor, his driver once told him that he had beaten Gordon's speed record. Later on, when Spencer was having a nap, his driver told Spencer that it was time to go and rang a ball several times. When Spencer finally woke up and started to speed up, his driver told him that they were on an old line and ordered him to go slowly, to which Spencer did.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Spencer's driver consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. He wears a blue peaked cap with a black brim.

Voice Actors

Gator's Drivers

Gator's drivers are part of Gator's crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

When Gator was tasked with delivering trucks of rock salt, he first went to the Blue Mountain Quarry and one of his drivers showed a smudged delivery notice to the quarry manager. After some figuring out, Gator's driver suggested that the rock salt might be meant for the Sodor Steamworks. When they arrived at the Sodor Steamworks, Gator's driver showed the smudged delivery notice to a workman, who explained that the salt might be for the platforms at Knapford. When they arrived at Knapford, Gator's driver showed the smudged delivery notice to Sir Topham Hatt, who checked another delivery notice and realised that the rock salt was for Brendam Docks and ordered Gator to take it there.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Gator's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brims.

Voice Actors

Daisy's Drivers

Daisy's drivers are the drivers of Daisy.

Biography

When Daisy encountered Champion the bull on the line, one of her drivers assured Daisy that Champion was harmless, however, Daisy was not so sure.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Daisy's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. He wears a blue peaked cap with a black brim. In the fourth series episode, Bulls Eyes, a driver's uniform was sometimes in a blue-grey colour scheme instead.

Voice Actors

BoCo's Drivers

BoCo's drivers are the drivers of BoCo.

Biography

Magazines

One day, Sir Topham Hatt informed BoCo that he will be having a new driver. When the new driver arrived the sheds the next day, Percy asked him if he required help. The driver explained that he was going to drive BoCo and was surprised to see that BoCo was a diesel engine. As the driver had only driven steam engines before, it took him a while to get things right, as he did not find it an easy job to drive BoCo, who had to keep correcting the driver's mistakes.[8]

After a couple of days, the driver got the hang of driving BoCo, who was very pleased. The driver was also pleased as he no longer required BoCo's instructions. Since the driver did not like to be told how to do anything, he did not listen to BoCo and carried on when the points were incorrectly set to the branch line. The driver was sure that he knew where he was going, but was surprised to find out that the ended up at the harbour yard. Sir Topham hatt, who was also at the harbour yard, asked what BoCo was doing and the driver confessed that was his own fault.[8]

After the other engines teased BoCo about the incident, BoCo later told Sir Topham Hatt that the new driver was no good and that he did not want to work with him anymore. Sir Topham Hatt explained to BoCo that the driver was new to diesel engines and that he must be given a second chance, to which BoCo reluctantly agreed. The news about the driver had spread between the engines and trucks and even the passengers started talking about the driver. The driver was then sorry about the previous incidents and promised to listen to BoCo from now on, which BoCo hoped was true. While they were travelling, BoCo noticed a goat on the line and he told his driver to apply the brakes, to which the driver did and they stopped just in time. The passengers were not happy about being jolted and were about to complain about the driver when the guard told them the real reason for the urgent stop. BoCo was happy that his driver listened to him and realised that he was not so bad after all.[9]

Uniform

The uniform worn by BoCo's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brims.

Skarloey's Drivers

Skarloey's drivers is a part of Skarloey's crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

When Skarloey was pulling a passenger train up a steep hill, one of his drivers encouraged him to take his time. While going down hill, one of Skarloey's springs broke, causing him to become tilted. After examining him, his driver thought that they would require a bus for the passengers, however, Skarloey assured him that they will get the passengers to the station.

When Skarloey was travelling through the gorge, one of his drivers was concerned about an avalanche occurring due to the noise, so he placed an emergency cap on the rails to see what would happen. After Skarloey ran over the cap and nothing happened, his driver decided to have a cocoa break before setting off. When some trucks plummeted into the ravine, an avalanche was caused and Skarloey and his crew were buried by the falling snow. Later on, when the men came to the rescue, they discovered that Skarloey's heat had created an igloo, and inside they found Skarloey's crew drinking cocoa as if nothing hat happened.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Skarloey's drivers consists of blue-grey trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue-grey jacket with light grey accents over it. They wear blue-grey peaked caps with black brims. In the fifth series, the driver's uniform was in a standard blue colour scheme instead.

Voice Actors

Rheneas' Drivers

Rheneas' drivers are part of Rheneas's crew alongside the firemen.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Rheneas' drivers consists of blue-grey trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue-grey jacket with light grey accents over it. They wear blue-grey peaked caps with black brims. In the fifth series, the driver's uniform was in a standard blue colour scheme instead.

In the CGI series, the drivers' uniform is in a darker blue-grey colour scheme and he wears a black peaked cap instead. He also lacks a tie.

Voice Actors

Sir Handel's Drivers

Sir Handel' drivers are part of Sir Handel's crew alongside the firemen.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Sir Handel's drivers consists of blue-grey trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue-grey jacket with light grey accents over it. They wear blue-grey peaked caps with black brims.

Voice Actors

  • Shinobu Satouchi (Japan; Four Little Engines)
  • Nobuhiko Kazama (Japan; A Bad Day for Sir Handel)

Peter Sam's Drivers

Peter Sam's drivers is a part of Peter Sam's crew alongside the firemen.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Peter Sam's drivers consists of blue-grey trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue-grey jacket with light grey accents over it. They wear blue-grey peaked caps with black brims. In the fifth series, one of the drivers' uniform was in a standard blue colour scheme instead.

In the CGI series, the drivers' uniform is in a darker blue-grey colour scheme and he wears a black peaked cap instead. He also lacks a tie.

Voice Actors

Merchandise


Rusty's Drivers

Rusty's drivers are the drivers of Rusty.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Rusty's drivers consists of blue-grey trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue-grey jacket with light grey accents over it. They wear blue-grey peaked caps with black brims. In the fifth series, one of the drivers' uniform was in a standard blue colour scheme instead.

In the CGI series, Rusty's drivers have the logo of the Vicarstown Dieselworks on the front and back of their jacket and wears a black peaked cap instead.

Voice Actors

  • Toshio Kobayashi (Japan; Trucks!)
  • Yūki Satō (Japan; Special Funnel, Rusty to the Rescue and Trusty Rusty)
  • Hisao Egawa (Japan; Rusty and the Boulder)
  • Ryō Horikawa (Japan; Dunkin Duncan)
  • Shinobu Satouchi (Japan; Rusty Saves the Day)


Duncan's Drivers

Duncan's drivers are part of Duncan's crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

One of Duncan's drivers once agreed to play a trick on Duncan, after planning it with Peter Sam's driver. When it was nighttime, Duncan's driver took Duncan to the Old Iron Bridge and dropped a rock from the cab into the ravine below. Duncan thought it was the ghost engine and exclaimed to his driver to take him back, to which he did. When Duncan was back at the sheds, his driver teased him by asking him if he had been spooked, however, Duncan claimed he was asleep and initially refused to open his eyes until he thought his driver was not looking.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Duncan's drivers consists of blue-grey trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue-grey jacket with light grey accents over it. They wear blue-grey peaked caps with black brims. In the fifth series, one of the drivers' uniform was in a standard blue colour scheme instead.

In the CGI series, the drivers' uniform is in a darker blue-grey colour scheme and he wears a black peaked cap instead. He also lacks a tie.

Voice Actors

Duke's Drivers

Duke's Drivers are part of Duke's crew alongside the firemen.

Biography

When Falcon derailed on the Mountain Road, One of Duke's drivers helped to secured the two engines to the line. Duke's driver then assisted with taking containers of water from a nearby workman's cottage and using them to fill Duke's water tank.

While Stuart was pulling Duke, who was thought to have broken down, to the last station, Duke and his driver decided to play a trick on Stuart. When they reached the Mountain Line, Duke's driver called out to Duke to start the plan, and Duke suddenly pushed Stuart and pulled the train, making a loud and echoing racket as he did so, which caught Stuart by surprise.

On the closure day of the Mid Sodor Railway, Duke's driver helped to oil, grease and put tarpaulins on Duke for the final time. The driver then said goodbye to Duke, and after Duke's Shed doors were closed, he left to find new work.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Duke's drivers consists of blue-grey trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue-grey jacket with light grey accents over it. They wear blue-grey peaked caps with black brims.

Voice Actors

Bert's Driver

Bert's driver is the driver of Bert. He also performs the same duties as a fireman, which involve adding coal into the firebox and attending to the water levels.

Biography

Bert's driver once informed Bert about the Fat Clergyman and the Thin Clergyman visit to the Arlesdale Railway, and how one of them takes moving pictures while the other writes books. When Bert greeted the visitors and was offended when they did not wave, his driver then told him that they could not wave and get good pictures. After Bert accidentally got splashed with mud by the visitor's car, his driver cleaned the mud from his face and told him there was no harm done. Bert decided to pay the visitors back, however, his driver told him to forgive and forget, as it was an accident. When the Fat Clergyman arrived and asked Bert if he could have the previously-offered ride in his tender, Bert was about to refuse when his driver quickly intervened and allowed the visitor to ride in the tender with him. While they were travelling through the forest, Bert decided to go with his payback plan by first slowing down, to which his driver asked him about the hold up. Bert then released steam into the trees, which sent down water and soaked both his driver and the Fat Clergyman.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Bert's driver consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. He wears a blue peaked cap with a black brim.

Voice Actors

  • Matt Wilkinson (UK/US; Tit for Tat)
  • Mitsuhiro Sakamaki (Japan; Tit for Tat)
  • Yannick Blivet (Canada and France; Tit for Tat)

Mike's Drivers

Mike's drivers are the drivers of Mike. They also performs the same duties as a fireman, which involve adding coal into the firebox and attending to the water levels.

Biography

When Mike started whistling at everything in sight, one of his drivers checked him over when they arrived at the next station, however, he did not find any problems. Mike told his driver that there were no problems with him and demanded him to not cook an egg on his whistle, to which his driver assured him that he will not. On the return journey, Mike's driver heard something rattling and noticed it was coming from Mike's boiler, though Mike objected to have it looked at when they arrive at Arlesburgh West. After Mike lost his whistle from constantly whistling at a cow, his driver helped to search for his whistle, but to no avail. When the passengers volunteered to whistle for Mike by making noise, his driver signalled to them whenever they approached a whistling board.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Mike's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brims.

Voice Actors

Trivia

Rex's Drivers

Rex's drivers are the drivers of Rex. They also performs the same duties as a fireman, which involve adding coal into the firebox and attending to the water levels.

Uniform

The uniform worn by Rex's drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brims.

Voice Actors

Trivia

Other Drivers

Many other drivers have been seen around the Island of Sodor, the Mainland and abroad.

Uniform

The uniform worn by the drivers consists of blue trousers, a black tie and a white shirt with a blue jacket with light blue accents over it. They wear blue peaked caps with black brims. For the narrow gauge engine drivers, except in the fifth series, their uniform is in a blue-grey colour scheme instead.

In the CGI series, some diesel engine drivers wear black peaked caps instead and have the logo of the Vicarstown Dieselworks on the front and back of their jackets. The uniform worn by the narrow gauge engine drivers, except for Victor's driver, is in a darker blue-grey colour scheme and they wear black peaked caps instead. They also lack ties. The uniform colours vary for drivers abroad. The uniform colours vary for drivers abroad.

Voice Actors

Stephen's driver:

  • Keith Wickham (UK/US; Slow Stephen)
  • Kunihiro Kawamoto (Japan; Slow Stephen)

Caitlin's driver:

Samson's driver:

Theo's driver:

Trivia

Trivia

  • In the game Special Delivery, the drivers do not appear, however, their voices can be heard.
  • After the seventh series, the roles of the drivers were significantly changed:
    • Following HiT Entertainment's retooling of Thomas & Friends in 2004, starting with the eighth series, the roles of the drivers were still similar to the previous series, though reduced. From this series onwards, the engines are said to apply their brakes instead of their drivers. From Calling All Engines! to the twelfth series, the drivers mostly made cameo appearances with a few mentions, such as Thomas' driver being mentioned in the ninth series episode, Thomas and the Rainbow and Edward's driver having a non-speaking role in the tenth series episode, Edward Strikes Out. However, one driver did have a speaking role during this time, which was Gordon's driver in the tenth series episode It's Good to Be Gordon.
    • Following the full switch to CGI in 2009, the drivers were reinstated, though they were sometimes mentioned and shown in relation to an engine's activity. They also had no speaking roles, however, after Mattel's ownership of Thomas & Friends, the drivers were given speaking roles again.
  • The Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go reboot is the first incarnation of the franchise in which the drivers are removed entirely.
  • There had been complaints about the lack of female drivers. Mary Creagh, a Labour Front-bencher, had said it was a negative stereotype and said it will make women less likely to become train drivers if they are put off in their early years. She also criticised the lack of female characters. HiT Entertainment responded saying there had been a "historical imbalance", and that there will be more female characters in the future. However, Nia's driver is the only female driver to appear in Thomas & Friends.

Merchandise

References

  1. ↑ Magazine Story: The Special Driver!
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Magazine Story: Thomas Loses His Driver
  3. ↑ https://www.strasburgrailroad.com/blog/10-questions-and-answers-about-thomas-the-tank-engine
  4. ↑ Magazine Story: Henry Helps
  5. ↑ Magazine Story: Retirement Time
  6. ↑ Magazine Story: William's Wish
  7. ↑ Magazine Story: Birthday Engine
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Magazine Story: A New Driver
  9. ↑ Magazine Story: A Second Chance
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