Dustin is an American self-propelled snowplough locomotive.
Biography
Sodor Story Collection
Dustin is a snow-removal steam engine who works high in the Sodor mountains clearing snow. The Fat Controller once called upon him to clear the North Western Railway when a blizzard hit the island. He also helped clean up after a big storm that hit the island and won the charity races.
He later helped build a weather station, with Thomas, James, Belle, Flynn and Harold.
Personality
Dustin is a strong, but slow snow-removal steam engine. He enjoys clearing snow and being a Really Useful Engine no matter the weather. He is always eager and determined to help out in any way he can.
Technical Details
Basis
Dustin is based on the Oregon Short Line #762. 762 was constructed for the Oregon Short Line by ALCO's Rogers Works in 1912. The original body was wood sided, but the Union Pacific later replaced this with more durable riveted steel plates. In 1971, the plough was retired and moved to a restaurant at Blackfoot, Idaho for display. By 1980, the owners of the restaurant no longer wanted the plough and it was donated to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin, United States.
Dustin has several modifications from his original basis; his cab has been made taller to accommodate his face, his lamp is placed above his cab and his tender has been fitted with chain couplings and buffers. Dustin is also capable of moving under his own power, whereas his original basis cannot do so.
Livery
Dustin is painted burgundy and black. He has the number "1869", the words "THE ROTARY", and the initials "J.W.E." painted on his sides in white, and has black nameplates with his name in white mounted on the sides of his tender.
Appearances
Official Description
From Official Media:[1]
| “ | Dustin: Dustin is a snow-fighting steam engine who comes from high in the mountains. He clears the railway tracks so supplies can reach the villagers during the long, cold winters. Because he does such important work, many consider him a hero and a legend.
|
” |
Trivia
- Dustin is one of three merchandise-exclusive characters (the others being Logan and Sam) with book tie-ins for the Wooden Railway's "Sodor Story Collection" series. However, unlike Logan and Sam:
- Dustin is the only North Western engine to not appear or be mentioned in the television series.
- Dustin has two books based on him (Dustin Comes in First and Dustin and the Sodor Storm Team) whereas the other merchandise-exclusive characters only have one.
- Dustin does not have his own promotional video on the Thomas & Friends YouTube channel, yet Logan and Sam do; however it was likely intended for him to have a video since he has a CGI model.
- Dustin's number, 1869 and the J.W.E. initials painted on his sides are historical references. The first concept of a machine railroad snowplough was conceived by J.W. Elliot, a Toronto dentist, in the year 1869.
- Concept artwork depicts Dustin in preliminary yellow and orange liveries, the latter of which was used on his Wooden Railway prototypes.
Merchandise
- Wooden Railway (discontinued)