Etienne is a French electric engine who participated in the Great Railway Show.
Biography
Thomas & Friends
Etienne competed in the Great Railway Show during the events of The Great Race, competing in the speed competition of the same name. He, along with the other eleven contestants for the show, came to Sodor by mistake when the ferry they were on accidentally stopped at Sodor instead of England. After Gordon was forced to drop out of the race, Etienne fought with Spencer for the first place. Spencer nearly won, but the electric engine managed to pass Spencer at the last second, winning the race and setting a new world rail speed record.
After the Great Railway Show ended, Etienne left the Mainland and returned to France.
Personality
Etienne is described as being polite and gentlemanly, as he only joined the Great Railway Show to have fun and meet new friends.
Technical Details
Basis
Etienne is based on SNCF's BB 9004 electric locomotive, ddesigned by André Jacquemin, and built by Jeumont-Schneider, and delivered to the SNCF on March 1954. On 29th March 1955, 9004 broke the world speed record for a locomotive when it reached a speed of 331 kilometres per hour on a run between Bordeaux and Dax, Landes. Taken out of service in 1973 alongside with it's sister the BB 9003. 9004 has been restored in Arles in 1979, and preserved and is on display at the Cité du Train in Mulhouse. However as the engine was too degraded to be restored in its entirety, the decision was made to use parts from the BB 9003 for the restoration process, such as the main body and the frame, while the running gear, mecanical components, and plates are from the original BB 9004, making a real "Frankenstein" engine.
Livery
Etienne is painted white and dark blue with red and silver lining and red wheels, the colours of the French flag. He carries his name on a silver nameplate instead of the SNCF one like in . A livery that the original engine never carried, but instead a bicolore livery (Dark Green and Red-Green).
Appearances
Thomas & FriendsSpecials
Music Videos
Learning Segments
Videos
|
Books
- 2016 - The Great Race: Sticker Activity Book
- 2017 - Thomas and the Trains of the World
- 2018 - Character Encyclopedia
- 2019 - Engines Around the World
Official Description
From Official Website:[1]
| “ | Etienne: There is no denying that electricity on the railways is the way of the future, and Etienne is a fast electric locomotive, who has been setting world speed records in his home country of France. And now this formidable engine will be looking to continue his run of good fortune in the Great Race. | ” |
Trivia
- Etienne is the third engine to have a moustache, the first being Earnest and the second being Iron Duke. He is also the first non-steam engine to have a moustache.
- Etienne is the first catenary-powered electric engine to be introduced in the television series. The second would be Gustavo and the third would be Kenji.
- In contrary to Etienne's basis, Etienne does not have a grid infront of the cab's windows.
- Etienne's SNCF plate had been replaced in show by Etienne's nameplate.
- When the international engines arrive at Brendam Docks, Etienne is seen travelling under his own power without the assistance of a catenary.
- Despite being an electric-powered locomotive, Etienne has been incorrectly described as a Diesel-Electric locomotive in The Great Race.
- His name is the French equivalent of "Stephen".
- His name could also be a reference to the city of Saint-Étienne in southeast of France, as it was the birth place of the French railways. With the first ever French railway line running between Saint-Étienne and Andrézieux. And it was also on the Saint-Étienne-Lyon's line, that ran the first French steam engine.
- In the French dub Etienne is the second engine to wear this name, the second locomotive to bear it was Peter-Sam while he was working on the Mid Sodor Railway.
Quotes
- "I'm just here to have fun and meet new friends, and if I should win, then vive la France!"
- ― The Great Railway Show Announcer quoting Etienne, Meet the Contenders
- "On track one, we have the French diesel-electric Etienne, who'll be trying to beat his own world record today."
- ― The Great Railway Show Announcer introducing Etienne, The Great Race
- "Au revoir!"
- ― Etienne upon passing Spencer, The Great Race
Merchandise
- TrackMaster (discontinued)
- Wood (discontinued)
Video
