A real GWR Autocoach
The GWR Autocoach is a type of coach that was used by the Great Western Railway and later British Railways, for push-pull trains powered by a steam engine. The distinguishing design feature of an autocoach is the driving cab at one end, allowing the driver to control the train without needing to be located in the cab of the steam engine. This eliminates the need to run the engine round to the other end of the coach at the end of each journey.
Four sentient coaches have appeared in The Railway Series and Thomas & Friends media. They are paired with Oliver and Duck on The Little Western. Occasionally, either Donald and Douglas have taken them.
