- “I must say, Glynn; you look as splendid as the day I built you."
"Thank you, Sir, I feel it!” - ― Sir Topham Hatt and Glynn
Glynn is an old vertical boiler engine, known as a "Coffee Pot". He was the original number 1 on the North Western Railway.
Biography
Glynn was the original number one engine on the North Western Railway, built by a young Sir Topham Hatt and used to work on the Ffarquhar Branch Line with the other "Coffee Pots". By the time Thomas had arrived, Glynn was the only one remaining and he was left rusting on a siding at Ffarquhar station, with ivy growing all over him. After meeting with and realising Thomas was the new number 1, Glynn asked him to look after the branch line and wear the number with pride. [1]
Many years later, Glynn was accidentally rediscovered by Marion, who was working on clearing the line for constructing a new warehouse and she thought Glynn was a talking tree. Worried that Glynn might be scrapped, Thomas moved Glynn to a carriage shed. The following day, Thomas introduced Glynn to Sir Robert Norramby, who eagerly agreed to have Glynn restored and brought to the Estate Railway. Once Glynn was fully restored, he gave Sir Topham Hatt a ride up to Ulfstead Castle for the Earl's Christmas party. [2]
Following the party, the Earl showed Glynn around the castle grounds and the Dinosaur Park. Worried that the Earl had a new favourite engine, Stephen challenged Glynn to a race to Knapford, with the loser having to become an exhibit in the museum. The two engines raced on the Main Line, stalling Gordon and James, who were travelling behind them. Despite upsetting Sir Topham Hatt and delaying James and Gordon's trains, Glynn and Stephen became firm friends and the Earl explained his plans to have them work together with his upcoming railway museum project. [3]
Later on, Millie was given extra work for the day and the Earl asked Stephen and Glynn to do some of her other duties. Glynn collected coal for the castle fires, but Stephen kept neglecting to move the garden waste, leading to a quarrel between him and Millie. Glynn encouraged Stephen to let Millie calm down before apologising to her; but the next day, when Stephen could not find Millie, he assumed she had run away and went to look for her, leaving Glynn to do all the work at the castle by himself until both Millie and Stephen returned. [4]
He and Millie comforted Toby after he was insulted by passengers while the tram filled in for Stephen. Things changed for the better when Toby caught two thieves trying to steal King Godred's crown. [5]
Personality
Glynn is a jolly old engine. He is kind, friendly and loves working hard. However, he sometimes has questioned his own purpose nowadays, since engines are now far bigger and stronger. Despite this, he has accepted his place as an irreplaceable historic figure on the railway. He is also good friends with a lot of engines on the railway. Along with his new position, he has developed a strong admiration and respect for history and its remaining standing figures like Stephen and considers him a firm friend.
Technical Details
Basis
Although Glynn is meant to be one of the "Coffee Pots" of Sir Topham Hatt's unique design, he is actually based on the Head Wrightson & Co Ltd. Type 1 "Coffee Pot No. 1" vertical boiler locomotive of 1871. The Coffee Pot No. 1 was built for the Dorking Greystone Lime Company, the same place that Captain Baxter used to work. It worked at the Betchworth Quarry for 81 years until 1952, when it was withdrawn and fell into derelict condition. It was bought by its original builder in 1960 and restored. It was then sent to the Beamish Museum in 1970, where it is now preserved.
Livery
Glynn is painted red and has gold boiler bands. He has a grey steam space cap and funnel with a brass funnel top. He has brass control caps and brass nameplates. His number 1 is painted underneath his nameplates in yellow. Because he was left sitting in sidings for a while, he became covered with rust, which was removed during his overhaul.
Appearances
Thomas & Friends
Specials
Music Videos
Storytime
|
Books
- 2018 - Character Encyclopedia
Magazine Stories
- 2019 - Heart of Gold
- 2022 - Heart of Gold (not seen)
- 2023 - Heart of Gold (does not speak)
Audio Stories
Official Description
From Official Website:[1]
| “ | Glynn: Glynn was the original number one engine on the North Western Railway and used to work on the Ffarquhar Branch line with the other "Coffee Pots." By the time Thomas had arrived, Glynn was the only Coffee Pot engine remaining and had been left rusting on a siding at Ffarquhar station. After a chance meeting with Thomas, Glynn saw that Thomas was the new number one and asked him to look after the branch line and wear the number one with pride. Many years later, Glynn was rediscovered and introduced to the Earl of Sodor, who eagerly agreed to have Glynn restored and brought to his estate. Glynn now works happily with Millie and Stephen taking visitors on tours around Ulfstead Castle, the Earl's Estate, and the Dinosaur Park. | ” |
Audio Files
Whistle
| First used | Last used | Sound Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Series 20 | Series 21 |
Trivia
- Sam Wilkinson was responsible for the idea to include Glynn, thus making the Coffee Pots part of the television series' canon.
- Glynn's water tank is taller than that of his basis to accommodate his face.
- Glynn has the same whistle design as Charlie.
- Glynn is the second character introduced in the television series whose creation was inspired by the supportive material for The Railway Series rather than the books themselves or being a television series original character (after Sir Robert Norramby).
- He is also the only engine to be based on said material.
- As shown in the twenty-third series episode, "Heart of Gold", Glynn makes noises similar to a coffeemaker when he snores.
- Glynn is one of the four engines to be saved from scrap. The others being Oliver, Stepney and Hiro.
Merchandise
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TrackMaster
Capsule Plarail
|
References
| Locomotives | Stephen | Glynn | Millie |
|---|---|
| Rolling Stock | Coaches | Standard Gauge Carriages | Narrow Gauge Carriages | Narrow Gauge Trucks | The Sleigh |
| People | Sir Robert Norramby |
| Locations | Ulfstead Castle | The Dinosaur Park |
| Locomotives | Steam | Thomas | Percy | Toby |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | Mavis | |
| Former | Glynn | Coffee Pots | Daisy | |
| Rolling Stock | Passenger | Annie and Clarabel | Henrietta | Hannah |
| Non-Rail Vehicles | Terence | Bertie | Harold | Bulgy | Caroline | Bulstrode | Tiger Moth | Elizabeth | The Hot Air Balloon | Cleo | |
| People | Mrs. Kyndley | Farmer Finney | Farmer McColl | Farmer Trotter | Ruth | |
| Affiliates | Toby's Branch Line | Ffarquhar Quarry Company | |
| Infrastructure | Stations | Knapford | Dryaw | Toryreck** | Sports Field Halt** | Elsbridge | Maithwaite** | Hackenbeck | Ffarquhar | New Harbour* |
| Sheds | Elsbridge Engine Sheds (Carriage Shed) | Hackenbeck Shed | |
| Tunnels and Bridges | The Valley Bridge* | Elsbridge Viaduct | Bulgy's Bridge* | The Watermill | Hackenbeck Tunnel | |