Several other real petrol-driven locomotives have appeared in Thomas & Friends media.
DRG 'Schienenzeppelin'[]
The Schienenzeppelin, known as "the Rail Zeppelin" in English, an experimental German propeller driven railcar.
Hugo is based on this engine.
Technical Details[]
Real-life History[]
The Schienenzeppelin built in 1929. It set several speed records, including the world rail speed record in June 1931 at 143 mph, which was not surpassed until 1954. It still holds the world speed record for a petrol powered rail vehicle. Due to safety concerns about having a moving propeller in crowded stations and its inability to haul rolling stock, it did not enter regular service and only a single example was built. It was ultimately scrapped in 1939 due to its material being needed by the German Army during the Second World War.
Appearances[]
Appears in Character Encyclopedia.
Trivia[]
- The Schienenzeppelin was rebuilt several times during its short career; Hugo is based on its appearance "as-built".
Railroad Speeder[]
A railroad speeder running on the Strasburg Rail Road makes an appearance in an insert for Storytime with Thomas.
Wickham 4B Trolley Car[]
The Type 4B two-seat Wickham Trolley is a type of track inspreciton car built by D. Wickham & Co.
Winston and The Mainland Inspection Trolley share the same basis.
Appearances[]
Appears in The Official Website (mentioned) and merchandise bios (mentioned)
Trivia[]
- One example of this type of trolley can be seen at Swindon Steam Museum and another at the Mangapps Farm Railway.
See also[]
- Toby - a narrow gauge petrol trolley built for the Talyllyn Railway.