Rex is a green miniature tender engine who works on the Arlesdale Railway. He enjoys nothing more than teasing Mike. He is a hard worker, but sometimes has problems with traction.
Biography[]
Rex is based on a design by Henry Greenly, and was built by Davey, Paxman & Co. of Colchester in 1923 at the same time as River Esk was for the Ravenglass and Eskdale. He was found to be powerful but erratic and was sent to the Yorkshire Engine Co. for rebuilding in 1928 at the same time as River Esk, and for the same reasons. Walschaerts valve gear, substituted for the poppet gear originally fitted, gave beneficial results.
After Rex's old line in England closed down in 1967, he, Mike, and Bert were bought by Sir Topham Hatt and transferred to the Arlesdale Railway for mining and tourist traffic. Since coming to Arlesburgh, Rex has been found reliable and free steaming, but needs careful handling with any but the lightest loads, having an unfortunate tendency to slip. After the railway secured a deal to transport wool to Arlesburgh, Rex was chosen to pull the first train. But after Willie, a negligent farmhand spilled some wool bales on the rails, Rex hit them and derailed. His train was rescued, but Rex had to remain there for several days until he could be lifted out.
Rex, along with the other small engines were offered to be in the Reverend's next book if they behaved, when a rescue team went on a mission to look for Duke.
Rex later broke down when his steampipe was leaking, but when his driver used his radio telephone to contact for help, Frank was available, and took his train while Rex backed into a passing loop at Arlesdale Green and went back home for his driver to mend his steampipe. The Small Controller then suggested for a new engine to be constructed at Arlesburgh Works, which would be Jock.
Personality[]
Rex is a playful green miniature engine with a strong sense of humour. He is a hard worker, and is the natural leader of the little railway engines (in spite of the fact that Mike prefers to think he’s the leader). Rex is very proud of his railway and a great friend to the other engines, but he can’t help teasing Mike to stop him getting too full of himself. Most of the time Mike manages to return the banter, but sometimes he gets a little wound up. Luckily Rex is very good at helping Mike see the funny side again, and is generally kindhearted and friendly.
Technical Details[]
Basis[]
Rex is based on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's River Esk.
Livery[]
Rex is painted in the standard green livery used by the North Western Railway, with red and yellow lining. The word "ARLESDALE" is painted on his tender in yellow with a red outline. He has a black running board with red bufferbeams and valences. He also has a brass dome and brass nameplates with red backing. His wheels are painted black.
Appearances[]
The Railway Series
Companion Volumes
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Annual Stories
Books
My Thomas Story Library
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Official Description[]
From Official Media:[1]
“ | Rex: A 2-8-2 tender engine based on a design by Mr. Henry Greenly, and built by Davey, Paxman & Co.|Davey Paxman of Colchester in 1923 at the same time as River Esk for the Ravenglass & Eskdale. The engine was found to be powerful but erratic and was sent to the Yorkshire Engine Co. for rebuilding at the same time as River Esk, and for the same reasons. Walschaerts valve gear, substituted for the poppet gear originally fitted, gave beneficial results.
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” |
From Official Media:[2]
“ | Rex: Rex is a 2-8-2 tender engine. He is based on a Henry Greenly design and was built by Davey Paxman in Colchester in 1923, at the same time as River Esk was being built for the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. The engines' lives seem to have run in parallel, for by a remarkable coincidence he went to the Yorkshire Engine Company for a rebuild at the same time as River Esk. The fitting of Walschaert's valve gear solved the problems of both, and although Rex has a penchant for slipping except on light loads he has proved himself, in The Fat Controller's phrase, a Really Useful Engine. He has a green livery with red lining. | ” |
Whistle[]
Trivia[]
- In Rex's trading card promo, he is incorrectly depicted as a 4-8-2 along with Mike and Bert.
Merchandise[]
Trading Cards[]
Name | Released | Discontinued | Highlights | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rex | 2002 | 2009 |
References[]
Locomotives | Steam | Bert | Rex | Mike | Jock |
---|---|---|
Diesel | Blister I and Blister II | Frank | Sigrid of Arlesdale | |
Rolling Stock | Passenger | Open-Topped Coaches | Semi-Open Coaches | Saloon Coaches |
Goods | Hoppers | Bogie Flatbeds | |
People | Fergus Duncan | Ivan Farrier | Col. Ranald Drixon | |
Stations | Arlesburgh West | Arlesburgh Bridge Street | Ffarquhar Road | Marthwaite | Arlesdale Green | Arlesdale |