Salt Vans

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There are at least two types of Salt Vans seen in the television series.

They are also known as Salt Wagons, or more simply vans or trucks in the UK narration or cars in the US narration.

Salt Vans

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I

Background Information

First appearance

Duck and the Diesel Engine (RWS)
Cows (T&F)

Last appearance

Duck and the Diesel Engine (RWS)

Best Friends (T&F)

Character Overview

Country

Island of Sodor

England (formerly for some)

Technical Details

Basis

10 ton salt wagons

Gauge

4'8½" (1,435 mm; standard gauge)

Vehicle

Rolling stock

Type

Closed wagons

Wheels

4 each

Designer(s)

Hurst Nelson, Motherwell

Builder(s)

Hurst Nelson, Motherwell

Year built

Between 1900 and 1903

Railway

Owner(s)

Sir Topham Hatt

These type of Salt Vans are rolling stock used for transporting fish and are often used in fish trains throughout various railways.

Biography

The Railway Series

When Diesel came on trial to the North Western Railway, he attempted to shunt some old, rusty and empty vans. Diesel found it difficult to move the vans and was very forceful with them, as they had stiff joints and some of their brakes were on. He got so frustrated with the trucks that he accidentally overturned some when their brakes finally snapped. Diesel could not move the remaining trucks and was forced to give up, as a result, he was made into a laughing stock by the other trucks^[1].

Thomas & Friends

When Diesel failed to pull a line of old trucks, some of these vans were seen singing a rude parody of "Pop Goes the Weasel" called Pop Goes the Diesel, much to Diesel's fury and annoyance.

When Oliver fell into the turntable well, they were one of several trucks who teased him when returned from the works. They stopped their teasing towards him, when he pulled S.C. Ruffey, their leader, apart.

Most of these vans have often been used for the Flying Kipper and have been involved in many accidents and adventures of Henry, Duck or Thomas whilst being a part of the train.

According to Salty, these were one of the vans that knew his secret.

These vans later encouraged Diesel to pull a line of 20 trucks, with their brakes on unbeknownst to Diesel. He pulled so hard that he broke loose a coupling and fell off the quay and onto a barge.

On one occasion, Thomas had to collect these vans loaded with fish. The trip initially started off smoothly, but a set of malfunctioning points left the trucks the right direction, and Thomas diverted onto an old pier line. He derailed into a tidal pool, much to the vans' delight. Due to the heat, the ice which kept the fish fresh began to melt and Thomas was worried that the fish would go off. Arthur was sent to assist Thomas, and hurried to Brendam Docks, delivering the fish just in time.^[2].

These vans are also a frequent sight on the Norramby Branch Line. They have often been used for the Flying Kipper with other types of vans and have been involved in many accidents while part of the train.

Personality

These trucks on fit into the category of Troublesome Trucks.

Types of sentient vans in the Railway Series:

Types of sentient vans in the television series: