There are at least 2 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.
Saxa Salt Vans
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
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:
Technical Details
Basis
The trucks are based on the 10 ton Saxa Salt Wagons.
Livery
Salt vans have been painted white, brown, cream and grey. Two special "Topham Circus" van also appeared in the fourth series, one with a white front and one with a brown front.
In the Railway Series, their faces were embedded to their bodies and matched their their paint schemes. In the television series, they have grey faces.
Appearances
The Railway SeriesCompanion Volumes |
Books |
Trivia
- Twitter user ThomasTankMerch currently owns one of these salt vans that was used during the second series.
- Their Tomy Motor Road and Rail models are repainted from JNR 7000 series boxcars.
Merchandise
- Wooden Railway (discontinued)
- Hornby (discontinued)
- Bachmann
- TrackMaster
- Motor Road and Rail
Salt Vans (CGI series)
These Salt Vans are rolling stock used for transporting goods and merchandise throughout various railways.
Since their introduction, they serve as as Sodor's secondary type of van.
Biography
Thomas & Friends
Thomas took some of these trucks to the Mainland in place of Henry who had derailed with them prior. The trucks mocked and teased Thomas for not knowing his way around the Mainland. They later aided James who went searching for Thomas[3].
During his visit to Africa, Thomas met some of the African counterpart of these type of trucks. Unlike the Troublesome Trucks on Sodor, these proved to be very helpful[4].
Personality
The trucks on Sodor are described as being Troublesome Trucks. The African trucks are depicted as quite the opposite; somewhat silly, polite, helpful and enjoy singing peaceful and uplifting songs.
Types of sentient vans in the television series:
Technical Details
Basis
These vans are modified versions of the single vent vans, known as LNER 12 ton covered vans. However, they are loosely based on the previous Saxa Salt wagon counterparts.
Livery
These vans have been painted grey and green.
Appearances
Books
Merchandise
References