These Salt Vans are specialised vans used for transporting fish. They are often used on the North Western Railway's fish trains, including the Flying Kipper.
Biography[]
When Diesel failed to pull a line of old trucks, some of these vans were seen singing 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.[1].
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.
The salt vans are based on the 10 Ton Salt Wagons.
A salt wagon in real life
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.
Twitter user ThomasTankMerch currently owns a model of one of these salt vans. Another is owned by Twitter user TomsProps. They were used during the second series.
