In The Railway Series, the Sodor China Clay Company have privately-owned rolling stock. In the television series, the company shares the same rolling stock as the North Western Railway.
Trucks[]
These trucks are used for transporting China clay down from the Clay Pits. They are first loaded with China clay and are taken up to Brendam Docks by Bill and Ben. The clay is then loaded onto a ship and is taken to the Mainland.
The mineral trucks were later replaced with 6-plank open trucks; these trucks had covered "hoods" used to keep the clay dry.
Biography[]
The Railway Series[]
BoCo once accidentally took Bill and Ben's trucks. In an effort to retrieve their trucks back, the twins decided to play a trick on him[1].
Some of these trucks once broke away from Edward and derailed when travelling on some bumpy rails. Edward did not realise this until Trevor called out to him. The guard applied the brakes, preventing a nasty accident[2].
While passing through the "Drain" with a load of trucks, Ben was swamped by a wave that extinguished his fire. While Bill pulled away his trucks, Thomas tugged Ben out of the water.[3].
Technical Details[]
Basis[]
The China clay trucks are based on mineral wagons and 6-plank open wagons.
Livery[]
The mineral trucks are painted in different liveries, such as blue, red, green, pink and brown, accompanied with 'SODOR CHINA CLAY' and 'BRENDAM' on their sides in white. These trucks also have numbers.
The plank trucks were typically painted brown and grey with light brown "hoods". These trucks also have white numbering.
Appearances[]
The Railway Series[]
- Main Line Engines - The Diseasel and Wrong Road
- Thomas and the Twins - Scrambled Eggs, Trevor Helps Out (not seen) and Down the Drain
- Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines - Edward and the Cabbages
Companion Volumes[]
Official Description[]
From Official Media:[3]
| “ | Sodor China Clay Cars: These cars understand the importance of carrying the much needed supply of China Clay which is required for making pottery, paint, paper, and plenty other useful things. | ” |
Trivia[]
- On the Wooden Railway toys, the number 3547 on the red china clay truck refers to Wooden Railway designer Roy Wilson's birthday, March 5, 1947, and the number 5272 on the green china clay truck refers to his eldest son's birthday, May 2, 1972.
Merchandise[]
- Wooden Railway (discontinued)
Tankers[]
The tankers are used for transporting wet clay. They are filled with wet clay and taken to the mainline.
Biography[]
The Railway Series[]
When Thomas asked about the nickname "hoods", Ben mentioned the tankers. They were later seen on the back of Edward's train when passing Trevor's field.
Technical Details[]
Basis[]
These tankers are based on standard 14 ton pre-war tankers common across most of regions.
Livery[]
The tankers are painted steel grey.
Appearances[]
Brake Vans[]
The brake vans are added to the back of a goods train and a guard rides in it.
Each brake van is equipped with a strong brake to assist with slowing and stopping the train. From here, the guard can keep an eye on the train in case of problems, such as hot axle boxes, or trucks becoming uncoupled while running.
However, Bill and Ben also use the brake vans as sort of carriages to take railway enthusiasts on a special train known as a "brake van special" where they tour around the China Clay Works.
Biography[]
The Railway Series[]
Bill and Ben once took a party of railway enthusiasts in a "brake van special" for a tour of the China Clay Works. They later boarded the twins' brake vans and travelled to the junction to board Edward's coaches[4].
When some trucks broke away from the tail end of Edward's train, the guard applied the brakes, preventing a nasty accident[5].
Technical Details[]
Basis[]
The brake vans are based on the North Eastern Railway 20 ton brake vans.
Livery[]
The brake vans are painted red accompanied with 'SODOR CHINA CLAY' on their sides in white. They also have numbers on their front canopies. There are also plain brown brake vans.
Appearances[]
The Railway Series[]
- Main Line Engines - The Diseasel, Wrong Road and Edward's Exploit
- Thomas and the Twins - Trevor Helps Out and Down the Drain
Companion Volumes[]
Gallery[]
The Railway Series[]
Main Series[]
Miscellaneous[]
Merchandise[]
References[]
| Locomotives | Bill and Ben | Derek** | Marion** | Timothy** |
|---|---|
| Rolling Stock | Trucks | Brake Vans | Mine Trolleys |
| People | Sir Topham Hatt** |
| Locations | Sodor China Clay Company | The "Drain" | Bill and Ben's Shed |
| Locomotives | Steam | Edward | Porter | Nia |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | BoCo | Derek | Salty | Philip | |
| Non-Rail Vehicles | Trevor | Cranky | Reg | Big Mickey | Carly | |
| People | The Vicar of Wellsworth | The Mayor of Sodor | The Dock Managers | |
| Affiliates | Sodor China Clay Company (Bill and Ben, Timothy, Marion) | Sodor Shipping Company | Sodor Search and Rescue Centre (Belle, Flynn, Rocky, Harold, Butch, Captain) | |
| Stations | Wellsworth | Suddery | Lower Suddery | Sodor Animal Park** | Upper Brendam | Brendam | |