- “I'm an electric engine. I have a battery, not a boiler.”
- ― Stafford
Stafford is a battery-electric shunting engine who works in Knapford Yards.
Biography
When Stafford first arrived on the Island, Spencer was given the job of showing him around. Spencer failed to listen to a warning about Stafford's battery running out and when it did, Spencer did not notice. Spencer later ran out of coal and Stafford had to shunt him to Knapford. There the Fat Controller called Stafford a really useful engine and welcomed him to Sodor.[1]
Stafford later became jealous of the steam engines because of the noises they made, and tried to be like them, but only caused confusion and delay when he did a job that was meant to be done quietly. In the end, he decided he was happy to be quiet Stafford the Electric Shunting Engine.[3]
Stafford once shunted a wagon filled with the Entertainers' luggage for Daisy, but she pulled away as she did not want to pull it and he could not catch up as his batteries would not get him as far as Harwick.[4]
He, alongside Charlie and Scruff wanted to be part of the Great Railway Show, though they were not chosen.[5]
Personality
Stafford is a humble, courteous little chap with a Yorkshire accent. He is a very different sort of engine from any other on the North Western Railway. This is because Stafford is an electric battery engine; he is not a steam engine or a diesel engine. Stafford is fuelled by recharging his battery, which needs to be done frequently so he can go about his work as a shunting engine. Stafford is very patient, calm and mannerly. He does not let the antics of the bigger, haughtier engines bother him too much, keeps level-headed as he goes about his day, and brushes off any troubles without much fuss. He is more than content with taking things slow and not having to travel long distances and he is more than proud to work on the Fat Controller's railway.
Technical Details
Basis
Stafford is based on the North Staffordshire Railway's battery-electric No. 1. No. 1 was built at Stoke Railway Works in 1917 according to the specification of the NSR’s Locomotive Superintendent J.A. Hookham and Electrical Engineer A.F. Rock. It was designed to be able to contend with the narrow internal railway of Thomas Bolton & Sons Ltd. Copper Works. It was one of only two battery electric locomotives to be employed by a British main line company and, on one charge, could run for up to six hours and haul a load of more than four times its weight at 11mph. It was retired in 1963, having had only two drivers in its entire career. Since 1975, No. 1 has been preserved at the National Railway Museum.
Livery
Stafford is made of veneered wood with black and yellow lining. His number (No. 1917) is painted on his sides in yellow with a black outline, while his name is displayed on gold nameplates. His wheels are painted black with red-brown rims.
Appearances
Magazine Stories
Books
Audio StoriesThomas & Friends Storytime |
Official Description
From Official Website:[1]
| “ | Stafford: Stafford is an electric engine who runs on batteries. He is very helpful and has a great sense of humor. His range isn't as far as the Steamies and the Diesels. He often needs to remind the other Sodor engines that his batteries are low and need charging
|
” |
Song
- Will You Won't You (partially performed)
Audio Files
Horn
| Only used | Sound Effect |
|---|---|
| Series 17 |
Trivia
- Stafford is the first electric engine introduced in the television series and the first electric engine named in the entire history of the franchise.
- Stafford's horn is Mavis' current horn at a higher pitch.
- Stafford's face is the shape of a UK wall plug, a tongue-in-cheek nod to his fuel type.
- Stafford's number comes from the year his basis was built, while his name comes from the railway his basis was built for, the North Staffordshire Railway.
- Stafford is the last character introduced in the Miller era and created by Sharon Miller before stepping down as head writer.
- According to Sam Wilkinson, he originally had a different name.[6]
Merchandise
- TrackMaster (discontinued)
- Wooden Railway (normal and with medallion; discontinued)
- Take-n-Play (discontinued)
- Capsule Plarail
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 T&F S16 #17 "Welcome Stafford!"
- ↑ T&F S16 "Series 16 Broadcast Airing; Communication"
- ↑ T&F S17 #6 "Steamie Stafford"
- ↑ T&F S20 #10 "The Way She Does It"
- ↑ T&F The Great Race
- ↑ "Interview: Sam Wilkinson" on SiF