| For other uses, see Toad. |
Toad is a Great Western brake van who lives on the North Western Railway. He usually works alongside Douglas.
Biography[]
Toad worked on the Great Western Railway before being threatened with the prospect of scrapping. Oliver, Toad and an autocoach named Isabel ran away for the greener pastures of the North Western Railway, but Oliver ran out of coal in route. Luckily, they were rescued by Douglas and brought back to Sodor. Afterwards, Toad asked to be Douglas' brake van as a show of thanks.
When S.C. Ruffey began to start a trend of disrespecting the engines, Toad had the idea for Oliver to show him and his lieutenants the error of their ways. This turned out better than expected, for Oliver pulled S.C. Ruffey apart and won back the respect of the trucks.
Personality[]
Toad is a polite, gentlemanly brake van. He is also somewhat imaginative and a bit of an optimist. Toad minds his manners well and is always quick to refer to the engines as "Mr.", "Miss" or "Sir". He escaped from scrap with Oliver, with some help from Douglas. Toad is very loyal, keeps Oliver's trucks in order and has his best interests at heart. He has a cunning streak within him should the trucks cause any particular bother and does like fun when it comes his way, but he is typically calm, obedient and content in his work.
Technical Details[]
Basis[]
Toad is based on a Great Western Railway (GWR) AA21 diagram 20-ton brake van. These were built between 1939 and 1940 with 100 being made, these being numbered 17390 – 17489. They were all fitted with vacuum brakes and a brake setter (emergency brake valve) which allowed the Guard to apply the brakes on the whole train. These vans were used on ‘fully fitted’ goods trains which could run at higher speeds.
Livery[]
Toad is painted in GWR grey with white handrails. He has the letters "G W" written on his sides in white.
Before he came to Sodor, he was was painted British Railways (BR) bauxite.
Appearances[]
The Railway Series[]
- Enterprising Engines - Escape (does not speak) and Little Western (mentioned)
- Oliver the Western Engine - Resource and Sagacity (does not speak) and Toad Stands By
Companion Volumes[]
- 1976 - Famous Engines
- 1987 - The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways (mentioned)
- 2005 - Sodor: Reading Between the Lines (mentioned)
Official Description[]
From Official Media:[1]
| “ | Toad: A certain type of Great Western brake-van was classified 'Toad' and it is one of these that Oliver is able to liberate the Island of Sodor along with himself and Isabel. Toad is very protective of Oliver and tries to prevent his falling into error, but also suggests the means by which Scruffey's comeuppance may be achieved. | ” |
Trivia[]
- Toad's name originates from a nickname ("toad") given to brake vans on the Great Western Railway, which was also their telegraphic code for a brake van. It can also be considered a subtle pun: a brake van is 'towed' everywhere it goes.
- Toad's number was never fully disclosed in The Railway Series. Although the second illustration of Toad Stands By revealed his number begins with "5". This is inaccurate as his basis were numbered 17390 to 17489 in real-life.
Gallery[]
The Railway Series[]
Main Series[]
Days Out with Thomas[]
References[]
- ↑ RWS "Sodor: Reading Between the Lines" (2005)
| Locomotives | Duck | Donald and Douglas | Oliver | |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling Stock | Passenger | Alice and Mirabel | Isabel and Dulcie |
| Goods | Toad | Fred Pelham | |
| Former | S.C. Ruffey | |
| Non-Rail Vehicles | Bulgy | Bulgy's Friend | |
| Stations | Tidmouth | Haultraugh | Arlesburgh West | |