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There are at least three types of Utility Vans seen in the Railway Series and the television series.

They are also simply known as vans or trucks in the UK narration or cars in the US narration.

SR Diagram 3101 CCT (4 wheels)

These vans are rolling stock used for transporting goods and merchandise throughout various railways. They have four wheels.

These vans were slowly phased out by the fifth series and replaced with bogie variants, as they ran easier on tighter turns.

Biography

Thomas & Friends

A utility van was used for carrying passenger's luggage, which was a part of Henry's express train.[1].

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. Various accidents include derailing into a stationary goods train[2] and being completely submerged underwater after travelling on a line eroded by high tides[3].

Henry once used these vans to transport letters and parcels from the Mainland to Percy's Post Train[4].

Personality

Sentient vans fall into the category of Troublesome Trucks.

Technical Details

Basis

The utility vans are based on the Southern Railway Diagram 3101 Covered Carriage Truck (CCT), introduced in 1925. This van was derived from the earlier SE&CR Diagram 960 PMV, It remained in production until 1955, remaining in regular service until 1986, with a few surviving on departmental duties into the 1990s. These vans were used primarily for the transportation of letters and parcels.

Livery

These vans were originally painted dark brown with light brown vents. They were repainted in a faded black in the third series.

Appearances

Trivia

  • The model for this type of van was constructed out of a Tenmille kit. The light brown model used for the bogie variants was sometimes used for the 4-wheel variants.
  • Though they are usually faceless, a utility van with a Troublesome Truck face was once briefly seen in the third series episode Oliver Owns Up, although the face was crooked.

Merchandise

SR Diagram 3101 CCT (bogie wheels)

These vans are rolling stock used for transporting goods and merchandise throughout various railways. They are quite common.

These vans replaced the four wheel variants, as their bogies allowed them to run easier on tighter turns.

The Mail Train and the Flying Kipper primarily consist of these type of vans.

Biography

Thomas & Friends

One of these vans was part of Thomas' long goods train. The trucks grew cross with Thomas and pushed him down Gordon's Hill[5].

Henry once used one of these vans to transport letters and parcels from the Mainland to Percy's Post Train. [6].

One of these vans helped form part of the Circus Train. James was given the honour of pulling the train, much to the dismay of Gordon and Henry[7].

Percy used one of these vans to carry Flynn's special hose. Den and Dart offered to deliver the van but dumped the hose in the garage instead as ordered by Diesel 10[8].

Personality

Though faceless one of these vans once pushed Thomas down Gordon's hill, thus making them troublesome trucks.

Technical Details

Basis

The utility vans are based on the Southern Railway Diagram 3101 Covered Carriage Truck (CCT) with added bogies. The mail vans share the same basis.

Types of designs

Livery

These vans are painted maroon, cream, dark grey and blue.

There have also been vans with special liveries depicted with logos for various businesses and companies.

Appearances

Thomas & Friends

Specials

Trivia

  • In the CGI series, the amount of vents on the front and back of utility vans were reduced.
  • From the third to fifth series, the mail vans were made out of Tenmille gauge 1 Utility van kits. From Thomas and the Magic Railroad to Series 12, they were scratch built. This explains why their appearance was altered from the original utility vans they were based on.

Merchandise

References



* RWS only | ** T&F only | --- Dropped
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