Wilfred is a narrow gauge mountain-climbing engine who works on the Culdee Fell Railway. Like the other mountain engines, he has his own coach used for passenger services.
Biography
Wilfred was built at the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works in Winterthur, Switzerland, in 1900. Soon afterwards, he arrived on Sodor during the opening of the Culdee Fell Railway alongside the other four engines in time for the railway's inspection and opening.
Following Godred's accident shortly after opening, Wilfred and the three other engines worked the line successfully for 60 years. They were carefully maintained and sent back, in rotation, to the builders in Switzerland for overhaul.[1]
When Culdee returned from an overhaul, Wilfred and Ernest informed him about changes that happened to the railway. Later, Wilfred and his coach were later delayed at the Summit after Lord Harry derailed at the points. Culdee and Wilfred teased him for being a "wreck". Wilfred was later present when Lord Harry was renamed Patrick.[2]
Wilfred and Ernest were superseded by the more modern Nos. 6-8 in 1964.[3]
Personality
Wilfred is a kind old mountain engine. A hard worker, he is very cautious and gets upset at the carelessness of the other engines. He is known as the musical engine by the other mountain engines because he loves to whistle as he ascends and descends the steep hills.
Technical Details
Basis
Wilfred is based on No. 3 Wyddfa, an engine who works on the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Livery
Wilfred is painted in the Culdee Fell Railway's livery of purple with orange lining. His number (3) is painted on the sides and back of his cab in yellow and he has a red nameplate with a gold boarder on the sides of his tanks with his name (Wilfred) on them, also in gold. His buffer beams are painted red.
Appearances
The Railway Series
Companion volumes
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Books
- 2008 - Thomas' Sticker Express
Annual Stories
- 1990 - Thomas and the Sunday School Outing (indirectly mentioned)
Documentaries
Official Description
From Official Media:[1]
“ | Wilfred: Wilfred is a kind old mountain engine who often criticizes the carelessness of the younger mountain engines, but is always willing to help out if they get into trouble. He is a hard worker and never complains about working the steep cliffs of the mountainside, for which the stationmaster is extremely grateful.
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” |
Trivia
- Like the other engines of the Culdee Fell Railway, Wilfred has a face at each end.
Quotes
- “Wilfred," Culdee called. "Who is this wreck?!"
"It's Lord Harry, didn't you know?"
"It looks like Old Harry, its fat as Old Harry. But of course, it can't be Old Harry."
"Why ever not?"
"You see Old Harry's an up-to date engine. He can go twice our speed in perfect safety!” - ― Wilfred and Culdee mocking Lord Harry, "Danger Points", "Mountain Engines"
- “It's important work!" protested Wilfred, "and tough too!"
"Tough? That little lot?!"
"Yes, tough!" said Culdee. "Have you ever been across Devil's Back, in a gale?!"
"No," said No. 6 thoughtfully. "But I see what you mean.” - ― Wilfred and Culdee lecture No. 6, "Devil's Back", "Mountain Engines"
Merchandise
Range | Released | Discontinued | Photo | Highlights |
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References
Locomotives | Godred | Ernest | Wilfred | Culdee | Shane Dooiney | Patrick | Alaric | Eric |
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Rolling Stock | Coaches | Catherine | The Truck |
People | Lord Peter Barrane | Lord Harry Barrane | Walter Richards |
Locations | Kirk Machan (Engine Sheds) | Shiloh | Poll-ny-Chrink | Skarloey Road (Viaduct) | Devil's Back | Culdee Fell Summit |