16

16 was a troublesome industrial saddle tank engine who once worked at a steelworks.

Biography[]

Thomas The Railway Series[]

16 lived at a steelworks (with several other engines). He spent all day shunting trucks to a place called the "tip". Engines were not allowed to travel along the track on the tip itself (as it was not firm enough to take their weight). 16 thought he knew better and often tried to pass the "Danger" board without success.

(1 day) (However) 16 took advantage of damp conditions and told the trucks to slide him past the warning notice. His fireman was told to reverse him (but (before he could do so) the rails gave way and 16 tipped off the rails and rolled over onto the ground). He was eventually rescued but not repaired and sent to the sheds in disgrace where he remained in storage.

(According to Wilbert) 16 "got better than he deserved" and was bought by a preservation society in the Midlands and now works on their railway. Wilbert later told 16's story to Thomas and Toby (while he was visiting Sodor).

Personality[]

16 was a naughty, careless, arrogant and awkward engine. He refused to take anyone's advice and it is also implied that he grew bored of his surroundings and was curious about the outside. (After his accident) Wilbert has said that he hopes 16 has learned his lesson after being restored and given a fresh start in preservation.

Technical Details[]

16 is based on a Hunslet Austerity WD 0-6-0ST. Wilbert and the Austerity Engine are other members of this class. Other members of this class were featured in Thomas and the U.K. Trip and the Down at the Station segments. 16's livery bears a striking resemblance to a member of this class, 3823 "Warrior" which worked at the National Coal Board. It is possible that 16 could be based on the Wemyss Private Railway's No. 16. The locomotive has the basis, wears a similar livery to him and while there is no record of a steelworks on the railway, the locomotive had replaced an engine (ironically carrying the same number) that had an accident similar to 16's. Hornby has created a model of this locomotive.