87546 and 98462 were two blue tender engines who visited Sodor in 1923.
Biography
The Railway Series
In 1923, two blue engines without names, only known by their numbers - 87546 and 98462 - were sent to the North Western Railway on trial. They were horrid engines and were very spiteful and mean to poor Edward, Gordon, and Henry, so the Fat Director sent them away[1].
The two engines stayed at Vicarstown Sheds during their visit, where they notably teased Edward for being small[2].
Persona
According to Wilbert Awdry, 87546 and 98462 were horrid engines who were very mean and spiteful to the others.
Basis
87546 and 98462 are not based on any real locomotive class. Both engines resemble Gordon, but with round buffers and a few other visual differences. 87546 appears to have either a 2-6-0 or 2-6-2 wheel arangement, whereas 98462 might be a 4-6-0 or 4-6-2.
98462, as seen in the first illustration of Edward’s Day Out, appears to have inside valve gear, but in the second illustration however, he is seen to have outside Walschaerts valve gear.
Livery
In the first illustration of Edward's Day Out, 87546 and 98462 are painted blue with brass boiler bands. In the second illustration, 87546 has red boiler bands and lining.
Appearances
- The Three Railway Engines - Edward's Day Out (not named)
Companion Volumes
- 1995 - The Thomas the Tank Engine Man (mentioned)
Trivia
- 87546 and 98462 are two of a number of background engines inserted into the Railway Series by William Middleton and C. Reginald Dalby. In 1963, a young reader from New Zealand named Ross wrote to the Rev. W Awdry asking who the unnamed blue engines from the Three Railway Engines were and if they were featured in other stories. The Reverend invented an explanation that they were rude engines on trial who were quickly sent away[1].
Gallery
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "The Thomas the Tank Engine Man" p.119-120
- ↑ RWS #1 "The Three Railway Engines"