- “Transport! Without transport there wouldn't be any construction, that makes me the most important!”
- ― Nelson to Jack, On Site with Thomas
 | ||||
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nelson is a ballast tractor whose job is to carry construction workers and the Pack to and from work sites. As the bearer of such weighty loads, he often feels overworked, but never complains.
Bio
In his first appearance, Jack asked Nelson if he was the most important, as Patrick boasted that he was the most important earlier. Nelson told Jack that he's the most important, as he's the main source of transportation. Later, when a fierce storm raged across Sodor, Nelson and Oliver were sent to clear Henry's Tunnel.
However, Nelson soon got tired of always having to carry the other machines to and from work. He began dreaming about being carried himself. The next day, Thomas came off the rails and breaks a wheel. So Nelson was sent to take Thomas to the repair yard. When this is done, to his surprise, Percy carried Nelson back to the yards on a flatbed. Nelson had a splendid ride, and it was as magical as he had dreamed.
Persona
Nelson is a clever, intelligent, and wise ballast tractor who often feels overworked but never complains. He is proud of his paint and is happiest when he looks his best. Although he will never offer up a complaint, he is the first machine to comment on what is going wrong on the construction site.
Basis
Nelson is based on a Scammell Pioneer ballast tractor with a low loader trailer.
Livery
Nelson is black with cream lining, red alloy wheels and a front beam. He has his name painted on his front cab above his windows and has his number written on his cab doors in cream.
Appearances
Television series
- Jack and the Sodor Construction Company - On Site with Thomas, Thomas and the Moles (does not speak), and Percy Helps Out
He had roles in the cancelled episodes, Jack and the Quack, and Alfie Has a Secret.
Trivia
- In some concept art and promotional sketches, Nelson had a registration plate, "201 RGG", this was a reference to television series art director Robert Gauld-Galliers. He was also intended to carry the Scammell logo on his front. He would also have "Sodor" written next to his name.
Merchandise
- Wooden Railway (discontinued)
- TrackMaster
Gallery
Merchandise Gallery
See also
| Vehicles | Nelson | Jack | Alfie | Oliver | Max and Monty | Kelly | Byron | Ned | Isobella | Patrick | Brenda | Buster | Darcy | |
|---|---|
| People and Animals | Jenny Packard | The Foreman | Banksmen | Mike |
| Locations | Sodor Construction Company Yard |