Stepney

From Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia

"Bluebells forever!"

— Stepney, "Stepney gets Lost", fifth season

Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine

Number: 55 Build date: 1875, rebuilt in 1912 Configuration: 0-6-0

Stepney, named after a district in London, is a tank engine.

Bio in the Railway Series

Stepney was built in 1875 and later rebuilt in 1912. He arrived on the Bluebell Railway on May the 17th, 1960.

In 1963, Stepney came on loan to Sodor and worked briefly with Duck at Tidmouth before working on Thomas' branchline, during which time he caught a cricket ball in a truck while passing the Elsbridge cricket field. Towards the end of his stay he returned to Tidmouth, and on his last day double-headed the Express with Duck after the Diesel failed.

Stepney has been withdrawn from service as his boiler certificate has expired. Despite his "tired" condition, he is going to have a fast-track overhaul so he'll be in service again in time for 'Bluebell 50' gala in early August 2010.

Bio in the television series

Stepney was hiding on the Other Railway when Rusty found him and convinced him to travel with him to the Bluebell Railway.

Stepney later visited Sodor to have a change from his line, and again to help Toby and Mavis to help at the quarry - this exurcusion nearly ended in disaster after 'Arry and Bert tried to scrap Stepney, luckily without success, after Stepney accidentally ventured into the scrapyards. Stepney later visited for unknown reasons in one episode, apparently to help Duck again, and was later helped by Edward with the running of a new loop line. During a later visit, he was hit by a truck of sugar in an incident caused by Rosie.

Persona

Stepney is a honest, kind and hard-working engine, and loves to work on his branchline. Stepney listens to advice all the time and he always learns a lesson.

Basis

Stepney is based on the real engine of the same name, an LB&SCR A1x Class "Terrier" 0-6-0T tank locomotive.

Livery

Stepney is painted in the ochre locomotive livery of the LB&SCR, formally known as "Stroudley's Improved Engine Green".

Appearances

Stepney first appeared in "Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine" and was mentioned in "Oliver the Western Engine" and "Thomas and the Great Railway Show".

In the television series, Stepney appeared in the fourth, fifth and twelfth seasons. He also appeared in the sixth and seventh seasons with no speaking roles.

Merchandising

ERTL (discontinued)
LC Wooden (reissued in a three-pack)
Take-Along
TOMY/Trackmaster
Hornby
My Thomas Story Library
Bandai Tecs

Trivia

Stepney's model is currently on display at Drayton Manor.
Since June 10, 2008, Stepney has been on static display awaiting an overhaul. The Bluebell railway hopes that he'll be running again by their 50th anniversary.

Gallery

Stepney with the 3 diesels	Stepney	Stepney in season 4	Stepney in Season 4
Stepney and Duck	Stepney takes a special train	Stepney takes on water	Stepney in Train Stops Play
Stepney and Caroline	Stepney and Caroline	Stepney in Season 5	Stepney with Duck
Stepney passes the windmill	Stepney with Edward	Stepney in Season 12
Stepney's model at Drayton Manor	Hornby Stepney	Take-Along Stepney	Trackmaster Stepney