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Russell is a tank engine built by Crovan's Gate Steamworks who runs the Kirk Ronan Branch Line.

Russell

Built

1991

Builder

Crovan's Gate

Designer

Russell Means

Wheel configuration

0-6-0T

Number

17

Bio

Russell was built to help on services on the Kirk Ronan Branch Line, as requested by the Fat Controller. He first began working with Toby, and eventually was allowed to run it on his own.

He is very busy in the summer due to the amount of people going to the beach at Kirk Ronan and Norramby.

More on Russell and on the Kirk Ronan Branch Line will be featured in The Engines of Sodor.

Appearences

Mini-series:

Persona

He is a bright and cheerful engine who does not mind what work he does.However, he tends to get excited easily, due to his age, but he means well. He is usually found on the Kirk Ronan Branch Line.

Livery

Russell is painted in NWR black with red lining with the number 17 on his cab, and his nameplate in gold lettering on a black background on his smoke box.

Basis

Though it has never been mentioned, Russell is a LNER W. Worsdell J72. He is based off the sole survivor of the class, BR No. 69023 (Departamental No. 59).

Trivia

  • The character was named after and is dedicated to late Russell Means, an American-Indian actor and activist who played the role of Billy Twofeathers in Thomas and the Magic Railroad in 2000.
  • When he was introduced in the mini-story, he bore the number 12, however preview to his official introduction in the sixteenth season, he was given the number 17.
  • Unlike most engines in Adventures on Rails, Russell's number was real. The engine possessing this number is the only surviving member of the J72 class and is owned by the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group and is kept at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Gallery

Credits

  • Thanks to The LNER Encyclopedia for the image of BR No. 69020.
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