Oliver the Great Western Engine
Encyclopedia : O : OL : OLI : Oliver the Great Western Engine
Oliver is a fictional character from The Railway Series written by The Rev. W. Awdry. Oliver, and his Brakevan Toad were saved from Scrap by Douglas and now work happily on Duck's Branch line.
When Oliver was given the task of learning how to manage Troublesome Trucks, he ignored the warnings given to him by his friends. This unfortunetly, caused trouble because the Troublesome Trucks pushed him into the turntable well. He was sent to the works to be fixed, and came back a more clever and wiser engine.
He was as good as new, but the truck S.C. Ruffey led the other trucks in making fun of him. Toad felt sorry for Oliver, and made a plan to get him back. He explained his plan to Duck and Oliver, and implemented it with their help. Oliver marshalled the worst trucks 2 by 2, and left S.C. Ruffey out last until he was finished. S.C. Ruffey told the other trucks to hold back, but little did he know that Oliver had a trick up his sleeve. Oliver gave one great heave, and "Wham!" S.C. Ruffey was torn apart. It taught the trucks to never disrespect an engine again.
Also, how many fans of Thomas would ever forget the time Oliver got bored with working in the yard, and longed for a nice long run? It all started when one day, Toad noticed that Oliver was looling unhappy, and decided to find out why. Oliver explained that all he did was shunt trucks onto the turntable, and longed for a nice long run, because he said it's what an engine really needs. Instead of telling the Fat Controller, he just grew unhappier, and was rough with the Troublesome Trucks. The trucks said that Oliver was dangerous, and wished for Percy. Oliver said that Percy was far too busy, and give them one hard bump, making the tables turn by pushing the trucks into the turntable well instead of him being pushed in. The Fat Controller sent him to work the Mail Train for a while, which made him feel better.
The night brightend Oliver's spirits, and he gathered speed until he reached Dryaw station. But Harold the Helicopter was late, due to having a problem with one of his arms. After coming to a red signal, they went on the wrong track. They saw an old station, and had crashed into a barn. The Fat Controller became worried, and set up a search party. Eventually, he found him, making Oliver so delighted to be found. He was glad to see that Oliver was safe, and then saw an old house. After inspecting it, he decided that it was the best place where visitors can have Tea and Crumpets, making Oliver feel useful once again.
When we first met Emily, she took Thomas's coaches Annie and Clarabel by mistake, making Thomas cross. when Oliver explained what she did wrong, Emily decided to appologize to Thomas. Emily was still looking for Thomas when she was flaged down by a signalman. The signalman explained that Oliver couldn't make it to the signal box. Later, Emily found out that Oliver had broken down at a crossing. Then she heard Thomas. Thomas couldn't stop in time. Emily buffered up behind Oliver, and pushed with all her might. Emily saved Oliver, just in time. Because of her bravery, The Fat Controller gave her two new coaches of her own. Emily then appologized for taking his coaches, and they became friends.
He was introduced in Season 3, and had continued to make recent appearances throughout Seasons 3-7. Sadly, Oliver's character had not been given the opportunity to develop the same extent as other engines', although he had appeared with some regularty, since Season 3. Oliver didn't have many appearances in the later Seasons, due to his last appearance (currently) being a cameo in Best Dressed Engine, from Season 7, even though he had cameos in the songs There's no one quite like Emily(Short:Emily) and Surprises from Season 8.
Oliver is based on GWR 1400 Class Side Tank Engines used on the Great Western Railway.
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