Artist: Joe Graham. Full print available here
🚂 Meet Gordon the Big Engine
Gordon is the big, strong blue engine who zooms down the tracks faster than anyone else!
He’s proud of being Sodor’s main express engine and loves to show how important his job is.
Gordon might boast a little, but underneath it all, he has a kind heart. He always wants to be Really Useful — not just for the railway, but for his friends too.
🔍 Profile
Full Name: Gordon the Big Engine
Colour: Bright blue with red lining and black wheels
Number: 4 (painted on his tender)
Type of Engine: Tender engine (express locomotive)
Wheels: 4 Leading wheels, 6 driving wheels (4-6-2)
Introduced: The Railway Series Book 1 (The Three Railway Engines, 1945)
😊 Personality
Gordon is confident and strong-willed.
He sometimes acts a little full of himself and loves to remind the others how fast and powerful he is. But even if he seems bossy, Gordon always means well.
When things go wrong, he puts aside his pride to help — because Gordon knows that being dependable is just as important as being fast!
🏠 Home Base
Tidmouth Sheds, where he sleeps alongside Thomas, Henry, James, Percy, and Edward.
🚆 A Day in the Life of Gordon
Pulling the express train across Sodor — his favourite job!
Helping smaller engines when they need a hand (even if he grumbles a bit)
Reminding everyone that he’s the fastest and strongest engine around!
👋 Friends
Thomas – Though they sometimes bicker, Gordon often guides the younger engine.
Henry – A fellow big engine who shares express duties and mutual respect.
Edward – A wise, calming friend who knows how to handle Gordon’s pride.
🚃 Carriages & Engine Type
Express Coaches – Gordon pulls these proudly, treating them with care.
Tender Engine – Unlike tank engines (like Thomas), Gordon pulls a tender full of coal and water behind him.
🌟 Traits of Gordon
Proud – He takes pride in his work and role on the railway.
Boastful (sometimes!) – He likes to show off, but learns to say sorry.
Very Strong – One of the most powerful engines on Sodor!
🗯️ Catchphrase
“Oh, the Indignity!”
Gordon’s famous line when things don’t quite go his way!
🎉 Fun Fact
Gordon is the older brother of the Flying Scotsman — a real-life famous engine loved all around the world!
🔗 Want to know more about Gordon?
Explore his full character profile on the Thomas Wiki for more stories and history!
