Percy the Small Engine

Percy the Small Engine was initially introduced in the Railway Series set of Children’s books, which were authored by Rev. Awdry and his son, Christopher Awdry. Percy’s popularity really took off when the tv series Thomas and Friends was launched.

Percy the Small Engine was among the last engines to arrive at the Island of Sodor. He lives together with the other steam engine locomotives, we all know and love: Thomas the Tank Engine, Gordon, and Henry. Percy is known as the youngest of the steam engines trains. In the beginning I used to get all the steam engines confused, but as time continued I figured all of it out, and I  understand that Percy is the small green steam engine using the number 6 shown on his bunker.

When Percy was initially delivered to Sodor the larger engines tried to bully him, but Percy soon demonstrated he was more than capable to taking a stand for himself. After doing a really good job the little steam engine was ultimately promoted to operate on Thomas’ branch line. When Percy isn’t pulling trucks, he can be observed taking Annie and Clarabel when Thomas is busy. On the island of Sodor Thomas and Toby are considered to be Percy’s best friends.

The little engine Percy first appeared in The Railway Series of children’s books number 5 entitled, “Troublesome Engines.” This series was initially released in 1950. Percy was given his very own title in book number 11, the title of this book was “Percy The Small Engine.”

Numerous Thomas the train fans never knew the fact that Percy was the origin of major friction between Rev. Awdry and C. Reginald Dalby – who had been the initial illustrator of The Railway Series. Rev. Awdry had complained that Percy didn’t resemble a real locomotive, a concern which had caused contention between the two men on numerous occasions and with regards to several characters. In order to avoid conflict Awdry constructed a small model of Percy to make sure that Mr. Dalby got it exactly as he wanted.

Dalby was adamant his cartoonish design was much better and their difference ultimately reached a head when the book, “Percy the Small Engine”, was written. Rev. Awdry contacted Dalby to tell him his dissatisfaction, and decided the simplest way to approach Dalby was directly. He told Dalby he thought that his version of Percy looks like a green caterpillar with red stripes, making it clear to Dalby that he wanted Percy to look a lot more like an actual locomotive. Dalby was so insulted by Rev. Awdry’s remarks he believed that it was better to step down immediately at that moment.

While there is no evidence of this accusation, it’s rumored that Rev. Awdry took a poke at Dalby during the tv episode known as, “Woolly Bear” when Thomas insulted Percy by stating that he looks like a green caterpillar with red stripes. Subsequently it’s also rumored that Awdry and Dalby were able to move past their disagreements and are considered friends again.

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