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Background Information
In 1991, City of Truro was introduced in the third series of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends. He did not have a speaking role or a face and was only referred to in dialogue as a famous visiting engine, although his name appeared on a banner and on his nameplates. Because he was a one-off character, his model was put into storage following the production of his sole appearance and was later turned into a scrap piece. He later appeared in pictures in the eighth series episode, Edward the Great inside Spencer's Coach, and the sixteenth series episode, Flash Bang Wallop! in a photo book.
Behind the Scenes
Gauge 1 model
City of Truro's gauge 1 model was scratch-built from plastic using model railway drawings and book illustrations for reference.[1] Due to budget constraints, the model was not powered. City of Truro was the first and only engine in the television series to not have a face, and his smoke box door was recycled from a Märklin German BR 80 class (also known as “Märklin Engine”).[2] After filming of the third series wrapped up, the model was put into storage. It is worth noting that the boiler on the model is considerably smaller at the front, giving a closer appearance to the Great Western Railway 4100 Atbara class, which the 3700 City class evolved from.
During production of the fifth series, the model was repainted as a scrap engine and used as set dressing for the Scrapyards and the Sodor Ironworks[1]. City of Truro's scrapped model appeared throughout the fifth series and last appeared in the ninth. It also appeared in Thomas and the Magic Railroad during the scene where Toby eavesdrops on Diesel 10's plans.
In August 2021, City of Truro's model (minus his tender) along with one of the Old Tenders and Toad's model from the third series episode Escape, was put on display at the Clearwater Weekend event at the Midland Railway Centre, but only present in the "V.I.P" area.
Reference Sheets
