Sixteen

Sixteen was a troublesome industrial Austerity saddle tank engine who used to work at a steelworks on the Mainland.

The Railway Series
Sixteen lived at a steelworks on the Mainland, with several other engines. He spent all day shunting trucks to a place called the "tip". Engines were not allowed to travel along the track on the tip itself, as it was not firm enough to take their weight. Sixteen thought he knew better and often tried to pass the "danger" board without success.

One day, however, Sixteen took advantage of damp conditions and told the trucks to slide him past the warning notice. His fireman was told to reverse him, but before he could do so, the rails gave way and Sixteen tipped off the rails and rolled over onto the ground. He was eventually rescued but not repaired and sent to the sheds in disgrace where he remained in storage.

According to Wilbert, Sixteen "got better than he deserved" and was bought by a preservation society in the Midlands. Wilbert later told Sixteen's story to Thomas and Toby, while he was visiting Sodor.

Personality
Sixteen was a naughty, careless, arrogant and awkward engine. He refused to take anyone's advice and it is also implied that he grew bored of his surroundings and was curious about the outside. After his accident, Wilbert has said that he hopes Sixteen has learned his lesson after being restored and given a fresh start in preservation.

Basis
Sixteen is based on a Hunslet Austerity WD 0-6-0ST. Wilbert is another member of this class. Some other class members were featured in Thomas and the U.K. Trip and the Down at the Station segments.

Livery
Sixteen is painted maroon with yellow lining. His number (16) that he is named after is painted on the sides of his saddle tank in brown with a yellow border. His buffer beams are painted with yellow and black hazard stripes and his buffers are painted silver. His paint is chipped in places.

Sixteen's livery bears a striking resemblance to a member of this class, 3823 "Warrior" which worked at the National Coal Board.

Appearances
Railway Series=

The Railway Series

 * Wilbert the Forest Engine - Cab Over Wheels

Companion volumes

 * 2005 - Sodor: Reading Between the Lines
 * 2007 - Thomas the Tank Engine: The New Collection

Official Description
1998-2004= From Official Media