Ivo Hugh

Ivo Hugh is named after the Skarloey Railway's former foreman, Mr. Ivo Hugh. He is a young narrow gauge tank engine.

Biography
Ivo Hugh is a powerful 0-4-2 tank engine who was built in 1996 and has done sterling work for the Skarloey Railway ever since. The heavier construction work was done at the North Western Railway's Crovan's Gate Works, but he was actually constructed by the Skarloey Railway's own engineering department, led by David Hugh. His similarity to the Talyllyn Railway's No. 7 is explained by the fact that much experience was passed on by that Railway in the light of experience with its own engine, and the co-operation saved much heart searching at Crovan's Gate.

Ivo Hugh is named in honour of the former Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Skarloey Railway, Mr. Ivo Hugh, who christened the new engine, a ceremony which was attended by all the engines. Ivo Hugh is unique in the Skarloey roster due to being a side-tank engine, and he is strong enough to handle the heaviest work.

Personality
Not much is known about Ivo Hugh, as he never spoke in the only book to feature him. However, the bio on the back of his trading card claims that as he is a younger engine, he relies upon the knowledge and experience of the older engines to help him get his work done.

Basis
Ivo Hugh is based on No. 7 Tom Rolt, an engine who works on the Talyllyn Railway. Tom Rolt is an Andrew Barclay 0-4-0WT which was rebuilt at Pendre Works into a 0-4-2T with side tanks in 1991. Tom Rolt is named after author L.T.C. Rolt, who inspired the Talyllyn Railway's preservation and was the line's manager for two years.

Livery
Ivo Hugh is painted in the Skarloey Railway red with cerulean and yellow lining livery. His number (7) is painted in a black circle, both with gold lining. "IVO HUGH" is painted on his side tanks in yellow. His buffer beams are painted red with silver buffers.

Appearances
Railway Series=

The Railway Series

 * New Little Engine - Sir Handel's Plan and I Name this Engine...

Companion Volumes
Other Media=
 * 2005 - Sodor: Reading Between the Lines
 * 2007 - Thomas the Tank Engine: The New Collection

Books

 * 2008 - Thomas' Sticker Express

Official Description
2002-2009= From Official Media

Trivia

 * Even though he only appeared in The Railway Series book, New Little Engines, written by Christopher Awdry, Ivo Hugh was actually created by the Rev. W. Awdry, who "never had time to write the story".
 * Ivo Hugh is also the final character created by the Rev. W. Awdry before his death.
 * Ivo Hugh's name is a reference to his basis' name, Tom Rolt, having the same amount of letters and words. This was "perhaps intended as a final tribute to a man (L.T.C. Rolt) whom he (Wilbert Awdry) had regarded highly".
 * Before he was named, everyone referred to him as "Number 7".

Merchandise

 * Wooden Railway
 * Trading Cards