Freddie/Behind the Scenes

The Railway Series
In the Railway Series, Ivo Hugh, a young red 0-4-2 tank engine, is the No. 7 engine of the Skarloey Railway. In the television series, Freddie replaces Ivo Hugh as the No. 7 narrow gauge engine.

Television Series
"Fearless" Freddie is a fictional narrow gauge tank locomotive created by Simon Nicholson working on the Skarloey Railway.

In 2006, Freddie made his debut in the tenth series of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends in the episode, Fearless Freddie. He is described as being an old friend who had returned to the railway after many years. He later appeared in the eleventh and twelfth series and also in the special, The Great Discovery.

"Fearless" Freddie has not appeared in the television series since 2008. Freddie was originally intended to return in full CGI in either Blue Mountain Mystery or the sixteenth series and was to be voiced by Bob Golding, however he was later dropped, possibly due to the fact that Nitrogen Studios took measurements of the engines from the Talyllyn Railway, and Freddie's basis is not from that railway. This is why he had alot of merchandise around the time, some even featuring full CGI renders of his face

Freddie is based on Russell, a locomotive found on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway in North Wales. Russell participated in the Talyllyn Railway's 150th celebration with Duke's basis, Prince from 3rd to 5th July 2015.

O gauge model (Large scale)


For ease of filming and reliability, the fifth series would introduce larger scale versions of the narrow gauge engines and rolling stock. From the sixth to twelfth series, these larger models were used almost exclusively. Freddie's model was custom built during production of the tenth series and was compatible with the large scale narrow gauge engines and rolling stock. It was built to a larger scale than the gauge 1 engines and ran on O gauge track. Close to 16mm scale, but slightly larger.

The model was made from brass. The wheels and chassis were custom machined (CNC). The model was track powered, so pickup contacts were attached to the metal wheels, which ran into the motor to power it. The electricity ran from the track to the wheels/pickup contacts and went into the motor to power him. The model was also fitted with a smoke unit.

Present Day
After production of the model series wrapped in 2008, most of the models and sets would be put into storage, with some being put on display at Drayton Manor Theme Park. All other models would be logged and referenced in 2009 by HiT Entertainment, from this HiT would decide on which models were to enter storage once again, which would be given to crew members and which to be disposed off. Due to only having one model made, Freddie's model would stay under HiT and later Mattel's ownership.

Freddie's model is currently in Mattel's storage unit in Southampton England. His prototype tired face would also be sold off to The Prop Gallery and then bought by Sean O Connor and be displayed at the History of Thomas Event.

Voice Actors

 * Tomohiro Nishimura
 * Christian Stark
 * Jacek Król