Smudger was a reckless narrow gauge tank engine, who used to work on the Mid Sodor Railway until he was turned into a generator.
Biography
Television Series
Smudger was reckless and irresponsible, and came off the rails frequently. However, he believed that it did not matter if he had a few spills, and refused to heed to Duke's advice. This behavior resulted in him being turned into a generator behind the sheds at Arlesdale.
After the Mid Sodor Railway closed down, it is unknown what happened to Smudger. However, it is most likely that he was either left to rust behind the sheds or was scrapped.
Duke once lectured Stuart and Falcon about the downfall of Smudger, and they became "unusually good for several days" afterwards. (TVS; Granpuff)
Personality and Traits
Smudger was arrogant, cocky and reckless. He was a show-off and often came off the rails, but believed it did not matter how many times he derailed. His behavior resulted in him being converted to a generator.
Technical Details
Basis
Smudger is based on the Talyllyn Railway's Dolgoch, a Fletcher Jennings Bb class locomotive. Dolgoch was built in 1866 for the Talyllyn Railway, and is still in service to this day. Rheneas is also based on Dolgoch.
Livery
Smudger was painted dark green with gold boiler bands and black lining on the sides of his cab. His name was written in gold on a black nameplate, which was placed on each side of his boiler. He also carried his number, 2, on the sides of his coal bunker. As Smudger was repainted from Rheneas, some areas of his model were painted red, and when he was turned into a generator, his coal bunker was repainted to red.
Trivia
- Smudger's whistle sound was later reused for Stepney in Thomas and Stepney. The same whistle sound was later used for Ryan starting with Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.
- Smudger's happy face mask was recycled for Bertram in the fifth season.
- Smudger is the first character introduced in the television series to not come from the Railway Series. Instead, his role was inspired by Stanley from Duke the Lost Engine.