Bill and Ben - Popular Character Encyclopedia

Quotes

"Pranks are fun, but being with friends is the best!"
"Photography is our hobby!"

Trivia

Bill and Ben have identical appearances, distinguished sometimes by flags or body color changes.
In Season 17, Bill was painted blue but soon returned to original yellow.
Called 'Bees' by Duck.
Ben once broke buffers and got new silver ones.
Twin-specific pranks frequently depicted in the series.

Alternate names

Bill Ben Twin Tank Engines

Profile

Species: Steam Locomotive
Gender: Male

Appearance

Overall appearance: Twin small tank engines characterized by yellow bodies. They have 2 driving axles and a chubby body shape. Their appearances are nearly identical, making them hard to distinguish.
Eye color: Black
Hair color: Yellow
Distinguishing features: Twins with identical appearances

Yellow body

2 driving axles
Iconic items: S.C.C logo on the side

Brendam Bay lettering on the front

Buffers (replaced silver buffers)

Personality and abilities

Core personality: Mischievous
Detailed personality: Energetic, bright, and friendly twins. They conspire pranks together but are fundamentally considerate of friends. Photography is a hobby, and they look forward to tourists. They obediently listen to Edward.
Keywords: Energetic

Bright

Mischievous

Close twins

Photography lovers

Friendly

Cheeky

Cooperative

Fun-loving
Talents: Prank planning ability

Teamwork

Locomotive driving
Skills: Coal transport

Freight hauling

Photography
Motivation: To entertain tourists and day-trippers and carry out Sodor China Clay Company operations smoothly.
Habits: They often play impersonation pranks on each other.

History

Backstory: Appears in the original Railway Series books and TV series. Working as the China Clay Company's locomotives, they get along as twins, play pranks, and work diligently. Personality and appearance similar to Donald and Douglas twins.
Work title: The Railway Series
Media type: Manga

Episode where painted blue

Significant event: Episode where painted blue
Description: In Season 17, pranks went too far making them indistinguishable, so Bill was painted blue. Later both returned to original yellow.

Buffer replacement

Significant event: Buffer replacement
Description: Ben broke his buffers, so replaced with new silver buffers.

Pranks preventing accidents

Significant event: Pranks preventing accidents
Description: Played pranks on BoCo and Connor, making engines laugh, occasionally causing problems.

Relationships

Bill

Sibling

Twin brothers, indispensable partners to each other.

Ben

Sibling

Twin brother, always together playing pranks, close friends.

Edward

Mentor

Obediently listen to Edward and often rely on guidance and advice.

Duck

Friend

Duck calls them 'Bees' affectionately.

Sodor China Clay Company

Sodor China Clay Company: unknown

Media appearances

The Railway Series

Manga / Supporting

Thomas & Friends TV Series

Anime / Supporting

Thomas & Friends feature films

Movie / Supporting

Voice cast and creators

中友子

Voice actor: 中友子
Language: Japanese
Version or series: Early TV series

下屋則子

Voice actor: 下屋則子
Language: Japanese
Version or series: From Season 9 onwards

Jonathan Broadbent

Voice actor: Jonathan Broadbent
Language: English
Version or series: Seasons 17-19

Tim Whitnall

Voice actor: Tim Whitnall
Language: English
Version or series: Tale of the Brave (Bill only)

Matt Wilkinson

Voice actor: Matt Wilkinson
Language: English
Version or series: Tale of the Brave onwards (Ben only)

Wilbert Awdry

Creator name: Wilbert Awdry
Role: Original author

Christopher Awdry

Creator name: Christopher Awdry
Role: Illustrator

Poplar Publishing

Creator name: Poplar Publishing
Role: Publisher

Related goods

Bill and Ben figure set

Item name: Bill and Ben figure set
Category: Figure
Availability: Regular

Bill and Ben plush toys

Item name: Bill and Ben plush toys
Category: Plush or doll
Availability: Regular

Find Bill and Ben goods