Toby

Old box-shaped tram engine with a serious personality

An old wooden tram steam locomotive appearing in the British children's picture book and anime 'Thomas the Tank Engine'. A kind, honest, and knowledgeable engine, mainly responsible for freight transport and shunting on tram sections.

Quotes

  • I'm Toby. The tramway runner.
  • I know everything about you.
  • My strength may be weak, but my heart is strong.
  • Henrietta is my dear friend.
  • Don't be scared, I'm here.

Trivia

  • Modelled after Great Eastern Railway C53 class steam locomotive J70 type.
  • The locomotive the author encountered during a family trip became Toby's model.
  • Initially written as 'トービー', later changed to 'トビー'.
  • Equipped with tram section running gear (cowcatchers and splashers).
  • Regular in video works from season 1 to 21.
  • In 2D anime version, more proactive with new roles added.

Alternate names

Toby Toby Toby the Tram Engine

Tags

Thomas the Tank Engine The Railway Series Tram Locomotive Toby Island of Sodor Locomotive Character Friendship Children's Picture Book Anime Character

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Profile

Species
Tram Steam Locomotive
Gender
Male
Birth year
1914

Appearance

Overall appearance
Brown old box-type tram steam locomotive. Equipped with cowcatchers front and rear, side splashers, and a bell on the roof. Body number is 7.
Distinguishing features
  • Box-shaped wooden body
  • Cowcatchers equipped front and rear
  • Side splashers
  • Roof bell
Iconic items
  • Henrietta (dedicated coach)
  • Cowcatcher
  • Bell

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Honest
Detailed personality
Wise, honest, and knowledgeable. Kind to everyone, but also has a sensitive and worrisome side. Shows a mischievous side at times, and has a gentle heart that cherishes animals. Due to his age, he sometimes loses confidence, but is encouraged by his friends and Henrietta.
Keywords
  • Honest
  • Wise
  • Worrier
  • Kind
  • Mischievous
  • Sensitive
  • Knowledgeable
  • Animal lover
Talents
  • Freight car handling
  • Locomotive knowledge
  • Tram section running
  • Teamwork
Skills
  • Freight hauling
  • Workmen transport
  • Shunting
  • Obstacle course challenge (2D anime version)
Motivation
To complete his work, support his friends, and ensure the safety of the tram section.
Habits
Refers to himself as 'boku' (I) and others as 'kimi' (you).
Favorite foods
Unknown
Hobbies
Freight shunting, Tram section running
Favorite places
Island of Sodor, Ffarquhar Quarry, Knapford Station
Favorite colors
Brown
Disliked situations
Feeling powerless, Dangerous behavior

History

Backstory
Built in 1914 by James Holden at Stratford in East England on the Great Eastern Railway as C53 class no. 127. Originally worked in Norfolk but was purchased by Sir Topham Hatt due to line closure and assigned to the Sodor North Western Railway in 1950. Mainly handles freight and workmen transport on tram sections, active alongside his dedicated coach Henrietta.
Debut date
January 1, 1950
Work title
The Railway Series
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Toby the Tram Engine (Volume 7)

Assignment to Island of Sodor

Significant event
Assignment to Island of Sodor
Description
Purchased by Sir Topham Hatt and assigned to Sodor North Western Railway.

Tram section assignment

Significant event
Tram section assignment
Description
Runs on tram sections with cowcatcher equipment, active in freight hauling and shunting.

Regular role in TV series

Significant event
Regular role in TV series
Description
Regular character from season 1 to 21, with multiple starring episodes.

Appearance in 2D anime version (2021)

Significant event
Appearance in 2D anime version (2021)
Description
Appears in season 2 episode 48 with new setting. More proactive personality, handles shunting.

Relationships

Thomas

Teammate

Works together on Thomas's branch line, sometimes cooperating on jobs as comrades.

Percy

Teammate

A friend who plays pranks together or cooperates.

Henrietta

Always accompanies as dedicated coach, serving as an encouraging presence.

Mavis

Teammate

Some tram section work is entrusted to her, in a cooperative relationship.

North Western Railway (Sodor Railway)

North Western Railway (Sodor Railway): unknown

Media appearances

The Railway Series

Manga / Supporting

First appearance

Thomas the Tank Engine (model animation version)

Anime / Supporting

Season 1 Episode 21 'Toby and the Stout Gentleman'

Thomas the Tank Engine (3DCG version)

Anime / Supporting

Regular from Season 1 to 21

Thomas the Tank Engine (2021 anime)

Anime / Supporting

Appears in Season 2 Episode 48

Voice cast and creators

川津泰彦

Voice actor
川津泰彦
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Model/3DCG version Seasons 1~8

坪井智浩

Voice actor
坪井智浩
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Model/3DCG version Seasons 9~24

白石兼斗

Voice actor
白石兼斗
Language
Japanese
Version or series
2D anime version

Colm Feore

Voice actor
Colm Feore
Language
English
Version or series
3DCG feature film 1
Notes
UK original

Ben Small

Voice actor
Ben Small
Language
English
Version or series
3DCG feature films 4~Season 18
Notes
UK mid-period

Rob Rackstraw

Voice actor
Rob Rackstraw
Language
English
Version or series
3DCG Seasons 19~24
Notes
UK later period

Toby Hadoke

Voice actor
Toby Hadoke
Language
English
Version or series
2D anime UK version

Wilbert Awdry

Creator name
Wilbert Awdry
Role
Original author

Poplar Publishing

Creator name
Poplar Publishing
Role
Publisher

Hit Entertainment

Creator name
Hit Entertainment
Role
Licensee

Related goods

Toby Plush Doll

Item name
Toby Plush Doll
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

Toby's Mini Figure

Item name
Toby's Mini Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Toby's Picture Book Set

Item name
Toby's Picture Book Set
Category
Stationery
Availability
Regular

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