Duck

Duck was a proud, humble Great Western engine who worked on the North Western Railway.

Biography
Duck was built in 1929 and arrived on Sodor in the fall of 1955. Upon his arrival, he quickly gained the respect of the big engines after refusing to bow down to their demands. They began to respect his independence and his ability to hold his own, but grew annoyed with his constant Great Western pandering. In December, 1955, Duck felt that there wasn't enough Christmas spirit on the Island of Sodor, so he and Percy found a tree and placed it outside Knapford Sheds for all the engines to see and enjoy.

In 1957, the Fat Controller announced to all the engines that a new diesel would be arriving on Sodor for a trial run. He also announced that this diesel wouldn't be the only diesel due to a new contract that was signed. Duck was initially very optimistic and had little worries about said diesel, but when he arrived, Duck was taken aback by how rude he was. Duck found that the roles were soon reversed. The big engines took a liking to Diesel, but he was suspicious of him. His suspicions proved to be correct when Diesel framed Duck for causing the trucks to harass the big engines and was sent away to work with Edward. There, he worked with Edward on the new dockyard at Brendam. Duck was later sent to pull a train with Edward but after James became a runaway, the trucks broke free and Duck became a runaway as well. Duck urged Edward to save James while he tried to stop the trucks. His efforts were in vain as he crashed into a barber shop. He was brought back to Knapford where he and the other engines confronted Diesel for what he had done. Diesel was sent away shortly after.

In 1959, Duck was shocked to find that two identical engines called Donald and Douglas had arrived on the railway rather than the one that was expected. Nevertheless, he began teaching them both the ways of the railway and took a keen liking to them. He later agreed to help Henry keep the twins on the railway, but the plan backfired. James, Henry, and Douglas were arrested and Duck became even more irritated when he learned that three new diesels would be arriving for a trial. Upon finding that two of them were 08 shunters like Diesel, Duck became even more angry and immediately took a disliking to them. Donald soon became suspicious of the diesels and went to see what they were up to. Soon after, Duck was forced to stay behind with Percy and Toby while Thomas, Edward, and Gordon went to see what happened to Donald. However, their safety was short lived when a bomb in the sheds started ticking. Duck and Percy managed to get out unscathed, but Toby was knocked over from a large piece of rubble. Duck brought Rocky to the burning shed to rescue Toby when he was attacked by Splatter. Duck told Percy to take Toby away while he held Splatter off. Soon after, Douglas arrived with Oliver and was soon followed by Dodge. Dodge was accidentally switched onto Duck's line and bumped into him and Splatter. The three engines were rammed into the burning sheds and went up with it. Douglas soon returned with Percy and Rocky to rescue him, but his fate as of now is unknown.

Personality
Duck was a very humble and optimistic character who had his best traits shattered upon being manipulated and taken advantage of. Before his supposed death, the rest of his time was spent living very pessimistic and distrusting of everyone around him. Duck spent the majority of his life believing good would come to those who wait and to those who remain hopeful, but no longer feels that way due to all he's been through.

Basis
Duck is based on a Great Western Pannier 5700 tank engine.

Livery
Duck is painted Great Western apple green with the 'GWR' logo painted on his side in yellow with red lining. He has his number 8 painted just below his cab in yellow with black lining.

Season 1

 * Sodor Then and Now 8: The Work Begins (S1, E8)
 * Sodor Then and Now 9: The Caledonian Engines (S1, E9)
 * Sodor Then and Now 10: Boomer's Reign (S1, E10)

Short Films

 * Sodor Then and Now: A Time of Joy (1955)

Trivia

 * Only GTSH and his closest friends know of Duck's true fate.
 * Duck was initially going to be introduced in Episode 7 but his introduction was cut back to A Time of Joy.
 * Episode 7 was initially about Duck arriving just before World War II and how he saved a Sudrian Military Base from German bombers.
 * Duck's accident in Episode 10 was decided nearly a year and a half before the final draft was completed.
 * Duck has not spoken to Oliver once.
 * Duck has never directly spoken to Thomas.