Derek started life as a goods engine in northern Scotland in 1962. When he was first built, he had many operational faults. He was deemed unsuitable for heavy goods trains like the rest of his brothers and sisters. Eventually all of the Class 17s were withdrawn in 1971. Derek sat in a scrapyard for six years before the Sodor Breakdown and Repair Company came looking for an engine. They bought Derek and he was brought to Sodor. Derek was given an overhaul at Crovan's Gate, where his previous problems were rectified. He worked as a breakdown engine until 1995 when the SB&RC became a division of Crovan's Gate Works. They started using the works diesels and Belle as breakdown engines instead of Derek. Since Derek was being used less and less, he was sold to Sir Stephen since he needed another engine to help on the Brendam branch. Derek became the NWR's 8th diesel. At first Derek was still afraid that his faults would still be apparent, but this fear was soon swept away. He now pulls trains of China clay from the clay pits to Tidmouth. He enjoys this arrangement very much. Bill and Ben seem to enjoy seeing Derek and they rarely harass him, unlike Boris, who they constantly harass any chance they get. Sometimes Derek pulls brakevan specials to the clay pits. One of Derek's brothers had come to Sodor before but was sent back after failing at the China Clay Pits.
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The Island of Sodor: The New Stories.
FanfictionThe world of Sodor is a treasure trove of story opportunities. Whether it's the books or the show, the Thomas universe is never short on stories to be told. There is already plenty of fan content for Thomas and Friends. Most content tries to keep th...
