The main character numbers
Thomas is the blue No. 1 tank engine. Edward is No. 2, Henry No. 3, Gordon No. 4, James No. 5, Percy No. 6 and Toby No. 7. These numbers form the most familiar sequence in books, television and merchandise, although the exact cast around them changes over time.
Other popular railway characters include Duck, Donald, Douglas, Oliver, Emily, Diesel, Spencer and Hiro. Some belong to the North Western Railway, while others visit Sodor or work on a different railway. A useful character list therefore needs more than a single numbered ranking.
Why different character lists disagree
The Railway Series books, the model television years, the CGI years and All Engines Go are related, but they are not identical catalogues. Characters can be introduced, redesigned, omitted or given a different role. All Engines Go is a separate animated reimagining, not an extra season of the original CGI programme.
When identifying a character, first look at the production era, then the name, colour, wheel arrangement and visible number. For toys, also check the brand and track system: a character name alone does not confirm compatibility.
Where Nia and Rebecca fit
Nia is an orange Kenyan tank engine numbered 18. Rebecca is a large yellow tender engine numbered 22. Both joined the Steam Team during the 2018 Big World! Big Adventures! changes and appear in series 22 of the CGI era.
They are often searched together because they arrived in the same transition, but they are different characters with different designs and duties. Use the dedicated guides below for their introductions, numbers and identifying details.
