There are at least 3 types of Utility Vans seen in the Railway Series and television series.
They are also simply known as vans or trucks in the UK narration or cars in the US narration.
General Utility Vans
These type of utility vans are primarily used for transporting letters and parcels throughout the railway.
Biography
The Railway Series
These vans are a frequent sight on the Ffarquhar Branch Line and are usually pulled by Percy. Tom Tipper, the postman, used to helped load and unload letters and parcels into the vans at Ffarquhar
Basis
These vans are based on general utility vans (GUV), however their specific basis is unknown.
Add a photo to this galleryLivery
These vans are painted light brown.
SE&CR Diagram 960 PMV (4 wheels)
These vans are a type of rolling stock used for transporting goods and merchandise throughout various railways. They have 4 four wheels.
These vans were slowly phased out by the fifth season and replaced with bogie variants, as they ran easier on tighter turns.
Biography
Thomas & Friends
A utility van was used for carrying passenger's luggage, which was a part of Henry's express.[1].
They have often been used for the Flying Kipper with other types of vans and have been involved in many accidents while part of the train. Such as derailing into a stationary goods train[2] and being completely submerged underwater after travelling on a line eroded by high tides[3].
Henry once used these vans to transport letters and parcels from the Mainland to Percy's Post Train.
Personality
Sentient vans fall into the category of Troublesome Trucks.
Basis
The utility vans are based on the South Eastern & Chatham Railway Diagram 960 Parcels and Miscellaneous Vans (PMV), introduced in 1919.
This van was designated the standard for the Southern Railway, and remained in production, updated as the Diagram 3103, until 1951, remaining in regular service until 1986, with a few surviving on departmental duties into the 1990s. These vans were used primarily for the transportation of letters and parcels.
Livery
These vans were originally painted dark brown with light brown vents. They were repainted a faded black in Season 3.
SE&CR Diagram 960 PMV (bogie wheels)
These vans are a common type of rolling stock used for transporting goods and merchandise throughout various railways.
These vans replaced the 4 variants, as their bogies allowed them to run easier on tighter turns.
The Mail Train and the Flying Kipper primarily consists of these type of vans.
Biography
Thomas & Friends
One of these vans was part of Thomas' long goods train. The trucks grew cross with Thomas and pushed him down Gordon's Hill.
Henry once used one of these vans to transport letters and parcels from the Mainland to Percy's Post Train. .
One of these vans help form part of the Circus Train. James was given the honour of pulling train, much to the dismay of Gordon and Henry.
Percy used one of these vans to carry Flynn's special hose. Den and Dart offered to deliver the van but dumped the hose in the garage instead as ordered by Diesel 10.
Personality
Though faceless one of these vans once pushed Thomas down Gordon's hill, thus making them troublesome trucks.
Basis
The utility vans are based on the South Eastern & Chatham Railway Diagram 960 Parcels and Miscellaneous Vans (PMV) with added bogies. The mail vans share the same basis.
Livery
These vans are painted dark brown, cream, dark grey, and blue.
There have also been vans with special liveries depicted with logos for various businesses and companies.
References
