Gordon the Big Engine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gordon the Big Engine |
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| Thomas & Friends character | |
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Gordon with James, Emily and Percy at Tidmouth Sheds
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| First appearance | The Three Railway Engines (The Railway Series, 1945) "Thomas and Gordon" (Thomas and Friends, 1984) |
| Created by | Rev. W. Awdry |
| Voiced by | Neil Crone (Thomas and the Magic Railroad) Keith Wickham (UK) Kerry Shale (US) Kenji Utsumi (Japan; 1990–2004; S1-8) Kenta Miyake (Japan; 2005–present; Calling All Engines! onwards) |
| Number | 4 |
| Information | |
| Gender | Male |
Gordon the Big Engine is a famous blue train from The Railway Series books and the TV show Thomas & Friends. He is a big, powerful locomotive with the number 4 painted on his side. Gordon is known for pulling the fast Express on the Island of Sodor. He is one of the main characters in both the books and the television series.
Gordon is special because he acts like a person, even though he is a train. This is called being anthropomorphic. He has feelings, talks to other engines, and has a very strong personality.
Gordon's Personality and Role
Gordon sees himself as the most important engine on the Island of Sodor. This is because he is the biggest and strongest. He also pulls the important Express train, which carries passengers quickly across the island. Because of this, Gordon can sometimes be a bit proud and boastful. He often thinks he knows best and can be a little grumpy if things don't go his way.
However, Gordon is also a very reliable and brave engine. When there is a big job to do, or if another engine needs help, Gordon is usually there to save the day. He cares about his friends, even if he doesn't always show it. He has a special friendship with Thomas the Tank Engine, even though they often tease each other.
Gordon in the Books
Gordon first appeared in The Railway Series books, written by Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry. His very first story was in the first book, The Three Railway Engines, published in 1945. In this book, readers met Gordon along with Edward and Henry.
Later, two whole books in the series were dedicated to Gordon. The eighth book was called Gordon the Big Engine. The thirty-first book was named Gordon the High Speed Engine. These books tell many exciting stories about Gordon's adventures and challenges.
Gordon in the TV Show
Gordon is also a very popular character in the Thomas & Friends television series. This show is based on the original books. He has been a main character since the show started in 1984. In the TV series, Gordon's personality is similar to the books. He is still proud and powerful, but also kind and helpful when it matters most.
His adventures in the TV show often involve pulling the Express, getting into funny situations, or learning important lessons about friendship and teamwork. Gordon's blue paint and number 4 make him easy to spot among the other engines.
Who Voices Gordon?
Many talented actors have given Gordon his voice over the years. These voice actors help bring Gordon's personality to life for viewers around the world.
- Neil Crone voiced Gordon in the movie Thomas and the Magic Railroad.
- In the UK, Keith Wickham has been Gordon's voice since Hero of the Rails.
- For US audiences, Kerry Shale has voiced Gordon, also starting from Hero of the Rails.
- In Japan, Kenji Utsumi voiced Gordon for the first eight seasons.
- Later, Kenta Miyake took over as Gordon's Japanese voice from the movie Calling All Engines! onwards.
