On the Island of Sodor, where steam engines puff through lush green hills and friendly stations, one blue engine has long captured the hearts of children and adults alike: Thomas the Tank Engine. But while Thomas may be the most recognizable face on the railway, he has never journeyed alone. Right beside him, often pulling mail trucks or giggling at a shared joke, is his most faithful companion: Percy the Small Engine.
Percy’s story, though quieter than Thomas’s, is rich with charm, loyalty, and lessons about friendship. He might not always be the fastest or the boldest, but Percy has proven time and again that kindness and devotion make for a truly “useful engine.”
Percy’s Arrival on the Island of Sodor
Percy first appeared in The Railway Series books by Reverend W. Awdry in 1950, and later in the beloved Thomas & Friends television series. Unlike the larger, more confident engines like Gordon or James, Percy arrived as a small saddle tank engine with a bright green paint job, red stripes, and an eager spirit. He was originally brought in to help out with the goods yard, a task that demanded diligence and a good attitude—both of which Percy had in abundance.
From the very beginning, Percy was presented as cheeky, playful, and full of youthful energy. He sometimes got into trouble by being a little too curious or mischievous, but he always meant well. These traits immediately set him apart and endeared him to viewers. Children saw in Percy a reflection of themselves: eager to help, eager to learn, and always hoping to be included.
How Percy Became Thomas’s Best Friend
Thomas and Percy didn’t start out as best friends. In fact, when Percy first arrived, he was closer to Edward and worked with him more often. But as the stories unfolded, especially in the television series, Percy began spending more and more time with Thomas. Their bond formed naturally over shared duties and common values.
One of the key things that cemented their friendship was their willingness to help each other. Whether it was Thomas assisting Percy in delivering the mail or Percy standing in for Thomas when he had an accident, the two engines learned to rely on one another. They laughed, they bickered, and they learned lessons together—just like real best friends do.
Over time, Percy was given the important job of delivering the mail across the island, a task he took very seriously. But even in his dedication, he never grew distant from Thomas. If anything, their bond grew stronger. They would often be seen at the station sharing stories, or racing down the tracks in good-natured competition. Percy might not have had the same responsibilities as Thomas, but he had his own unique role to play—and Thomas respected him for it.
What Makes Percy a Great Friend?
Percy may be small, but his heart is enormous. While some of the other engines on Sodor (like James or Gordon) sometimes let pride or ego get in the way of relationships, Percy remains grounded. He is not afraid to admit when he’s wrong. He listens. He forgives. And most importantly, he shows up.
Here are a few traits that make Percy such a great friend—not just to Thomas, but to many others on the railway:
- Loyalty: Percy never abandons a friend, even when things get tough. Whether it’s helping Thomas out of a tight spot or sticking by him after a mistake, Percy doesn’t walk away.
- Humility: Percy doesn’t seek the spotlight. He knows his place on the railway and takes pride in doing his job well, no matter how small others might think it is.
- Curiosity and Growth: Percy isn’t perfect. He often makes mistakes because of his inexperience or eagerness, but he learns from them. He’s open to change and willing to grow.
- Empathy: Percy feels deeply. When others are sad, he tries to cheer them up. When Thomas is frustrated or tired, Percy offers encouragement or a silly joke to lighten the mood.
These qualities make Percy a unique presence in the world of Thomas & Friends. In many ways, he represents the emotional core of the show—a gentle reminder that helping others and being kind are just as important as being clever or strong.
Percy and Thomas: Growing Together
As the Thomas & Friends series expanded into more episodes and even feature-length specials, the friendship between Thomas and Percy deepened. While early seasons showed them as playful and sometimes mischievous companions, later episodes explored more emotional themes.
In episodes like “Percy and the Signal” or “Percy’s Big Mistake,” viewers see Percy wrestling with fear, self-doubt, and the desire to be taken seriously. Thomas, although sometimes oblivious or too focused on his own tasks, always finds his way back to Percy—with an apology, a word of encouragement, or a shared laugh.
Their relationship is never one-sided. Thomas relies on Percy just as much as Percy relies on Thomas. And when the two engines are working together—whether it’s rescuing another engine, solving a mystery, or simply getting the mail delivered on time—the Island of Sodor runs a little smoother.
The Deeper Message of Their Friendship
At its core, the friendship between Thomas and Percy isn’t just a storyline—it’s a message to the viewers, especially children. It teaches that best friends aren’t always the same. They don’t have to be the same size, have the same skills, or even always agree. What matters is how they treat each other.
Thomas is bold, often headstrong, and quick to act. Percy is more cautious, thoughtful, and sensitive. But together, they balance one another. Percy helps ground Thomas when his ambitions get the better of him, and Thomas gives Percy confidence when he needs a push.
Their friendship reflects the real world in a gentle, idealized way. It shows children that being a good friend means:
- Listening, even when you’re busy.
- Saying sorry when you’ve made a mistake.
- Cheering each other on, even when you’re not the center of attention.
- Being patient when your friend is learning or struggling.
- Celebrating each other’s successes without jealousy.
These aren’t grand, flashy lessons. But they are the quiet values that build lifelong friendships—just like the one Thomas and Percy share.
Percy’s Legacy in the Thomas Universe
Though Thomas remains the face of the franchise, Percy has become a favorite for many fans around the world. His green paint, his high-pitched whistle, and his joyful spirit have inspired countless toys, books, and bedtime stories.
More importantly, Percy has become a quiet icon of kindness and friendship in children’s television. He’s the friend who always shows up, the one who believes in you even when you doubt yourself. And in a world that sometimes rewards speed and showiness, Percy reminds us that there’s great strength in being steady, humble, and true.
Final Thoughts
On the Island of Sodor, every engine has its job to do. Some pull express coaches. Others carry freight or tend to branch lines. But among them all, Percy the Small Engine holds a special place—not just for what he does, but for who he is.
He’s not just Thomas’s best friend. He’s a symbol of what friendship can be: enduring, supportive, and quietly powerful. In Percy, we see the kind of friend we all hope to have—and the kind we all hope to be.