Boco

BoCo is a green mixed traffic diesel engine, who primarily works on Edward's Branch Line and occasionally on the Main Line.

Basis
BoCo is based on a British Rail (BR) Class 28 Co-Bo diesel-electric engine. Diesel 5701 is also based on this engine. BoCo's name is derived from his Co-Bo wheel arrangement, though reversed as the Rev. W. Awdry thought "BoCo" sounded more affectionate. These engines were initially used on the "Condor" express freight services but the class's Crossley engines quickly proved problematic. They suffered frequent failures, and in 1961 the entire class was handed back to the manufacturer for remedial work on the engines, and to cure problems with cab windows falling out while running. Upon return to service in 1962, all members of the class were allocated to Barrow-in-Furness. BoCo was susceptible to the mechanical failures of his class - according to the Awdrys, however, the Fat Controller eventually found a fix to prevent these malfunctions. The real engines were not so fortunate, and most were withdrawn and scrapped by 1969.

BoCo's number belonged to a real BR Class 28. The real D5702 was built in 29 September, 1958, and was withdrawn on 7th September, 1968, before being scrapped at J. Cashmore Scrapyards the following year.

In the annuals, BoCo mentions a brother of his - Diesel 5705, a real preserved engine, who is the last surviving Class 28. In another annual, BoCo claimed to have a twin called "CoBo" in order to play a trick on Bill and Ben.

Trivia

 * Boco was spawn at Tidmouth Sheds once,but he was moved to Wellsworth