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Benjamin "Bear" Beyer Hymek, so named for the growling noises his engine makes, is a diesel engine. He speaks with a gruff Cockeny accent. He is also Boco's best friend.
Bio
At this time, Bear was known by his number, 7101.
7101 came on loan to Sodor with another diesel named 199. 199 was blatantly arrogant and bad-mouthed about the steam engines until 7101 and Duck shut him up.
The next day, 7101's injector failed while pulling the "Limited". Henry, who had a failed regulator and was towing 199, who had failed while pulling some oil-tankers, came to help; 7101 was still able to move by himself with some help from Henry. To the passengers' delight, Flying Scotsman took their train, while Henry helped 7101 home. The engines persuaded Sir Topham Hatt to let 7101 stay on, and renamed him "Bear". Bear liked this name, saying it meant he "really belonged".
In 1983, James had befriended Bear by this time.
It was revealed Bear pulls the Express when Gordon, Henry and James are busy in 1986.
In 1993, Bear did Henry's duties while Henry was at the Works.
In 1996, BoCo had befriended him forever.
Persona
Bear is loyal and friendly - even James, who was the last to accept diesels, couldn't help but like him.
Basis
Bear is based on a BR Class 35 "Hymek" Bo-Bo, built at and designed by Beyer Peacock Ltd in 1961, approx. 51 ft 8 1/2 long. His initial number, 7101, is an in-joke: the Class 35 numbers only went up to 7100.
Livery
Bear is currently painted in the livery he should have carried when first built: all-over B.R. loco green with a narrow band of lime along the bottom of the sides with cream window surrounds, medium grey roof and yellow warning panels. When he first arrived on Sodor, he wore the B.R. "Rail Blue" livery with yellow warning panels extended around the cab side windows. He has a grey face.
Voice Actors
- Glenn Wrage (UK/US; coming soon)
Trivia
- At his rear cab, he has a headcode that reads "AC47".