Which engine is considered the fastest on Sodor?

Gordon is considered the fastest engine on Sodor.

He is the large blue express engine who usually hauls the prestigious express on the North Western Railway. Gordon’s size, speed and power give him a senior status among Sodor’s standard-gauge engines, and the stories repeatedly portray him as proud of being the fastest and strongest member of the railway team.

Gordon is based on a Gresley A1/A3 Pacific locomotive, the type associated with powerful express passenger work. His fictional design includes a large driving-wheel arrangement and a tender, making him notably different from tank engines such as Thomas, Percy and James.

The wording can cause confusion because other fast locomotives visit Sodor, including Gordon’s famous brother Flying Scotsman and characters such as Spencer. However, within the usual Sodor railway setting and the standard Thomas & Friends character roster, Gordon is the canonical answer. His express duties are central to many stories, especially those involving his pride and rivalry with other engines.