Which narrow-gauge engine is number 3 on the Skarloey Railway?

The narrow-gauge engine numbered 3 on the Skarloey Railway is Sir Handel.

Sir Handel is one of the railway’s small mountain engines in The Railway Series and Thomas & Friends. In the fictional history, he originally worked on the Mid Sodor Railway under the name Falcon. After that railway closed, he eventually joined the Skarloey Railway, where he was renamed Sir Handel and given number 3.

His character is based on a real locomotive: Talyllyn Railway No. 3, Sir Haydn. The real Sir Haydn was built by the Hughes locomotive works and entered service in 1908. The fictional engine’s design and career borrow from the real locomotive tradition of compact narrow-gauge engines built for steep, winding industrial and quarry lines.

Sir Handel is often confused with Skarloey, Peter Sam or Duncan because all four are associated with the same narrow-gauge railway. Skarloey is number 1, while Peter Sam is number 4 and Duncan is number 6. Sir Handel’s blue livery, saddle-tank shape and number 3 are the quickest clues to his identity.