Prototype
In real life, buses have often worked hand-in-hand with railways. Bertie is a single-decker front entrance bus, with a direct line of descent from the English charabanc of the 1930's and 40's. It is difficult to determine what sort of bus Bertie is, but the Real Lives of Thomas the Tank Engine website suggests that he is close to an AEC Regal or a Gilford.
The red livery was common on buses in the United Kingdom, most famously being used by London Transport.
In the story 'Bertie's Chase' in The Railway Series Bertie's license plate reads CRD54. CRD no doubt stands for C. Reginald Dalby, the illustrator at the time. 54 refers to the fact that the story was published in 1954. However, in "Thomas and Bertie" Bertie doesn't have a license plate at all until "Bertie's Chase".
Read more about this topic: Bertie The Bus
Famous quotes containing the word prototype:
“The Ancient Mariner seizes the guest at the wedding feast and will not let go until he has told all his story: the prototype of the bore.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)