Harold the Helicopter is a character in the Railway Series books by the Rev. W. Awdry and Christopher Awdry and the television series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. He is white with a red pinstripe.
He is very proud of being able to fly, and the speed and versatility this gives him. This has led to rivalries with the engines, most notably a race with Percy the Small Engine in the helicopter's first appearance, which Percy won. Despite this, he is a friend to the railway, in particular to Percy, and has often been able to help the engines out- even though they do sometimes refer to him as "whirlybird".
He is owned by the Coastguard on Sodor and lives at Dryaw airfield by Thomas' branch line. He keeps a watchful eye over the Island in case of trouble, and speeds to the rescue of anyone in distress.
He speaks in a manner reminiscent of an RAF pilot as depicted in movies of the 1940s and 50s, using terms such as "wizard" in conversation.
Harold makes his first appearance in Percy the Small Engine (1956), appearing in two stories. He is not seen again under the Reverend's name, but reappears in More About Thomas the Tank Engine (1986) and Thomas Comes Home (1992) by Christopher Awdry.
Read more about Harold The Helicopter: Thomas and Friends, Behind The Scenes
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“Well, at least I have the satisfaction of having destroyed a terrible monster, and in doing so rid the world of an awful curse.”
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