Bert is one of the engines working on the Arlesdale Railway with Rex and Mike. He is more quiet than the other two but gets offended and confused easily. His actions imply he has autism, as he is inclined to believe superstition more easily than his two colleagues.
Bio in the Books[]
After his arrival, Bert learnt Wilbert Awdry and Edwin Boston were coming to visit the railway, but did not understand their intent behind taking photos and writing a book. He felt assured briefly when they got on well with Bert's driver, but the car that the Reverends drove in unintentionally sped through a puddle and sent mud splashing over Bert. He immediately wanted to pay them out, and seized his chance when Reverend Boston chose to ride in his tender on the way back. Bert showered him and, inadvertently, his driver and passengers at a part of the line passing under soaked tree branches, but was scolded despondently by the Small Controller and sent back to his shed. Both parties made up for the mistake though, whereupon Bert learnt the truth about the visitors and respected them greatly.
Bert had an invariable steaming capacity and so outside his book appearances, he was modified with a taller chimney, dome and cab for his driver, similar to his counterpart on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, River Irt, to improve his performance. He was given a new boiler inspired by Jock's construction in 1978, and in addition to his performance, it has greatly bolstered his confidence, putting him in great contrast from the bluntly reserved engine he was when first built, and surprising even Rex and Mike with how capable he was. He appeared in every book featuring him, Rex and Mike, which includes cameos made in Oliver the Western Engine and Wilbert the Forest Engine.