Philip is a loudmouth. Honestly, there isn't a better way to put it. When he first buzzed onto the Island of Sodor in 2016, he didn't just arrive; he practically exploded onto the tracks of the North Western Railway. He’s a tiny, boxy diesel with a yellow-and-green paint job and an ego that could dwarf Gordon the Big Engine.
Most fans of the long-running series know him as Philip the Diesel Boxcab, the number 68 engine who thinks he’s a race car. For some, he’s a breath of fresh air. For others? He’s the engine that made them want to reach for the "mute" button.
Who is Philip, Really?
Basically, Philip is a comic relief character introduced during the CGI era of Thomas & Friends. He made his grand debut in the episode "The Little Engine Who Raced Ahead," which is part of the nineteenth series. His backstory is actually kinda interesting compared to some of the generic trucks. He’s based on a real-life Pennsylvania Railroad Class A6 boxcab. That’s a specific, niche piece of American rail history, which makes his presence on a British-inspired island a bit of a quirk.
He didn't come to Sodor to be a background character. From day one, he was determined to prove he was the fastest thing on wheels. He famously "raced" Gordon—except Gordon wasn't actually racing. Gordon was just resting in a siding. Philip took off, did a full lap, and convinced himself he’d beaten the express engine. He’s been bragging about it ever since.
Philip and Friends: The Sodor Social Circle
It’s easy to see why the bigger engines find him exhausting. Imagine being a multi-ton steam engine trying to nap, and this little box on wheels starts screaming about his top speed.
But Philip does have friends. Thomas and Percy are his main allies. They appreciate his enthusiasm, mostly because they remember what it’s like to be the "small" engine that nobody takes seriously.
Then there’s the weirdly wholesome relationship he has with Toby the Tram Engine. When Philip first met Toby, he was convinced they were twins because they both have that square, boxy look. Toby, who is arguably the most chill engine on Sodor, was almost vibrating with anxiety because of Philip’s high energy. Eventually, they found a middle ground. Philip learned that he doesn't always have to be at 100 miles per hour.
Why the Number 68?
You might notice the number 68 on his side. It’s not a random choice. In the Thomas & Friends production world, numbers often have a hidden meaning. Philip was the 68th standard gauge engine introduced in the television series.
Wait.
There’s also a rumor among the crew and die-hard fans that 68 refers to his supposed top speed in miles per hour. Given that he’s a shunting engine designed for moving trucks in a yard, 68 mph is absolute madness. It’s the equivalent of a lawnmower trying to keep up with a Ferrari.
The Turning Point: Philip to the Rescue
If you think Philip is just an annoying mascot, you've probably missed "Philip to the Rescue." This is the moment where the character actually earns his keep. James—ever the arrogant red engine—gets himself into a massive mess. He tries to pull too many trucks, loses control, and ends up dangling over the edge of a bridge.
It was Philip who stayed behind to hold him up. He used his cab roof to support James’ weight until help arrived. It showed a side of the character that isn't just about racing and noise. Underneath the yellow paint, he’s actually got a lot of heart.
Philip Thomas and Friends: The Controversy Among Fans
Let's get real for a second. The Thomas & Friends fandom is intense. There is a deep divide between people who grew up with the original model-work series (the "classic era") and those who jumped in during the CGI years.
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Philip is often seen as the "face" of what changed in the show. He represents the shift toward more "bouncy," hyperactive storytelling. In the original books by the Reverend W. Awdry, characters were grounded in realism. Engines didn't jump. They didn't have over-the-top personalities. They were machines with feelings.
Philip is a cartoon character.
Some fans feel he’s too loud. They think his constant "look at me!" attitude detracts from the quiet, industrial charm Sodor used to have. But if you talk to parents or kids who watched the show around 2016 to 2021, they love him. He’s relatable to a five-year-old. He’s small, he’s ignored by the "grown-ups" (the big engines), and he wants to be noticed.
What Most People Get Wrong About Philip
A common misconception is that Philip was meant to replace a main character. He wasn't. He was always intended to be a supporting player, a mascot for Team Sodor. This became super clear in the movie The Great Race.
While Thomas was out there trying to compete in the actual events, Philip was just happy to carry the flag. He’s the ultimate "participation trophy" engine, and he’s totally fine with that. He doesn't need to win the race to feel like a winner.
Philip in the "All Engines Go" Era
When Mattel rebooted the series into Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go (the 2D animated version), a lot of characters were cut or radically redesigned. Philip’s role diminished. The show shifted focus to a core group of engines.
This left a bit of a void for fans of the little boxcab. While he still pops up in merchandise and the occasional background shot, the "era of Philip" was really that 2015-2020 window.
The Realistic Specs of a Boxcab
If you want to understand why Philip is the way he is, look at his real-world counterpart. The PRR A6 was a diesel-electric switcher.
- Design: It was literally a box on wheels. No sleek lines, no streamlining.
- Purpose: It wasn't built for speed. Its job was "shunting"—pushing and pulling heavy cars around tight dockyards and warehouses.
- Power: Despite its size, it had incredible torque. This explains why Philip was able to hold up James during the bridge accident. He’s basically a weightlifter in a small frame.
Making the Most of Philip for Young Fans
If you have a kid who is obsessed with Philip, use it as a teaching moment. He’s a great example of how to handle "big" emotions and high energy.
- Discussing Patience: Talk about why Gordon gets annoyed. It helps kids understand social cues and when it’s time to settle down.
- Handling Failure: Philip loses races constantly. Like, all the time. But he doesn't get discouraged. He just tries again tomorrow.
- Strength in Smallness: Emphasize that being "useful" isn't about being the biggest. It’s about being there when someone like James is literally falling off a bridge.
Philip isn't perfect. He’s loud, he’s kind of a brat sometimes, and he’s definitely full of himself. But Sodor would be a lot quieter—and a lot more boring—without him.
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To really dive into the Philip lore, start by watching the nineteenth season episodes. Focus on how his relationship with the "Steam Team" evolves from him being an outsider to a genuine member of the family. You can also track down the specialized Wooden Railway or TrackMaster models of Philip, which remain popular on the secondary market for collectors today. If you're building a Sodor layout, remember that Philip belongs in the yard or at the docks—just don't expect him to stay there. He'll probably be off trying to race an airplane or a bird within five minutes.