Dustin

Dustin is an American self-propelled snowplough locomotive.

Personality
Dustin is a strong, but slow snow-removal steam engine. He enjoys clearing snow and being a Really Useful Engine no matter the weather. He is always eager and determined to help out in any way he can.

Basis
Dustin is based on the Oregon Short Line #762. #762 was constructed for the Oregon Short Line by ALCO's Rogers Works in 1912. The original body was wood sided, but the Union Pacific later replaced this with more durable riveted steel plates. In 1971, the plow was retired and moved to a restaurant at Blackfoot, Idaho for display. By 1980, the owners of the restaurant no longer wanted the plow and it was donated to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin, United States.

Dustin has several modifications from his original basis; his cab has been made taller to accommodate his face, his lamp is placed above his cab and his tender has been fitted with chain couplings and buffers. Dustin is also capable of moving under his own power, whereas his original basis cannot.

Trivia

 * Dustin is one of three merchandise-exclusive characters (the others being Logan and Sam) with two book tie-ins for the Wooden Railway's "Sodor Story Collection" series. However, unlike Sam and Logan:
 * Dustin has two books based on him (Dustin Comes in First and Dustin and the Sodor Storm Team) whereas the other merchandise-exclusive characters only have one.
 * Dustin does not have his own promotional video on the Thomas & Friends YouTube channel, yet Logan and Sam do; however it was likely intended for him to have a video since he has a CGI model.
 * Dustin's number, 1869 and the J.W.E. initials painted on his sides are a historical reference. The first concept of a machine railroad snowplough was conceived by J.W. Elliot, a Toronto dentist, in the year 1869.