The Coal Hopper is the main location where the steam engines get their coal.
It is located on the Loop Line near Crosby.
It first appeared in the eighth series episode, Thomas, Emily and the Snowplough, returned in Hero of the Rails, and has appeared frequently since.
There are also coal hoppers at the Knapford Yard, since the Adventure Begins one at Knapford Station Yard and two at Arlesburgh Goods Yard on the Little Western.
Series 8 - Thomas, Emily and the Snowplough, Thomas Gets it Right and As Good as Gordon (deleted scene)
Series 13 - Creaky Cranky, The Lion of Sodor, Tickled Pink, Slippy Sodor, Play Time, Percy's Parcel, The Biggest Present of All and Buzzy Bees
Series 14 - James in the Dark, Pingy Pongy Pick Up, Henry's Health and Safety, Diesel's Special Delivery, Thomas in Charge, Being Percy and Thomas' Crazy Day
Series 15 - Henry's Happy Coal, Spencer the Grand and Fiery Flynn
Series 16 - Percy and the Calliope, Sodor Surprise Day and Whiff's Wish
Series 17 - The Thomas Way
Series 18 - Spencer's VIP
Series 24 - James the Super Engine
Specials[]
2009 - Hero of the Rails
2010 - Misty Island Rescue
2012 - Blue Mountain Mystery
Trivia[]
Prior to the eighth series, the engines took on coal from hoppers located in Shunting Yards or from staithes near sidings.
In the eighth series, the loop line was not present.