Yes, Skarloey is indeed older than Duke.
Skarloey was built in 1864, preceding Duke, who was constructed in 1879. This makes Skarloey approximately 15 years older than Duke.
Understanding Their Ages
The ages of Skarloey and Duke are determined by their original construction dates. It's a common misconception that Duke might be older, possibly due to his basis model being built earlier, or incorrect information on some merchandise. However, when comparing the characters themselves within their fictional universe, Skarloey holds seniority in terms of age.
Here's a breakdown of their build years:
| Character | Year Built |
|---|---|
| Skarloey | 1864 |
| Duke | 1879 |
Why the Confusion About Duke's Age?
The confusion surrounding Duke's age often stems from a few factors:
- Basis Model: Duke's real-life basis, the Ffestiniog Railway's England class locomotive "Prince," was built in 1863. This is indeed older than Skarloey's build year. However, this refers to the real-world prototype, not the character Duke himself.
- Merchandise Errors: Some merchandise, such as the ERTL toy packaging, has historically stated that Duke was built in 1863, which is incorrect for the character.
Therefore, while his basis might be older, Duke the character was built in 1879, making him younger than Skarloey.
