media.tenor.com
a red train with a smiling face is sitting on the tracks
Alt: This is just specifically from the model series, as that is definitely my favorite version of T&F. But there are 3 big reasons as to why James is in my Mt Rushmore of Sodor
1. His theme is super catchy. I'm a big fan of jazz music and James' theme is soooo easy to like
2. He was incredibly consistent with his character in each of the 3 major series, especially in the model series (which, as mentioned by The Unlucky Tug, is high praise for the latter stages of the model series). You always know that James is the loveable jackass of the show
3. It doesn't matter if James is a main character or a side character in a story; he pairs up well with anyone. He's just that fun of a character.