Ok so I've decided my Alfred will basically be exactly like T1E2H3S version just- minus some embarrassing bits (like his weird temper tantrums) but some other adding things, plus altered times so ultimately here's my Alfred
He did mainline work after he was built in 1911, he was very experienced and well with coaches but hated the people, he's never been a really patient train. In 1922 is when he was bought and went to Sodor with Crovan, thats when Crovan and him met, he knew Crovan was a home made engine and didn't mind that same with Henry, it wasn't until WW2 rolled around did he really change...
In order to possibly get more money and aid the war, Sir Topham selected a few engines to go serve on the mainland and of course Alfred was one of them, he served until 1945 and when he returned his personality changed drastically, he was still proud of his LNER heritage, even more so now that he could say he proudly served, but he became more snappy, less patient and more demanding of respect.
War changes you sure but Henry nor Crovan expected this, Crovan at that point simply did whatever he could to people please him just to be his friend still, Henry didn't, he pointed it out and Alfred snapped at him, thats when the hatred for Henry and Gordon arose, the dramatic and showing off traits really showed now, which ultimately lead him to his repaint, which he didn't mind because he had to be painted black for the war it was just that type of blue he knew he couldn't exactly rock too well.
His name wasn't entirely nullifed just given a temporary number finally to shut him up which it did since they couldn't have two number 3 engines. But his reason for hatred towards the two was because of their succes/ achievements and popularity. He was an LNER B12 that not only did coach work very smoothly, but also served in the war- yet- there was no one praising him or congratulating him. That anger boiled over into hatred and then the infamous insanity. Thats what truly broke him, his jealousy and hatred got the better of him.
When he died and came back as a ghost he wasn't still evil, just confused (like any normal person would be after coming back as a ghost) but during that time he had to admit toying with people and engines as a ghost was fun. All the things you could do, however, it was only a matter of time til he used those powers to get his 'payback' or so he tried.
It wasn't til the night Gordon, Henry, Crovan and Sir Topham Hatt confronted him did he finally break down his reasoning for the jealousy, they heard him out but Sir Topham (not wanting to chance the idea of him using this as a distraction for something worse) finally trapped him in the kettle. Now they knew where all the jealousy and hatred stemmed from, but it didn't have to get to this point.
In the kettle Alfred had PLENTY of time to self reflect and think about what he had done and boy did he. He changed while he was in the kettle, his old traits still flare up when he's annoyed or completely done with everyone but he tries to be more understanding now, more patient, and less hurtful with his words. Though still a grumpy grouchy old man he's changed.
The kettle was passed from a short pop up Museum in Sodor about WW2 until it was handed back to Sir Topham where he buried it, but as nature does best, the ground shifted and naturally moved with age, so the kettle was opened at some point. Now he simply roams the rails as a ghost once more but- less psychotic now.
